Cultural Exchange Night Out: Minneapolis sightseeing for your guests

Show your guests how epic the night out in Minneapolis could be.

As the holiday season approaches, Minneapolis greets many visitors to our beautiful city. However, finding the fun in Minneapolis when it’s winter can be a bit of a struggle. So! We have put together a list of the best things to do in Minneapolis during your time in our chilly city. Ranging from outdoor events to indoor choices, we are sure you will find something that peaks your interest in Minneapolis. We prepared some serious cultural Exchange 🙂

Cold Fun Outside

Nighttime activities outside might seem like they are hard to come by, but they are actually very popular among the Minneapolis crowd. (We are a hardy crew.) We have plenty of exciting things to do in Minneapolis during the winter. Here are a few outdoor events that are worthy of checking out:

The Winter Carnival

Held in St. Paul during late January and early February, the Winter Carnival is the largest winter event held in the Twin Cities. There aren’t just one or two parades, there are three. Along with the grand parades through downtown St. Paul, enjoy ice and snow sculptures and traditional Minnesotan foods, followed by a firework show. Most events are free, open to the public, and will take place in downtown Saint Paul, near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. This is a perfect choice if you are looking for something fun to do after the holiday cheer starts to dwindle.

Holidazzle

Just as magical as it sounds, Holidazzle events run from Thanksgiving till Christmas in Downtown Minneapolis. Enjoy lots and lots of lights on parade while walking through the area and experience a Minneapolis-centric experience with an abundance of local businesses and vendors. Holidazzle is a wonderful family-friendly experience that lights up Loring Park every year. And the best part is, it’s completely free.

Tour the Holiday Lights

Grab some hot cocoa and blankets and drive around admiring the beautiful light displays the residents of Minneapolis create every year. While the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area has several great venues that are full of holiday cheer and décor like Downtown St. Paul’s Wells Fargo Winterskate at Rice Park, there are many individual neighborhoods that are full of the Christmas spirit.

Warmer Options for a night out in Minneapolis

We can understand that the outdoors in negative temperatures are not appealing to everyone, so here are a few warmer activities that won’t turn your nose red.

Take in a game

Home to both professional and collegiate sports teams, Minnesota takes sports very seriously. Enjoy a Timberwolves basketball game at the Target Center, a Vikings football game at the U.S. Bank Stadium, or a Wild hockey game at the Xcel Energy Center. Enjoy many restaurant and bar options before or after the game, as amazing choices line the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Win or lose, fun is guaranteed with the enthusiasm of Minnesota crowds.

Music and entertainment

The music scene in Minneapolis is hard to miss. With venues like The Armory, First Avenue, and Dakota, there is sure to be something for everyone’s music interests. See a popular rock, pop, or indie band at the Armory or First Avenue, and don’t forget to take a picture in front of the star wall. If you are looking for an establishment with a full, chef-driven menu paired with world-renowned music, visit Dakota, Minneapolis’s one-of-a-kind jazz club.

Night Life in the Cities

Nightlife in Minneapolis is populated with some of the best clubs and restaurants. If you are looking for fine dining, enjoy restaurant choices like Spoon and Stable, Café Lurcat, or the newly acclaimed “Best Restaurant in Minneapolis,” Demi (if you can secure a reservation, more power to you). International gourmet options line our food scene, as well. Experience Argentina from Martina, Italy at Zelo’s, and the finest Japanese cuisine from Kado No Mise.  

The most epic night out in Minneapolis

Not only do Minneapolis restaurants carry the finest food from multiple cultures, the drink choices are exquisite. Downtown Minneapolis has a wide variety of bars to choose from, including The Pourhouse, a sports bar and nightclub featuring happy hour and live music almost every night of the week. We at The Exchange & Alibi Lounge create an exclusive party ambiance with a sprawling, upscale dance club and relaxed lounge featuring craft cocktails to make you forget about the cold. Our DJs are both local and national and play the hottest hip hop, top 40 and EDM music to guarantee a night worthy of your time downtown. We also offer the best VIP bottle service in town. Hands down. 

Something for Everyone

If you are looking to catch the spirit of the city that doesn’t sleep, Minneapolis nightlife is the way to do it. From holiday events and basketball games to top-notch sushi at Kado No Mise and cocktails at The Exchange & Alibi Lounge, this is only a handful of some of the best things to do in Minneapolis. We urge you to explore the many musings Minneapolis has to offer and immerse yourself in our wonderfully cold city.