Embrace winter in North Dakota with our comprehensive guide to winter attractions and activities. From snow-covered landscapes to thrilling outdoor adventures, this guide is your key to unlocking the best experiences the state has to offer during the colder months. Whether you're a fan of snow sports, cozy getaways, or holiday festivities, North Dakota's winter wonderland has something special in store for you.
Consider this your ultimate guide for things to do in the winter in North Dakota.
Holiday Events In North Dakota
North Dakota sparkles with holiday spirit, offering a lineup of the best festive events. From the enchanting HollyDazzle: Festival of Lights to the charming Christkindlmarkt, there's something for everyone. The North Dakota Christmas Tree Lighting at the Capitol Building and the Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive are iconic celebrations that illuminate the state with holiday magic. Let's explore North Dakota's top holiday events, where joy and wonder come to life.
1. HollyDazzle: Festival of Lights
Location: Grand Forks, ND Popularity: Very popular. The Downtown Development Association hosts the HollyDazzle: Festival of Lights in Downtown Grand Forks every year. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of the holiday season, offering a range of festive activities, including s'mores, horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, ornament crafting, a dazzling fireworks display, the illumination of the Town Square Tree, and a community-wide parade. HollyDazzle kicks off on November 24, 2024.
2. Christkindlmarkt
Popularity: Popular and busier on the weekends. Join Folkways for the Christkindlmarkt celebration, spanning two weekends of holiday cheer. Enjoy an Outdoor Winter Wonderland, Gift Market, and Bier Hall with Drekker Brewing Company. With an array of food, live music, art displays, holiday treats, and family-friendly activities - this is one of the best winter attractions in North Dakota.
3. North Dakota Christmas Tree Lighting at the Capitol Building
The Governor and the First Lady extend a warm invitation to the community to join them every year for a festive celebration at the traditional North Dakota Christmas Tree Lighting event, held in Memorial Hall within the Capitol Building on November 29, 2024. The gathering features holiday readings, musical performances, and caroling to spread seasonal joy. Complimentary holiday treats, including cookies, hot chocolate, and apple cider, are provided to all participants. This event is open to everyone, offering an opportunity to admire the handcrafted ornaments adorning the State Christmas Tree while also taking in the sight of the grandest "Christmas Tree" in North Dakota that gets lit up on the North Dakota State Capitol building.
4. Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive
Popularity: A popular attraction for residents in the area. Experience the magic of the Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive in Williston, with thousands of lights, animated displays, and music syncing on a one-mile loop through the park. Open from late November to the end of December, it's the perfect way to kindle your holiday spirit. This year, the lights will turn on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and run every night until December 31, 2024.
Christmas Towns In North Dakota
North Dakota transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with towns like Garrison, Williston, and Minot emerging as some of the state's best Christmas destinations. These charming towns come alive with enchanting decorations, festive events, and the warmth of the season. As we embark on a journey through the best Christmas towns in North Dakota, we'll discover the magical experiences and holiday traditions that make them shine during this special time of year.
5. Garrison
Popularity: Very popular. Price: Some independent events/attractions may have a cost. Garrison, recognized as North Dakota's official Christmas capital, is a destination not to be missed during the holiday season, thanks to its Dickens Village Festival. This charming event, inspired by Charles Dickens' era, offers a weekend filled with family activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, live entertainment, a fruitcake toss, Fezziwig's feast, nightly lighted parades, and a special visit with Santa over milk and cookies.
6. Williston
Popularity: Busy time of year for locals and nearby residents. Price: Some independent events/attractions may have a cost. Williston's holiday season is packed with festive events. The Parade of Lights, held the day after Thanksgiving, features illuminated floats and a dazzling park lighting ceremony. Enjoy "Warm Up After Light Up" at the James Memorial Art Center for music and treats. Don't miss the Holiday Lights Drive at Spring Lake Park, with thousands of lights and special activities. Entertainment, Inc! presents "Christmas at the Shoppe Around the Corner." The Williston Downtowners Holiday Stroll is perfect for holiday shopping, and YES presents "The Littlest Angel." The Annual Tuba Christmas and new events like "Reindeer Games" and the Festival of Trees Gala offer more seasonal fun. Williston is the place to be for Christmas!
7. Minot
Popularity: Busy time of year for locals and nearby residents. Price: Some independent events/attractions may have a cost. Minot, North Dakota, comes alive during the holidays with its enchanting Main Street. Businesses decorate uniquely, creating a festive atmosphere with colorful lights and charming decorations. The centerpiece is a 30-foot tree, illuminated during a grand tree lighting ceremony. The city also hosts holiday events, including the Minot Christmas Big One Art & Craft Fair, "Christmas in the Park" with a beautiful light display, and the Festival of Trees, featuring festive activities for the whole family. The stunning Scandinavian Heritage Park will also be adorned with a captivating display of lights, and be sure to gather on Main Street when the CP Holiday Train arrives, making a stop downtown. Minot truly embodies the holiday spirit.
Outdoor Activities
North Dakota offers a playground for outdoor winter activities. From the tranquil beauty of Cross Ranch State Park to the thrilling slopes of Huff Hills Ski Area, North Dakota has it all. Skating at Fargo Broadway Square's Scheels Skating Rink, skiing at Bottineau Winter Park, or sledding at The Tom O'Leary Sledding Hill, North Dakota's winter fun is unmatched. Here are some of the best outdoor things to do in the winter in North Dakota.
8. Cross Ranch State Park
Popularity: Very popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Price: Daily Vehicle Entrance Fee: $7, Annual Single Vehicle Permit: $35, Annual Family Permit: $55 (Cross-Country Ski/Snowshoe Rentals: $15/day). Cross-country skiing in North Dakota is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the winter season. One standout location for this activity is Cross Ranch State Park, featuring over 14 miles of groomed trails in a scenic wooded riverside setting. It's a perfect place to experience the beauty of North Dakota while getting some exercise.
9. Bottineau Winter Park
Popularity: Locals love this underrated spot. Price: Season Pass: $105-$682.50 Nestled in the Turtle Mountains, the Bottineau Winter Park is a beautiful area in North Dakota that offers a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing. Known as "The Jewel Above the Prairie" and located just 10 minutes north of Bottineau, this family-friendly winter resort features eight alpine trails catering to all skill levels, with convenient lifts for beginners and stunning views of the Turtle Mountains - perfect for skiing and snowboarding. When you need a break from the slopes, Annie's House Visitor Center offers a full-service cafeteria and a warm fireplace.
10. Fargo Broadway Square's Scheels Skating Rink
Lace up your ice skates and head to Fargo Broadway Square's Scheels Skating Rink in Downtown Fargo. This outdoor skating rink is open daily for public ice skating under the twinkling lights. Don't forget to visit the Skate Shack, where you can warm up, grab a bite to eat, or rent skates. The Skate Shack offers these services throughout the season from November to March. It's the perfect place for some family fun on the ice.
11. Huff Hills Ski Area
Popularity: Very popular. Price: Daily Ticket Prices: $20-$44, Season Pass Rates: $240-$775. In North Dakota's winter, Huff Hills Ski Area is a sought-after spot for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. With a 450-foot vertical drop, 16 runs, and four lifts - it's one of the best winter attractions in North Dakota. Experience the thrill of slaloming through fresh powder, tackling rails in the terrain park, or tubing down the slopes, all while enjoying views of the Missouri River and its valley.
12. The Tom O'Leary Sledding Hill
Popularity: Hidden gem and loved by the locals. The Tom O'Leary Sledding Hill offers winter fun for all ages in Bismarck. The hill's Warming House is open from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and school holidays, providing a cozy refuge for visitors to take a break from sledding and brisk outdoor activities. Whether you're speeding down the hill or enjoying a leisurely slide, this sledding hill is a fantastic destination to enjoy the winter season.
Winter Getaways
Winter in North Dakota brings forth a selection of captivating getaways, each with its own unique charm. Lake Metigoshe State Park offers tranquil natural beauty, while Boots House in the Badlands is an escape to rugged landscapes. For those who appreciate historic elegance, Lady On The Lake Bed and Breakfast combines romance and comfort. These winter getaways in North Dakota are hidden gems ready to enchant you with the season's magic.
13. Lake Metigoshe State Park
Popularity: Busy on weekends. Lake Metigoshe, nestled in North Dakota's Turtle Mountains along the U.S./Canadian border, is a year-round paradise. With pristine lakes for kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching, plus extensive hiking and biking trails, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter offers activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, and a section of the Peace Garden Snowmobile Trail passes through the park. The Blue Heron Yurt, on School Section Lake's edge, provides cozy lodging for four, complete with a gas fireplace, kitchen table, and small refrigerator. It's an all-season retreat for nature lovers and adventurers.
14. Boots House in the Badlands
Popularity: Popular, book well in advance. Are you exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota? Look no further for your perfect home base. This spacious four-bedroom, three-bath house, just two miles from Medora, is surrounded by national grasslands, offering stunning backdrops and access to outdoor activities. You'll find a well-equipped kitchen, a cozy living room, and a wrap-around deck with gorgeous views. It's an ideal spot to enjoy the tranquility of the North Dakota Badlands, close to golf, shopping, and the national park.
15. Lady On The Lake Bed and Breakfast
Situated by the scenic Lake Elsie, Lady on the Lake Bed & Breakfast in Hankinson, North Dakota, offers a superb retreat known for its excellent service and historic charm. The house, built in 1884, has been lovingly restored to its 19th-century elegance. With four luxury guest rooms, each featuring Lake Elsie views and private bathrooms, and three with relaxing jetted Jacuzzis, this bed and breakfast is perfect for couples seeking history and romance. The well-maintained grounds are adorned with blooming flowers, while inside, you'll find parquet floors, comfortable common spaces, and beautiful lakeside vistas. It's the ideal blend of history and modern comfort - perfect for a winter retreat.
Have you been to any of these North Dakota winter activities? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
Are you trying to make the most of the North Dakota winter? Don't let the limited daylight hours and freezing temps keep you indoors all season long. Check out Icelandic State Park. The park offers miles of trails suitable for various activities. These trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and compacted for kicksleds and snowshoes. Additionally, the park provides ample opportunities for classic winter pastimes like ice skating, sledding, and ice fishing.
Curious about what's winter like in North Dakota? Check out the upcoming winter weather predictions for North Dakota. It's looking like we are in for a mild winter!
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