What Should I Do Over Winter Break?

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As our two week Christmas break approaches, I decided to provide a few ideas and activities that will keep you busy and entertained over break.
  1. Holidazzle
Located in downtown Minneapolis, this is a great way to spend a few hours with friends and family. Just a few minutes away from Loring Park, Holidazzle offers heated tents, food booths, festive drinks, light displays, and more. Holidazzle is free to the public and will be open until December 23rd. Stop by to watch the parade, enjoy Minnesota’s winter wonderland, eat fun foods, and explore different artisans’ pieces.
  1. Christmas Movie Marathon
Grab some friends and popcorn, and snuggle in for a Christmas movie marathon. There are countless movies such as The Grinch, Home Alone, Nightmare Before Christmas, and the Polar Express that would be fun to watch with a group of friends. Start the movie marathon with hot chocolate and bagels and finish it off with brownies and takeout.
  1. Go Curling
Enjoy a fun night out with friends in local downtown Chaska. Grab some dinner at Tommy’s Malt Shop and then head on over to Chaska Curling Center. Laugh at each other as you attempt to participate in the Olympic sport of curling.
  1. Arboretum Light Show
Every third Monday, entrance to the Arboretum is free. So, bundle up and venture on over to the Arboretum with your friends or family. Grab some hot chocolate on the way and then walk around the arboretum simultaneously enjoying the scenic Christmas lights and the refreshing outdoors.
5. Ice Skating at Centennial Lakes
Located on France Avenue in Edina, skating Centennial Lakes is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. This is free if you have your own skates or, if not, rent a pair for only 6 dollars. The skating area is spread out over three ponds each of which are connected by narrow canals. Complementing the rink is a warming house with concessions, fire places, restrooms, and sled rentals.
6. Explore Ice Castles in Excelsior
Located by the dock in downtown Excelsior, visit the Ice Castles and witness the Minnesota winter phenomenon that attempts to bring fairy tales to life. In addition to exploring the magical castles, you can also attend a high energy fire show that is on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10p.m. When you and your friends are finished exploring warm up by grabbing dinner in excelsior or by seeing a movie at the local movie theater.
  1. Decorate Christmas Cookies with Friends
Have a Christmas party with friends or family and dress up in ugly Christmas sweaters. Frost Christmas themed cut out cookies. Use food coloring and white frosting to make festive colors and decorate them with sprinkles.
  1. Minnehaha Falls
Grab some friends or family and trek over to Minnehaha falls in Minneapolis. Hike the trail and take in the sights of the frozen waterfall. After exploring around the site, head on over to Annie’s Malt Shop to enjoy burgers, fries, and a shake.
  1. Go Rock Climbing
There are multiple indoor climbing walls in Minnesota. Vertical Endeavors is located in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Spend a day staying active while having fun. No experience is required to climb at Vertical Endeavors and it will keep you and a few friends entertained for hours.
  1. Volunteer at a Local Shelter or Meal Center
What better way to celebrate the season of Christmas than giving back. Spend time with friends and family while giving back to your community. Local food shelfs and care centers are always looking for extra help around the holiday season. Join other Holy Family students in making and serving breakfast at Simpson House, or get a group to attend Feed My Starving Children.
I hope these 10 ideas inspire you to try something new over Christmas break. Whether it’s learning how to skate, frosting cookies, or attempting to play an Olympic sport for the first time, all of these options will provide entertainment and laughter. Happy Holidays!