Brainerd MN Winter Events

Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival - November 11, 2023
Over 150 exhibitors, quality hand-crafted items! Free Admission, refreshments available. Sponsored by ISD #181 Community Education. Riverside Elementary School (Formerly held at Brainerd High School)

Sertoma Winter Wonderland - November 23-December 31, 2023
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 24, 2023
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 25-26, 2023
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
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
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
Snowmobiles built in 1966 and before "race" at speeds up to 18 mph. Competitions include drag, oval, reverse oval and obstacle rallies.
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$150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza - February 3, 2024
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 12-14, 2024
Hackensack's annual activity-filled weekend full of fun and winter entertainment.

Crosslake Winterfest - February 1-3, 2024
Enjoy Winter fun for the whole family! Various winter activities will take place throughout the weekend.

23rd Annual One Lunger-100
Long Lake Vintage snowmobiling Association. 100 miles of Vintage Snowmobile Racing at its finest!

Cuyuna Lakes Whiteout Mountain Biking Event
A winter cycling event to raise funds for the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails. The Whiteout consists of a fat tire bike race, an ice bike race, a night time fat bike group ride, and tons of winter biking shenanigans.

Walker International Eelpout Festival - Cancelled
More Information about Walker Eelpout Festival

Gull Lake Frozen Fore
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 17th, 2024
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 2, 2024
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.