Ice castles; photo by Jim Hoffman
Highlights this week include:
Jan. 7, Red Wing
Peter and Wendy
Jan. 6 - March 14, Stillwater
Ice Castles
Jan. 6-7, Breezy Point
Ice Fest
Jan. 7, Detroit Lakes
Ultra 80s & Older Classic Cruise Snowmobile Ride
Jan. 6-8, Sandstone
Sandstone Ice Festival
[Southern] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
Jan. 7, Red Wing
Peter and Wendy
Working with professional teaching artists, Red Wing youth take the stage to tell the timeless tale of Peter and Wendy. When Captain Hook sends his right-hand man on a quest to capture Peter Pan, it’s seemingly business as usual until Hook realizes what fantastic adventures await him and his pirate posse. Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Jan. 7, Rochester
The Wedding Extravaganza
The 23rd Annual Southeastern Minnesota Wedding Extravaganza brings you over 100 wedding vendors and industry professionals showcasing their products and services. Mayo Civic Center. 507-876-2187, 507-876-0199
Jan. 14, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call In Wild Owls
Learn how to identify local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound with the Owl Center's human and owl staff. Following the indoor portion of the program, participants will carpool to known owl territories to call for eastern screech owls, barred owls, and great horned owls. International Owl Center. Reservations required. 507-896-6957
Jan. 14, Lanesboro
Dinner on the Bluff
Treat yourself to a night of great food and enlightened conversation. Dr. Joshua Lallaman will kick off the evening at 5 p.m. with an engaging presentation on 'Protecting our Water' followed by a delicious gourmet meal! Main Course: Smoked Duck Breast with Black Garlic Aioli. Dessert: Wild Rice Pudding with Wine-Soaked Cranberries. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. 507-467-2437
Jan. 20-21, Worthington
Winterfest
On Friday, Jan. 20, celebrate winter with the Crowning of the Snow Queen, Deep Freeze Dip Turn-In, Chili Cook-off, People’s Choice voting, and Winterfest Social. On Saturday, Jan. 21, enjoy a breathtaking performance by Shapiro & Smith Dance Company at the Memorial Auditorium, as well as a fishing tournament, Pond Hockey tournament, and 2-Mile Winterfest Walk. Most events held at Lake Okabena or the Worthington Event Center. 800-279-2919
Jan. 22, Rochester
Townsend Flea Market
Shop this fabulous market for antiques, collectibles, toys, coins and more! Mayo Civic Center. 507-269-1473
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. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
Nov. 12 - April 9 (Thursdays-Sundays), 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.
Jan. 6 - March 14, Stillwater
Ice Castles
Ice castles is the must-see winter wonderland where fairy tales are brought to life with twinkling lights, magnificent archways and towers, ice-carved tunnels, fountains and slides ready to be explored. By day this frozen castle glimmers with glacial blues and after dark the ice formations create a magical glow. In addition, enjoy Fire Performances on Fridays and Saturdays, and pictures with the Enchanted Ice Princesses on Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more about these and other special events. Lowell Park. 651-351-1717
Jan. 6-8, St. Paul
Land O’Lakes Dog Show
The Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show is an annual AKC Dog Show features everything to do with dogs and the people who love them! Enjoy a busy day of conformation judging plus demonstrations, Meet the Breeds exhibitions, Partners in Performance seminars, displays, organizations, and shopping at the Ringside Market. St. Paul RiverCentre. 651-280-5726; 651-429-4701
Jan. 7, St. Paul
24:00:00 Xtreme Theatre Smackdown 2017
Check out six new plays created in just 24 hours with some of the Twin Cities' most amazing female theatre artists! "The resulting plays could crash and burn, turn out mind-blowingly awesome, or maybe a head-spinning combination of the two." (City Pages). SteppingStone Theatre. 612-721-1186
Jan. 7, Minneapolis
The Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Show
The Dinner Detective is a unique, high-energy interactive murder mystery dinner theater experience that combines an engaging modern-day whodunit with a full four-course meal! Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown. 866-496-0535.
Jan. 10-15, Minneapolis
The Bodyguard
Based on the smash hit film, this romantic thriller features the irresistible classics including “Saving All My Love,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and one of the biggest selling songs of all time, “I Will Always Love You.” Grammy Award-nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox will amaze! Historic Orpheum Theatre. 612-339-7007
Jan. 14, Shorewood
Arctic Fever Winter Fest
Arctic Fever is a fun winter festival for all ages designed to get families and friends outside. Just some of the highlights include dog sled rides, sleigh rides, sledding, skating, snowman and penguin characters, human bowling, snowshoeing, kiteboarding demos, kids' ice fishing, a fat bike race, wagon rides, and Excelsior Brew Party! Most events are free and accompanied by a great bonfire! Various locations in Shorewood and Excelsior. 952-960-7900
Jan. 15, Minneapolis
The Wedding Fair
Gather information, see all that's hot, trendy, new and exciting while gaining advice from nearly 200 of the Twin Cities leading wedding experts. Minneapolis Convention Center. 763-529-1900
Jan. 19-22, Minneapolis
2017 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show
This is the upper Midwest’s best selection of new boats, along with hundreds of booths showcasing the very latest in engines, electronics, fishing gear and accessories. Find your dream boat and everything that goes with it! Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-332-8330
Jan. 26 - Feb. 5, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The 131st Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the "Coolest Celebration on Earth," offers a wide array of fun activities including the Royal Coronation, Grande Day Parade, Outdoor Beer Dabbler, Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt, Kids' Day, Snow Park at Fair, Klondike Kate Cabaret, Saintly City Cat Show, Moon Glow Pedestrian Parade, King Boreas Grande Day Parade, and the Torchlight Parade! Events are held throughout the city, with many centered in downtown Saint Paul in the Landmark Center and Rice Park. Complete list of events. 651-223-7400
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Imomsohard at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 6-7
The Bodyguard - Touring at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 10-15
Art Garfunkel at the Pantages Theatre, Jan. 12
Wayne Brady at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Jan. 13
Chris Christopherson at the Pantages Theatre, Jan. 14
Josh Turner and Joe Nichols at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Jan. 14
Patti LaBelle at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 14
August Burns Red at the Cabooze in Minneapolis, Jan. 15
Jerry Seinfeld at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
Eric Church at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Jan. 20
X Ambassadors at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Jan. 20
1964: The Tribute at the Ames Theatre in Burnsville, Jan. 21
Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Jan. 21
Collective Soul at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Jan. 27
Brian Regan at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 28
Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 28-29
Dawes at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 3
World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 3
Defending the Caveman at the Ames Theatre in Burnsville, Feb. 4
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 4
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
Jan. 6-7, Breezy Point
Ice Fest
The 21st Annual Ice Fest is a celebration of winter with a pancake breakfast, radar run, kids' fishing program, Power Ice Auger World Championship, ice slide, snow golf, bonfires, horse-drawn sleigh rides, fireworks, and live entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings! Most events on Pelican Lake in front of Breezy Point Resort. 218-562-7811
Jan. 6-8, Willmar
New Year's Bonspiel
The 2017 New Year's "Poorman's Cashpiel" Bonspiel features 16 curling teams competing for more than $1000 in prizes. Glacial Ridge Curling. 320-403-3398
Jan. 7, Carlos
Candlelight Event
Enjoy an evening of snowshoeing, skiing or hiking through the park by candlelight and the light of the full moon. Afterwards, warm by the wood stove and enjoy treats in the warming shelter. Weather permitting. Lake Carlos State Park. 320-852-7200
Jan. 14, Hutchinson
Michael Johnson in Concert
Michael Johnson has performed more music and recorded more hits than most know. His music shows a diversity, depth and heart that only comes from years of dedication to a labor of love. Crow River Winery. 320-587-2922
Jan. 14, Isle
Mille Lacs Open
Enjoy a 17 hole indoor golf tournament at participating businesses located on the south and east sides of Lake Mille Lacs. Costumes encouraged! Fun prizes and drawings will be awarded at 7 p.m. at Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort. Pre-Tournament practice starts Jan. 13th at 7 p.m. 320-218-0163
Jan. 21-29, Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
The 2017 Spicer WinterFest features a breathtaking ice structure and slide, ice fishing tournaments, craft sale, 13th Annual Polar Plunge, Frozen 5K Run, WinterFest Kids' Carnival, and horse and buggy rides. On Jan. 21, also enjoy a lighting ceremony with fireworks to celebrate the opening of Spicer’s 2017 WinterFest! Saulsbury Beach. 320-796-8066
Northwest Minnesota
Jan. 6, Mahnomen
Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy hit it big in the 90s with back-to-back Number One Country Hits, "No Doubt About It" and "Wink." His success continued into the late 90s with two more platinum albums and a gold album, as well as six more Top Ten hits, including "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On" and "The Shake." Shooting Star Casino. 800-453-7827
Jan. 6, Bemidji
Candlelight Snowshoe
Experience the winter woods along a candle-lit trail enhanced by the glow of a nearly full moon. The event starts and ends at the Visitors Center where treats and refreshments will be served. Along the way enjoy the magical crackling of a toasty campfire. Snowshoes available for rent. Lake Bemidji State Park. 218-308-2300
Jan. 7, Detroit Lakes
Ultra 80s & Older Classic Cruise Snowmobile Ride
The Detroit Lakes' Ultra Snowmobile Club will holding its first "Classic Ride" of the season for vintage and classic sleds, 1980 and older. The ride is also open to anyone who wants to join in the fun. Enjoy a bonfire for a hot dog roast and a poker run on Cotton Lake. 218-849-3069
Jan. 7, Park Rapids
Itasca's Lantern Lit Snowshoe Event
Snowshoe by the light of the moon and kerosene lanterns along Schoolcraft Trail during this self-guided snowshoe outing. For added fun, bring along your s'mores fixings or hot dogs for cooking at the campfire. Snowshoes available for rent. Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251
Jan. 12-15, Hackensack
Back to Hack Winter Festival
Back to Hack celebrates winter with a variety of activities including the Frostbite Your Fanny 5K Race, ice fishing contest, Penguin Party, Penguin Plunge, pickleball, Frozen Pancake Toss, snow sculpting contest, silent auction, fish fry, bonfire and fireworks. 218-675-6135
Jan. 13, Detroit Lakes
Pump Boys & Dinettes
This Tony Award-nominated Musical is full of hilarity, heartbreak and great songs in a quirky blend of country, swing, rock and jazz. Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-4221
Jan. 14, Bemidji
Berrrmidji Kids Can Fish
Children ages 8-15 can join the park naturalist for an afternoon of perch fishing on Lake Bemidji at Lake Bemidji State Park. Earlier that day, enjoy a free movie at the CEC Bemidji Theatre West -- door prizes will be offered for free airplane rides! 218-208-2300, 218-444-3541
Jan. 21, Detroit Lakes
Chris Koza
Minneapolis based indie/pop singer Chris Koza returns to the stage for a hip and emotionally stirring performance. Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-4221
Northeast Minnesota
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
Nov. 26 - Jan. 15, Grand Rapids
Victorian Christmas at the Historic Gilbert Mansion
Victorian Christmas tours of this 1904 historic mansion, home to one of the most prominent families in the area, will provide access to 17 rooms, along with cookies and hot cider. 218-244-3309
Jan. 6-7, Lutsen
Lake Effect Music & Ski Festival
Kick off the New Year in grand style with good vibes by six bands over 2 days, along with skiing, snowboarding, and hot tubbing. Lutsen Mountains. 218-406-1320
Jan. 6-8, Sandstone
Sandstone Ice Festival
The 12th Annual Sandstone Ice Festival celebrates the best of winter adventure sports from ice climbing to skinny skiing, winter camping and snowshoeing. This gathering of kindred spirits who share a love for all things cold attracts winter lovers from throughout the Midwest and Canada. Enjoy ice climbing and winter camping clinics, a gear swap, guest speakers, door prizes, Frozen Kettle Chili Cook-off, a chance to meet new climbing partners, and more! Robinson Park. 651-302-1774
Jan. 7, Grand Marais
Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race
The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race is a continuous race consisting of two legs of equal distance, separated by a mandatory layover for the 12-dog teams. There are two classes: a 12-dog 110-mile race, and an 8-dog 70-mile race. The day begins with the Blessing of the Teams. Trail Center Lodge on the Gunflint Trail. 218-387-3572
Jan. 13-14, Chisholm
Nite at the Museum: Minecraft Mania!
Go off line and participate in Minecraft-related activities all night. Kids and parents will get to build torches and pickaxes for exploration, create pixel art, learn about the history of mining on the Iron Range, and even defend the museum against intruding Minecraft "creepers" during a scavenger hunt! Minnesota Discovery Center. 218-254-7959
Jan. 13-15, Duluth
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Roald Dahl’s much-loved story follows the vain attempts of three farmers (Boggis, Bunce and Bean) to get rid of the fox who regularly steals food from their farms, but they are outwitted at every turn by none other than the Fantastic Mr. Fox! The Duluth Playhouse Children's Theatre. 218-733-7555
Jan. 19-23, International Falls
IceBox Days
This wacky winter festival, held annually in the "Icebox of the Nation," has been featured on ABC's "Nightline!" Highlights include frozen turkey bowling, Rednick Trivia, Toilet Seat Toss, smoosh races, Wellness Expo, Blind Joe concert, Donkey Basketball, moonlight snowshoe hike in Voyageurs National Park, the infamous “Freeze Yer Gizzard” runs, and much more! 218-283-9400
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