Get Outside & Enjoy St. Cloud Winters!

The snow is here, so why not enjoy it? There are so many GREAT activities to do in the St. Cloud area to stay busy this winter season.

Build A Snowman

Fresh snow means one thing…. building a snowman! Its a simple, family-fun activity that everyone can enjoy. Go for the classic three-tired snowman with a carrot nose, or add your own personal touch with facial expressions or different articles of clothes. You could also take out the”man” and build an animal, character, or creature of your very own. Don’t miss out on building your version of Frosty The Snowman in the front yard this winter!

Head to Powder Ridge Winter Recreation Area

Hit the slopes at Powder Ridge this winter! A short 20 mile venture to Kimball, MN will provide you with an easy day (or season) full of fun. Whether you’re a beginning or an experience rider, Powder Ridge has a variety of runs for all downhill skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers. Equipment rentals are available and they have various specials happening throughout the season.

A skier getting big air at Powder Ridge

Family fun at Powder Ridge

Go Cross-Country Skiing 

Enjoy nature and the snow-kissed beauty of St. Cloud during the winter season with cross-country skiing. An activity for all ages, cross-country skiing is a GREAT way to stay in shape throughout the winter months. Whether you’re looking for a quick venture, or a longer route, check out some of the top trails and parks to add to your “to-do” list this winter.

Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating

Outdoor ice skating is a GREAT way to get into the holiday spirit. All St. Cloud outdoor ice rinks are open & ready for you to enjoy, including Lake George! Interested in skating but don’t have skates? No worries! Each site has a variety of donated skates, although sizes and availability are not guaranteed. If you have skates that you’ve outgrown or are no longer using, consider donating them by contacting Steve with St. Cloud Parks & Recreation at 320-650-3053.

The warming shelter at Lake George will be staffed and open for public at the following times:

Monday - Friday: 4:00-8:00PM
Saturday - Sunday: 1:00-8:00PM
*Special hours available for specific dates.


It's easy to become a hermit during the chilly winter months, but don’t let the cold stop you from enjoying all the beauty Minnesota winters and the city of St. Cloud have to offer. So turn off that TV, shut down your computer, (Netflix isn’t going anywhere) and go outside and enjoy the St. Cloud area this winter!

Downtown St. Cloud: Winter Nights & Lights

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” - Buddy, The Elf.

Get into the holiday spirit this Christmas season with the GREAT activities held right here in St. Cloud, MN. This weekend kicks off the 14th annual Winter Nights & Lights celebration, brought to you by The Downtown Council.

Friday, December 12: St. Cloud Weihnachtsmarkt

The festivities begin on Friday, December 12th with the St. Cloud Weihnachtsmarkt from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. This event will feature holiday gifts from the Paramount Gallery, German food & drinks, including the seasonal treat Gluhwein (a.k.a hot mulled wine), a brass brand, and more! Enjoy German novelties, a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider & join in on the 2014 Weihnachtsmarkt celebration. A heated holiday tent will be located at the World Heritage Corner, 525 St. Germain Street, next to St. Cloud Floral in downtown St. Cloud.

German Christmas Market in downtown St. Cloud

Saturday, December 13: Winter Wonderland
Don’t let the fun come to an end, continue your holiday celebrations on Saturday, December 13. Kick start the afternoon with family and friends at Winter Wonderful from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at the beautiful Lake George. Santa and Mrs. Claus have taken time out of their busy schedules to come and see YOU! With a variety of activities, there will be fun for everyone. Enjoy photos with Santa, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, sleigh rides, and more!


Winter Wonderland: $3.00/child OR $5.00/family
*Receive $1.00 off admission if you bring an item for the food shelf. 

For more information, visit www.ci.stcloud.mn.us or call (320) 257-5959. 

Winter activities for the entire family.

Saturday, December 13: Holiday Shopping & Dining

Don’t fret, the holidays aren’t quite here… you still have plenty of time to get all of your holiday shopping taken care of. From 10am - 6pm, enjoy the downtown shopping and dining scene. Great deals, specials, and holiday discounts, all in downtown St. Cloud. Fill up on delicious food, shop ‘til you drop… or until the Nights & Lights parade begins!


Saturday, December 13: Winter Nights & Lights Parade

Celebrating the 14th annual Winter Nights & Lights Parade, brought to you by Capitol One 360. West St. Germain Street in downtown St. Cloud will be illuminated with holiday floats and festive holiday music. Bundle up, and join the community as they experience the old-fashioned holiday spirit of a winter parade.

The parade will begin at 5:00pm, so cozy up, bring some hot chocolate & spread holiday cheer this Saturday evening! It's going to be a GREAT time, we hope to see you there!