Events in the Twin Cities this January – Looking to get out and enjoy the winter, now that it’s finally here? There’s so many things to do in January in the Twin Cities. This is the month we celebrate the cold and snow at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. It’s also the month we start heading inside for boat shows, auto shows and even the cat and dog shows. No matter if you like to spend the coldest month outdoors or indoors, there’re plenty of family friendly events taking place in the Twin Cities this January.

Here’s a list of family friendly events taking place this month in the Twin Cities:

Suburbia Exhibit
When: Now through March 20^th, 2016
Where: Minnesota History Center
345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN

Explore the dream and reality of Twin Cities suburbia — from ranch houses to redlining, malls to millennials, and cars to cul de sacs. Suburbia reveals the sometimes quirky, always fascinating history of our seemingly commonplace suburban environment.

Treasures of Napoléon
When: Now through January 10^th, 2016
Where: Minnesota Centennial Showboat
110 Harriet Island Road, St. Paul, MN

Don’t miss seeing master paintings, jewels, and other exquisite historical objects that belonged to French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte, in a very unique setting at the Centennial Showboat. Free parking.

James J Hill House Tours
When: Wednesday through Sunday | 10am – 3:30pm
Where: James J Hill House
240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN

Explore the grandeur of the James J. Hill House with a 75-minute guided tour. Tours are offered every half-hour, Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 651-297-2555.

Guides lead guests through four floors of the 1891 house, providing a glimpse into life in a 19th century mansion, the impact James J. Hill had on the economic transformation of this region, and a social system that included family members, servants, workers and guests. Chandeliers, stained glass and hand-carved woodwork are just a few decorative highlights of the 36,000 square foot home, which features original mechanical systems that provided heat, light, water, ventilation and security. The tour includes a 10-minute video on James J. Hill.

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Holiday Flower Show
When: Now through January 3^rd, 2016
Where: 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul, MN

The Holiday Flower Show tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated and visited flower attracted at the Conservatory today. It is a visual sensation to behold featuring hundreds of poinsettias.

Race: Are We So Different?
When: Now through January (closed on Mondays)
Where: The Science Museum
120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN

We all know that people look different. Throughout history, those differences have been a source of strength, community and personal identity. They have also been the basis for discrimination and oppression.

And while those differences are socially and culturally real, contemporary scientific understanding of race and human variation is complex and may challenge how we think about it. RACE: Are We So Different? helps visitors understand what race is and what it is not. It gives them the tools to recognize racial ideas and practices in contemporary American life.

St. Paul Farmers’ Market Winter Market
When: Saturdays | 9am – 1pm
Where: Lowertown
290 E. 5^th Street, St. Paul, MN

The Saint Paul Farmers’ Market holds winter hours on Saturdays, December 5 – April 16, at their outdoor market in Lowertown. You will find meats, cheese, eggs, bakery goods, honey and so much more.  If you haven’t been to the winter market before…be sure to check it out this year!

Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show
When: January 8^th, 2016
Where: St. Paul RiverCentre
175 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN

More than 2,000 purebred canines – from big to small, hunting to herding, working and terrier, and even lap dogs – will compete for American Kennel Club (AKC) awards when Land O’Lakes Kennel Club presents its annual Dog Show at Saint Paul RiverCentre from Friday–Sunday, January 8–10.

More than 70 vendors will showcase the hottest trends in canine apparel and accessories, quality dog supplies, collectibles and artwork. The American Kennel Club will provide information on everything about dogs, including help in identifying breeds that are compatible with different personalities and lifestyles. Behind-the-scenes tours of the show will be offered every hour from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, free with the price of admission. Dog-related goodie bags will be given to all children on the tour.

Frozen 5K
When: January 10, 2016 | 12pm – 2pm
Where: 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN

Skaters of all ages and skill level are invited to participate in a non-competitive, family friendly 5K. Participants will complete 12 laps around the MN OVAL outdoor rink on figure skates or hockey skates to complete the 5K distance. Skate rentals will be available on site.

Bring new or gently used skates to the event to donate. Skates will be refurbished by Strauss Skates and given to deserving youth in the Twin Cities. First 50 people who bring skates to donate will receive an additional voucher for a ticket to select events of the 2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Learn-to-Skate lessons from professional coaches and meet U.S. Figure Skating Mascot Snow Plow Sam.

46^th Annual Minnesota Sportsmen’s Boat and Camping Show
When: January 14 – 17, 2016
Where: St. Paul RiverCentre – Downtown St. Paul
175 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN

The 46th annual Minnesota Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show, featuring the best of the great outdoors, returns to Saint Paul RiverCentre, Thursday through Sunday, January 14 – 17, 2016. The event is sponsored by Mauer Chevrolet.

Hundreds of exhibits feature new model boats, RVs, motors, docks, marine electronics, fishing gear, hunting and camping equipment. A wide variety of lodges, resorts, campgrounds and outfitters will be on hand to help plan that next vacation.

2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships
When: January 16th – 24^th, 2016
Where: Xcel Energy Center
199 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN

The annual event, held since 1914, is the nation’s most prestigious figure skating event, with past winners including Michelle Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi and Scott Hamilton. The U.S. Championships serve as the final qualifying events to make the U.S. World Figure Skating Team and the U.S. Olympic Team every four years.

40th Annual CFA Championship & Household Pet Cat Show
When: January 23^rd, 2016
Where: Roy Wilkins Auditorium – Downtown Saint Paul
175 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN

Saintly City Cat Club, Inc. will proudly present the 40th Annual CFA Championship & Household Pet Cat Show. The  Caping and Crowning of the 2016 “King & Queen” cats, from the Household Pet Cat Class, will be on Sunday afternoon.

2016 Saint Paul Winter Carnival
When: January 28^th through February 6th
Where: Varies locations in St. Paul

Get out and enjoy the wonderful winter wonderland that is Minnesota. The St. Paul Winter Carnival has been a Minnesota winter tradition since 1886 and is officially the “Coolest Celebration on Earth^TM”!

Come out and take part in some or all of the great activities including the great Beer Dabbler, The Medallion Hunt, Klondike Kate Caberets, The Torchlight Parade, The Grand Day Parade, The Royal Coronation, snow sculpting and don’t forget the Vulcans Snow Park!