Holidazzle festivities; photo by Dusty Hoskovec Photography
Event highlights this week include:
Dec. 9, Austin
Christmas in the County & Nativity House Open House
Nov. 24 - Dec. 23 (Thursdays through Sundays), Minneapolis
Holidazzle
Dec. 9, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Winter Nights & Lights Festival
Dec. 9, Bemidji
Holidays By Hand Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
Dec. 8-10, Duluth
Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show
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 - 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. 507-385-9129
Nov. 30 - Dec. 30 (Thursday through Sunday evenings), Marshall
Light Up the Nights
Experience the magic of the holidays on a tour through a winter wonderland of lights. Also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, hay rides, carolers, live entertainment, holiday campfires, and special holiday concessions. Southwest Minnesota State University. 507-537-0080
Dec. 8-9, Springfield
Living Nativity Pageant
See the nativity come to life at this annual, outdoor presentation by more than 80 local actors and singers. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Christmas story with Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus in a live manger scene, as well as real camels, dancing angels, and a children's choir. Riverside Park. 507-723-3508
Dec. 9, Austin
Christmas in the County
Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities at the Mower County Historical Society 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. And from Dec. 9-16, the Nativity House Open House at 606 Oakland Place NE in Austin and see a collection of over 900 nativity scenes collected from all over the world. 507-437-6082, 507-437-4563
Dec. 15, Welch
Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Celebration
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Celebration Tour. Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 800-222-7077
Dec. 15-17, Winona
Christmas Radio Show
The 6th Annual Christmas Radio Show is a fun and lively holiday show for the whole family with singers, storytellers, musicians, sound effects artists, and more. This year's show is set in 1968. Performing Arts Center at Winona State University. 507-457-5020
Dec. 15 & Dec. 17, Faribault
Elvis Rock-N-Remember Christmas Show & Kat Perkins' "Home for the Holidays"
Joseph Hall has performed all over the world, was a finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, and has won many awards including the “Spirit of Elvis” award. Don't miss his dynamic holiday show on Dec. 15! And on Dec. 17, enjoy Kat Perkins' "Home for the Holidays!" Kat is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, and a semi-finalist on NBC's hit show The Voice. Her holiday show features traditional Christmas songs with a modern spin and show-stopping original holiday music -- perfect for the entire family. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
Dec. 22, Red Wing
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
It's Christmas, 1914 on the Western Front. Out of the violence comes silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man's Land singing "Stille Nacht." Thus begins a remarkable true story, told in the words of the men who lived it. This moving ode to peace was created by Theater Latté Da’s acclaimed artistic director Peter Rothstein with musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, produced in collaboration with Hennepin Theatre Trust. Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 7 - Jan. 7, Minneapolis
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Whoville is experiencing a seemingly unstoppable crime wave. Who, oh who will save Christmas? The Children Theatre's Company's all-time audience favorite musical brings alive the songs, the story and the Seuss in mega-doses of spirited storytelling and fanciful rhymes. This beloved holiday tradition will grow anyone's heart three sizes! Children's Theatre Company. 612-874-0400
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 - 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. 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 up your holiday spirit with this hugely popular rockin' event! Don't miss this multi-media, musical extravaganza mixing rock hits from the 70's to today with hilarious stories and parodies! Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Dec. 1-10 Fridays through Sundays), St. Paul
European Christmas Market
The European Christmas Market is based on the traditional, charming and festive open air Christkindlmarkts that spring up in Germany, Austria and other countries during the Advent season. Shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations from local vendors, drink Gluhwein (spiced mulled wine), and taste European-inspired food and delicacies. Don't miss the Union Depot Holiday Bake Sale on Dec. 9. The East Plaza at Union Depot. 651-202-2700
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
Dec. 2-17, Anoka
Coney Island Christmas
Pulitzer Prize-winner Donald Margulies weaves together nostalgia, music and merriment in this new seasonal classic for people of all ages and all faiths. Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. 763-422-1838
Dec. 9, Minneapolis
25th Annual Women's Art Festival
The Women's Art Festival includes over 130 women artists displaying and selling works in all types of media with ongoing live music, food and refreshments. Colin Powell Center. 612-250-5097
Dec. 9, Maple Grove
Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener
Embrace winter by celebrating cross-country skiing at the inaugural Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener! Skiers of all abilities and ages are invited to kick off winter with free skiing, rental equipment and mini lessons. Ski on your own or participate in the numerous Rennet Ski Tour events. Ski village with reps from 40 Nordic ski suppliers will be on hand. Elm Creek Park Reserve & Eastman Nature Center. 763-694-7700
Dec. 10, Scandia
Lucia Dagen
Gammelgården Museum continues the Swedish tradition of Lucia Day with a brief Swedish prayer service in the historic Gammel Krykan (oldest surviving Lutheran Sanctuary in Minnesota), followed by a Swedish breakfast buffet and Lucia program featuring the Svenskarnasdag Choir in the community center across the street. Please note that the church service is chilly so dress warmly! 651-433-5053
Dec. 14-15, Minneapolis
Holiday Concerts: Handel's Messiah
Celebrate the holidays with one of classical music's most beloved traditions and join the SPCO for this extremely popular performance of Handel's Messiah. SPCO Artistic Partner Jonathan Cohen and the SPCO will be joined by an all-star roster of vocal soloists, and renowned vocal ensemble The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists will make their SPCO debut in what is sure to be a wonderful musical experience for the whole family this holiday season. Basilica of Saint Mary. 651-291-1144, 651-292-3248
Dec. 15-16, St. Paul
Celtic Holiday Hooley
Holiday fun for the whole family with traditional folk music, Irish step dance, Christmas carols, cute kids and Santa! Come for the mulled wine & popcorn, stay for the cheer. This family evening will feature the O'Shea Irish Dancers and musicians from across the globe. Celtic Junction Arts Center. 612-722-7000
Dec. 15-17, Minneapolis
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series continues with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™. John Williams’ legendary score will be performed with a live symphony orchestra as the film is projected simultaneously on the big screen. In December 2016, the Minnesota Orchestra sold out three performances of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ at the Minneapolis Convention Center Auditorium — that’s over 10,000 tickets! Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-371-5656
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Lindsey Stirling - Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 7
Marvel Universe Live - Age of Heroes at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, 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 in Minneapolis, Dec. 8
Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota at Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 8-10
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
Lana Del Rey at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Jan. 5, 2018
World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center, Jan. 5, 2018
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Dec. 1-31, Brainerd
Sertoma Winter Wonderland
Breathtaking lights, reflecting off of the sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays will delight visitors as they drive through the Sertoma Winter Wonderland. This spectacular holiday tradition includes a driving tour of more than 80 colorfully animated lit displays. Northland Arboretum. 218-829-8770
Dec. 8, Alexandria
Holiday Radio Show
Bah Humbug Becky is the Biggest Brat of the season. In her mind, Christmas only exists for Santa, and Santa only exists to bring Becky presents. If it is the Holiday season, then Becky must be scheduled for the Christmas Spirits to visit her. Come see how she tries to avoid their visits. Lakes Area Radio Theatre. 320-815-7664
Dec. 9, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Winter Nights & Lights Festival
Enjoy the holidays with arts and craft activities, cookie decorating, hay rides around the lake, a penguin exhibit and special moments with Santa -- don't forget your camera. Big trucks will be rolling in again this year for Touch-a-Truck, where children can see, touch and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery. Afterwards, enjoy the Winter Nights parade followed by the lighting of the giant Christmas tree, and a concert by the Fabulous Armadillos! Lake George Municipal Complex. 320-251-4170
Dec. 9, Ironton & Crosby
Soup Walk
Soup’s on in the Cuyuna Lakes! Nearly 30 local merchants are cooking up their favorite soups to share with you from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the 9th Annual Cuyuna Lakes Chamber Soup Walk. Be sure to vote for your favorite soup, pick up recipe cards, and shop locally for gifts! Event details and map. 218-546-8131
Dec. 15-17, Milaca
"A Christmas Carol" & Holiday Buffet
"A Christmas Carol” is based on the book by Charles Dickens, adapted by Sherry Pearce, Viva Anderson, and Jessica Faust. The holiday buffet features slow-roasted turkey and Swedish meatballs! Northern Lights Ballroom and Banquet Center. 320-369-4622
Dec. 16, Onamia
Birch Bark Ornament Workshop
Create miniature ornaments from birch bark to decorate for the holidays or give as gifts. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Dec. 23, Hutchinson
STEAM Saturdays at Wheel & Cog Children's Museum
Children ages 3 and up will enjoy a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activity -- parents are welcome to participate! Wheel & Cog Children's Museum of Hutchinson. 320-582-1904
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
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
Dec. 9-23 (Saturdays), Park Rapids
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus
Tis the season... for a visit with Santa! Get your cameras ready and bring the kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at Belle Caffe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afterwards, enjoy a Christmas Matinee at Park Theatre. 218-732-411
Dec. 13, Bemidji
Santa Lucia Festival
The festival of Santa Lucia begins before dawn on the thirteenth of December, which under the old Julian calendar (used in Sweden before 1753) was Christmas Day and the longest night of the year. Santa Lucia and her procession will be all dressed in white, holding lighted candles and singing of the light and joy of Christmas. A customary breakfast follows the procession. Calvary Lutheran Church. 218-444-3469, 218-751-2310
Dec. 15, Detroit Lakes
A Magical Medora Christmas
Five of the top performers from the Medora Musical - "The Greatest Show in the West," will bring their talents to town for a rootin' tootin' Christmas show. A Magical Medora Christmas will feature music, comedy, magic & more! Detroit Lakes Middle School Auditorium. 218-847-9202
Dec. 16-17, Crookston
Community Stable Service
The Community Stable Service has been part of the Crookston Community for many years. Using the gifted talents of the community this beautiful nondenominational service is a creative reenactment of the Christmas Story through community choirs, a bell choir, music ensembles, artists, actors and live animals. University of Minnesota Crookston Utoch Indoor Area, connected to the horse stable. 218-281-6510
Dec. 16 & 23, Moorhead
Comstock Christmas Light Tour
Explore the Victorian origins of many of today's Christmas traditions with a special tour of the Comstock House. The house will be decorated with Christmas trees, stockings by the fire, mistletoe, and holiday lights. At the end of the tour, enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. Comstock House. 218-291-4211
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. Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Nov. 30 - Dec. 17, Duluth
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens' most well-known story that will put anyone into the true spirit of the holiday season. Duluth Playhouse. 218-733-7555
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
Dec. 8-10, Duluth
Minnesota Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
The Minnesota Ballet presents this holiday favorite, set in Manhattan in the early 1900's, with period costumes, lush sets, sparkling dance, and live accompaniment. Symphony Hall at the DECC. 218-529-3742
Dec. 15, International Falls
Monroe Crossing "Bluegrass Christmas"
Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. This special Christmas performance is a new show with new music that will fill you with holiday cheer. Backus Community Center. 218-285-7225
Dec. 16, Embarrass
Ice Candle Celebration
This Finnish tradition of remembering loved ones during the holiday season is a priority for the community. Ice candles are placed at the Embarrass Cemetery on grave sites and along the driveway for a magical display of light, warmth and beauty on a cold winter night. The magical display of light is made possible by volunteers placing and lighting 400+ ice candles at the cemetery. A holiday gathering with food, kids' crafts and fellowship takes place at the Embarrass Town Hall. 218-984-2084
Dec. 23, Grand Marais
Mostly Fiber Festival & Open House
Watch fiber arts demonstrations and browse all of the handcrafted items for sale at Johnson Heritage Post. Afterwards, take in live music followed by the Vikings vs. Packers game at Voyageur Brewing Company! 218-387-2524; 888-922-5000
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