Bring on Winter Solstice

2020 has been a year full of many firsts. For some of us, this was the first time we had the opportunity to work from home, where we could roll out of bed and straight to work in our living rooms, avoiding morning traffic and stuffy dress pants. For others, this was the first time we used Zoom to meet with twenty family members at one time for the holidays. This year also happens to have another special first. The great conjunction, when Saturn and Jupiter align in the night sky, is taking place on Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. 

At Valleyfair, our team loves the hustle and bustle of the busy summer season, but we enjoy soaking up the slower and colder Winter season that officially starts today! We asked our team members to share some of their favorite winter traditions so you and your family can stay busy from now until Spring.

Matt - Food & Beverage
There is plenty of excitement in the winter with so many hiking spots around the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. My kids and I also enjoy hitting up the slopes to go skiing and snowboarding.

Rachel - Youth Events
Nearly every winter when I was a kid, my family would visit my grandparents in Florida, and we'd usually include a theme park on the trip. I always loved seeing all the holiday decorations and celebrations, and I'm confident that this is where my love of the season was born. After working at the parks in Orlando for a few years, I've made it a point to continue the tradition, donning my best holiday sweater to enjoy the festivities!

Tricia - Human Resources 
My family has started the tradition of doing a horse-drawn sleigh ride every year around the start of winter/Christmas. I LOVE how the first few snowfalls look on trees as the snow piles up on them, accentuating all the branches, and it just looks so crisp and clean. Winter means downhill skiing! My family and I take a trip to the UP (upper peninsula) in Michigan every year to ski together and drink hot turtles in the chalet.

Ryan - Entertainment 
One tradition in my family is gathering together on Christmas Eve and watching 'A Christmas Story'. It was my favorite Christmas movie as a child, and I have kept the tradition over the years, whether my family is together or apart.

Do you have any favorite winter traditions that weren't mentioned here? Be sure to share them with us on social media. Just tag us @ValleyfairMN.