Although the snow has not showed up in time to give the Twin Cities a traditional white Christmas, there is still plenty of winter fun on tap for families at Viking Lakes in Eagan.
“Winter SKOLstice” will offer a full calendar of winter festivities through February 25, 2025. Powered by Xfinity, Winter SKOLstice will offer free events every day, including Tuesday family holiday movie nights, live music, a market with tempting local products and, if Mother Nature will just cooperate, free ice skating.
Right now, a dazzling drive through the Magic of Lights is attracting cars (and minivans) full of families every evening. (The Magic of Lights entrance is located at 668 O’Neill Drive in Eagan).
With over two million twinkling mini-lights, the Magic of Lights shines daily from 5:30PM – 10:00PM through December 31, delighting visitors with a 200-foot-long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights. Holiday standbys like the 12 days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road are joined by 2023’s trendy favorites, including the 32-foot-tall, animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie™, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck.
Tickets are priced per vehicle.
“My favorite part of that is you can pile as many people as you safely can in the car and it’s one ticket price. Its’ a family affair; get everyone in the car and have fun together,” said Kyle Chank, Operations General Manager of Viking Lakes.
Visitors can also finish their shopping at the Winter Market, where 14 local makers are offering their artisan wares. Santa is on duty to meet his fans and post for pictures and the Warming Haus is filled with hot food, beer, wine and wintry beverages and plenty of good cheer.
Looking ahead, Winter SKOLstice will continue after the 2023 holidays are just a memory.
Assuming temperatures fall, there will be free ice skating daily at the SKOLstice Market Rink. Starting on January 5, two sheets of ice will be available for curling on the Mauer GMC Pond.
And mark your calendar for February 8-11 for the debut of SKOLstice Showdown, a brand-new pond hockey tournament the Mauer GMC Pond. This event will bring together adult teams from all over the region to compete for the championship title.
“We are excited to be part of the community plans and the new memories families are making together,” Chank said. “When people have cabin fever in January, we’re here to get them out of the house for some winter fun.”
Winter SKOLstice, powered by Xfinity
Located on the Viking Lakes campus:
2645 Vikings Circle
Eagan MN 55121
Calendar of events through February 25 here.
All activities are weather dependent and may be canceled due to inclement conditions. Closed January 1-4.