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Event highlights this week include:
Nov. 9 - Dec. 24, Northfield
Fine Craft Collective
Dec. 21-23, St. Paul
Illumination
Dec. 22 & 23, Brainerd
Winter Solstice Festival & Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
Dec. 23, Moorhead
Comstock Christmas Light Tour
Nov. 15 - Dec. 26, Duluth
Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"
Southern Minnesota
Nov. 9 - Dec. 24, Northfield
Fine Craft Collective
The 14th Annual Fine Craft Collective is a seasonal exhibition featuring the work of 28 artisans. More than just the personal touch of an object made by hand, this co-operative gallery gives a personal connection between artisans and visitors. A participating artist is there every day so that they can dialogue about the work. Open daily through December 24, 2017 in the Main Gallery. Northfield Arts Guild Center for the Arts. 507-645-8877
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
December 19-23, Rochester
Jolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
Create memories with your family and friends this holiday season, and experience some of Rochester's most creative lights displays! Enjoy classic holiday music aboard a lighted, decorated and heated trolley. Reservations required for guaranteed seating. Peace Plaza downtown in front of the Marriott Hotel. 507-421-0573
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, Welch
Grand Funk Railroad
Celebrate New Year's Eve with Grand Funk Railroad! This "American Band" is ready to rock you into the New Year with their signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals and forceful pop melodies. Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 800-222-7077
Dec. 31, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call in Wild Owls
Owls live all around us but are very good at evading detection. Learn how to identify our 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 in and around Houston to call for Eastern Screech-Owls, Barred Owls, and Great Horned Owls. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957
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
Jan. 6, Lanesboro
Dinner on the Bluff-You Beliz It!
Although balancing a tourist-dependent economy with environmental preservation can be challenging, the Central American country of Belize has been able to strike a balance by promoting ecotourism within its borders. Attend this presentation and discussion of how the country has progressed in the last 20 years to become a powerful resource for experiential learning for college students and other life-long learners. Dinner on the Bluff evenings include a 3-course meal and an hour-long presentation. These dinners are by reservation-only. Guests are encouraged to bring their own adult beverage of choice. Themed meals will be served buffet style. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. 507-467-2437
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
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. 16-30, 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. 22-23, Chanhassen
Celtic Holiday Hooley
Holiday family fun for all ages with Irish music, stories, step dance, caroling and more. Presented by the O'Shea Irish Dancers with choreography and music by original Riverdancer, Cormac O'Se of Dublin! Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
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
Dec. 26-31, Chanhassen
An Andy and Bing Christmas
Returning by popular demand, enjoy a wondrous night of timeless Andy Williams and Bing Crosby Christmas musical classics performed by an extraordinary 16-member band fronted by Mick Sterling. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Dec. 30, St. Paul
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Over the past 20-plus years, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse, and its annual winter tours a beloved, multi-generational holiday tradition. Xcel Energy Center. 651-726-8240
Dec. 31, Minneapolis
NYE: Secret Mission
NYE Secret Mission is going above and beyond to give you the ultimate experience with a Bond-theme NYE! From top notch DJs, live music, casino tables, giveaways, performers and more! Entertainment in every room, around every corner. Get your tickets while they last! Lumber Exchange Building. 612-460-1209
Dec. 31, Eagan
Family New Year's Eve Party
Bring your whole family to ring in the New Year at the annual New Year's Eve Party with candlelight hiking, snowshoeing and ice skating, sledding on a lit hill, bonfires, live animals, storytelling, magic, a ball drop and more! Lebanon Hills Regional Park. 952-891-7000, 651-554-6530
Dec. 31, Minneapolis
Countdown Mpls - NYE 2018 Minneapolis Party
Party with the best Top 40, EDM & Hip Hop DJs in the Twin Cities on multiple levels with multiple dance floors, including an exclusive VIP floor. Minneapolis Club Event Center. 612-466-0483
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
The Phantom of the Opera at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 13-31
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 15-23
Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 27
Boyz II Men at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, 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
Minnesota Roller Girls at Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Jan. 13, 2018
The Killers at the Xcel Energy Center, Jan. 17, 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. 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
Dec. 31, Hutchinson
New Year's Eve Bash
Be a part of the experience with this annual New Year's Eve Bash. Dance to live music and ring in the New Year while enjoying fine wines as well as a selection of beer, mixed drinks and other beverages. Crow River Winery. 320-587-2922
Jan. 5-7, Willmar
New Year Bonspiel
Join the fun and participate in the 12th Annual New Year Bonspiel with 8-End Games, Guaranteed 3 Games, and Bracket Pay-Outs. Blue Line Arena. 320-403-3398
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. 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
Dec. 30, Bemidji
History Mystery
The detectives need your help. The Depot Agent was found murdered at the Great Northern Depot shortly after its grand opening in 1912. Six local historical figures are the prime suspects. Become an Assistant Detective for this live whodunit that combines the classic game of Clue with local history. Enjoy refreshments, interview suspects, and explore the Depot to uncover clues. Solve The History Mystery and win prizes! Historical costumes encouraged. Beltrami County History Center. 218-444-3376
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
Jan. 6-7, Park Rapids
Smoky Hills Art - Jewelry Making Get Away
This retreat is designed for those who love beads and stones. You will be using natural rocks, minerals and gemstones for wire wrapping and bead stringing your own beautiful jewelry.
Smoky Hills Art Studio. 218-732-7625
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
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
Dec. 31, Duluth
DSSO Pops: Purple Rain
Ring in 2018 with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) and one of Minnesota's greatest artists: Prince! This evening features a symphonic tribute to the Music of Prince as the full orchestra brings to life some of the biggest hits of this incomparable musician. Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Symphony Hall. 218-623-3776
Jan. 5-7, Sandstone
Sandstone Ice Festival
In its 13th year, this vibrant festival celebrates the best of winter adventure sports from ice climbing to skinny skiing, winter camping and shoe shoeing. It is a gathering of kindred spirits who share a love for all things cold. The Sandstone Ice Festival reaches winter lovers from around the Midwest and Canada. Don't miss the gear demonstrations, winter camping clinics, climbers Meet & Greet, the Great Swap & Swing, guest speakers, door prizes, and so much more! 651-302-1774
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