Anoka Winterfest 2026: City Prepares for a Week of Communitywide Winter Celebration

Anoka is already deep into preparations for Winterfest 2026, a multi day celebration designed to bring residents outdoors, support local businesses, and embrace the joy of Minnesota’s coldest season. The City of Anoka describes Winterfest as a “whirl of winter fun” and confirms that this year’s festival will again span several days in mid January, offering a broad mix of family friendly activities and winter sports.

According to the city’s official Winterfest page, the 2026 festival is scheduled for Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16, 2026, with events held at locations across the community, including Anoka City Hall, Green Haven Golf and Event Center, local ice rinks, and partner venues.

A Growing Lineup of Winter Activities

Winterfest 2026 retains the community focused traditions of past years while expanding offerings that showcase Anoka’s parks, trails, and public safety partnerships. Core events scheduled for 2026 include:

• Speed Puzzle Competition
A popular kickoff event held at Anoka City Hall, where teams compete to solve puzzles fastest. A free “bring a puzzle, take a puzzle” exchange is also offered.

• Winter Luminary Trail at Green Haven
Residents can ski, snowshoe, fat tire bike, or walk along a lantern lit, groomed trail at Green Haven Golf Course, a signature event that draws families, seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, and first time adventurers.

• Cocoa with the Cops & S’mores with the Fire Department
Hosted by the Anoka Police Department and Anoka Champlin Fire Department, these community gatherings offer warm treats, bonfires, and an informal chance to meet local public safety teams.

• Winter Craft Workshops
Led by the Rumriver Art Center, these sessions invite residents to create winter themed art at both the Senior Center and the center’s 4th Avenue studio. Advance registration is required.

• Glow Disc Golf & Try Hockey for Free
A nighttime disc golf event illuminates the Cedars at Green Haven course, while the Anoka Area Hockey Association hosts an accessible introduction to skating and hockey.

• Citywide Glow Skate and Sled Event
On Friday evening, all Anoka outdoor ice rinks will host a free glow skate, with warming houses distributing glow sticks and sledding offered at George Enloe Park if snow conditions allow.

Community Partnerships and Past Traditions

Winterfest is made possible through partnerships with the Rumriver Art Center, Green Haven Golf and Event Center, the Anoka Area Hockey Association, Anoka Kindness Rock Garden, Avant Garden, and the city’s Police and Fire Departments. In previous years, Winterfest events have also occasionally featured dog sled teams or additional outdoor demonstrations, though these attractions vary from year to year.

Most Winterfest events are free, though some, particularly craft workshops and specialized activities, require advance registration through the city or partner organizations.

Winterfest Beyond Anoka: Regional Celebrations

Winterfest season in Anoka County extends beyond city borders. Separate from Anoka’s celebration:

• Centennial Area Winterfest is scheduled for February 13–21, 2026, typically featuring a Hot Drink Tour, a Candlelight Walk, a Community Campfire, and a medallion hunt with a cash prize.
• Fridley Winterfest, usually held in early February, includes its own medallion hunt, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and a community winter gear drive.

These events, while distinct from Anoka’s Winterfest, form a broader regional tradition of winter engagement and community building.

More Information

Residents can access the full schedule, registration links, cost details (where applicable), and weather updates on the City of Anoka’s official website, which remains the most reliable and up to date source as the event approaches. Contact information for event coordinator Nickie Jenks is also listed for those with additional questions.

MinneapoliMedia