I’m so excited about this one! If you’re looking for festive ways to spend time together as a family this holiday season that has plenty for all budgets, Winter SKOLstice at Viking Lakes in Eagan is worth checking out! It’s an annual holiday celebration that returns November 20, 2026, through January 2, 2027. It’s unique because it brings together winter activities, seasonal entertainment, family-friendly events, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.
One of the best parts? Admission to Winter SKOLstice is FREE, so you can enjoy many of the festivities and experiences without an admission fee. If you’d like to add even more to your visit, you can also purchase tickets for the separate Magic of Lights drive-through display.
And there’s more to enjoy than just holiday lights! Throughout the seven-week celebration (yes, seven weeks!), families can enjoy free outdoor skating, live entertainment, seasonal activities, food and drinks at the Warming Haus, and special events throughout the season.
What to Do at Winter SKOLstice
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a weekend activity, or a festive evening with friends, there’s plenty to look forward to at Winter SKOLstice.
Enjoy Free Outdoor Skating
Get outside and enjoy some Minnesota winter fun! Free outdoor skating is part of the Winter SKOLstice experience, giving families a chance to get moving and enjoy the season together. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair for $5.
Enjoy Live Entertainment and Family-Friendly Events
The Winter SKOLstice schedule features a rotating lineup of programming throughout the season. Families can look forward to live music, trivia, bingo, seasonal activities, and special events for all ages. Plus, Santa!
The event calendar has so much! You’ll find the most happening Thursdays through Saturdays, with Saturday events rotating each week. That means there’s something new to discover on return visits!
Visit the Warming Haus
When it’s time to take a break from the winter weather, head inside the Warming Haus. This heated gathering space is the social heart of Winter SKOLstice, offering food, drinks, and seasonal entertainment. It’s a great place to warm up, relax, and enjoy time together.
Explore Seasonal Markets and Holiday Activities
Local markets, vendors, shopping, and special seasonal programming add even more to the experience throughout the season. Keep an eye on the event schedule for rotating activities and special appearances.
A Budget-Friendly Holiday Outing
One of the best things about Winter SKOLstice is that admission to the community celebration is FREE! Families can enjoy outdoor skating, seasonal activities, entertainment, and the festive atmosphere without paying an admission fee.
Food, drinks, shopping, and some special experiences may cost extra, so you can decide how much or how little you’d like to spend. You can also enjoy the free Winter SKOLstice activities without purchasing tickets to Magic of Lights.
If you do want to add Magic of Lights to your visit, tickets are sold separately, with convenient per-vehicle pricing.
Magic of Lights Returns to Viking Lakes
Returning November 20th through January 2nd, Magic of Lights features more than a mile of spectacular drive-through holiday light displays and larger-than-life seasonal scenes. Families can enjoy the experience from the comfort of their own vehicle, making it a fun option for kids of all ages.
It’s a wonderful way to take in the holiday magic without having to bundle everyone up and walk through an outdoor lights display.
Magic of Lights is a separate ticketed experience, with per-vehicle pricing (so bring the whole family!). You can make it part of your Winter SKOLstice outing by enjoying the free activities and festivities before or after your drive-through light experience.
November savings!
If you visit in November you can save on your ticket! It’s only $21.99 for your whole car.
See their deals page for more.
Plan Your Visit to Winter SKOLstice
Here is a snapshot of the details!
Winter SKOLstice
- Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 2, 2027
- Admission: Free
- Activities: Outdoor skating, live music, trivia, bingo, seasonal activities, and rotating family-friendly programming
- Food and drinks: Available at the Warming Haus
- Location: Viking Lakes, Eagan, Minnesota
Magic of Lights
- Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 2, 2027
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 5:30–9:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5:30–10:00 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed, with per-vehicle pricing
- Experience: More than a mile of drive-through holiday lights
For the full Winter SKOLstice event schedule and details, visit WinterSkolstice.com.
For Magic of Lights tickets, hours, and information, visit Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes.
Location:
Add Winter SKOLstice to Your Holiday Bucket List!
Between free winter activities, live entertainment, seasonal events, cozy gathering spaces, and the spectacular Magic of Lights display, presented by SCHEELS, Winter SKOLstice offers plenty of reasons to make a trip to Viking Lakes this holiday season.
With new programming and rotating events throughout the seven-week celebration, it’s also a destination worth checking back on more than once. Whether you go for an evening of skating and entertainment or make Magic of Lights part of your family holiday tradition, there’s something special about getting out and enjoying the season together!
(Disclosure: This post is a sponsored post. However, all opinions are 100% mine.)
Leave a Reply