For some of the prettiest night skiing all year, check out this weekend's City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival. The highlight is Saturday's noncompetitive Comcast Luminary Loppet, when thousands of ice luminaries will be artfully arranged across Lake of the Isles for the enchantment of skiers, snowshoers, hikers and spectators. Founded in 2002, the festival has since blossomed to become one of the area's biggest celebrations of winter sports. The menu of activities now includes "loppets" for skiers, snowshoers, skijorers, dog sledders and fat bikers.

Alas, registrations are full for for most events, including the Luminary Loppet (it's sold out for the first time). But the candlelit course opens for all to enjoy starting Saturday at 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.loppet.org.