Since you're visiting your 25-year-old daughter in Minnesota over a few days around **Christmas 2025**, the state offers plenty of fun options, especially in the **Twin Cities** area (Minneapolis and St. Paul), where most visitors base themselves. It's winter, so expect cold temperatures (highs around 20-30°F on December 25, with possible snow), but Minnesota embraces the season with indoor attractions, holiday events, and cozy activities perfect for adults.
### Indoor Attractions (Great for Cold Days)
- **Mall of America** (Bloomington, near Minneapolis): The massive shopping and entertainment complex has rides at Nickelodeon Universe, an aquarium, mini-golf, and endless dining/shopping. It's a classic spot for a full day—perfect if you want retail therapy or people-watching.
- **Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)**: A world-class, free museum with thousands of artworks spanning history. It's relaxing and inspiring for adults.
- **Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden**: Modern art exhibits indoors, plus the iconic outdoor Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture (bundle up for a quick photo).
- **Science Museum of Minnesota** (St. Paul): Interactive exhibits, an Omnitheater, and special holiday programming—fun and educational without feeling childish.
### Holiday & Winter Events (Ongoing Around Christmas)
Many holiday light displays and markets run through late December or early January.
- **GLOW Holiday Festival** (at CHS Field in St. Paul): Extended into early January in some years—millions of lights, festive displays, and seasonal treats.
- **European Christmas Market** at Union Depot (St. Paul): If still running weekends through December 21, it's charming with crafts, Glühwein (mulled wine), and European vibes; check for any post-Christmas extensions.
- **Holiday Lights Displays**: Drive or walk through neighborhood light tours (maps available for areas like Bloomington or Richfield) or visit illuminated spots like Rice Park in St. Paul.
### Outdoor Winter Activities (Embrace the Cold!)
Dress in layers—Minnesotans know how to make winter fun.
- **Ice Skating**: Romantic and active rinks like Centennial Lakes Park (Edina) with paved paths, or downtown spots with city skyline views.
- **Minnehaha Falls**: The frozen waterfall is stunning in winter—easy trails for a short walk.
- **Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing**: Rent gear and try trails at Theodore Wirth Park (Minneapolis) or nearby state parks if you're up for a short drive.
### Food, Drinks & Nightlife (Adult-Focused)
- **Brewery or Distillery Tour** — Minnesota's craft scene is huge; try spots like Surly Brewing (Minneapolis) or Tattersall Distilling for cocktails in a cozy setting.
- **Dining Experiences** — Seek out a classic Juicy Lucy burger (cheese-stuffed) at spots like Matt's Bar, or upscale holiday meals downtown.
- **Live Shows** — Catch a holiday concert at the Ordway (St. Paul) or a comedy/improv show if something's running post-Christmas.
If your daughter lives in the Twin Cities, start there—it's easy to mix indoor/outdoor days. For something more adventurous, a day trip to the North Shore (like Duluth) for scenic winter views is doable but longer (3-4 hours drive). Check current event details and weather apps, as things can change with snow.
Since she's in Minneapolis proper—plenty of options right in the city for a cozy, fun few days around Christmas 2025. Since today is Christmas Day, many places are closed (including Mall of America), but there are still some highlights, and things open up more starting tomorrow.
### Today (Christmas Day, Dec 25)
Expect cold weather (highs in the low 20s°F) and limited openings—focus on relaxed, indoor or low-key activities:
- **Museums & Art**: Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is often open on holidays (free admission); check for special exhibits. Walker Art Center might have limited hours.
- **Live Music/Shows**: Catch jazz at the Dakota (shows around 5-7pm) or holiday performances if any are scheduled.
- **Dining Out**: Several spots are open, like Oceanaire Seafood Room, Buca di Beppo, Fogo de Chão, or hotel restaurants (e.g., at Four Seasons or Rand Tower). Many chains like Starbucks or IHOP are open too—reserve ahead via OpenTable.
- **Winter Walks**: Bundle up for a stroll around the Chain of Lakes (e.g., Lake of the Isles or Bde Maka Ska) or Minnehaha Falls (frozen and magical in winter—stay on paths).
### Tomorrow & Beyond (Dec 26+)
More opens up—perfect for mixing indoor/outdoor:
- **Mall of America** (short drive to Bloomington): Reopens Dec 26 with extended hours (10am-10pm through Dec 30). Rides, aquarium, shopping—ideal for a full day.
- **Holiday Lights & Displays** (many run into early January):
- GLOW Holiday Festival (St. Paul, ~15 min drive): Millions of lights, interactive displays—open through early Jan.
- Winter Lights at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chanhassen, ~30 min): Walking paths with nature-themed illuminations, through Dec 31.
- Magic of Lights (Eagan drive-thru): Festive scenes from your car, through early Jan.
- Neighborhood drives: Check maps for spots like Hayden's Holiday Lights on Washburn Ave S.
- **Outdoor Winter Fun**:
- Ice skating: Rinks at Centennial Lakes (Edina) or downtown spots with skyline views.
- Cross-country skiing/snowshoeing: Theodore Wirth Park (rent gear on-site) or Chain of Lakes trails.
- Minnehaha Falls: Short, scenic winter hike to the frozen waterfall.
- **Indoor Gems**:
- Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul): Interactive exhibits.
- Breweries/Distilleries: Cozy spots like Surly or Tattersall for drinks and tours.
- **Events**: IIHF World Junior Championship hockey games start Dec 26 (at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul if interested). Post-holiday markets or concerts may pop up.
Layer up for outdoors (it's true winter!), and use apps like Meet Minneapolis for real-time updates
DeafTourette
The first thing that came to my mind: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paisley_Park I'm not sure if it's expensive, though.
