Pillar 2 · Guide to Nisswa
Winter is when Nisswa gets quiet in the best way. The lakes freeze into a white playground, Main Street strings up its lights, and evenings end in a hot tub under the pines. We built this guide to cover the whole season, from Thanksgiving through February, with the dates we've checked for 2026–27.
Dates and hours change in small towns, so confirm before you go.
- Nov 26–27
- City of Lights
- Mount Ski Gull
- XC & snowshoe
- Feb 6 ice fest
- Hot tub nights
Key takeaways
- Thanksgiving (Nov 26) and City of Lights (Fri Nov 27) open the season downtown.
- Holiday markets run mid-November through Christmas Eve.
- Mount Ski Gull tickets open Nov 16, 2026.
- Jaycees Extravaganza: Sat Feb 6, 2027 · Winter Jubilee: Feb 12–14, 2027.
The 2026–27 winter calendar at a glance
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Thu Nov 26 | Thanksgiving | Around Nisswa |
| Fri Nov 27 | City of Lights (schedule TBA) | Downtown Nisswa |
| Nov 13 – Dec 24 | Kringle Market | Brainerd |
| Sat Dec 5 | Ruttger's Christmas Market | Deerwood |
| Dec 11–12 | Off the Rails Christmas Market | Brainerd |
| Sat Dec 12 | Santa's Bobbin' Into Town | Pequot Lakes |
| Tickets Nov 16 | Mount Ski Gull opens | Nisswa |
| Sat Feb 6, 2027 | Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza | Gull Lake |
| Feb 12–14, 2027 | Nisswa Winter Jubilee | Downtown Nisswa |
Thanksgiving at the lake
Hosting 10–14? See Thanksgiving at the Lake and Nisswa in November.
No. 03City of LightsCity of Lights: Friday, November 27
Free evening after Thanksgiving — parade, carolers, cider, Santa, fireworks. Watch the chamber page for the 2026 schedule.
No. 04MarketsChristmas markets & holiday shopping
Kringle Market through Christmas Eve · Off the Rails Dec 11–12 · full list in Christmas Markets · Main Street gifts: Holiday Shopping.
No. 05Mount Ski GullMount Ski Gull: skiing & tubing
Mount Ski Gull — family runs, terrain park, five tubing lanes. Online tickets open Nov 16, 2026.
Beginner to expert, bunny hill, terrain park.
Five lanes; 36" / age 4+; book online.
Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
Northland Arboretum (~15 km groomed XC, some lit) · Paul Bunyan Trail at Clark · Fritz Loven Park for snowshoeing.
No. 07Ice fishingIce fishing & the Jaycees Extravaganza
- Sportland Outdoor Outfitters (formerly Dave's Sportland), 23910 Hazelwood Dr S · DNR ice safety.
- Jaycees Extravaganza: Sat Feb 6, 2027, noon–3, Hole-in-the-Day Bay. Tickets: icefishing.org/tickets.
Winter Jubilee & snowmobiling
Nisswa Winter Jubilee — Feb 12–14, 2027.
Snowmobile conditions: DNR snowmobiling page.
Where to eat — and bringing the dog
Eat Like a Local · restaurants guide · dog deer-season tips.
No. 10StayHot tub nights: staying at the lake
Sleeps 14 — minutes from Ski Gull.
Across from the Paul Bunyan Trail.
Sunroom + gas fireplace.
FAQ
What is there to do in Nisswa in winter?
Mount Ski Gull, Northland Arboretum XC, ice fishing, City of Lights (Fri Nov 27), holiday markets, Winter Jubilee (Feb 12–14, 2027).
When is the 2027 Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza?
Saturday, February 6, 2027, noon–3 on Hole-in-the-Day Bay, Gull Lake.
When does Mount Ski Gull open?
Weather-dependent. Online tickets open Nov 16, 2026.
Are your homes open in winter?
Yes — all four, with year-round hot tubs.
Our best rate, no booking fees, straight from us.
