What is it?

A Minneapolis winter celebration for the whole family! The Loppet features cross-country ski races for all ages, skill-levels, and abilities. You’ll find skijoring races, a kubb tournament, a snow sculpture competition, sprint races, ice biking, and more. The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival keeps the fun going over two weekends with a two-day festival the first weekend in February and the Luminary Loppet on the second Saturday in February.

This is Minneapolis' biggest celebration of winter sports, lights, and artists. Whether you're joining as a cheerleader or participant, you won't want to miss this annual Minneapolis tradition.

Where is it?

Events take place around the city, with most of them ending at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. The Luminary Loppet will take place at Lake of the Isles.

How do I get there?

Bike or Bus: Take the Midtown Greenway, Cedar Lake Trail, or Chain of Lakes to the Loppet Village area. City buses also run up and down Lake Street. Find bus lines at metrotransit.org.
Shuttle from Uptown: The Loppet Foundation offers a shuttle from the Walker Library (2880 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408) to Loppet Village on Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Shuttle from Western Suburbs: The Loppet Foundation offers a shuttle from the Mortenson Construction parking lot off Highway 55 to Loppet Village on Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Don't miss the Annual Luminary Loppet

Be sure to experience the popular Luminary Loppet on Saturday, February 8, 2025, where you can walk, snowshoe, or ski along candlelit trails on the frozen lake. The evening will feature 1,200 luminaries perfectly spaced around Lake of the Isles with unique ice features such as the Ice Henge, Ice Pyramid, Fire Dancers, the Enchanted Forest, and the Ice-Cropolis. Refreshments such as hot chocolate, cookies, and s’mores will be offered at tents across the lake. Food trucks, Utepils beer, and music are located at the Luminary Party. Registration for the Luminary Loppet is now open!

Where to grab food and drink near the Luminary Loppet

• Rustica: This quaint, cozy bakery is the perfect spot to warm up with a delicious slice of fresh-baked bread, a seasonal pastry, or a hot cup of coffee.

• Punch Pizza: This Neapolitan-style pizza is a Twin Cities favorite. The thin crust and fresh ingredients leave you feeling light and satisfied, similar to the authentic Neapolitan pizzas you’d find in Italy. Sip on a beer or glass of wine while you wait for your made to order pizza or salad.
• Falafel King: This fast-casual spot has some of the best falafel and Mediterranean food in town. Choose from a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like sandwiches, salads and platters. For you morning people, they serve breakfast anytime.
  
• Barbette: This cozy French-inspired spot is just down Lake Street. Take advantage of their happy hour where you can get $5 glasses of wine, Pommes Frites (must try!), cheese plate, and ½ lb steamed mussels. They also offer fantastic brunch and dinner menus. Perfect for date night, girls night or a drink before the Loppet festivities.

• Lake & Irving: Just up the street is Lake & Irving, a casual spot for craft beer, burgers, sandwiches and some awesome cocktails. Feel like something healthy? Try their Misoyaki salmon or Asian slaw salad. This is also a popular brunch spot (chicken and waffles, brisket hash, kalua pork chilaquiles) and for good reason.
• The Kenwood Restaurant: Go a little more upscale with your dining plans at The Kenwood where they serve seasonal, Italian-inspired international dishes under Minneapolis chef/owner Joel DeBilzan. Go for their popular weekend brunch menu or join them for dinner where you can get fresh pasta, extravagant burgers, and a special wild rice soup.
• Brim: This farm-fresh fast casual restaurant will have you feeling complete and ready to join in on all the winter fun. The menu is full of organic ingredients and is completely gluten-free. Whether you are looking for a quick sandwich or bowl, you'll find made-from-scratch and local ingredients here.