It’s a new year and while much of the activities are still reduced or limited, there are some things happening in the Twin Cities this month. January is typically when the home shows start – Home and Garden Show, Home Improvement Show and of course The International Builder’s Show – all have been postponed or gone virtual this year. Still, the St Paul Winter Carnival has several socially distanced events planned and the treasure hunt is still on. Continue reading for more events in the Twin Cities this January.

Events in the Twin Cities this January, 2021

Glow Holiday Festival
When: Now through January 30^th, 2021
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Como Avenue and Canfield Street
St Paul, MN

This event is a one-mile drive-thru with a dozen seasonal scenes featuring more than 1 million holiday lights, illuminated trees, icicle and art installations, a festive gingerbread house, and other attractions. After the holiday lights experience, guests will have the chance to purchase a selection of tasty food and drink in the drive-thru food court.

Learn more about GLOW’s event on their website + get tickets! glowholiday.com

For more information or questions, contact info@glowholiday.com!

Saint Paul Farmer’s Market – Outdoor Winter Market
When: Saturdays through April
Where: Saint Paul Farmer’s Market
290 5^th Street E
St Paul, MN

At our Lowertown Market in Saint Paul shoppers will find locally grown, fresh produce, root veggies, mushrooms, humanely raised meats, eggs, cheese, fine chocolates, honey and honey-based skincare products, jams, jellies, baked goods, sweets, desserts, granola, frozen peirogis and strudel, fermented foods, kombucha, bottled juices, syrups, sauces, salsas, spices, plants, beautiful bouquets of cut flowers, hot foods to go, pet treats and other specialty products from independent and local, small-batch food makers.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival Ice Fishing Tournament
When: Now through February 7^th 2021
Where: Virtual Event

Save the date for our month+ long digital ice fishing tournament through the FishDonkey Mobile App, launching January 1st and running through the end of carnival, Feb. 7th, 2021.

Game Night with a Ranger
When: January 14^th, 2021
Where: Virtual Event

Do you have what it takes to be a contestant on Who Wants To Be A Ranger, Win, Lose or Draw, or Cottonwood Squares? Find out by playing Game Night With A Ranger: four evenings of wildly entertaining TV game show spinoffs with contestants from the National Park Service, popular authors, outdoor celebrities, fearless comedy cast members, and a live audience! Test your knowledge on Mississippi River park topics by playing funny games for a chance to win prizes!* Each night will feature a medley of games including: Watch Your Mouth, True Confessions With A Ranger, Who Wants To Be A Ranger, Match Game, Win, Lose, or Draw, or Cottonwood Squares.

Nature Illuminated
When: January 15^th, 16^th and 17^th , 2021
Where: Minnesota Zoo

Animals, Art, Awe! Join us for Nature Illuminated: a one-of-a-kind drive-thru experience featuring stunning light work and larger-than-life animal art installations. Nature Illuminated will take you on a spectacular journey into a world of art, awe and light, all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Join us as we shine the spotlight on some of the world’s most endearing and endangered animals and learn how our collective actions can help save our planet’s wildlife.

Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt
When: Starts January 24^th, 2021
Where: Pioneer Press

It’s outside. And it’s on.

The Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt 2021 won’t be entirely the same as previous winter searches for the buried medallion, but it will go on, starting Jan. 24.

Treasure Hunt organizers had the Minnesota Department of Health review the plan and will continue to monitor and update it as needed, said Lori Swanson, vice president marketing for the Pioneer Press and Treasure Hunt coordinator. “We’ve been doing our diligence to make this happen,” she said.

“It’s a perfect event for these times,” Swanson said. “People need to get outside and need to do something.

Drive-Thru Ice & Snow Sculpture Park

When: January 28^th, 2021

Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds

1265 Snelling Avenue North

Saint Paul, MN

Combining two signature Saint Paul Winter Carnival events – the Ice Carving Competition and the Snow Sculpture Contest – this brand new drive-thru experience will take place at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds each day of the Carnival, giving you ample opportunities to enjoy the winter creations! January 28 – February 7, 2021

King Boreas Tour de Phalen
When: January 30^th, 2021
Where: Phalen Golf Course Club House
1615 Phalen Drive
Saint Paul, MN

The Tour de Phalen Classic will offer a gently rolling and twisting 7K groomed course that will be a fun a personal best challenge for skiers of every skill level. The Phalen Minne-Tour will offer kids 11 and under a 1.5K winter adventure of their own. A portion of Proceeds will support Melanin In Motion – A Community based collaborative connecting communities of color and girls to progressive outdoors activities year-round.

Twin Cities Bridal Show
When: January 31, 2021
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre
Saint Paul, MN

Ready to start planning? Come to the Twin Cities Bridal Show. Find your perfect wedding dress at our Aisle of Style™ Fashion Show, meet friendly local vendors, and discover unlimited inspiration at the Twin Cities Bridal Show. Select from our “Basic” general admission option, or upgrade to “Aisle of Style” to include our award-winning fashion show.