Minnesota Ice Castles at State Fairgrounds opening in January

Cold weather arrives in time for winter activities

The cold weather has arrived just in time for several winter activities and events. FOX 9’s Se Kwon shares more about upcoming events, including the Minnesota Ice Castles, Minnesota Ice Festival, Hockey Day Minnesota, and more.

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Ice Castles at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are set to open to the public on Friday.

Minnesota Ice Castles

What we know: Ice Castles announced on Thursday that crews have been working around the clock to battle the recent warm temperatures, and their hard work has paid off as the frozen attraction is slated to open at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.

The ice castles are a favorite winter attraction in Minnesota each year. Crews built ice structures lit up with LED lights embedded in the ice that create a sparkling spectacle. This year's winter wonderland will include ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, ice sculptures, a fire show, an ice bar and more.

What they're saying: "We are thrilled to open the icy gates for Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts and make up for last year’s lack of winter. This year, we’re bringing the enchanting magic of Ice Castles to life, infused with the excitement and flair of Minnesota State Fair cuisine," said Kyle Standifird, CEO of Ice Castles. "The natural beauty of the fairgrounds' tree-lined landscapes combines perfectly with the wonder of our frozen creations, creating a truly magical destination to experience."

Dig deeper: Last year, the Ice Castles were held in Maple Grove, but due to an unusually warm winter in Minnesota, it had an abbreviated season and closed after only a little over a week. In previous years, the attraction was held in New Brighton, Eden Prairie, Stillwater and Excelsior.

Tickets can be purchased online and start at $17 for general admission and $12 for children. To learn more, visit the Ice Castles website here.

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