Minot, North Dakota, is in the northwestern region of the state and is home to Scandinavian Heritage Park, which features monuments to Scandinavian countries. When wintertime arrives in Minot, its citizens often resort to indoor entertainment that allows them to escape the city's frigid weather.
The winter months are when Minot State University Beaver's hockey team plays games at Maysa Arena, which is in southern Minot. The season runs from September through February. Most hockey games occur at night on the weekdays, but afternoon games happen on the weekends. The university's men and women's basketball teams play their games in the winter at the MSU Dome on campus. Basketball season for the men's and women's squads runs from November through March. Concessions, such as popcorn and soft drinks, are available at the athletic events. Minot State University students get free admission to the games if they have their student IDs with them.
The Renaissance Christmas Feast occurs annually in the month of December and features live music entertainment from the Minot Chamber Chorale singers. The singers perform holiday tunes while dressed in Renaissance-era garb. Minot citizens are free to audition for the Minot Chamber Chorale, since it is a volunteer-operated organization. Guests at the feast dine on steak and chicken entrees while listening the holiday carols. Jesters provide comedy entertainment. During certain moments of the evening, the singers and jesters encourage audience members to participate in the performance. The festival has been a Minot Christmas tradition since 1973 and it is hosted at the convention center inside the Holiday Inn off Burdick Expressway.
The Taube Museum of Art is on the northern edge of downtown Minot and is open year-round on Mondays through Saturdays. This art museum is housed in a 1925 building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A large Rubik's Cube is by the museum's front entrance and the art galleries consist of pieces from local and national artists. The art museum also hosts live theatrical performances from the Mouse River Players during the winter. Annual winter events hosted by the museum include the Holiday Tour of Homes. The festival ends with a reception at the museum.
