Headline: Minneapolis-Saint Paul Transforms into Hockey Wonderland for 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship

Hey listeners, welcome to your ultimate guide for what's buzzing in Minneapolis-Saint Paul this weekend during the epic 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship! Today, Friday, kick things off at the Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival, the official fan fest transforming downtown Saint Paul into a hockey wonderland. According to Minnesota Sports and Events, from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Saint Paul RiverCentre and Rice Park, you can hit the Minnesota Wild Street Hockey Rink all day, catch a Saint Paul Police Department Canine Unit Demo at 4 PM, and snag photos with SpongeBob SquarePants at 3, 4, and 5 PM. Family Fun Twin Cities highlights free horse and carriage rides every 20 minutes and Saint Paul Pioneer Press Trolley Rides & Tales every 30 minutes from noon to 4 PM in Rice Park—first come, first served, lines on Market Street. Warm up with cocoa at the PNC Bank Bonfire Zone, spin on Securian Financial Bumper Cars on Ice, or skate the TRIA Skills Rink with free loaner skates. Inside RiverCentre, dive into hands-on exhibits, shop 40 vendors at the Hockey Moms Market, and watch World Juniors games live in the Explore Minnesota Watch Party Room from noon till 9:30 PM.

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 3, the fest runs 12 to 4 PM with the Street Hockey Rink open all day, plus movies like Mighty Ducks 3 at 12:15 PM and Miracle at 2 PM in the Watch Party Room. Trolley and carriage rides continue noon to 4 PM. Swing by James J. Hill House in St. Paul for Holidays on the Hill tours at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:45 PM, reliving Christmas 1910 in a Gilded Age mansion, as listed by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Sunday, January 4, shifts to 2 to 8 PM at RiverCentre with watch parties from 3:30 to 9:30 PM, and Rice Park rides from 2 to 6 PM. Catch ongoing World Juniors action through Monday at Grand Casino Arena, per Enjoy Eagan. For a festive twist, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical tonight and beyond, according to MSP Beyond the Nest. Metro Transit offers free rides to keep it easy.

Whether you're puck-chasing or family adventuring, bundle up and dive into the State of Hockey magic—it's free, fun, and unforgettable!

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