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Winterapolis Light Up & Winter Kickoff Event
Minneapolis kicks off the festive season with the Winterapolis Light Up & Winter Kickoff Celebration, the official launch of Winterapolis, a citywide campaign that showcases the creativity, culture, and shared winter spirit that define Minneapolis as “America’s Winter City.”
The celebration takes place on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, and is free and family-friendly, inviting visitors to experience the magic of downtown.
Guests can enjoy decorative storefronts, lively holiday markets, musical performances—including a special Mary Tyler Moore tribute by local choirs—trolley bus rides, meet-and-greets with popular sports mascots, and hands-on winter crafts led by Art Shanty Projects and Artrageous.
At 6:05 p.m., the city-wide lighting ceremony begins. Visitors inside the Crystal Court will see the IDS holiday tree illuminated, while outside the skyline comes alive with lights along Nicollet Mall and across downtown buildings including IDS, Wells Fargo Center, City Center, Capella, SPS Tower, Target Field, and the Central Library.
The fun continues at 6:45 p.m. with the official first snowball throw of the season. Lighted trucks with moving targets will travel up and down Nicollet Mall, inviting everyone to take their best shot.
After the lighting festivities, visitors are encouraged to explore extended holiday shopping and dining options throughout downtown, including The Dayton’s Holiday Market, Holidays on Nicollet, Chameleon Shops, and The Little Door Store for children’s gift shopping.
Key Moments:
6:05 p.m. – City-Wide Light-Up & IDS Holiday Tree Lighting
6:45 p.m. – First Snowball Throw of the Season
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3365959-0
