The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Winter (2025-26)
- Lauren
- Nov 29, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Jan 10
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!
Holiday & Santa Photos: Looking for a full list of holiday-themed photo opportunities (including pet portraits with Santa Paws)? Check out Twin Cities Pet-Friendly Holiday Photo Events: Where to Get Festive Photos With Your Dog in 2025!
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Winter
Categories:
Pet-Focused Events:
Sunday, November 20, 2025, from 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Miracle at Big Rock, St. Croix Falls, WI
Organized by: Miracle at Big Rock
"Dogs are a part of the family too! Bring Fido along as you step into a winter wonderland at Miracle at Big Rock, where over 25 million dazzling lights transform the night into a magical holiday adventure. Filled with glowing lights displays, festive treats & gifts, crackling bonfires, tractor rides & Santa sightings, there are unforgettable memories waiting around every corner! This is one of only TWO nights that Miracle at Big Rock allows non-service dogs to take part in the magic of Miracle. Please note: Owners are responsible for picking up after their dogs. Dogs MUST be leashed at all times. Dogs are not allowed in any dwellings or buildings."
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 10 am - 1 pm
Adventure Is Barking Social Club, Hopkins, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography
"This holiday season, we will be hosting a photo shoot at AiB Social Club with K Schulz Photography! The event will consist of 10-minute sessions, from which you'll receive two digital copies of your choosing. If you have more than 5 people and or pets (combined total) in your group, we recommend you book two back-to-back time slots."
Friday, December 19 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
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! 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!"
Friday, January 2 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
St. Paul River Centre, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: Land O'Lakes Kennel Club
"On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, owners of new puppies aged 4-6 months old are invited by AKC to enter a fun, interactive mock dog show geared strictly for puppies. Experts with a variety of breeds will be available on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with experts on certain dog breeds and meet the breeds up close to learn more. On Saturday, the future of the dog world will compete in a junior handling competition that recognizes young handlers from the entire Midwest area. Shop at the over 20 booths featuring everything you want for you or your dog at the Ringside Market."
Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1 - 5 pm
Back Channel Brewing Co., Spring Park, MN
Organized by: Klondike Dog Derby
"Join us for our 6th Annual Cutest Puppy Contest Fundraiser at Back Channel Brewing Company! Contest Details: Vaccinated puppies born after 1/24/25 are eligible. Pups must be registered to be included in the contest. (Max 60 pups)."
Saturday, January 31, 2026
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, January 31, 2026, from 11 am - 12 pm
Rice Park, Saint Paul, MN
Organized by: Mairs & Power
"The friendly pooches of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities are joining us at Rice Park at 11 am on Kids' and Family Day, Saturday, January 31st. You'll be able to watch these snow-loving animals embrace what Winter Carnival is all about - enjoying Saint Paul's great outdoors all year round!"
Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 8 am - 5 pm
Union Depot, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: Union Depot
"Activities, vendors, and shopping galore! If your pooch only puts one thing on their social agendog this winter, make it Doggie Depot. Union Depot will be transformed into Doggie Depot, the bark of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. There will be pet-friendly vendors for shopping, rescues for adoption, the crowning of the St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Canine King Boreas and Canine Queen of Snows, and tons more fun! Doggie Depot is FREE and open to the public, with plenty of on-site parking. No tickets are required, so leash up your pup and join us for this furbulous event inside the Waiting Room at Union Depot!"
Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 12 - 2 pm
Bone Marché, Saint Louis Park, MN
Organized by: MACC Pack, KME Photography, and Bone Marché
"A $20 donation to MACC Pack gets you two professional photos of your pet. First-come, first-served. Photos will be emailed after the event."
Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 7 - 10 pm
Leopold's Mississippi Gardens, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Inspire & Flourish
"Join Inspire & Flourish for an unforgettable evening celebrating rescue dogs, creativity, and compassion! Enjoy stylish pups walking the runway, adorable adoptable pets, and exciting silent and live auctions, all while supporting a great cause. Sip from the cash bar, savor delicious appetizers, and experience the heartwarming magic of community and kindness."
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:
Fridays - Sundays, November 21, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Viking Lakes, Eagan, MN
Organized by: Magic of Lights
"Fido is invited along on this drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite scenes and characters, and using the latest LED technology and digital animations. You'll get to see everything from the comfort of your car as you wind along the path. Dogs must remain in the car at all times and cannot be left unattended."
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 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 be sure to get a photo with your fur kids or human kids! Dogs on a leash are always welcome. All proceeds benefit the Wildlife Science Center."
Thursday, January 22 - Sunday, February 1, 2026
Saint Paul, MN
Organized by: Saint Paul Winter Carnival
"Celebrate winter at the “Coolest Celebration on Earth,” with 10 fun-filled days of ice and snow sculptures, competitions, live music, cultural events, and family-friendly activities across downtown Saint Paul and beyond. Dogs are welcome in Rice Park, the MN State Fairgrounds, and Landmark Plaza Park, but unfortunately not inside the Landmark Center. Highlights include the Doggie Depot, ice-carving contests, ski & snowboard demos, and a Torchlight Parade with fireworks."
Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11 am - 4 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
"Discover the world of the dog sledder during a day of winter fun at the Wildlife Science Center. Mushers and their dog teams will be on hand to meet and inform participants about this incredible winter sport. The day's activities include demonstrations by local experts on equipment and techniques, a variety of vendors selling their wares, campfires, and the opportunity to see and learn about the Wildlife Science Center's amazing animals. Feel free to bring your own dog, but please bring a leash."
Saturday, January 24 - Sunday, January 25, 2026
Exhibition Hall, Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: Saintly City Cat Club
Admission: $10 for adults, $7 for children and seniors
"Join us at the Winter Carnival Cat Show to support Ruff Start Rescue and help give animals a fresh beginning! Join us at the Saint Paul RiverCentre- Exhibition Hall for a purrfect day filled with adorable cats! Visit the Ruff Start Rescue booth to learn about volunteering, fostering, and adopting. Whether you're an animal lover or looking to add a new furry family member, this event is not to be missed."
Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 1, 2026
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 several 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:
Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Benefitting: No Dog Left Behind
Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
RAGOM Office, Minnetonka, MN
Benefitting: Retrieve A Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Benefitting: No Dog Left Behind (NDLB)
Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 1 - 5 pm
HeadFlyer Brewing, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12 - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Benefitting: MACC
Photography by: KME Photography
Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12 - 3 pm
Bachman's, Maplewood, MN
Benefitting: Retrieve A Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 am - 12 pm
Livewell Animal Urgent Care of Shoreview, Shoreview, MN
Benefitting: Rescued Pets Are Wonderful (RPAW)
Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Benefitting: No Dog Left Behind (NDLB)
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Benefitting: Fur-Ever Home Rescue
Photography by: Flannel Loon Photography
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12 - 2 pm
Omni Brewing, Maple Grove, MN
Benefitting: Rescue Network
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Urban Tails Pet Supply, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Mission Animal Hospital
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12 - 3 pm
Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6 - 8 pm
NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Benefitting: No Dog Left Behind (NDLB)
Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm
Bone Marché Pet Market, Saint Louis Park, MN
Benefitting: Rabbit Rescue of MN
Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 am - 2 pm
NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Benefitting: No Dog Left Behind (NDLB)
Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 6 - 8 pm
NDLB, Maple Grove, MN
Benefiting: No Dog Left Behind (NDLB)
Dog Sports & Activities:
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Wirth Lake, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Friday, January 23, 2026, from 5 - 8 pm
Gateway State Trail, Mahtomedi, MN
Organized by: Minnesota DNR
"This walk along Gateway State Trail will be lit with hundreds of candle luminaries - from near Wildwood Elementary school to one mile down the trail (roundtrip will be a 2 mile walk). Enjoy bonfires for warmth and roasting marshmallows on both ends of the lit trail section; hot chocolate, cider, marshmallows, and two local food trucks will be available at the Stillwater Rd end. Come and enjoy a walk along this Minnesota State Trail! Leashed dogs are welcome. Ice traction devices are always recommended when walking in winter."
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @leinies.golden.life
Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, January 31, 2026
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 7, 2026, from 5 - 8 pm
Afton State Park, Afton, MN
Organized by: Minnesota DNR
"Winter wonderland and flickering candles come together for a magical experience at Afton State Park during the candlelight hike! This self-guided, self-paced trail is two miles round trip, out and back. Begin at the Visitor Center and follow the glowing luminaries along the trail. A bonfire for roasting marshmallows will be held on the back patio of the Visitor Center, and refreshments will be served inside. The event is free to attend, but a vehicle permit is required for all motor vehicles entering the park. It is $7 for a day or $35 for a 12-month permit. Permits can be purchased online or at the park office. Weather conditions are variable, so bring warm winter clothes and sturdy boots. Ice traction devices are always recommended when walking in winter. No registration required. Leashed dogs are welcome."
Friday, February 13 - Saturday, February 14, 2026
Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior, MN
Organized by: Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
[Not pet-friendly!]
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @leinies.golden.life
TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, March 7, 2026, starting at 8 am
Lake Nokomis Park, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Polar Plunge MN
"The Dash & Splash is an officially timed 5K race around Lake Nokomis, followed by a dip in chilly Lake Nokomis! All participants receive a medal and a race t-shirt as well as Plunge incentive items. For this event, you must raise at least $115 total. All dogs welcome! The Frozen 5K is a dog-friendly event! Participants are welcome to run or walk with their furry friends."
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
TBD
Organized by: Hiking Dogs Co.
Led by: @leinies.golden.life
TBD
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event? 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 pet 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!
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