Winter has arrived in Minnesota, and I'm embracing the chilly magic of the season! If you're a fan of snow-dusted landscapes, cozy moments, and all things holiday, this guide to Twin Cities pet events this winter is for you. From December to February, there's plenty to keep you and your pup enjoying every frosty moment the season has to offer. Get ready for a winter filled with festive lights, seasonal treats, and endless snowy adventures!
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Winter
Categories:
Holiday Photo Opportunities NEW for Winter
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals
Dog Sports & Activities
Holiday Photo Opportunities:
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Lost in the Forrest, St. Louis Park, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography & Lost in the Forrest
"Capture your furry friend's personality with Pet Photography Mini Sessions by K Schulz Photography. In just 10 minutes, our talented photographer will produce a collection of high-quality images. Included in the mini session are your choice of two of the digital images, with the option to purchase more. Head to LITF and arrive 5-10 minutes early to ensure a perfect session."
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 6:30 - 8 pm
Southdale Center, Edina, MN
Organized by: Southdale Center
"Don't miss Santa pictures at Southdale Center! Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time."
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 7 - 9 pm
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Organized by: The Santa Experience MN
"Bring your pet to Mall of America to have their photo taken with Santa! Appointment required. Pets of all kinds and their families are welcome to take part in this photo opportunity with Santa."
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 1 - 5 pm
HeadFlyer Brewing, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: HeadFlyer Brewing
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join us for one of our favorite and longest-standing annual holiday traditions, Pet Photos with Santa! Pet photos are free, but we will be collecting donations for Ruff Start Rescue a foster-based animal rescue. We'll also have a few pop-up shops and brand new holiday-themed beer releases!"
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 4 - 8 pm
Miracle at Big Rock, St. Croix Falls, WI
Organized by: Miracle at Big Rock
"Join us on December 1 for a magical evening at Miracle at Big Rock, where you and your furry friend can celebrate the Christmas season together! Bring your dog for free, with your paid admission and enjoy festive activities that will make your Christmas dreams come true. Capture the joy of the season with professional photos of your pup with Santa—perfect for your Christmas cards! Photo packages will be available for those adorable, candid shots that you won't want to miss. We're also excited to partner with Can Do Canines and Ruff Start Rescue, adding a special touch to this festive night. Don't miss out on this "pawsome" celebration with your four-legged companion! Mark your calendars and get ready for a night filled with joy, laughter, and holiday spirit at Miracle at Big Rock! All dogs must be leashed and picked up after. No dogs allowed in our barn or indoor food court space."
Monday, December 2, 2024
Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Monday, December 2, 2024
Rosedale Center, Roseville, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 5 - 8 pm
Unleashed Hounds and Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Great Dane Rescue of MN & WI
"Join us for our Second Annual Pet Holiday Photo fundraiser at Unleashed Hounds and Hops! $20 will get you a digital photo of you and your pup(s) from our photographer with each additional image being $10. A sitting is $20 regardless of the number of dogs or humans in the photo. Reward your pup for their Holiday posing and finish off the visit with a playdate in the park! The photos will take place in the lobby so all dogs are welcome for photos whether you would like to stay and play or not."
Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Chuck & Don's, Woodbury, MN
Benefitting: RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest)
"Join us for some fun family photos with Santa Paws! Photos will be delivered within 1 week digitally and we are asking for a $10 donation to go towards the dogs in our care."
Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11 am - 1 pm
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, Oakdale, MN
Benefitting: Pets on the Mend
"Welcome to Pet Portraits with Santa at Festive Besties Pet Holiday Bazaar! Join us for a fun-filled day of capturing precious moments with your furry friends and Santa Claus. This in-person event will be held at 1160 Helmo Ave N where you can enjoy shopping for unique pet gifts and goodies. Don't miss out on this paws-itively delightful experience! All net proceeds will support our non-profit, Pets on the Mend. For pet portraits with Santa, please bring only non-aggressive, well-socialized, non-venomous pets. Horses, livestock, pigs, primates, raptors, and venomous snakes or lizards are not permitted. Dogs must be on a leash, while other pets need to be in a carrier, cage, or enclosure. If you’d like Santa to hold your bird, it must be in a cage or unable to fly. All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations and be pre-registered for portraits."
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pet Crossing Animal Hospital, Bloomington, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography & Pet Crossing Animal Hospital
"The holidays are fast approaching and it's the perfect time to create memories! On Sunday, December 8th, Pet Crossing will have K Schultz Photography on-site, ready to capture the perfect holiday pictures! Let us help make this holiday season paws-itively unforgettable!"
Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 11 am - 2 pm
Maplebrook Pet Care Center, Maplewood, MN
Benefitting: MN Pocket Pet Rescue
"HO HO HO! Come pose your paws for a cause with Santa Claus at Maplebrook Pet Care Center. With a minimum donation of $20, you will receive a professional holiday photo (with or without Santa). All proceeds will benefit MN Pocket Pet Rescue so they may continue providing care for their animals in rescue and community outreach programs.
Monday, December 9, 2024
Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Monday, December 9, 2024
Rosedale Center, Roseville, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 11 am - 4 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
"It's the holiday season, and that means it's time for our Howling Holiday Celebration! Come carol with the wolves, shop at our vendors' booths and watch Ricky the black bear peacefully slumber! Santa has also let us know that he'll be here, so get a photo with your fur kids or human kids! Warm your hands over a crackling fire and your tummies with The Rustic Chef Food Truck, Flying Cloud and Bent Brewstillery! Dogs on a leash are always welcome."
Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 11 am - 2 pm
Urban Tails Pet Supply, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital
"Bring your fur babies to Urban Tails for a paw-sitively delightful photo op with Santa! Photos are $10 and all proceeds benefit Mission Animal Hospital! First come, first serve, in the event space at Urban Tails!"
Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 12 - 3 pm
Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"The venue is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your pup! Donations are greatly appreciated. Photos will be sent by email within a few days. Ruff Start will also have adoptable dogs, ways to get involved, and giveaways. We will share the adoptable dogs you can meet at this event a few days prior on the Facebook event page. Plus, enjoy delicious brews while supporting a great cause. $1 per beer sold on 12/15 will be donated to Ruff Start Rescue to support animals in rescue. We hope to see you there!"
Monday, December 16, 2024
Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Monday, December 16, 2024
Rosedale Center, Roseville, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 12 - 3 pm
Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Inbound BrewCo in Minneapolis on Sunday, December 22nd, from 12-3 pm. Photos with Santa (for humans & dogs): The venue is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your pup! Donations are greatly appreciated. Photos will be sent by email a few days after the event. Ruff Start will also have adoptable dogs, ways to get involved, and giveaways. We will share the adoptable dogs you can meet at this event a few days prior on the Facebook event page. Plus, enjoy delicious brews while supporting a great cause. $1 per beer sold on 12/22 will be donated to Ruff Start Rescue to support rescue animals. We hope to see you there!"
Monday, December 23, 2024
Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Monday, December 30, 2024
Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Pet-Focused Events:
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Lost in the Forrest, St. Louis Park, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography & Lost in the Forrest
"Capture your furry friend's personality with pet photography mini sessions by K Schulz Photography. In just 10 minutes, our talented photographer will produce a collection of high-quality images. Included in the mini session are your choice of two of the digital images, with the option to purchase more. Head to LITF and arrive 5-10 minutes early to ensure a perfect session."
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 4 - 8 pm
Miracle at Big Rock, St. Croix Falls, WI
Organized by: Miracle at Big Rock
"Join us on December 1 for a magical evening at Miracle at Big Rock, where you and your furry friend can celebrate the Christmas season together! Bring your dog for free, with your paid admission and enjoy festive activities that will make your Christmas dreams come true. Capture the joy of the season with professional photos of your pup with Santa—perfect for your Christmas cards! Photo packages will be available for those adorable, candid shots that you won't want to miss. We're also excited to partner with Can Do Canines and Ruff Start Rescue, adding a special touch to this festive night. Don't miss out on this "pawsome" celebration with your four-legged companion! Mark your calendars and get ready for a night filled with joy, laughter, and holiday spirit at Miracle at Big Rock! All dogs must be leashed and picked up after. No dogs allowed in our barn or indoor food court space."
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pet Crossing Animal Hospital, Bloomington, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography & Pet Crossing Animal Hospital
"The holidays are fast approaching and it's the perfect time to create memories! On Sunday, December 8th, Pet Crossing will have K Schulz Photography on-site, ready to capture the perfect holiday pictures! Let us help make this holiday season paws-itively unforgettable!"
Thursday, December 19 - Saturday, December 21, 2024
Downtown Stillwater, MN
Organized by: Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
"Get in the holiday spirit and dress up with your pet! This weekend highlights our favorite furry friends! Thursday, December 19: Luminary Thursday! Stroll into the evening along Main Street Stillwater, illuminated by the warm glow of luminaries, as you explore charming shops and dine at our fabulous restaurants. Saturday, December 21: Pet Parade + Costume Contest! Join us for a whimsical pet parade on historic Main Street! Bring your furry friends dressed in their festive best as we celebrate the holiday season with a parade led by none other than the Grinch. Watch as pets of all shapes and sizes strut their stuff, showcasing their holiday spirit and creativity! Prizes for best dressed and most unique costumes! Each participant will receive a special swag bag filled with goodies for both pets & their humans. Grand Prize Winner receives a one-night stay at Lora Hotel!"
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: The Loppet Foundation
"Ski with your best friend… your dog! 10K, 5K, and 3K courses on the premiere Loppet ski trails (which skijors are not normally allowed on) make the Loppet’s Skijoring One-dog Loppet a participant and fan favorite event. You will see all sizes and shapes of doggos out for adventure with their human pals."
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:
Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 11 am - 4 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
"It's the holiday season, and that means it's time for our Howling Holiday Celebration! Come carol with the wolves, shop at our vendors' booths and watch Ricky the black bear peacefully slumber! Santa has also let us know that he'll be here, so get a photo with your fur kids or human kids! Warm your hands over a crackling fire and your tummies with The Rustic Chef Food Truck, Flying Cloud and Bent Brewstillery! Dogs on a leash are always welcome."
Saturday, February 1 - Sunday, February 2, 2024
Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: The Loppet Foundation
"Growing from a once humble cross-country ski race in 2003, the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival has come to be the staple event of winter in the North. The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is a two-day festival that includes a variety of point-to-point Cross-Country Ski, Fat Bike, Skijor, and Snowshoe events, both competitive races and recreational touring events through Theodore Wirth Park; and a number of unique events, such as the Kubb Tournament. The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival will now keep the fun going over two weekends with a two-day festival on the first weekend in February and the Luminary Loppet (also the Loppet’s largest fundraiser of the year!) on the second Saturday in February."
Pet-Related Benefit Events:
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 1 - 5 pm
HeadFlyer Brewing, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join us for one of our favorite and longest-standing annual holiday traditions, Pet Photos with Santa on December 1st 2024 from 1 pm - 5 pm! Pet photos are free, but we will be collecting donations for Ruff Start Rescue a foster-based animal rescue. We'll also have a few pop-up shops and brand new holiday-themed beer releases!"
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 5 - 8 pm
Unleashed Hounds and Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Great Dane Rescue of MN & WI
"Join us for our Second Annual Pet Holiday Photo fundraiser at Unleashed Hounds and Hops! $20 will get you a digital photo of you and your pup(s) from our photographer with each additional image being $10. A sitting is $20 regardless of the number of dogs or humans in the photo. Reward your pup for their Holiday posing and finish off the visit with a playdate in the park! The photos will take place in the lobby so all dogs are welcome for photos whether you would like to stay and play or not."
Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Chuck & Don's, Woodbury, MN
Organized by & Benefitting: RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest)
"Join us for some fun family photos with Santa Paws! Photos will be delivered within 1 week digitally and we are asking for a $10 donation to go towards the dogs in our care."
Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11 am - 1 pm
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC), Oakdale, MN
Benefitting: Pets on the Mend
"Welcome to Pet Portraits with Santa at Festive Besties Pet Holiday Bazaar! Join us for a fun-filled day of capturing precious moments with your furry friends and Santa Claus. This in-person event will be held at 1160 Helmo Ave N where you can enjoy shopping for unique pet gifts and goodies. Don't miss out on this paws-itively delightful experience! All net proceeds will support our non-profit, Pets on the Mend. For pet portraits with Santa, please bring only non-aggressive, well-socialized, non-venomous pets. Horses, livestock, pigs, primates, raptors, and venomous snakes or lizards are not permitted. Dogs must be on a leash, while other pets need to be in a carrier, cage, or enclosure. If you’d like Santa to hold your bird, it must be in a cage or unable to fly. All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations and be pre-registered for portraits."
Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 11 am - 2 pm
Maplebrook Pet Care Center, Maplewood, MN
Benefitting: MN Pocket Pet Rescue
"HO HO HO! Come pose your paws for a cause with Santa Claus at Maplebrook Pet Care Center. With a minimum donation of $20, you will receive a professional holiday photo (with or without Santa). All proceeds will benefit MN Pocket Pet Rescue so they may continue providing care for their animals in rescue and community outreach programs.
Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 12 - 3 pm
Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Bauhaus Brew Labs in Minneapolis on Sunday, December 15th, from 12-3 pm. Photos with the Grinch (for humans & dogs): The venue is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your pup! Donations are greatly appreciated. Photos will be sent by email within a few days. Ruff Start will also have adoptable dogs, ways to get involved, and giveaways. We will share the adoptable dogs you can meet at this event a few days prior on the Facebook event page. Plus, enjoy delicious brews while supporting a great cause. $1 per beer sold on 12/15 will be donated to Ruff Start Rescue to support animals in rescue. We hope to see you there!"
Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 11 am - 2 pm
Urban Tails Pet Supply, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital
"Bring your fur babies to Urban Tails for a paw-sitively delightful photo op with Santa! Photos are $10 and all proceeds benefit Mission Animal Hospital! First come, first serve, in the event space at Urban Tails!"
Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 12 - 3 pm
Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Inbound BrewCo in Minneapolis on Sunday, December 22nd, from 12-3 pm. Photos with Santa (for humans & dogs): The venue is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your pup! Donations are greatly appreciated. Photos will be sent by email a few days after the event. Ruff Start will also have adoptable dogs, ways to get involved, and giveaways. We will share the adoptable dogs you can meet at this event a few days prior on the Facebook event page. Plus, enjoy delicious brews while supporting a great cause. $1 per beer sold on 12/22 will be donated to Ruff Start Rescue to support rescue animals. We hope to see you there!"
Dog Sports & Activities:
Saturday, December 7, 2024, starting at 7:30 am
White Bear Lake County Park, White Bear Lake, MN
Organized by: MM Races
Admission: $10 - $40 (registration required)
"In keeping with the jingle theme, your registration will include jingle bells for your running shoes. This event is open to all abilities and ages and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Dig out your Santa outfits and hats and join in the fun. A professional photographer will be on-site to capture those great family memories. Finish the race and enjoy the decorated shops and restaurants of quaint downtown White Bear Lake."
Saturday, December xx, 2024
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, January xx, 2025
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior, MN
Organized by: Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
"The Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby is a world-class sled dog race that brings the incredible sport of mushing to our local community. The 8-dog, 40-mile race will start and finish on Water Street in the heart of historic Excelsior, MN, and then run along the beautiful shores of Lower Lake Minnetonka." This event is NOT pet-friendly, but it is very fun and pet people would love to attend!
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: The Loppet Foundation
"Ski with your best friend… your dog! 10K, 5K, and 3K courses on the premiere Loppet ski trails (which skijors are not normally allowed on) make the Loppet’s Skijoring One-dog Loppet a participant and fan favorite event. You will see all sizes and shapes of doggos out for adventure with their human pals."
Saturday, February xx, 2025
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Fish Lake Regional Park, Maple Grove, MN
Organized by: YMCA of the North
"Husky sled dogs brought life-saving medicine from Anchorage to Nome in 1925 in what's known as the "Race of Mercy," saving thousands. That journey is re-created each year at Alaska's famed Iditarod race. Be part of this hero's journey right here in Minnesota, at Kidarod -- a two-mile adventure race for kids and families! This adventure race combines hiking, climbing, pulling and sliding around winter obstacles, with the ability to see real Husky sled dog puppies. Come join us for the 11th annual Kidarod, a fan-favorite, and learn how to be a Husky!"
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event this fall? Do you have an upcoming event you'd like to add to a future blog post? Please submit your event here to get it added to this list! Thank you!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!
Comments