As the year winds down and winter winds pick up, the neighborhoods surrounding Waterbury House transform into a festive hub of lights, gatherings, and seasonal charm. Living at Waterbury House means you’re just steps away from some of the Twin Cities’ most beloved holiday markets, ice-skating traditions, and special events — making the holidays easier, more joyful, and distinctly local.
1. Uptown Holiday Market & Winter Village
Just a short stroll from your home, the Uptown Holiday Market returns for the 2025 season with vendors, crafts, live music, and various baked goods. Held in the Midtown Greenway/Excelsior corridor, it’s the ideal spot to pick out unique gifts or enjoy a warming beverage before heading home to your rooftop fire-pit lounge.
Residents at Waterbury House enjoy easy access (no parking hassle) and the luxury of retreating for a fireside chat immediately afterward — a perfect blend of downtown energy and residential comfort.
2. Skating at Lake of the Isles — A Holiday Classic
When the ice freezes and the rink lights turn on, Lake of the Isles becomes one of Minneapolis’s most iconic winter destinations. Maintained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the lake features a large, outdoor skating rink plus a warming house for visitors.
Whether you’re lacing up for your first glide or joining friends for pond hockey, the experience captures the spirit of Twin Cities winters. From Waterbury House it’s minutes away, making spontaneous skating outings just as easy as lounging at home.
3. Loppet Winter Festival at Lake of the Isles
Looking for one of the most magical winter events in Minneapolis? The City of Lakes Luminary Loppet Festival (Feb. 1, 2026) transforms Lake of the Isles into a glowing winter wonderland with more than 1,200 candlelit luminaries, dazzling ice sculptures, and fire dancers. This one-of-a-kind Minnesota winter festival invites visitors to walk across the frozen lake, sip hot cocoa, roast s’mores, and take in the art and atmosphere.
The evening culminates at the Luminary Party, featuring Utepils Brewing beer, live music, roaring fires, and a welcoming crowd—making it the perfect night to celebrate winter and connect with the Minneapolis community.
Residents at Waterbury House can leave the car at home and ride nearby trails for the event, then hop back to the Sky Lounge for warm drinks and a change of scenery above the city.
4. Winter Solstice Celebration at the American Swedish Institute
For a cultural experience that captures the spirit of the season, visit the Winter Solstice Celebration at the American Swedish Institute.
Located just 10 minutes from Waterbury House, this annual event blends Scandinavian tradition with Minnesota charm. Guests can enjoy luminary walks, live music, holiday crafts, and traditional Nordic treats in a beautifully lit courtyard. It’s an ideal evening outing to embrace winter’s magic while learning about local heritage.
5. Rooftop Fires & Holiday Brunch at Waterbury House
Don’t forget the in-home experience. Waterbury House’s own rooftop deck and Sky Lounge become especially inviting during the holiday season — with fire pits humming, grill stations ready for hosting, and panoramic views of the Minneapolis lights. The on-site Waterbury Restaurant also offers holiday brunches and seasonal menus, making entertaining friends or family effortless.
6. The Minneapolis European Christmas Market
Experience one of Minneapolis’s most beloved holiday traditions at the Christkindlmarket at North Loop Green. This festive outdoor market brings the magic of a European Christmas to the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, enjoy live performances, and savor classic treats like bratwurst, roasted nuts, and mulled wine—all surrounded by twinkling lights and cozy holiday décor.
Just a short drive or rideshare from Waterbury House, the market makes for a perfect evening outing or weekend tradition for residents who love the season’s warmth and community spirit.
7. Dayton’s Holiday Market at Southdale Center
A beloved Twin Cities holiday tradition is growing this year. The Dayton’s Holiday Market, which has taken place in downtown Minneapolis since 2021, is expanding to a second location at Southdale Center in Edina for the 2025 holiday season.
The new Southdale location brings the nostalgic spirit of the original Dayton’s experience, known for its dazzling décor and community warmth, to a convenient suburban setting just minutes from Waterbury House. Visitors can expect a curated mix of local artisans, handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats, and festive displays, all inspired by the legacy of Dayton’s famed eighth-floor holiday show that delighted Minnesotans for decades.
Whether you’re shopping for thoughtful gifts or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, the new Southdale pop-up offers a fresh way to celebrate one of Minnesota’s most cherished seasonal traditions.
8. Festivities at 50th & France
Just minutes from Southdale, the 50th & France Business District transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season. Their annual celebration features twinkling light displays, festive music, and family-friendly activities that capture the spirit of the holidays in true Edina fashion.
The event’s highlight, Santa at 50th & France, invites families to meet St. Nick, snap photos, and explore the boutique shops and restaurants lining this beloved neighborhood. Visitors can also enjoy carriage rides, hot beverages, and special retail promotions that make it the perfect afternoon outing.
Whether you’re gift shopping, meeting friends for dinner, or simply soaking in the cheerful atmosphere, 50th & France offers an inviting and walkable way to celebrate the season.
Why Holiday Living at Waterbury House Stands Out
- Location advantage: You’re within walking distance of Uptown’s holiday pulse — yet safely tucked away in a residential enclave near Bde Maka Ska.
- Convenience in cold months: With concierge, heated garage, and resident amenities, holiday errands and gatherings become simpler.
- Indoor-outdoor flexibility: When it’s too cold outside, you’ve still got rooftop fire pits and the Sky Lounge; when it’s perfect outside, the deck is ready for gatherings.
- Ease of hosting: Use the on-site restaurant for brunch or dinner, rooftop for entertaining, and the building’s design for year-round gatherings — holiday hosting just became effortless.
Plan Your Holidays
As the holiday season unfolds, residents of West Lake Village and Waterbury House have front-row access to some of Minneapolis’s most festive experiences.
From the early-November kickoff of the Minneapolis Christkindl Market (Nov 21 – Dec 21) at North Loop Green to the one-night celebration of the Winter Solstice Celebration at the American Swedish Institute (Dec 19), these events span the full breadth of the holiday season. Add walking tours along Bde Maka Ska, rooftop fireside gatherings at Waterbury House, and pop-up artisan markets, and you’ll find that every weekend offers something memorable.
What ties all of these together is the effortless access from your residence. Whether you’re heading out for a market, skating with friends, or simply sliding into your rooftop lounge for a quiet moment, there’s no long commute waiting at the end. At Waterbury House, the season’s magic feels just beyond your front door — and that’s what makes this holiday period unique.
