The Minnesota Vikings are opening their Winter SKOLstice celebration at Vikings Lakes in Eagan on November 20, running through January 2. Admission and parking are free, making it an affordable holiday‑season outing for families, friends and couples across the Twin Cities.
Free core attractions
Each day the event features two main attractions. The Magic of Lights drive‑through light display welcomes vehicles for a festive visual experience; tickets start at $22 per vehicle, with pricing varying by day and advance purchase. The Warming Haus offers an indoor space where skaters can warm up, relax and enjoy a beverage after gliding on the outdoor ice rink.
Operating hours differ by day. Magic of Lights runs Sunday‑through‑Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday‑Saturday until 10:00 p.m. The Warming Haus mirrors those hours, opening Sunday‑through‑Thursday 5:30 p.m.‑9:00 p.m., Friday 5:30 p.m.‑10:00 p.m. and Saturday 2:00 p.m.‑10:00 p.m.
Themed evenings for every crowd
Organizers have built in special programming so visitors can tailor their experience:
- Every Friday (except Christmas Day) – live music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 27 – Forged Spirits Scotch tasting, $70 per person.
- Saturday, Nov. 28 – Winter SKOLstice Beer Bash, $50 per person, plus a Winter Market featuring local vendors.
- Thursday, Dec. 10 – Family Movie Night, 6 p.m.‑8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 19 – Holiday Cheer Weekend with Santa, pet reindeer and more, 2 p.m.‑8 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 31 – Noon New Year’s Eve celebration, 10 a.m.‑noon.
These options let a family enjoy a movie night, a group of friends attend a live‑music or tasting event, and couples find a quiet evening on the ice followed by a warm drink.
Why the community should attend
Winter SKOLstice aligns with the region’s tradition of family‑centered holiday festivities while offering a low‑cost, safe environment for recreation. The free parking and open‑air skating area encourage local residents to gather without the expense of a theme‑park ticket. Moreover, the event supports local vendors through the Winter Market, reinforcing the area’s small‑business ecosystem.
For parents seeking a wholesome outing, the Family Movie Night provides a supervised setting. For young adults, the live‑music Fridays and tasting events add a touch of sophistication. And for couples, the combination of ice‑skating, a warming house and the chance to share a hot beverage creates a romantic, low‑budget date night.
Practical tips
Because the event runs daily, visitors should check the specific hours for their chosen activity and consider purchasing tickets in advance to secure the best price. While most attractions are free, the specialty events (Scotch tasting, beer bash) require separate fees. Dress warmly, bring a valid ID for age‑restricted tastings, and plan for traffic on peak evenings.
Winter SKOLstice offers a festive, community‑focused way to celebrate the season in Eagan and the greater Minnesota area. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a night out with friends, or a simple date night, the Vikings’ holiday celebration has an option that fits.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
