Enjoy 6 solstice events and other free things to do this week

Solstice weekend welcomes a time of harmony and reflection with luminary walks and bonfires.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
December 15, 2025 at 5:00PM
Bonfires will be lit across the Twin Cities in celebration of solstice weekend. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

1. Creekview Winter Solstice

Bundle up for an evening stroll along a glowing path lit with luminaries. Warm up at the firepit and enjoy s’mores and light refreshments. (5-7 p.m. Fri., Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Av. N., Mpls., minneapolisparks.org)

2. Nordic Julemarket

It’s winter solstice weekend at Norway House with Norwegian holiday music, cultural festivities and a mini pop-up market with local artisans. (11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Av., Mpls., norwayhouse.org)

3. Winter Solstice — Huitzilopochtli Ceremony

A sacred tradition honoring the birth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness with a ceremonial Danza Mexica, free community meal and activities. (10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Eastview Recreation Center, 1675 5th St. E., St. Paul, facebook.com)

4. Hometown for the Holidays

The monthlong celebration continues this weekend to include furry companions. Dress up your pet to participate in the pet parade and costume contest. Follow the Grinch down Main Street and at the end enjoy a holiday photo booth, face painting and vendor tables. (Noon Sat., Lora Event Center, 324 S. Main St., Stillwater, discoverstillwater.com)

5. Lex-Ham Community Band

The annual holiday concert includes holiday tunes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride.” (2 p.m. Sat., Buetow Music Center Auditorium, Concordia University, 300 Hamline Av. N., St. Paul, lexhamarts.org)

6. Welcome Back the Sun

A winter solstice party with carolers, a luminary walk, local vendors and seasonal drinks. (3:30-7 p.m. Sat., Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia, rusticroots.wine)

7. A Light in the Darkness

Enter a sacred space and embrace the calm sounds of the cello and singing bowl to usher in the solstice. (4:30 p.m. Sun., Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ, 4200 Lake Road, Robbinsdale, rpucc.org)

8. Winter Solstice Campfire & Luminary Labyrinth

Celebrate the longest night with hot cocoa around a fire and walking through a candle-lit luminary labyrinth. (6:30-8 p.m. Sun., Cleary Lake Regional Park, 18106 Texas Av., Prior Lake, threeriversparks.org)

9. 331 Club

Before the week gets too hectic with Christmas activities, relax and listen to local tunes by HonkyTonk Ranch and Roe Family Singers. (6 p.m. Mon., 331 13th Av. NE., Mpls., 331club.com)

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Melissa Walker

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The Minnesota Star Tribune

Solstice weekend welcomes a time of harmony and reflection with luminary walks and bonfires.

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