Winter Activities & Events
Brainerd MN events don't let Winter stop them! If anything, the Brainerd Lakes Area Winter events are unmatched by the other seasons. Minnesota loves tradition and that means that there are several annual Winter events that happen all across the lakes area. Early winter is when the holiday festivities get into full swing, and you can find City of Lights and Light Festival tours in several small towns nearby. Once the cold weather has settled in, you can come to Brainerd for the Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza or the Breezy Point Ice Fest. Snowmobile races and the Cuyuna fat tire biking events are also highlights of the Winter events season in Brainerd.
Brainerd Lakes Area Annual Winter Events
Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
November 16, 2024
Over 150 exhibitors, quality hand-crafted items! Free Admission, refreshments available. Sponsored by ISD #181 Community Education. Held at Riverside Elementary School (Formerly at Brainerd High School)
Sertoma Winter Wonderland
November: 28-30, December: 5-7, 12-14,19-21, 24-31
Breathtaking lights, reflecting off of the sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays will delight visitors as they drive through the Sertoma Winter Wonderland. This spectacular holiday tradition includes a driving tour of 75 colorfully animated lit displays. These are sure to add a sparkle of excitement to the eyes of families throughout the Lakes Area as they awe over the intricate presentation of lights. Funds raised from this event go back to local non-profits and clubs. Over the past 15 years we have donated over $200,000 back into the community.
Nisswa City of Lights
November 29, 2024
Welcome the holiday season with holiday carolers and an explosion of color and lights. Horse drawn hay wagon rides, storytelling, bonfire & hot food are all part of Downtown Nisswa's Annual holiday lighting event. Free admission.
Leech Lake Festival of Lights
November 29-30, 2024
Celebrate the beginning of the Holiday season at the Annual Festival of Lights in Walker, MN. It is your chance to do some Holiday shopping at the fun retail shops in Walker. A festival of Lights Parade begins at 5:00 pm. Partake in the Festival of Lights Reindeer Ramble.
Rock n Roll Xmas Spectacular
December 14, 2024
Join us for this rockin' Christmas performance where you'll hear your favorite Christmas songs as you've never heard them before.
Breezy Point Ice Fest
January 3-4, 2025
Annual Ice Fest Celebration at Breezy Point Resort. Fun for the whole family includes Radar Runs, Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, Ice Auger Contest, Ice Slides, Pond Hockey, Snow Golf, Fireworks over the ice and more! Minnesota celebrates Winter!
More Details about Ice Fest
Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous
January 16-18, 2025
Snowmobiles built in 1966 and before "race" at speeds up to 18 mph. Competitions include drag, oval, reverse oval and obstacle rallies.
More Details about the Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous
Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza
February 1, 2025
The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the largest charitable ice fishing contest on earth. Founded in 1991, the event has been held annually ten miles north of Brainerd, Minnesota.
More Details about the $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
Back to Hack Snowmobile Days
January 17-19, 2025
Hackensack's annual activity-filled weekend full of fun and winter entertainment.
Crosslake Winterfest
January 30-February 1, 2025
Enjoy Winter fun for the whole family! Various winter activities will take place throughout the weekend.
Long Lake Annual One Lunger-100
Long Lake Vintage snowmobiling Association. 100 miles of Vintage Snowmobile Racing at its finest!
Cuyuna Lakes 2025 Icykel Fat Tire Race
January 18, 2025
Icykel boasts of 10k, 20k, and 40k race routes all in the infamously groomed trails of the Cuyuna State Rec Area. Get ready for a weekend of fun and fat biking in the Cuyuna Iron Range. Proceeds go to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Crew!
Walker International Eelpout Festival - Cancelled
More Information about Walker Eelpout Festival
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
January 21-23, 2025
One of the most exciting winter events in the Lakes Area. Snowmobile or shuttle between 10 different resorts and restaurants on Gull Lake as you participate in winter activities and challenges.
More Details about Gull Lake Frozen Fore
"Fishing for Ducks" Ice Fishing Contest
February 22, 2025
The annual Fishing For Ducks State ice fishing tournament is hosted by the Garrison Wildlife Chapter of Ducks Unlimited on Lake Mille Lacs. The contest is held in Garrison Bay and is open to Ducks Unlimited members and non-members.
Polar Bear Plunge
March 1, 2025
Take the plunge into Pelican Lake to support Special Olympics. A costume contest is part of this event, which is organized by Minnesota Law Enforcement.