Minneapolis to Light Up Downtown for Winterapolis Kickoff Celebration
Minneapolis will launch the winter season with the Winterapolis Light Up and Winter Kickoff on November 28. The free family event features holiday markets, live entertainment, hands-on activities, a citywide lighting ceremony, and the first snowball throw of the season along Nicollet Mall and inside IDS Crystal Court.
Minneapolis is getting ready to welcome the winter season with a citywide celebration that will brighten downtown and bring families together. The Winterapolis Light Up and Winter Kickoff takes place Friday, November 28, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. along Nicollet Mall and inside the IDS Crystal Court.
Winterapolis is a collaborative effort that highlights the people, programs, and traditions that make Minneapolis shine through the cold months. The campaign promotes winter activities from November through March, positioning Minneapolis as a place where creativity, culture, and community thrive even when temperatures drop.
A Free and Family Friendly Celebration
The Light Up and Winter Kickoff will feature decorated storefronts, holiday markets, live music, winter crafts, and hands-on activities for all ages. Local choruses will offer a musical tribute to Mary Tyler Moore, and guests can enjoy trolley rides, a sports mascot meet and greet, and art activities led by Art Shanty Projects and Artrageous.
The full lighting ceremony begins at 6:05 p.m. Visitors inside the IDS Crystal Court will see the official tree lighting, while guests outdoors will watch Nicollet Mall and several downtown buildings illuminate at the same moment. Participating buildings include IDS, Wells Fargo Center, City Center, Capella, SPS Tower, Target Field, and the Central Library.
First Snowball Throw of the Season
The celebration continues at 6:45 p.m. with the first snowball throw of winter. Lighted trucks with moving targets will travel up and down Nicollet Mall, giving visitors a chance to join the fun.
After the ceremony, downtown will stay active with extended hours at The Dayton’s Holiday Market, Holidays on Nicollet, and Chameleon Shops. Children can also pick out small gifts at The Little Door Store.
Event Details
Friday, November 28, 2025
5 to 7:30 p.m.
Citywide light up at 6:05 p.m.
First snowball throw at 6:45 p.m.
Location: Nicollet Mall and IDS Crystal Court
717 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Reservations are available at winterapolislightup2025.eventbrite.com, though tickets are not required.
For more information on Winterapolis programming, visit winterapolis.org.
About Winterapolis
Winterapolis is a public campaign that celebrates the creativity, culture, and community spirit that make Minneapolis vibrant throughout the winter. The initiative connects local businesses, cultural institutions, and event organizers to promote seasonal activities across the city. Those interested in adding an event to the Winterapolis calendar can submit details through Meet Minneapolis at www.minneapolis.org/submit-winterapolis/