Rice Park holiday lights; photo by Teresa Boardman
Event highlights this week include:
Dec. 15-17, Winona
Christmas Radio Show
Dec. 15-17, Minneapolis
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Dec. 15-17, Fergus Falls
Center Series: The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 16-17, Crookston
Community Stable Service
Dec. 15-17, 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. 20 - Dec. 29, Austin
Hormel Historic Home Holiday Walk-In Tours
Delight in the beautiful holiday decorations found throughout the Hormel Historic Home. 507-433-4243
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. 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
Dec. 31, Red Wing
New Year's Eve with Monroe Crossing
Named in honor of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass Music," Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their superb musicianship and on-stage rapport have entertained audiences across the United States, Canada, and Europe. 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's Theatre 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. 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. 14-15, Minneapolis
Holiday Concerts: Handel's Messiah
Celebrate the holidays with one of classical music's most beloved traditions and join the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (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. 15-16, St. Paul
A Christmas Celebration with The Steeles
The Steels family returns to The Fitzgerald Theater! A Christmas Celebration with The Steeles returns for two shows featuring the songs you know and love. So bring your family to spend Christmas with our family as we echo the sacred and secular sounds of the season! Fitzgerald Theater. 651-290-1200
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
Dec. 15-30, Minneapolis
Myron Johnson's "Nutcracker (not so) Suite"
Lauded by the Star Tribune as a Christmas miracle for the Twin Cities, Myron Johnson's inventive and irreverent take on The Nutcracker returns for its third year on The Cowles Center stage. Join Barbie, Ken, and a host of colorful characters for this spicy twist on The Land of Sweets. For a slightly racier version of the show, attend one of the Naughty Nutcracker performances on Dec. 22, 28, or 30. The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts. 612-206-3600
Dec. 16, Prior Lake
Jewel's Handmade Holiday Tour
Jewel, singer-songwriter, actress and author, will bring her holiday tour to the Mystic Showroom. Jewel rose to fame with her 1995 debut album, Pieces of You which became one of the best-selling debut albums of all time. The debut single from the album, "Who Will Save Your Soul," peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You Were Meant for Me" and "Foolish Games" reaching Billboard milestones. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. 952-445-9000
Dec. 16-30, St. Paul
Christmas Saturdays for Families
Make a Victorian cornucopia in the parlor, then go room-to-room collecting special items to put inside of it as you explore three floors of the mansion during the holidays. Staff will be stationed throughout the house for questions. Visitors can drop in for this program; however, the art activity ends at 4 pm. We suggest allowing 1.5 hours for this visit. This program is designed for families with younger children. James J. Hill House. 651-297-2555
Dec. 21-23, St. Paul
Illumination
Gather your family and friends and celebrate light at the darkest time of the year! Explore the Science Museum with a flashlight and see the museum you love in a whole new way. Explore things that glow, try your hand at light painting, make glow-in-the-dark slime and glowing light sabers, experiment with shadows and color, enjoy a glowing cocktail, and much, much more. Science Museum of Minnesota. 651-221-9444
Dec. 22-29, St. Paul
A New Year Celebration
Celebrate the New Year's holiday with food, music, dancing and games at this Victorian-inspired special event. Explore the Ramsey House with family and friends and participate in hands-on activities on all three floors. Try a variety of 19th-century parlor games and dances and listen (and sing along) to popular songs of the era played on the 1872 Steinway grand piano. Be sure to enjoy holiday cakes, puddings and other treats, freshly baked from the wood-burning stove. Alexander Ramsey House. 651-296-8760
Dec. 23, St. Paul
Sounds of Blackness: The Night Before Christmas - A Musical Fantasy
Minnesota's three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with their annual performance of The Night Before Christmas -- A Musical Fantasy. This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph the Rappin' Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance, as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes. Fitzgerald Theater. 651-290-1200
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
The Phantom of the Opera at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 13-31
The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Dec. 15
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 15-23
Terry Fator at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 16
Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas at the Ames Center in Burnsville, 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 in St. Paul, 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
Paw Patrol Live -- The Great Adventure at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 10, 2018
Criss Angel Raw - The Mindfreak Unplugged at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Jan. 12, 2018
G. Love & Special Sauce at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Jan. 12, 2018
PAW Patrol Live - The Great Pirate Adventure at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 12-14, 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. 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. 15-17, Fergus Falls
Center Series: The Nutcracker Ballet
The Minnesota Ballet, along with local auditioned dancers, will present Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" as part of the 2017-18 Center Series. A Center for the Arts. 218-736-5453
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. 22 & 23, Brainerd
Winter Solstice Festival & Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
The Winter Solstice Festival is a great event for the whole family to celebrate the longest night of the year with live music by a spiritual synergy drumming group, a bonfire, and treats for sale in the visitor center on Dec. 22. On Dec. 23, Santa Claus will be at the Arboretum handing out candy canes and cookies to the kiddies -- don't forget the camera! Hot chocolate and other refreshment will be for sale. Northland Arboretum. 218-829-8770
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
Dec. 31, Little Falls
Candlelight Hike
Spend New Year's Eve exploring trails by candlelight. This annual hike will include luminaries lining the trails connecting the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site and the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum. 320-616-5421
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. 9-23 (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
Dec. 24, Detroit Lakes
Sleigh Ride Fundraiser
The 6th Annual Sleigh Ride Fundraiser to benefit the Humane Society of the Lakes will feature all sorts of fun activities including sleigh rides, pony rides, a bonfire with s'mores, buggy rides, Christmas cookies, beverages and refreshments! Bring your sled to play on the hills! JF Stables. 218-847 7006
Jan. 1, Park Rapids
First Day Hike: A Backcountry Exploration
Start off your New Year with an invigorating snowshoe hike while exploring the area around the Mississippi Headwaters. The hike will go along the Schoolcraft trail and out to Schoolcraft Island (conditions permitting). The first section of the hike will be easy. Dress for being outdoors, bring along your snowshoes, water and sunglasses. A limited number of snowshoes are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251
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. 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. 15-17, Duluth
Christmas City Express
Take the North Shore Scenic Christmas City Express from Fitgers to the Duluth Depot for live carolers and to see the story performed. Spend time with Santa Claus and return to Fitgers for hot cocoa and cookies. 218-722-1273
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
Dec. 30-31, Grand Marais
Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert
Log Cabin Concerts are an intimate reception and concert featuring Michael Monroe and guests. Monroe is in his fourth decade of performing his original music blending rich vocals, guitars, bamboo and glass flutes together. Michael Monroe Log Cabin. 612-789-2255
Subscribe here to receive any or all of Explore Minnesota Tourism's reports by email.
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
|
