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Winter Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

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January 12, 2026 / Samantha Rushing /
Four adults in winter clothing stand together outside around a fire pit in a snowy backyard, holding drinks and smiling at the camera—capturing the cozy spirit often found at Alexandria Winter Festivals. Snow blankets the ground, trees, and outdoor furniture nearby.

The only way to survive a Minnesota winter is to join in on the winter fun! This year, there will be two festivals happening in Alexandria, MN: one returning for a second year, the other is making its exciting debut. From ice sculptures and ice bars to sled parades and soulful tunes, there’s plenty of ways to embrace the season. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on either!

SNOfest at Carlos Creek Winery

January 17, 2026 at Carlos Creek Winery | FREE Admission
Enjoy a full day of winter fun at this can’t-miss Minnesota winter festival. From outdoor bars and a one-of-a-kind ice bar serving festival cocktails, mocktails, beer, cider, and wine, to cozy comfort food, hot cocoa, and crackling bonfires, there’s something for everyone.

Watch jaw-dropping ice sculptures come to life during live carving demos by MN Ice, then see them glow at dusk (around 5:15pm). Live music fills the afternoon and evening across the property, while families can join in on kid-friendly activities like the Winter Olympic–themed sled parade. Add in a winter hat contest (21+), snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (weather permitting), and indoor live music to close out the night, and you’ve got a true celebration of community, winter, and the best of Minnesota!

Collage for SNO Fest at Carlos Creek, part of the Alexandria Winter Festivals, Jan 17, 2026, MLK Jr Day weekend. Features snowshoeing, winter food, bonfire, snowy barn, wood/ice Viking statues. Central text highlights event name and date.
A blue winter-themed flyer for Carlos Creek SNOfest on January 17, 2026, in Alexandria Minnesota. Enjoy outdoor bars, winter activities, ice sculptures, demos, live music, kids’ events, family fun, and cross-country skiing—a true Winter celebration!.
An ice sculpture of a Viking warrior holding a spear and a shield that reads "Alesandria Birthplace America," set outdoors in snowy Alexandria, Minnesota, captures the spirit of a winter celebration amid trees and a wooden fence.

2nd Annual Beat the Winter Blues and Jazz Fest

February 6-8, 2026 | Gathered Oaks & Carlos Creek Winery | Get Tickets Here

Beat the winter blues with a three-day music-filled getaway in Alexandria, MN at the Beat the Winter Blues and Jazz Fest. This immersive winter festival blends soulful blues, jazz, gospel, and soul performances with seasonal vibes, inviting visitors and locals to experience winter in a whole new way. Expect powerful life music, scenic outdoor moments, crackling fires, an outdoor ice bar, and delicious food and craft beverages that perfectly complement the rhythm and atmosphere.

This festival unfolds across two beautiful venues: Gathered Oaks on Friday and Saturday, and The Grand Hall at Carlos Creek on Sunday. From evening concerts and all day performances to a Gospel Roots Blues Brunch on Sunday, each day delivers its own unique energy.

Friday | February 6 – Gathered Oaks

6:30 Kevin Burt | 8:00 Danielle Nicole Duo

Indoor & Outdoor Spaces Activated. Ice bar, fire pits, food and drinks available for purchase

Doors 5:00 PM | Seating 5:45 PM | Music 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Saturday | February 7 – Gathered Oaks

One Trick Pony, Michael Ward-Bergeman, Southside Aces

Afternoon into evening performances

Indoor & Outdoor Spaces Activated. Ice bar, fire pits, food and drinks available for purchase

Doors 3:30 PM | Seating 3:45 PM | Music 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday | February 8 – The Grand Hall at Carlos Creek

Gospel Roots Blues Brunch with Joyann Parker

Buffet brunch featuring pastries, egg bake, muffins, and fresh fruit

Brunch seating: 10:30 AM

General seating: 11:00 AM

Music: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM

A large crowd sits at round tables with white tablecloths, watching two musicians perform on a small stage in a rustic wooden hall with exposed beams and string lights during one of the lively Alexandria winter festivals.
Three musicians perform on stage in a rustic, wood-paneled room during the Alexandria Winter Festivals; one plays keyboard and sings, one plays upright bass, and one plays vibraphone. Warm lighting highlights the scene as an audience looks on.
A lively restaurant scene during Alexandria Winter Festivals, with people of various ages sitting at wooden tables, eating, drinking, and chatting. Warm sunlight filters in through large windows, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

These events are ideal for winter adventurers, music lovers, and anyone looking for a memorable winter escape! Plan to stay the night so you can experience more winter fun in the area. Pair your adventures with a tasteful dinner, and stay in one of Alexandria’s cozy accommodations!

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