Highlights this week include:
Nov. 12-13, Mankato
Natural Healing & Psychic Expo
Nov. 11-13, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Holiday Boutique at U.S. Bank Stadium
Nov. 12, Brainerd
Holiday Arts and Craft Festival & Theology on Tap
Nov. 12-13, Park Rapids
Winter Wonderland's Snowflake & Candy Canes Holiday Show
Nov. 11-13, Grand Marais
Lake Superior Storm Festival
[Southern] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
Nov. 10-12, Madison
Norsefest
Highlights of Norsefest include a lutefisk supper, lutefisk-eating contest, variety show, Norsefest Craft Fair and Scandinavian Arts Fair. Prairie Arts Center. 320-598-7301, 612-508-3361
Nov. 12, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call In Wild Owls
Experience wild owls outdoors, after dark! Experts will teach you how to call owls, and explain why calling shouldn't be done regularly in the same area. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957
Nov. 12, Elba
Tundra Swan Watch Field Trip
Learn about tundra swans during a short presentation, then caravan through the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area to Weaver Bottoms on the Mississippi River to observe tundra swans. Binoculars, spotting scopes and handouts will be available. Bring your own transportation. Whitewater State Park. 507-932-3007
Nov. 12-13, Mankato
Natural Healing & Psychic Expo
The Natural Healing Expo is focused on sharing organic approaches to healing body, mind & spirit, with over 40 exhibitors including health and wellness providers, psychic medium keynote speakers, dozens of workshops, many intuitive consultants, energy & light healers, specialty gift products, and spirituality resources. Courtyard by Marriott Event Center. 507-340-6809
Nov. 18-20, Morton
Beneath the Village Wreath
Beneath the Village Wreath includes a variety of activities and events including a craft show, steak fry, visits and pictures with Santa, bingo, the Tree of Lights ceremony, cookie-baking contest, ornament decorating, scavenger hunt, ornament hunt, and a Sunday brunch. 507-697-6912
Nov. 19, Harmony
Holiday Fest Art, Craft and Gift Expo
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at the Holiday Fest Art, Craft and Gift Expo with more than 35 vendors selling a variety of handcrafted or brand name goods. Fillmore Central School. 507-886-2469
Nov. 25-27, Rochester
Here Comes Santa Claus & Festival of Trees
On Friday evening, Nov. 25, head to Old City Hall for “Here Comes Santa Claus,” downtown Rochester’s cherished holiday tradition featuring appearances by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, local celebrities, live entertainment, and the Peace Plaza tree lighting ceremony. And don't miss the Festival of Trees held Nov. 25-27 at the Mayo Civic Center. This treasured event features live entertainment, shopping in the Gift Thyme Shoppe, a unique silent auction, tasty treats at the Holiday Café, children's holiday carnival and crafts, the Totally Awesome 80s Party, and breathtaking holiday trees! 507-216-9882, 507-289-8683
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Oct. 30 - Jan. 15, Minneapolis
Martin Luther: Art and the Reformation
Five hundred years ago, one man took a stand that shook Europe and changed the world. Now you can see the story of Martin Luther and the Reformation brought to life through astonishing artwork and historical objects, traveling outside Germany for the first time ever. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000, 612-870-3131
Nov. 5 - Feb. 25, St. Paul
Night Trains
See the many museum layouts in a magical way, with the lights turned down and the buildings and street lights glowing warmly creating a festive setting for the vintage passenger trains adorned with miniature Christmas lights and decorations. Twin City Model Railroad Museum. 651-647-9628
Nov. 10-13, Shakopee
Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair
View handcrafted items by hundreds of the nation's finest artists and crafters. Also enjoy stage entertainment, hourly gift certificate giveaways, and plenty of food & drink. Canterbury Park. 402-331-2889
Nov. 11-13, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Holiday Boutique at U.S. Bank Stadium
Shop hundreds of booths and find the latest trends in apparel, décor, jewelry, seasonal gifts, gourmet foods & more! Also enjoy Project Runways' by Christopher Straub, Girls' Night Out, Country Girl Night, and The Festival of Trees. Don't miss the brand new Minneapolis Holiday Boutique on the concourse level of U.S. Bank Stadium! 952-933-3850
Nov. 12, Minneapolis
Global Chili Cook-Off
Sample 12 chili recipes crafted by the chefs of Midtown Global Market restaurants then vote for your favorite during the 10th Annual Global Chili Cook-Off. Midtown Global Market. 612-872-4041
Nov. 12 - April 9, Chaska
Bruce Munro: Winter Light at the Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will glow after dark this winter when it hosts the stunning evening exhibition Bruce Munro: Winter Light at the Arboretum. The exhibition features five unique installations outdoors, one suspended light triad sculpture indoors, plus a series of immersive, sensory audio-visual animations. Munro’s solo shows have attracted more than a million visitors since the first exhibition in 2012.
Nov. 13, St. Paul
Saint Martin's Day Celebration
Saint Martin's Day activities include lantern-making, live music, dance performances, crafts, treats, and a lantern parade through Rice Park led by St. Martin on horseback! Landmark Center. 651-292-3225
Nov. 18-20, St. Louis Park
Gamer's Rhapsody 2016
Gamer's Rhapsody is a video game convention featuring local and national performers of video game and nerd music, independent game developers, cosplayers, tournaments, and more. The 3rd Annual Gamer's Rhapsody will include a talent show, string music clinic, 24-hour game jam, and vendors. DoubleTree by Hilton Park Place. 952-484-9482
Nov. 18 - Dec. 31, Stillwater
Hometown for the Holidays
Stillwater's historic Main Street comes alive with Christmas lights, decorations and events! Highlights include caroling, Victorian Teas at historic inns, B & B tours, free horse-drawn wagonette rides along the river, a twinkle parade with live music and Santa, live reindeer, Breakfast with Santa, holiday cooking classes, shopping specials, and more! 651-351-1717
Nov. 18-20, Minneapolis
Outdoor Adventure Expo
The 63rd Bi-Annual Outdoor Adventure Expo features the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Beer and Gear Social Night & Raffle, environmental organizations, over 65 exhibitors, great deals on great gear, a children's area & Passport to Adventure games with prizes, outdoor clubs, and more than 100 presentations! Midwest Mountaineering.
Nov. 19, Dayton and Victoria
Bird Banding
See wild song birds safely trapped, studied, and tagged with numbered rings. Held at Eastman Nature Center and Lowry Nature Center. 763-694-7700, 763-694-7650
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Patton Oswalt at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Nov. 11
A Drag Queen Christmas at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 18
PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 19
The Fray with American Authors at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 22
Tonic Sol-Fa at the Loft Stage in Woodbury, Nov. 25
The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 28
The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night Time (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 29 - Dec. 4
Jim James at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 1
Disney on Ice presents Passport To Adventure at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Dec. 1-4
Iggy Azalea at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Dec. 2
The New Standards at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 2
Seussical at the Loft Stage in Woodbury, Dec. 2-11
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 4
KDWB Jingle Ball at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Dec. 5
Stevie Nicks at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Dec. 6
Donnie & Marie at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Dec. 9
The Blenders at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 9-11
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Presented by Hallmark Channel at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 10
Monster Jam at the U. S. Bank Stadium, Dec. 10-11
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
Nov. 12, Brainerd
Holiday Arts and Craft Festival
The Holiday Arts and Craft Festival features more than 150 artists and crafters selling quality handmade items! Brainerd High School. 218-454-6926
Nov. 12, Brainerd
Theology on Tap
Expand your horizons during this informal gathering of area Catholics. All denominations are welcome. This event usually draws a full house so arrive early if you wish to eat. The Last Turn Saloon. 218-829-4856
Nov. 12, Fergus Falls
Holiday Art, Craft & Home Show
The Holiday Art, Craft & Home Show will include a wide array of vendors selling holiday and home decor, beauty products, jewelry, clothing, health and wellness goods, and much more! West Ridge Mall. 218-739-4439
Nov. 18-20, Nisswa
Grand Brewfest
The weekend kicks off Friday evening with an on-site Pub Crawl of Northwoods Pub, Freddy’s Grill and Cru. Each location will be have a different theme and live music. Saturday activities include a one-mile beer run/walk, brewery masterminds meet & greet, classes, demos, and of course, the Grand Tasting featuring some of the state's finest brew. Grand View Lodge. 218-963-2234
Nov. 19, Willmar
Holidaze Parade
The 10th Annual Holidaze Parade, a Christmas parade with lights and decorated floats, will travel through downtown Willmar beginning at 6:30pm, with family fun and activities from 2-10 p.m. 320-222-2020
Nov. 25 - Dec. 4, Little Falls
Little Falls Christmas Tours
Tour the Burton-Rosenmeier home (1903), Linden Hill Mansions (1898), Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site (1906), and the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame, all decked out for the holidays! 320-616-4959, 800-325-5916
Northwest Minnesota
Nov. 11-20 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays), Bemidji
"Mary Poppins" Musical
Bemidji Community Theater presents the classic musical theater production of “Mary Poppins,” a family comedy about a magical nanny that comes to work for a banker and his unhappy family. Historic Chief Theatre. 218-751-7270
Nov. 12, Longville
"Does Only" Holiday Champagne Breakfast
Kick-off the holiday season with fellow "does" while the "bucks" are out deer hunting, and enjoy a champagne breakfast, style show, silent auction, shopping, door prizes and more! This 15th annual event will be spectacular! Patrick's. 218-363-2630
Nov. 12-13, Park Rapids
Winter Wonderland's Snowflake & Candy Canes Holiday Show
This 4th Annual Park Rapids Arts & Crafts event features unique handcrafted treasures, holiday season and gift items, as well as fun children’s activities. Century School. 218-252-3904
Nov. 19, Moorhead
Pangea - Cultivate Our Cultures
This fun, one-day event embraces the diverse cultures in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Enjoy a wide variety of cultural performances, sample a great selection of delicious foods, and celebrate the many backgrounds of the community. Hjemkomst Center. 218-299-5511
Nov. 19 - Dec. 17, Baudette
Frost Fest
The month-long celebration of the holidays kicks off on Nov. 19 with a huge craft and vendor fair, downtown window walk, community dinner, tree lighting, lighted parade with fish houses, floats and music. 218-634-1174
Nov. 25-26, Walker
Festival of Lights
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season and partake in the true meaning of giving. The town will be lit up by an array of holiday floats and the lighting of the city and park, and there will be live music, a performance of It's a Wonderful Life, children's Christmas Party, horse and wagon rides, and visits and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 218-547-1313
Northeast Minnesota
Nov. 10-19, Duluth
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Performed in The Underground. On the fog-bound streets of Victorian-era London, Henry Jekyll's experiments with exotic "powders and tinctures" have brought forth his other self-Edward Hyde, a sensualist and villain free to commit the sins Jekyll is too civilized to comprehend. When Hyde meets a woman who stirs his interest, Jekyll fears for her life and decides to end his experiments. But Hyde has other ideas, and so the two sides battle each other in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse to determine who shall be the master and who his slave. The Duluth Playhouse's Underground Theatre. 218-733-7555, 218-733-7577
Nov. 11-13, Lutsen
Fall Food & Wine Weekend
Chef Judi Barsness joins Lutsen Resort's Chef Rob for another fabulous weekend of delicious food and fun. Enjoy Friday night Food & Wine Pairings, a Saturday night Six-Course Dinner, and Sunday morning Champagne Brunch. Lutsen Resort. 855- 286-3066
Nov. 11-13, Grand Marais
Lake Superior Storm Festival
There’s nothing quite like a November gale — wind howling, icy waves lashing the rocks, and the shiver of awe running down your spine. Treat yourself to a storm-season retreat before the bedlam of the holidays begins. This event honors the power and wild beauty of Lake Superior with a trivia radio show, Taking Fashion by Storm show, annual Wave Dash, Edmund Fitzgerald presentation, painting and wine class, the Spirits of Lake Superior Shipwreck Dinner, concert with Gordon Lightfoot hits, and more! 218-387-2524
Nov. 18-20, Grand Marais
Winterer's Gathering & Arctic Film Festival
Celebrate the crafts, customs, landscape, history and stories of winter travel and traditional ways of life in northern Minnesota. Highlights include the Arctic Film Festival, Harbor Side Winter Tent Camp, poetry slam, courses, workshops, gear swap, Snowshoe Shuffle Dance, Winter Skills Seminars, Deep Freeze Chili Feed, and more. 218-387-9762
Nov. 19 - Dec. 26, Duluth
Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"
Billed as America’s Largest Free Walk-Through Lighting Display, Bentleyville invites guests to stroll under the glow of over 4 million lights in a 20-acre park on the shores of Lake Superior while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and roasted marshmallows! Get your photo taken with Rudolph, and visit with Santa to share your Christmas wishes (kids 10 and under will receive a new knit hat after visiting with Santa). Mrs. Claus will also be at Bentleyville to tell stories and hand out candy canes. New unwrapped toy or nonperishable food donations are encouraged. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-740-3535
Nov. 25-26, Ely
Ely Greenstone Holiday Fantasy Arts & Crafts Fair
Ely Arts & Heritage Center will be the site of a two-day art fair. Also enjoy a Christmas parade, holiday decorations throughout the Ely's historic Pioneer Mine, Small Town Christmas specials at downtown merchants, and more! 800-777-7281
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