No, unfortunately this is not a park filled with rice. I know–I was disappointed, too. However, I learned of the beautiful Christmas lights that illuminate this venue in St. Paul and I was ecstatic. Rice Park is home to the St. Paul Winter Carnival, complete with parades, Frozen Family Fun Night, and live music. Whether your crush finally notices you and asks you out, you have no plans, or you want to show the family a good time, chances are Rice Park will have something for you.

AVHS alumni Kelsey Buss knows what we are talking about: “2 years ago, I was on my way back with my family for a showing of The Christmas Story. We saw the lights and decided to walk through. It’s a great place to take pictures!”

There is no better escape from the frigid winter than taking in a play. Minneapolis is home to many festive productions this winter. Here are three of the most anticipated:

• Nutcracker Fantasy – December 16th-23rd at State Theatre
• All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 –  December 15th-18th at Pantages Theatre
• A Christmas Carol – Now through December 30th at the Guthrie

Make sure to get a ticket before they are gone!

Although this may not be the best winter destination for the clumsy, it’s a great way to act as the knight in shining armor when your date eats it on the first walkthrough. With this year’s castle in Stillwater, it’s a perfect for a short road trip and festive night out. Tickets range in price depending on the night of week, but overall stay pretty affordable at under $15. So, snag a date, bundle up, and visit one of the most magical winter wonderlands in the state.

This event is the Superbowl of ice cross downhill skating–it’s a big deal. As if ice skating isn’t scary enough, racers will be skating down a long and agonizing course this February. The Red Bull Crashed Ice season only features four races in the world, and St. Paul is home to one of them. Other races are located in France, Finland and Canada this season. With Minnesota being home to the only race this season in America, there is sure to be a crowd. In recent visits to MN, Crashed Ice has drawn over 100,000 fans to watch this fiercely competitive sport.

Senior Joe Larson, who attended last year, enjoyed the atmosphere, noting, “It was a good experience. My only recommendation is to dress for the weather!”

One word: jubilant. Holidazzle is a major hit for many Minnesotans. Free to the public, it is perfect for all the broke almost-college-students who are trying to save a buck. Featuring a slew of hip and happening vendors from handcrafted beverages at the Spyhouse to hats and other apparel from Love Your Melon, there is sure to be something that catches your eye. Along a whole host of Minnesota businesses to support, featured holiday themed movies perfect for people of all ages play on select Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings. Just remember to bring a blanket… or six.

Oh yah, you betcha we are the “State of Hockey.” (It sounds better if you said that in the iconic voice from “Fargo.”) The atmosphere in the Wild’s arena, the Excel Energy Center, is electric on game day. With the Wild’s 15-8-4 record and roster featuring stars like Zach Parise, Eric Staal and Ryan Suter, it is the place to be on a Friday night. Or Saturday. Or any day in the winter.

Join in and get “Wild” cheering on the Minnesota Wild–it is a no-brainer.

Senior Casey Dudley echoes that sentiment: “It is a good way to support Minnesota and a great place to take a date.”

If you are the friend that everyone cringes at on the dance floor, this one’s for you. The underground Wabasha Street Caves are the perfect place to get your boogie on. Located in St. Paul, the Street Caves host a Swing Night every Thursday. If you are horrendous at dancing, don’t fret–they teach you. It’s another perfect place for a date night or just a fun time dancing to live music with some friends!