Learn about the new Explore MN Theater promotion; photo by Dan Norman
Event highlights this week include:
Nov. 24, Red Wing
Holiday Stroll 2017
Nov. 24-26, Excelsior
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
Nov. 25, Wadena
Christmas Festival
Nov. 24-25, Walker
Festival of Lights Parade and Reindeer Ramble
Nov. 24 - Dec. 17, Duluth
Christmas City Express
Southern Minnesota
Nov. 11 - Dec. 17 (Thursdays through Sundays), Rochester
Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours
Tours will begin at the History Center with light refreshments and a film about Mayowood and the Mayo family. Visitors will then ride a trolley up to the mansion and receive a guided tour lasting about one hour. Reservations are required. Historic Mayowood Mansion. 507-282-9447
Nov. 24, New Ulm
Parade of Lights
New Ulm welcomes Santa to town during the 29th Annual Parade of Lights. Featured are over 60 brightly lit units with thousands of twinkling lights traveling through historic downtown New Ulm all decked out with Christmas trees and garland. Children of all ages will delight in this event! While in New Ulm, check out all of the sales and specials offered by downtown merchants. 507-233-4300
Nov. 24, Red Wing
Holiday Stroll 2017
Downtown Red Wing will be the site of numerous free holiday activities during the annual Holiday Stroll including a pancake feast, photos with Santa, “The Santa Clause” movie, fire dancers, reindeer sleigh rides, the Holiday Stroll Parade, and more! 651-385-7850
Nov. 24, Welch
Native American Heritage Day
Watch, listen and learn about Native American culture and history at Native American Heritage Day when the Prairie Island Tinta Wita Takoja Drum and Dance Troupe will perform at noon. The public is welcome to attend this free event. Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 651-388-6300
Nov. 24 - Dec. 31, Mankato
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
This year's attractions include a display of over 1.5 million LED lights, animated light displays, skating rink and warming house, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa Claus, live reindeer, ice sculptures and more at Sibley Park. And don't miss the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Opening Parade on Friday, Nov. 24 beginning with a brief lighting ceremony. Mound Ave. to Rogers St. to Sibley Park. 507-385-9129
Nov. 25, Cannon Falls
Deck the Falls
Fill your senses with the sights, sounds and tastes of the holidays at the Deck the Falls celebration! Highlights include the Deck the Falls Parade, Community Tree Lighting, visits with Santa, special prize drawings, and sales, treats and refreshments at many local stores and venues. 507-263-2289
Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, Owatonna
Hometown Holiday Weekend
Start the holiday season with the Hometown Holiday Weekend and enjoy a weekend filled with events and activities for the entire family! Highlights include Christmas in the Village at the History Center and Village of Yesteryear, and Historical Holiday House Tours with live music and cookie decorating. 507-451-7970
Dec. 2, Jackson
Holiday Fest Celebration & Fireworks
The 2017 Holiday Fest brings you all of your favorite holiday events including Santa's workshop, a craft & vendor fair, horse-drawn wagon rides, Freez'n for a Reason 5K, Frosty Lake Splash, carolers, visits with Santa, an Opry Christmas Jackson-style, free movie, ice skating, and a lighted parade followed by a beautiful winter fireworks display! 507-847-3867
Dec. 9, Austin
Christmas in the County
Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities including horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides, raffle, children's activities, cookie decorating, pine cone bird feeders, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, homemade chili, silent auction, and a chance to blow the 1004 train whistle. Mower County Historical Society. 507-437-6082
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Oct. 28 - Dec. 30, 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
Nov. 22 - Dec. 30, Waconia
Spirit of Winter Solar Powered Holiday Light Show
The Spirit of Winter is a fabulous light show with synchronized music and animated displays. All ages are welcome to attend and stroll through our grounds and 12 attractions. The Winery at Sovereign Estate. 952-446-9957
Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, St. Paul
Christmas Traditions Guided House Tour
Discover holiday celebrations of the past through the stories of those who lived and worked on Summit Avenue, including excerpts from Hill family letters and journals and rare historic photographs of the neighborhood. James J. Hill House. 651-297-2555
Nov. 24-26, St. Paul
Hmong New Year
This annual three-day celebration of the Hmong culture includes great food, dance, live entertainment, a beauty pageant, awards ceremony, special guests and fun community interaction. St. Paul RiverCentre. 651-265-4800
Nov. 24-26, Excelsior
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
Enjoy Christmas in Excelsior at Christkindlsmarkt, a three-day festival featuring activities for the whole family including a Grande Parade, North Pole Trolley, live reindeer, live music, St. Martin's Children's Lantern parade, and Christmas tree and garland sales. KinderWorld is a Sugar Plum Fairy-themed center with the Enchanted Frozen Sisters, story-telling, and children's activities. An open-air market with a German Christmas theme delivers delicious treats at the Old World Food Market, traditional gifts and unique treasures at the Artisan & Gift Market, and refreshments at the Biergarten! Parking lot behind Excelsior Brewing Company. 952-292-8898
Nov. 24-26, Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
The Taylors Falls Lighting Festival features a weekend filled with events and activities for all ages. Enjoy the Grand Lighting of Village, Santa Parade, Family Nature Day at Interstate Park, Holiday at the Depot Arts & Crafts Sale, tours of the 1856 Whitney House, Christmas at the 1855 Folsom House, hot dogs and bonfire at St. Joseph’s Church, Wassail Party Craft Fair, Ecumenical Vespers at the 1861 Methodist Church, Swedish treats, medallion hunt, bingo for cash & prizes, Bazaar and Bake Sale, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, concert by the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, dance performances, and much more!! 715-554-3530
Nov. 24 - Dec. 23 (Thursdays through Sundays), Minneapolis
Holidazzle
Highlights include Holidazzle Fireworks Displays, Holidazzle Movie Nights, Kid Zone, visits with Santa Claus, skating, interactive and illuminated Art Wolf and Moose installations, daily entertainment on the Holidazzle Stage, and great food, drink and merchandise vendors. Loring Park. 612-376-7669
Nov. 25 - Dec. 3, Prior Lake
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
In its 10th season, the critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a cirque spectacle, Broadway musical and family show all in one. It’s filled with over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites. Enjoy soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers and illusions during matinee and evening performances. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. 952-445-9000
Nov. 25 - Dec. 30 (Saturdays), Stillwater
BierCycle Caroling Tours
Sing the holiday classics while pedaling the streets in downtown Stillwater. Bring along hot chocolate, wine or beer if you like -- no hard liquor is allowed. Don't miss out on this festive experience! 651-300-2202
Nov. 30 - Dec. 10, Chanhassen
Rock & Roll Christmas Show
Crank your holiday spirit up with this hugely popular rockin' event! Don't miss a multi-media, musical extravaganza mixing rock hits of the 70's to today with hilarious stories and parodies favorite yuletide songs as they've never been heard! Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Dec. 2-3, Minneapolis
Winterbike Expo
Winterbike Expo showcases the latest in winter biking gear and equipment and features more than a dozen educational seminars, fat bike test rides and a general good time for all. Freewheel Midtown Bike Center 612-238-4447
Dec. 2-10 (Saturdays & Sundays), Farmington
Christmas in the Village
Enjoy Christmas traditions of 1900 with horse-drawn trolley rides down decorated village streets, caroling, demonstrations of woodworking and holiday cooking, presentation of A Christmas Carol, live music, storytime, visits with St. Nicholas, and more! Dakota City Heritage Village. 651-460-8050
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Waitress at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 21-26
A Perfect Circle at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Nov. 25
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Nov. 25 - Dec. 3
Katy Perry - Witness the Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 1
The New Standards Holiday Show at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 1-2
Monster Jam at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Dec. 2
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 2
Brain Candy Live with Adam Savage & Michael Stevens at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 3
KDWB's Jingle Ball: Fall Out Boy & Guests at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 4
Evanescence - Synthesis Live with Orchestra at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 5
Lindsey Stirling - Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 7
Marvel Universe Live - Age of Heroes at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 7-10
Loverboy and Night Ranger at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Dec. 8
NEEDTOBREATHE - All The Feels Tour (Acoustic) at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 8
The Blenders 2017 Holiday Soul Tour at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 8-10
Celtic Thunder - 2017 Symphony Tour at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 9
Joe Biden’s American Promise Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 9
Tonic Sol-Fa: I Still Believe Tour at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 12
The Phantom of the Opera at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 13-31
The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 15
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 15-23
Terry Fator at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 16
Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas at the Ames Center, Dec. 27
Boyz II Men at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 29
Buddy Guy at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Dec. 30
Hallmark Channel Presents Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 30
Joe - Holiday R & B Jam at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 30
Grand Funk Railroad at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Dec. 31
Louie Anderson: New Year's Eve 2017 at the Ames Center, Dec. 31
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Nov. 24, Nisswa
City of Lights Celebration & Holiday Fireworks Display
The City of Lights Celebration kicks-off the holiday season with horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, storytelling, bonfires, holiday carolers, Love Lights A Tree dedication, hot cider & doughnut holes at Pioneer Village, Santa Claus, the lighting of Nisswa, and glorious fireworks. 218-963-2620
Nov. 24 - Dec. 3, Little Falls
Little Falls Christmas Tours
Start your holiday season in Little Falls with 4 fabulous Christmas tours. Check out the Linden Hill Mansion with a "Let there be Peace on Earth" theme, the Rosenmeier Home with a "Nutcracker" theme, and self-guided tours of the Musser and Weyerhauser mansions. Step back in time with a costumed interpreter and experience the holidays of 100 years ago at the Charles A. Lindbergh House, and don't miss over 30 decorated trees and holiday displays at the Minnesota Fishing Museum. 320-616-4959
Nov. 25, Wadena
Christmas Festival
This one day Christmas Festival features roughly 100 crafters and vendors, live music, performances, great food, a special visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and carriage rides. Wadena Elementary School Gymnasium. 218-632-7704
Dec. 1, Fergus Falls
Holiday Dinner & Entertainment
Enjoy a festive dinner with cocktails and holiday entertainment! Bigwood Event Center at Country Inn & Suites. 218-739-2211
Dec. 2-3, Onamia
Sweetgrass Basket 2-Day Workshop
Learn the art of making a coil sweetgrass basket in this two-day workshop. Sweetgrass is a fragrant sacred herb used in ceremonies and artwork by the Ojibwe. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided on both days. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Dec. 9, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Winter Nights & Lights Festival
Enjoy the holidays with arts and craft activities, cookie decorating, penguin exhibit, hayride around the lake, and special moments with Santa -- don't forget your camera! Lake George Municipal Complex. 320-251-4170
Northwest Minnesota
Nov. 15 - Jan. 28, Bemidji
Fur Trade in Minnesota
Hundreds of years ago, Minnesota played a key role in the fur trade, which stretched across five continents. This traveling exhibit, rich with activities and objects, shows how plentiful fur bearers brought together native people, explorers and international trade. Visitors to the exhibit can lift a 45-pound Voyageur’s pack, learn how the fur trade shaped Ojibwe art and discover how beaver pelts could be transformed into sleek, stately hats that were all the rage among wealthy Europeans. Beltrami County Historical Society. 218-444-3376
Nov. 24, Park Rapids
Community Tree Lighting and Yuletide Sampler
Bring your cameras for this “Norman Rockwell” moment when Park Rapids kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the community tree, visits with Santa, caroling, and shopping at local merchants in a festive downtown. 218-732-4111
Nov. 24-25, Walker
Festival of Lights Parade and Reindeer Ramble
During the Festival of Lights enjoy a parade, the lighting of the city, Reindeer Ramble run, children's party, horse and wagon rides, Holiday Pow Wow, and more in downtown Walker. 218-547-1313
Nov. 25, East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle & Dance Fall 2017 Series
The North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance Series presents The O'Neils with reels, jigs, circles and squares, all taught to live music. East Grand Forks Eagles Club. 218-45-9111
Dec. 2, Ulen
Sinatra & Company: "That Holiday Feeling"
"That Holiday Feeling" by Sinatra & Company is a fun-filled variety holiday show featuring the talents of award-winning vocalist Tim Patrick, accomplished singer and producer Colleen Raye, and top-notch big-band vocalist Debbie O'Keefe. Each brings their own brand of talent and charisma to the stage. You'll hear wonderful renditions of your holiday favorites put to music by musical director Todd Matheson and the 10-piece Blue Eyes Band. Ulen-Hitterdal School. 218-596-8853
Dec. 2, Detroit Lakes
Holiday Bazaar & Festivities
Detroit Lakes will be the site of numerous holiday festivities on Dec. 2 including a Holiday Bazaar & free sleigh rides at Washington Square Mall, craft & vendor show at the Frazee Event Center, Photos & Wishes With Santa, and live music a venues throughout town. 218-847-9202
Dec. 9, Bemidji
Holidays By Hand Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
The 7th Annual Holidays By Hand Fine Arts and Crafts Festival features over 50 artists showcasing their handmade items just in time for holiday shopping! Bemidji High School. While in Bemidji on Dec. 9, don't miss the Bemidji Contra Dance performance at the Rail River Folk School. 218-368-4782, 218-407-7266
Northeast Minnesota
Nov. 15 - 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 situated on the shores of Lake Superior, while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and roasted marshmallows! Get your photo taken with Rudolph, visit with Santa to share your Christmas wishes, and listen to stories told by Mrs. Claus. One of the main attractions is the animated 12-story steel Christmas tree and ball which is covered with over 150,000 sparkling LED lights! Admission is free. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-740-3535
Nov. 18 - Jan. 7, Duluth
A Glensheen Christmas
A Glensheen Christmas Classic Tour is your chance to explore the mansion decked out for the holidays with more than 25 Christmas trees and hundreds of feet of garland. Start your experience in the Carriage House before making your way to the mansion where the tallest of Glensheen’s Christmas trees proudly towers beyond the first floor. Challenge yourself to find all the hidden elves while Christmas music envelops the living room. In the kitchen, sample a Christmas cookie recreated from Clara’s very own recipe. Finish your tour by exploring the grounds of Glensheen. On Dec. 2-3, also enjoy Duluth Winter Village with more than 30 local businesses set up in wooden cabins lining the grounds of Glensheen, along with local food, beer, music, live animals and children's activities, fire pits and s'mores! Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Nov. 23 & 25, Ely
Northwoods Partners Festival of Trees & Small Town Christmas & Ely's Holiday Parade
The 15th Annual Festival of Trees transforms the lobby of the Grand Ely Lodge into a winter wonderland. The Festival of Trees opens at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening with the Lighting Ceremony, refreshments & entertainment. The festival also includes a Christmas Boutique with a wonderful selection of handmade gift items, Memorial Balls, and a silent auction for decorated trees and wreaths. While in Ely on Nov. 25, kick-off the holiday season with a parade, City Tree Lighting, hot cocoa or cider, cookies, carolers and activities in Whiteside Park. 218-365-6565, 218-365-6123
Nov. 24-26, Duluth
AMSOIL Duluth National Snocross
The 26th annual is the oldest and boldest in the Snocross series with amazing snowmobile racing action. Snowbikes will also race. Parking at the Proctor Fairgrounds with shuttle to Spirit Mountain. 763-497-8474, 218-628-6297
Nov. 24 - Dec. 17 Fridays - Sundays), Duluth
Christmas City Express
Take the North Shore Scenic Christmas City Express from Fitgers to the Duluth Depot & Lake Superior Railroad Museum for live carolers, a story performance, time with Santa Claus and hot cocoa and cookies once back at Fitgers. The Bentleyville Shuttle Train is also available to bring riders to an outdoor holiday-light display -- avoid parking at this extremely popular attraction! Fitger's Inn & Brewery. 218-722-1273
Nov. 25, Duluth
Native American Heritage Day at the Depot
November is Native American Heritage Month. Check out the exhibit Why Treaties Matter, and enjoy children's activities such as loom beading and basket construction, speakers, fry bread, and a performance by the Cedar Creek Drum Group out of Fond du Lac. Great Hall at the St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center & Depot. 218-733-7583
Dec. 2, Grand Rapids
Christmas in the Logging Camp & Winterglo Festival
The Forest History Center's recreated 1900s logging camp comes to life under a blanket of snow during this annual event. Join the camp crew as they prepare for Christmas with choral singers, storytellers, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, cider and more. Bring your camera to get your picture taken with Santa. And don't miss Grand Rapids Winterglo Festival held Dec. 2-3 in downtown Grand Rapids. Festivities include Breakfast with Santa, Bethany Lutheran Church Holiday Bazaar, Granny's Attic, Christmas Craft Marketplace, bingo, live music, and much more! 218-327-4482, 218-326-9607
Dec. 2, Pine City
Holiday Madness Celebration
Pine City kicks off the holiday season with an exciting day filled with campfires in the park, Jingle Bell Jog Fun Run, petting zoo, craft sales, Holiday Bazaar, silent auction, Festival of Trees, Christmas Tea, community sing-a-longs, lighted Christmas Carol-themed parade, a visit by Santa and great shopping discounts at Pine City merchants. The city will glow as local residences compete for best Holiday Lights display. 320-322-4040
Dec. 8-10, Duluth
Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show
The Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show presents the newest winter sports products including ice fishing houses, equipment, snowmobiles, gifts and more. Step inside a life-sized snow globe and receive a free photo. Fish for rainbow trout free at the Frozen Basin and win prizes. Feed the animals at the Animal Exhibit, and attend a variety of educational seminars. There truly is something for everyone. Afterwards, head over to Bentleyville for dazzling holiday displays. Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. 952-431-9630
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