Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato
Highlights this week include:
Nov. 25-27, Red Wing
Yuletide Villagefest & Holiday Stroll
Nov. 25-27, Excelsior
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
Nov. 25, Aitkin
World Famous Fish House Parade
Nov. 25-26, Walker
Festival of Lights
Nov. 25-26, Ely
Ely's Holiday Fantasy Arts & Crafts Fair, Parade, and Tree Lighting Ceremony
[Southern] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
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
Nov. 25-27, Red Wing
Yuletide Villagefest & Holiday Stroll
Yuletide Villagefest is a celebration featuring a Village Market in Central Park, as well as seasonal events throughout Red Wing’s historic downtown. Yuletide Villagefest is reminiscent of traditional European holiday villages and markets filled with traditional foods, spirits, music, gifts, and events. On Nov. 25, also enjoy Red Wing’s annual Holiday Stroll in downtown Red Wing. This old-fashioned Christmas celebration includes a lighted parade, fireworks, live penguins, community caroling, holiday postcard-making, live music, fire dancers, live nativity, reindeer sleigh rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa and movie at the Sheldon, ice carving, cookie decorating, and commemorative ornaments! 507-993-0381
Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, Mankato
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Kiwanis Holiday Lights features animated light displays, musical entertainment, visits with Santa and his live reindeer, a Tribute to the Troops, and decorated trees by local non-profit groups. Kicking-off the festivities is the Kiwanis Holiday Lights parade followed by a brief Lighting Ceremony at Sibley Park. Check the Kiwanis Holiday Lights calendar to learn of other special events and activities taking place during. 507-385-9129
Nov. 26, Cannon Falls
Deck the Falls
Fill your senses with the sights, sounds and tastes of the holidays with the Deck the Falls parade, community tree lighting, seasonal music, visits with Santa, craft show, toy parade, make-and-take crafts for the kids, and Holiday Open Houses. Complete details with local merchant specials. 507-263-2289
Dec. 2-4, Luverne
Winterfest
Enjoy Winterfest festivities including a huge craft show with more than 100 vendors, the Festival of Trees at Carnegie Cultural Center, wine & beer tasting, Nutcracker Scavenger Hunt, pictures with Santa, Santa's Workshop with make-and-take projects for the kids, puppet show, the Sounds of Christmas at the Historic Palace Theatre, free movie, outdoor winter activities, historical events, tours, and much more. 507-283-4061
Dec. 3, Arlington
Arli-Dazzle
The Arli-Dazzle parade is considered by some to be the largest lighted Christmas parade in Minnesota with over 100 spectacular holiday Units including Santa and his reindeer-- fire pits will warm onlookers along the way. Throughout the day enjoy Breakfast with Santa, horse drawn sleigh rides, the Bethlehem Express, snowball baseball games, and an overnight Fish House Camp -- bring your fish house and stay the night! 507-964-2378, 507-964-2378
Dec. 10, Austin
Christmas in the County
Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, including the Christmas in the County bake sale, silent auction, horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides, raffle, children's activities, cookie decorating, homemade chili, lights display, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Mower County Historical Society. 507-437-6082
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. 12 - Jan. 8, Minneapolis
Nordic Holidays: Celebrations of Light
Nordic Holidays: Celebrations of Light at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) is an annual exhibition that showcases Nordic and other holiday traditions through decorated rooms in the historic Turnblad Mansion. The rooms are designed by groups from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway to reflect their own distinctive customs. This year, the ASI has partnered with the Jewish community to learn more about Hanukkah and their light-filled celebrations. Also enjoy special exhibitions, family-friendly programs and activities during Nordic Holidays. And on Dec. 3 & 4, don't miss Julmarknad 2016, the largest holiday weekend at the historic Turnblad Mansion, with Nordic music and dance groups, the Julmarknad Handcraft Fair with handmade items by nearly 40 local artists, Swedish meatballs, glögg, a bake sale, family projects, and story time with the Julmarknad Fairy - maybe even Tomte and Santa too! American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
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. 25 & 26, Chanhassen
Keri Noble: A Very Special Christmas
Once again, singer-songwriter and Cities 97 radio personality Keri Noble returns to perform her very special holiday concert, “A Very Special Christmas.” The concert features an assortment of songs from Keri’s holiday album, “More Than Santa,” and this year they are adding an assortment of new holiday songs to delight audiences. Celebrate the season with Keri and friends. Other upcoming holiday shows include the Rock & Roll Christmas Show, Dec. 1-4 & Dec. 8-11, and Home for the Holidays - A Kat Perkins Christmas, Dec. 17 & 18. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Nov. 25-27, Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
Taylors Falls, the "Christmas Card Village," presents their Lighting Festival with the Grand Lighting and Santa Parade, free wagon rides, Holiday Booya, Mrs. Claus at the library, Santaland, holiday craft fairs, a medallion hunt, puppet show, cash bingo, Green Fire Irish Dancers & ceili dancing, a performance by the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, and more! 715-554-3530
Nov. 25-27, Excelsior
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
The annual Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a three-day Christmas festival to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy the Grande Parade, visit with friends at the Biergarten, and browse the open-air market filled with delicious treats, German traditional gifts and unique treasures. KinderWorld, a Sugar Plum Fairy-themed center, offers puppet shows, live music, storytelling, and fun activities. Excelsior Brewing Company parking lot. Complete details. 952-292-8898
Nov. 25 - Dec. 23, Minneapolis
Holidazzle
Holidazzle will return to Loring Park for the second straight year with 17 days of holiday festivities. On Nov. 25, enjoy an Opening Celebration with holiday lighting, a musical performance, and a fireworks display. Other highlights include Kids Zone games and activities, photos with Santa, outdoor movie nights, bonfires and warming houses, fireworks, local music performances, ice skating, and a wide array of amazing cuisine, refreshments & merchandise vendors. Loring Park. 612-376-7669, 612-338-3807
Dec. 3, St. Paul
Grand Meander
Grand Meander is a St. Paul tradition that captures the charm of historic Grand Avenue and the cozy communal spirit of the holidays. Pick up your Christmas tree, have breakfast with Santa, hear carolers, hop on a classic trolley, and meander from store to store along the 20-block length of St. Paul's Grand Avenue. Complete details. 651-699-0029
Dec. 3-4, St. Paul
Horse Crazy Holiday Market
The fourth annual two-day equine-themed marketplace is filled with over 100 vendors, artisans & exhibitors featuring gifts, goods and services for horse-lovers (and for dog-lovers, too!). Minnesota State Fairgrounds Coliseum.
Dec. 3-11 (Saturdays and Sundays), Farmington
Christmas in the Village
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will be the theme throughout the village this year. The horse-drawn trolley will transport you through the village streets as you explore the traditions of Christmas 1900s style. Join in the caroling, warm yourself by an inviting wood-burning stove, delight in the demonstrations of woodworking, blacksmithing, printmaking and holiday cooking as villagers prepare for Christmas. A Christmas Carol will be performed twice each day. And don’t forget to visit St. Nicholas! All are welcome to drive through the Village any evening during the month of December to enjoy the buildings illuminated with holiday lights. Dakota City Heritage Village. 651-460-8050
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Tonic Sol-Fa at the Loft Stage in Woodbury, Nov. 25
The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 28
The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night Time (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, 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
Fun Home -Touring at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 13-18
Smokey Robinson at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Dec. 17
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
Nov. 25, Aitkin
World Famous Fish House Parade
The 26th Annual World Famous Fish House Parade travels the streets of downtown Aitkin at 1 p.m. The day kicks-off with the Fish House 5K, followed by an arts and crafts fair at the “old” Aitkin Furniture building, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Butler Building. 218-927-2316
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
Nov. 26, Wadena
Wadena Christmas Festival
This one day Christmas Festival features a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, carriage rides, live music, great food, and over 80 exhibitors offering a variety of great products. Wadena Deer Creek Elementary Gymnasium. 218-632-7704
Dec. 3, Forest City
Pioneer Christmas
The 21st Annual Pioneer Christmas includes a variety of festivities and activities including pioneer crafts, visits with Santa, Christmas carolers, demonstrations, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tours of all of the historic buildings, a winter encampment with a tepee, and homemade beef or sausage stew, fry bread, lefse, ice cream and more! Forest City Stockade. 320-693-8184
Dec. 3, St. Joseph
Blind Boys of Alabama, featuring Liz Vice
A Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas show is a roof-raising celebration of the season! From humble beginnings, the group has borrowed from old musical traditions to forge a new gospel sound for the 21st century, collaborating with artists like Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver), Patty Griffin, and Taj Mahal. Escher Auditorium at the College of St. Benedict. 320-363-5777
Dec. 9-11, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Winter Nights & Lights Festival
Enhance your holiday spirit during the Winter Nights & Lights Festival. On Saturday, Dec. 10, don't miss Winter Wonderland at Lake George with arts & crafts, cookie decorating, penguin exhibit and hayrides, the downtown Capital One Skywalker Parade, and the Capital One Winter Blast at Capitol One with indoor and outdoor activities, a fishing house, and performance by the Teddy Bear Band. 320-251-4170
Northwest Minnesota
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, Bemidji
The Night We Light & First City of Lights Celebration
Festivities during the annual "Night We Light" celebration include pictures with Santa at Santa's Workshop, the First City of Lights tour of homes, the First City of Lights parade, and the Night We Light bonfire with cookies and hot chocolate. 218-444-4401
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
Nov. 26, Longville
Old-Fashioned Christmas & Lighting Celebration
Longville lights up for the holidays during this annual event with horse-drawn wagon rides, Christmas carols, bonfires, hot chocolate and hotdogs, visits with Santa, and of course, the lighting of the town Christmas tree! 218-363-2630
Dec. 1-4, Bemidji
Madrigal Dinners
Singers will recreate the atmosphere of a renaissance feast once held in English castles, bringing to life the regal pageantry and ceremonial pomp of Merrie Olde England. The evening features music from the Royal Court, minstrels, beggars, cellar keepers, recorders, and a masque presented by the King’s Players –– all while guests enjoy a five-course dinner. Beaux Arts Ballroom at Bemidji State’s Hobson Memorial Union. 218-755-3406
Dec. 2, Mahnomen
Phil Vassar's Holiday & Hits Show
It will be "Just Another Day in Paradise" when you hear country artist Phil Vassar perform his top hits such as "Carlene" and "Six-Pack Summer." Vassar is a two-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year winner. Shooting Star Casino. 800-313-7469
Dec. 3, Detroit Lakes
Travis Ledoyt
Travis Ledoyt flawlessly captures the essence of Elvis in his prime. His Christmas with the King Show includes Elvis' greatest hits plus holiday favorites. Holmes Theatre. 218-847-4221
Dec. 10, Detroit Lakes
An Andy & Bing Christmas
A wondrous night of Christmas classics with a 16 member band performing the timeless holiday hits of Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. Holmes Theatre. 218-847-4221
Northeast Minnesota
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 holiday decorations throughout Ely's historic Pioneer Mine, and Small Town Christmas specials at downtown merchants. And on Saturday, Nov. 26, don't miss Ely's Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Whiteside Park! 800-777-7281
Nov. 25-27, Duluth
AMSOIL Duluth National Snocross
Then annual AMSOIL Duluth National Snocross features the world's best snowmobile drivers as they push the limit during the Pro-Am races. Spirit Mountain. 218-722-4011, 800-4-DULUTH
Nov. 25 - Jan. 8, Duluth
A Glensheen Christmas
This is your chance to see a 39-room mansion all decked out for the holidays with over 25 Christmas Trees, hundreds of feet of garland and small hidden elves for you to discover. Tours during A Glensheen Christmas are your Christmas by day holiday activity! 218-726-8910, 888-454-GLEN
Dec. 2-4, Knife River
Julebyen: A Scandinavian Christmas Village
The Julebyen Christmas Village is a Nordic tradition on Minnesota's North Shore! Enjoy the Friday night Julefest Food Experience with special children’s menu, cash bar, special Julebiers, live music by “The Fish Heads,” and silent auction of juried artisan wares. Saturday and Sunday highlights include the Julebyen Christmas village showcasing select an outdoor market, indoor artisan fair, children's activities, Scandinavian cuisine, sleigh rides, sledding, live music and storytelling, dog sledding demonstrations, photos with Santa, and much more! If you take the train from Duluth on the North Shore Scenic Railroad to Knife River, watch to see if there's a troll under the bridge. Complete details. 218-834-6938
Dec. 3, Pine City
Holiday Madness & Christmas Carol Parade
Pine City kicks-off the holiday season with an exciting day filled with the Ugly Sweater Run, chili cook-Off, lighted Christmas Carol-themed parade, markets at local churches, boutique at the American Legion, campfires in the park, community sing-a-long, lighted parade, the lighting of the tree, and Holiday Madness deals at merchants throughout town. 320-322-4040
Dec. 9-11, Duluth
Arrowhead Ice Fishing, Snowmobile & Winter Show
Head to the Arrowhead Ice Fishing, Snowmobile & Winter Show to view the newest winter sports products including Ice fishing houses, equipment, snowmobiles, gifts and more. Other highlights include free photos in a life-sized snow globe, free fishing for prizes at the Frozen Basin, educational seminars, and a chance to feed the animals at the animal exhibit. Hang out during the day then head over to the Bentleyville in the evening! Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. 952-431-9630
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