Courtesy of Explore Minnesota

Winter in Minnesota is the perfect time of year to get together with loved ones, embrace old traditions or even start some new ones. Here are just a few of the many ways to make the most of this special season.

GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
A hallmark of the holiday season in Germany and Austria, holiday markets — called Christkindl markts — have made their way to Minnesota. Holidazzle will take place in Loring Park again this year and will feature more than 40 vendors selling ornaments, candles and other handcrafted gifts, as well as mulled wine and brats. Other highlights include fireworks, Santa visits, holiday movie screenings and free ice skating. The destination is open Thursdays-Sundays from Nov. 24 through Dec. 23 and is free to attend.

Guthrie Christmas Carol

Holiday plays and performances are a tradition for many families this time of year. Festive favorites include “A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie Theater and The New Standards Holiday Show at the State Theatre in Minneapolis.

CHECK OUT A MUSEUM
At the Science Museum of Minnesota in downtown Saint Paul, “Sportsology” makes learning about the body in motion fun, and “Living in the Age of Airplanes” is featured in the Omnitheater. Open through January 21, 2019, “The 1968 Exhibit” at the Minnesota History Center features a landmark year come alive.  From the Vietnam War,  protests, assassinations were in the news.  Peace signs, love-ins, psychedelic rock were on the scene.  From the darkest hours to the incredible highs.  While you’re downtown, be sure to stop by Rice Park to see the ice sculptures and live entertainment as part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

Other museums worth a winter visit include the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, which recently debuted a new entrance and restaurant as part of its major renovation project.

WARM UP AT A WATER PARK
Lazy rivers and splash pads aren’t just for the summer months. Several Minneapolis-Saint Paul area water parks can be found indoors, offering a tropical escape no matter the weather.

Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark

Plan your stay and visit one of the indoor waterparks in the area:

– Great River Water Park in Saint Paul

– Safari Island in Waconia

– AmericInn Splash Bay Adventure in Shakopee

There’s even a waterpark right by Mall of America. If you are staying overnight, the Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place to take a dip after completing all your holiday shopping.