Snow has started to accumulate around The Hill and the temperature has started to drop, which means it’s time to either curl up in a warm room or make the trek outside to find something to do in the snow during December and January.

There are a wide variety of activities to keep winter-lovers busy in the Mankato/Saint Peter area during the chilly months. The Kiwanis Holiday Lights are open until Dec. 31 at Sibly Park in Mankato. Warm the car up and drive through the lights or take a walk in the park. There is also a skating rink with a warming house so bring your skates to glide around the ice. There is no price for admission, but cash donations and food shelf donations are being accepted. The light show is open Sunday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5-10 p.m.

Also located in Sibly Park is The Exclusively Diamonds Dash 5K, which will allow you to run through the Kiwanis Holiday Lights. The race starts at 5 p.m. on Dec. 7 and registration is $30.  The top male and female runners will win Exclusively Diamonds gift cards worth $500.

If you want something to do during a warmer, sunny day, check out Mount Kato for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Bring your own skis and snowboards or you can rent some there. If standing and sliding down a hill isn’t your thing, they also have snow tube rentals. For two hours of tubing fun, the price is $17.

If you need something more to do during January Interim Experince, there are plenty of on-campus events to keep you busy outside and inside.  There will be a lot of athletic events to attend for Men & Women’s Hockey, Basketball, Swimming, and Women’s Gymnastics. Be sure to check the College calendar for home and away games.

January is a great time to get a start on your newly-set New Year’s Resolutions by attending the variety of fitness classes offered, including Decade Zumba on Sundays in Alumni Hall, which features different decade themed music each week.

You can also get your friends together and try a new activity like playing Family Feud on Jan. 23 or getting crafty at weekly Monday night Pinterest Parties.

If you are looking to get off campus for a while, there are trips to Mall of America to do some shopping, cheer on the Timberwolves at Target Center, or go to Wow Zone for bowling, laser tag, and mini golf. Be sure to check the College calendar for more details on these trips in early January.

When the next snow falls across campus, grab trays from the Caf and take part in the Gustie tradition of traying down the Old Main hill. Be sure to return your tray to the Caf when you are finished sliding so that this tradition can continue for future Gusties.

Have fun and stay warm this winter, Gusties!

-Erika Clifton