It’s time to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022! There are many options in Rochester this weekend to ring in the New Year and get 2022 off to a great start. Check out these five ideas to celebrate the New Year with family and friends in Rochester, MN:
Take a hike by candlelight. Stay active and embrace Minnesota’s scenic winter beauty at the New Year’s Eve Friday Night Lights hike at Quarry Hill Nature Center. Hikes begin every half hour from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Follow luminaries along a groomed trail to the Prairie House to warm by a bonfire and enjoy the outdoor hot cocoa bar. Pre-registration is required.
Celebrate with all things sparkly. Don’t want to stay up until midnight? Ring in 2022 with the family a bit early at Spark Children’s Museum’s SPARKLE Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. Children of all ages can participate in games, a photo booth, crafts, prizes, and an iconic ball drop. Sparkly attire is encouraged! Advance ticket purchases are required. There are two celebrations to choose from: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 3 p.m.
Roll in the New Year with a night of bowling. Colonial Lanes is hosting two New Year’s Eve parties! Rent a lane and get shoe rentals, pizza, drinks, and party favors. The Family New Year Party is from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., followed by the “Ring in the New Year” party from 9:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Dance the Year Away. Put on your dancing shoes and check out Blue Moon Ballroom’s New Year’s Eve Dance, complete with swing, Latin, ballroom, country, tango and more. Begin with a dance lesson from 8 – 9 p.m. and then enjoy dancing from 9 p.m. until midnight. Adults of all ages as well as high school and college aged students are welcome.
Get a running start on the New Year. TerraLoco is hosting a special New Year’s Day $5 5K on January 1st at 10am. For just five dollars, participants can enjoy a 5K run or walk, with snacks and prizes to follow. Proceeds will help fund TerraLoco’s $5 5K program, which supports local nonprofits with weekly 5K runs during the summer months. The race kicks off at the TerraLoco store at 1190 16th Street SW. Strollers, kids, and dogs are welcome.