Experience Winter Holiday Magic in Lakeville MN

During the holiday season, Lakeville, Minnesota, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with crisp, wintry air, twinkling lights and a blanket of snow. Whether you’re taking part in a holiday event, enjoying a performance or immersing yourself in the great outdoors, Lakeville is the perfect destination for all of your holiday adventures.

Glide Onto a Skating Rink
Hitting an ice skating rink makes for a memorable family pastime, a fun outing with friends, or an exciting date! Lakeville has numerous outdoor rinks with warming houses and the glow of rink lights. These rinks can be found within Lakeville’s parks and typically open from late December through mid-February. Before heading out, check availability by calling the Lakeville Parks & Recreation Hotline at 952-985-4690, option 1.

For those who prefer a cozier atmosphere, Lakeville Ames and Lakeville Hasse Arenas offer indoor open skating opportunities throughout the year. Plus, you can rent skates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Take a Holiday Hike
Next on your holiday adventure list, journey to the crown jewel of Lakeville’s park system, Ritter Farm Park. In winter, this sprawling 340-acre park transforms into a picture-perfect landscape, with 5.7 miles of trails groomed for cross-country skiing that are also ideal for winter hikes. Whether you bring your skis, rent snowshoes from Lakeville City Hall, or slip on your trusty hiking boots, you’ll find yourself immersed in the park’s tranquil beauty. Snowshoes are available at Lakeville City Hall, Monday through Friday, for just $3 a pair per day.

A Skier’s Delight
Get ready for an action-packed day as you hit the slopes at Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Resort, located just a few miles away from Lakeville in Burnsville, MN. Buck Hill offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing from November to March. With nine lifts, 16 runs, and plenty of freestyle terrain, Buck Hill is a winter playground for skiers of all levels. There are also 12 snow tubing lanes, complete with a magic carpet for an effortless return to the top. For a well-deserved break between runs or some after-ski fun, head to the Buck 54 Bar & Grill, just steps from the base of the hill. There, you can unwind by the fire on the spacious deck with a hot beverage and savor tasty appetizers while taking in the stunning views of Buck Hill’s 60 acres of rolling hills.

Winter’s Thrilling Adventure
Lakeville is a snowmobiler’s paradise! With 54 miles of trails and amazing views, Lakeville connects riders to 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails across Minnesota – the most trails of any county in the Twin Cities metro area. You can explore Lake Marion, the trails of Ritter Farm Park, and other unique trails groomed by the SnoTrackers Club. Convenient parking areas can be found at four locations throughout Lakeville, and many restaurants are happy to cater to snowmobilers with convenient parking areas. Leo’s South, right in Lakeville, provides repair services, new and pre-owned inventory, parts, and retail accessories to make your snowmobiling adventure a breeze.

Joy for All Ages
Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like the thrill of speeding down a snow-covered hill on a sled or tube, regardless of your age. This holiday season, head to one of Lakeville’s exhilarating sledding hills, including favorites like All Saints Church, Crystal Lake Education Center or Lakeville North High School.

Escape the Winter Doldrums
If you’re in the mood for a unique challenge this holiday season, Labyrinth Puzzle Rooms & More offers an innovative twist on escape rooms. Instead of simply unlocking a final door, you and your team have just 60 minutes to complete the story. Will you find the golden holiday treasure before the pirates return? Or can you outsmart a corrupt mobster before his hitman catches up to you? Perhaps your team will be hired to defeat an evil wizard!

Fun for the Whole Family
When the temps are too frigid for outdoor adventures, there’s no better place to avoid the cold than Lakeville’s Bowlero. This entertainment complex is packed with fun for the whole family, including 38 bowling lanes, complete with black lights, stylish loungers, and HD video walls. There’s also state-of-the-art laser tag and a variety of arcade games. Enjoy tasty food and drinks from Bowlero’s laneside menu, which offers fan-favorite shareables like wings, nachos, craft beers, burgers, pizzas and more.

Festive Performances
Every November, the Lakeville Area Arts Center becomes a hub for holiday entertainment, offering an array of shows that celebrate the season’s magic. From heartwarming musical performances and classical ballets to hilarious comedies and captivating theatrical productions, the Arts Center’s holiday shows are a true treat for all.

Holiday on Main Street
Kick off the holiday season at the annual Holiday On Main event, a local tradition of family fun. On the first Saturday of December, historic downtown Lakeville comes alive with special deals in its charming shops, photo ops with Santa, and horse-drawn wagon rides. For the little ones, there’s Santa’s Secret Store, where children can select gifts for loved ones with the help of volunteers, while parents enjoy some coffee at the Heritage Center. Learn how to decorate cookies at the Cookies for Santa workshop, where you’ll take home four of your very own creations.

Spruce Up Your Space
Sprucetop Workshops at Terra Garden Center in Lakeville, MN, are your ticket to holiday creativity and fun! During this interactive experience, you’ll create stunning sprucetop arrangements that will impress your friends and family. The garden center will host workshops starting in November through mid-December every Wednesday and Saturday. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, this workshop is for everyone.

DIY Holiday Decor
At Board & Brush in Lakeville, MN, you can craft more than just memories this holiday season – you can create a custom sign while enjoying the ultimate paint and sip experience with friends and family. With a variety of designs and holiday-themed templates to choose from, you’ll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity while getting into the holiday spirit.

Hit the Mall
Get your holiday shopping done and have fun at the Mall of America in nearby Bloomington, MN. MOA is not only the largest mall in America, with more than 500 stores. It also offers entertainment galore, including Nickelodeon Universe®, which has more than 25 rides and attractions across seven acres, including thrilling roller coasters, water adventures and kid-friendly classics. The mall is home to Minnesota’s largest aquarium, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, where you’ll find thousands of sea creatures including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses and more! Find winter fun in Lakeville MN holiday version of Fly-Over America and view Santa’s workshop at the North Pole.

Celebrate with Brunch
Indulge in the holiday spirit with a delectable brunch at some of Lakeville’s finest eateries. Brianno’s Chart House, B-52s Burgers & Brews, Rudy’s Redeye Grill, and Northern Taphouse host weekend brunches that will delight your taste buds. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Lakeville!