As the holiday gatherings and parties start to dwindle down, we look forward to January and the many fun winter events and activities that take place. We cherish the moments that were spent with family and friends and the variety of delicious foods made by everyone. But, as most people agree, it’s time to get back on schedule, start eating a bit healthier and maybe start exercising. But while you get yourself on track and organized don’t forget to add some of these fun events to your calendar!

January 6 – 4th Annual Chad Norsten Memorial Pool Tourney
Come on out for the 4th Annual Chad Norsten Memorial Pool Tourney! There will be a pancake breakfast fundraiser, a silent auction, entertainment, meat raffle, gun raffle and more!

January 6 – Intuition Brewing “Official” Grand Opening
Join in on the fun as Intuition Brewing hosts their official grand opening on January 6th. They will have their full 8 beer lineup on tap, live music with the MadHatters, and a sweet treat for the first 25 guests. Don’t miss it!

Jan 12-Feb 11 – Spicer Winterfest
The 39th annual Spicer WinterFest will take place between January 12th – February 11th, 2024. It will start with the construction of our WinterFest ice castle on January 12th (weather permitting). Other fun events include the WinterFest Family Fun Day with fireworks, the 6th Annual Kids Ice Fishing Derby, Green Lake Pond Hockey Tournament, Polar Plunge, WinterFest Fire on Ice dance featuring Fat City All-Stars, and so much more. Find the details to these events below.

January 14 – Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra
Enjoy another amazing performance by the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra with guests artists Pitnarry Shin, Kyo-Young Kim, and Orion Kim. They will be performing Bethoven’s Triple Concerto, Mozart’s Idomeneo Overture, and Symphony No 103, E-flat major by Haydn. Tickets are available online and at the door.

January 20 – Central MN Pond Racing
Get your snowmobile ready for some racing action during the Central Minnesota Pond Racing event that will take place on Green Lake in front of Zorbaz. If you’re not a snowmobile racer yourself, you can still come and watch all the action starting at 11:00am. Free admission to spectators!

January 21 – 6th Annual Kids Ice Fishing Derby
All kids ages 15 years and younger are welcome to participate in this annual ice fishing derby on Green Lake. Registration starts at noon at Pirrotta Park with lunch at 3:30pm and prize drawings at 4:00pm.

Jan 27-28 – Green Lake Pond Hockey Tournament
Gather your team and sign up for the Green Lake Pond Hockey Tournament! A friendly competition of 4 on 4 hockey on the Spicer outdoor rink at Prairie Meadows Preschool.

January 27 – Polar Plunge into Green Lake
The Polar Plunge is back in Spicer for the 19th year in a row! The Willmar/Spicer Plunge has raised over $1,031,740 in its 18-year history. In 2023, 249 Plungers raised $67,155! The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota. All funds raised by Plungers help Special Olympics Minnesota provide year-round training and services to thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. So register today, if you dare to jump into the freezing waters of Green Lake!

January 27 – WinterFest Family Fun Day
The WinterFest Family Fun Day is an afternoon filled with fun activities for the whole family including sledding, ice skating, kick sledding, hay ride, kid’s crafts & indoor activities, live music by Ava Hanson and a bonfire with s’mores before ending with fireworks at 6pm!

January 27 – Battle of the Businesses Curling Event
All are welcome to this free, introductory curling event. Sign up your business and team members on the Glacial Ridge Curling website. Their curling instructors will teach you how to curl and will be on the ice during your games. Donations are welcome and will go towards the new curling facility for the Glacial Ridge Curling Club.

January 27 – Spicer Winterfest Fire on Ice Dance
Enjoy a night of music and dancing with Fat City All-Stars on the patio of O’Neil’s. This is a 21+ event so you will need your ID to enter. Admission is $10.00 (cash only).

And continuing throughout the month of January are Willmar WarHawk Home Games and Kandi Kane Lane at the Museum (thru Jan. 5th). More events will be added to our community calendar throughout the month. So for the most udpated listing of events, please see our Events Calendar.