Anoka Winterfest Opens Today, Launching Five Days of Citywide Winter Celebration

Anoka, MN
Anoka Winterfest officially opens today, Monday, January 12, 2026, marking the start of a five-day, citywide celebration designed to bring residents together through winter recreation, arts programming, and community-centered events. Running through Friday, January 16, the expanded Winterfest transforms multiple Anoka venues into gathering spaces that emphasize participation, accessibility, and local pride.

City organizers say the 2026 edition reflects a deliberate effort to embrace winter as a shared civic experience rather than a season to simply endure. Events are spread across neighborhoods and age groups, with a mix of free and low-cost activities scheduled daily.

Community Partnerships at the Core

Anoka Winterfest is made possible through collaboration among the Anoka Police Department, Anoka Champlin Fire Department, Green Haven Golf and Event Center, The Tavern at Green Haven, Anoka Senior Center, Rumriver Art Center, Anoka Area Hockey Association, Anoka Kindness Rock Garden, and Anoka Ice Arena. Together, these partners deliver programming that ranges from competitive games and glow sports to art workshops and volunteer opportunities.

What Is Happening Today and What Is Still Ahead

Today, Monday, January 12

Winterfest opens this evening with a Speed Puzzle Competition at Green Haven Golf Course, located at 2800 Green Haven Road. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Teams of up to four participants will compete in a timed puzzle challenge. The cost is $30 per team, and preregistration is required. Space is limited.

Tuesday, January 13

Winterfest turns to creativity with Rumriver Art Center Winterfest Craft programming.

• A 12:30 p.m. session at the Anoka Senior Center, 1500 6th Avenue, is currently full.
• An evening session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. will take place at the Rumriver Art Center, 2665 4th Avenue, Suite 103. Preregistration is required.

Wednesday, January 14

Wednesday blends volunteer service with outdoor winter recreation at Green Haven Golf Course.

• Volunteer luminary setup begins at 3:30 p.m., with community members helping fill and place luminary bags along the trail.
• From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Luminary Trail opens for skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and walking along a groomed, illuminated route.
• During the same time, attendees are invited to Cocoa with the Cops and S’mores with the Fire Department, offering an informal opportunity to connect with local first responders.

Thursday, January 15

Two winter sports events anchor Thursday evening.

• Glow Disc Golf begins at 6:00 p.m. at The Cedars disc golf course at Green Haven. The $5 buy-in includes payouts to the top 33 percent of participants. Registration takes place on site.
• From 6:10 p.m. to 7:10 p.m., families can take part in Get Out and SKATE, a Try Hockey for Free event hosted by the Anoka Area Hockey Association at Anoka Ice Arena. The event is free, preregistration is requested, and participants should bring their own skates and helmets.

Friday, January 16

Winterfest concludes with Glow Skate and Sled Night from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at all Anoka ice rink locations. Warming houses will distribute glow sticks to skaters, and sledding will be available at George Enloe Park if snow conditions allow. The event is free and open to all ages.

Registration and Contact Information

Several Winterfest events require advance registration or preregistration, including tonight’s Speed Puzzle Competition, craft workshops, and Thursday’s Try Hockey for Free skating session.

For questions, volunteer signups, or additional information, residents may contact Nickie Jenks at njenks@ci.anoka.mn.us or 763-576-2983. Full details and registration links are available through the City of Anoka’s official Winterfest page.

As Anoka Winterfest opens today, it does so with a clear civic message: winter in Minnesota is not merely a test of endurance, but an opportunity for connection. Over the next five days, parks, rinks, art spaces, and gathering halls across Anoka will serve as reminders that community warmth can be created even in the coldest season.

MinneapoliMedia