Looking for family-friendly things to do with kids this week (December 22nd – 28th) in Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Stillwater, Lake Elmo, and Hastings? You’re in the right place! 🎄
This week’s roundup is filled with local holiday events, festive outings, and easy ways to make magical memories while the Christmas season is in full swing. Be sure to check the Macaroni KID Events Calendar daily—new activities and last-minute seasonal fun are added all the time!
TOP FAMILY PICKS THIS WEEK
1. Ice Castles - MN State Fairgrounds - Opens Thursday
Just in time for holiday break, Ice Castles Minnesota returns for a magical winter adventure the whole family will love. Wander through glowing ice caverns, towering archways, thrilling ice slides, crawl tunnels, frozen thrones, and hand-carved ice sculptures lit up by thousands of twinkling LED lights. Families enter during a reserved time window and can explore at their own pace, making it a fun and relaxed outing for kids of all ages. Advance tickets are required, and free parking is available.
2. Cosmic Skate - St. Croix Valley Rec Center - Stillwater - Friday
Experience Cosmic Skate, where open skating meets glowing neon lights and fun music. It’s a great way for families to stay active, practice skating skills, and enjoy quality time together.
3. Box Fort Adventure Day - Newport Library - Saturday
Kids can build a giant box fort and create fun crafts during this creative community event. Adventure Days are planned by the youth-led Kid Crew and are a fun way for kids to imagine, design, and play.
4. Looking for Holiday Lights?
If your family loves festive displays, add these holiday light experiences to your week:
🎄 Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church – Lake Elmo | Nightly
Running through New Year’s Eve, Valley Lights is a free, drive-through Christmas light display featuring more than 100,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music.
🕔 Open nightly from 5:00–10:00 PM
✨GLOW Holiday Festival – St. Paul | Nightly
Featuring over ✨one million lights✨, GLOW Holiday Festival transforms the home of the St. Paul Saints into a walk-through winter wonderland filled with massive displays and festive family activities.
5. Ice Queen's Surprise Party - Hullabalo - Stillwater - Sunday
Anna is hosting a magical surprise birthday party for Elsa, and kids are invited to help make it unforgettable!
This Frozen-themed character event is packed with interactive fun, perfect for younger fans. Children will decorate a “Happy Birthday” banner, enjoy a big “Surprise!” moment when Elsa arrives, play Frozen-inspired games, create a themed craft, take cupcakes to-go, snap photos with Anna and Elsa, and receive a party favor. Kids are also encouraged to bring a handmade drawing or craft as a birthday “gift” for Elsa to display in her castle. Tickets are on sale now.
🎄 As we head into the heart of the holiday week, we hope your days are filled with sweet traditions, cozy moments, and plenty of laughter—whether that means bundling up to check out holiday lights, squeezing in one last visit with Santa, or simply enjoying extra time together at home.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all our families. We’re so grateful to be part of your week and your memories, and we can’t wait to help you make even more fun in the days ahead! 🎄✨
I’m a local mom and the publisher of Macaroni KID Woodbury–Oakdale–Cottage Grove–Stillwater, your go-to guide for family fun in the South East Metro! Each week, I share a FREE weekly e-newsletter, update our family-friendly website, and highlight local events, activities, and small businesses. Subscribe today and never miss a local family adventure!
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