Explore Minnesota Weekly Events Update - Dec. 12, 2018

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Explore Minnesota logoFacebookTwitterYouTubePinterestInstagram
#OnlyinMN
Explore Minnesota Events Update - Dec. 12, 2018 

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Display in Mankato through Dec. 31

 

Event highlights this week include:

Dec. 13-23, Lanesboro
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Dec. 15, St. Paul
Holiday Market

Dec. 14-16, Milaca
Miracle on 34th Street Dinner Theater

Dec. 15, Bemidji
Ice Fishing Follies

Dec. 14-15, Lutsen
SnowBall Music Festival at Lutsen Mountains

 

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central]
[Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Southern]

 

Southern Minnesota

Nov. 2 - Dec. 24, Northfield
Fine Craft Collective
The 15th Annual Fine Craft Collective is a seasonal exhibition featuring the work of 24 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 will be available daily to discuss their handmade pieces and the process used to create their works of art. Northfield Arts Guild Gallery. 507-645-8877

Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, Sleepy Eye
Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion
You are invited to drive or walk through Sleepy Eye's Holiday Lights in Motion featuring 85 festive trees decorated in 200,000 Christmas lights. Tune your radio to 89.1 when entering the park for choreographed holiday music. On certain days, treats will be served and horse & carriage rides will be offered. This event is free but a drop box is available for free will offerings. Sportsmen's Park. 507-794-4731

Nov. 23 - Dec. 31, Mankato
Kiwanis Holiday Lights Display
The very popular Kiwanis Holiday Lights Display is a walk or drive through display featuring over 1.5 million LED lights adorning animated light displays, as well as visits with Santa and ice skating. Sibley Park. 507-385-9129

Nov. 24 - Dec. 15 (Saturdays), Pipestone
Movie Matinees: Native America
Film screenings of the 2018 Public Broadcasting System (PBS) four-part film series "Native America" will be offered each Saturday afternoon from Nov. 24 through Dec. 15 in celebration of National American Indian Heritage Month. Pipestone National Monument Visitor Center Auditorium. 507-825-5464

Nov. 29 - Dec. 22, Lanesboro
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
A holiday favorite as you’ve never seen or heard it before. The timeless tale of George Bailey is given a clever twist when staged as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Five actors give voice to all of Bedford Falls’ memorable residents, accompanied by sound effects created live onstage. Bring the whole family to relive this timeless tale of a likeable fellow down on his luck and ready to end it all until Angel, Second-class shows him life’s true value. Commonweal Theatre Company. 507-467-2525

Dec. 7-16 (Fridays through Sundays), Northfield
A Christmas Story by Philip Grecian
Set in the 1940s, this comedy follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself. The consistent response? "You'll shoot your eye out!" All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the boys' experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost and Ralphie's father winning a lamp shaped like a woman's leg. Northfield Arts Guild Theater. 507-645-8877

Dec. 7-16 (Thursdays through Sundays), Faribault
The Merlin Players Present "The Santa Diaries - Part Two: A Christmas Wedding"
The Merlin Players' favorite play-writes Mala Burt and Laura Ambler are at it again with "Santa Diaries Part Two: A Christmas Wedding." When we last saw the Hawes family, Sandy was about to fall in love with Martha and Will had broken his engagement with his Hollywood fiance Brandee and found love once again with childhood sweetheart Jessica. But a lot has happened in five years and we'll catch up on the lives of the crazy, endearing Hawes family. This play is written just for the Merlin Players. And while in Faribault, check out the Holly Days Sale featuring the artistic wares of over 20 regional artists. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372

Dec. 8 - March 9, Mankato
Why Treaties Matter
This exhibition will include 20 free standing banners with evocative text, historical and contemporary photographs and maps, and a 10-minute video titled, “A Day in the Life of the Minnesota Tribal Nations." The exhibit reveals how Dakota and Ojibwe treaties with the U.S. government affected the lands and lifeways of the Indigenous peoples of the place we now call Minnesota, and explains why these binding agreements between nations still matter today. It is meant to share important cultural information with all Minnesotans, that they may better understand the true circumstances surrounding Minnesota land, its use, and even the treatment of the Indigenous peoples today. Blue Earth County History Center. 507-345-5566

Dec. 13-23, Lanesboro
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
A holiday favorite as you’ve never seen or heard it before. The timeless tale of George Bailey is given a clever twist when staged as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Five actors give voice to all of Bedford Falls’ memorable residents, accompanied by sound effects created live onstage. Bring the whole family to relive this timeless tale of a likeable fellow down on his luck and ready to end it all until Angel, Second-class shows him life’s true value. Commonweal Theatre Company. 507-467-2525

Dec. 15, Preston
State Veteran's Cemetery Wreaths for the Fallen Ceremony
The 2018 ceremony and wreath laying will be held at 11 a.m. at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston. Everyone is asked to arrive by 10:30 a.m. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m., and wreath placement begins at roughly 11:20 a.m. Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery. 218-829-6622; 507-765-2153

Dec. 15, Winona
Winona Holiday Market
The Winona Holiday Market is collaborative project by the City of Winona, the Main Street Program, WinonaArts, and Winona entrepreneur, Alison Bettin. The market will feature over 25 one-of-a-kind artisan vendors from all over the region. Also enjoy food trucks, hot beverages, mulled wines, cocoa and the grand opening of the Levee Park Ice Skating Rink! Levee Park. 507-457-8258

Dec. 15, Rochester
Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays
Under the Streetlamp celebrates with a joyous performance of your favorite holiday tunes plus songs from the American Radio Songbook. Oh what fun it is to dance in the aisles while merrily singing along to songs from their live PBS Specials and studio album, Every Day’s a Holiday. Mayo Civic Center's Presentation Hall. 507-328-2200

Dec. 30, Faribault
Kat Perkins -- A New Year's Celebration
Celebrate the old and bring in the new with this family rock 'n' roll concert featuring NBC's The Voice finalist Kat Perkins. A Kat Perkins Christmas was Paradise's largest sell-out ever, thrilling audience members of all ages with Kat's amazing vocal talent and stage show. Kat returns with another fantastic show -- the perfect way to end 2018 with family and friends. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Nov. 1 - Dec. 24, Minneapolis
Textile Center Presents: Holiday Gallery Shop
Textile Center's Shop is tripling in size for the holidays and expanding to fill the Joan Mondale Gallery with even more fabulous one-of-a-kind fiber art. Many of the artists are new to the Textile Center, selling their work for the first time at this special pop-up holiday shop. Textile Center. 612-436-0464

Nov. 13 - Dec. 29, Minneapolis
A Christmas Carol
A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “Bah, humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and a grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways. For the past 44 years, Charles Dickens’ timeless tale has been a perennial favorite and holiday tradition that invites audiences of all ages to celebrate the merriment of the season with their family and loved ones. A Twin Cities holiday tradition. Guthrie Theatre's Wurtele Thrust Stage. 612-225-6191

Nov. 16 - Dec. 23, Anoka
Prancer
Young Jessica Riggs’ family has fallen on hard times. When an injured reindeer appears in Jessica’s backyard, she believes it is Prancer and vows to nurse the creature back to health and return it to its home in time for Christmas Eve. With delightful puppetry and an uplifting message about hope, this heartwarming tale, based on the cherished 1989 film of the same name, is sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Lyric Arts Main Street Stage 763-422-1838

Nov. 16 - Dec. 27, Hopkins
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's "Mary Poppins Jr."
“It’s a jolly holiday with Mary” in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious adventure based on the award-winning Broadway musical and classic Walt Disney film. Step in Time with everyone’s favorite nanny and share the magical transformation of the Banks family with your family this holiday. Stages Theatre Company. 952-979-1111

Nov. 17 - Dec. 16, St. Paul
Teen Idol - The Bobby Vee Story
Following the tragic crash of Buddy Holly’s plane in 1959, a bright new star from Fargo emerged. Fifteen-year-old Bobby Velline performed at the Winter Dance Party in Moorhead, MN the day the music died. Bobby went on to record his first hit single, Suzie Baby, in Minneapolis, and soon would become a teen idol and international star who thrilled audiences for more than a decade with Top 40 hits like Devil or Angel, The Night Has A Thousand Eyes, Come Back When You Grow Up Girl and many more. Follow Bobby’s musical journey that includes fellow pop stars like Little Anthony & The Imperials, Ronnie & The Ronettes, Dion, and Del Shannon. History Theatre. 651-292-4323

Nov. 17 - Dec. 31, Stillwater
Hometown for the Holidays
Experience the holiday traditions you remember from your childhood along Stillwater's historic Main Street filled with Christmas lights, decorations and events. Festival highlights include strolling carolers, free horse-drawn Victorian wagonette rides along the river, the Twinkle Parade with live music, Santa and live reindeer. Other festivities include holiday cooking classes, B&B tours, shopping specials, BierCycle Caroling Tours, Winter Market at Northern Vineyards, Downton Abbey Christmas Dinner at the Outing Lodge and more. Historic Downtown Stillwater. 651-351-1717

Nov. 23 - Dec. 23 (Thursdays through Sundays), Minneapolis
Holidazzle
Holidazzle is a little north country in the heart of the city with an incredible selection of sensational foods, beverages, and arts and crafts merchandise. Also enjoy winter holiday movies, winter fireworks, a Kids Zone, free skate rental & free skating, live music, and bonfires & warming houses. New to Holidazzle this year are downtown sleigh rides to and from Loring Park, photo opportunities inside giant snow globes, alpacas & rescue animals on site the first 4 Sundays, a s'mores station and so much more! Loring Park in Downtown Minneapolis. 612-376-7669; 612-338-3807

Nov. 23 - Jan. 6, Chaska
Making Spirits Bright Holiday Lights Display
See the Arboretum grounds aglow with outdoor and indoor lights. Walk among 14 outdoor displays from the entry drive to the Learning Center and on to the Cloister Garden Trellis. Warm up by the NEW S’more Village, located in the Margot Picnic Shelter area. Indoors, the Great Hall and Conservatory will be festively illuminated as well! Free with gate admission. Food and beverages available for purchase. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 952-443-1400

Dec. 1-22, Wayzata
Arts of the Holidays
The Arts of the Holidays Show & Sale features the artwork of more than 100 local artists selling a unique blend of fine handmade items ideal for holiday giving. Shoppers will discover pottery, glass, fiber, wood, paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more at the largest art center holiday show in the metro area. Minnetonka Center for the Arts. 952-473-7361

Dec. 5-16, Chanhassen
Rock & Roll Christmas Show
Crank your holiday spirit up with this hugely popular rockin' event by an 8-piece all-star cast of musicians! Don't miss this multi-media, musical extravaganza mixing rock hits of the 70s to today with hilarious stories and parodies, and favorite yuletide songs as they've never been heard before! Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525

Dec. 7 & 14, St. Paul
A "Little Women" Christmas
Discover how Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March celebrated Christmas in the 1860s. Play Victorian parlor games, learn about the fashion of the era and enjoy freshly baked gingerbread cake. Arrive early and make a Christmas craft in the Carriage House, and explore the gift store which features authentic Victorian-era reproduction ornaments and gifts. This program is suitable for ages 6 and up. Alexander Ramsey House. 651-296-8760

Dec. 8 - Jan. 27, Bloomington
Skate the Star

Mall of America is excited to announce a new experience for guests this holiday season! Skate the Star is a custom-built ice rink located at the North entrance of MOA®. Skating o the 12,000 square-foot ice rink is free if you bring your skates; skate rental is available for $5. Mall of America. 952-883-8800

Dec. 9, 16 & 23, Minneapolis
Music in the Mansion & Family Crafts
Encounter music, dance, handcraft and more while exploring the Handmade Holidays exhibition and the decorated Nordic Holiday Rooms in the Turnblad Mansion. Any visit can become a joyous treat for all ages to build memories and new holiday traditions. Music in the Mansion and Family Craft are included with museum admission. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907

Dec. 14, 16 & 20, Minneapolis
Home for the Holidays
Hilarious and heartwarming, Home for the Holidays returns with a few new surprises, combining music performed by the Minnesota Orchestra and storytelling with a Minnesotan slant on Christmas and family traditions. Written and narrated by Kevin Kling. Orchestra Hall. 612-371-5656

Dec. 15, St. Paul
Holiday Market
The Holiday Market at St. Paul RiverCentre brings together over 100 artists, vendors and small businesses from the upper Midwest. Whether you are in search of the perfect gift or want a picture with Santa Claus, the Holiday Market has you covered. The event is free for all to enjoy. The first 100 guests to walk through the doors will receive complimentary grab bags -- one lucky shopper will win a $100 gift card to Cub Foods. St. Paul RiverCentre Ballroom. 651-265-4800

Dec. 15-16, Elk River
Christmas on the Farm Tour
Experience the preparations for a simple holiday celebration like Oliver Kelley and his family had. On this 90 minute-guided tour, visitors will walk to the historic Kelley Farm to meet farm animals and explore the historic house. Refreshments and Christmas treats from different eras will be served in the visitor center following the tour. Please dress for the outdoors and cold weather. Oliver Kelley Farm. 763-441-6896

Dec. 15-23, Minneapolis
Family Baking: Holiday Traditions
Bake a traditional holiday treat and learn the history of holiday traditions in Minneapolis and the people who brought them here in this special parent-child event. While the treats bake, explore holiday traditions from a variety of nationalities through photographs, artifacts, samples and sharing stories. Participants will take home recipes and the treats they bake. For ages 6 to 14 with an accompanying adult. Mill City Museum. 612-341-7555

Dec. 15 & 28, Stillwater
Holiday Teas at Historic Lowell Inn
Take time off from shopping in Stillwater to enjoy a leisurely but authentic high tea at the historic Lowell Inn, just one block from Main Street. Call ahead for availability. Historic Lowell Inn. 651-439-1100

Dec. 21, Minneapolis
Winter Solstice Celebration
Mark the Winter Solstice at American Swedish Institute! This is the special moment, especially in Nordic countries with long winters, when the earth's tilt brings the shortest day and longest night of the year. Dress to enjoy the ASI's magical winter courtyard, catch a variety of musical performances, make crafts, tour the Mansion's decorated holiday rooms, find gifts in the Jul Shop and Museum Store, and enjoy festival food and beverages from FIKA. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907

Dec. 21 & 28, St Paul
A New Year Celebration
Celebrate the New Year 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. Sample holiday cakes, puddings and other treats freshly baked from the wood-burning stove. Arrive early to explore the Carriage House gift store, featuring authentic Victorian-era reproduction ornaments and gifts. Alexander Ramsey House. 651-296-8760

Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: Church Basement Ladies - Rise Up O' Men at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 11 - Feb. 20
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Dec. 12
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 14
The Blenders Holiday Soul Tour at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, Dec. 14-16
Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 14-23
Michael Bolton: The Symphony Sessions at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Dec. 15
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical (Touring) at Ames Center, Dec. 18-19
Les Miserables at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 18-30
Sounds of Blackness - The Night Before Christmas at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, Dec. 22
Home Free - A Country Christmas Tour at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 23
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 29
Styx at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Dec. 30
The Original Blues Brothers Band at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 31
Third Eye Blind at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Dec. 31
The Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota - Pink Floyd's The Wall: A Rock Ballet at Ames Center in Burnsville, Jan. 11-13
Brett Young at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Jan. 18
Hasan Minah at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Jan. 19
The Fab Four Beatles Tribute at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 19
Tickets available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster

Central Minnesota

Nov. 22 - Jan. 6, Willmar
Celebrate the Light of the World
The "Celebrate the Light of the World" display created by Chad Koosman has moved to a new location (Robbins Island) where the event can grow even bigger. With over 700,000 individual lights, the Celebrate the Light of the World drive-through display will be a sight to see! Lighted displays and pieces include a forest of Christmas trees, a giant 50-foot tree, nativity scene, a 36 foot wide American flag and many more holiday arrangements. The display will follow the park's road, allowing visitors to enjoy the display from the comfort and warmth of their vehicles. Robbins Island between Willmar and Foot lakes. 320-235-3552

Nov. 29 - Dec. 20, Glenwood
Magical Christmas in Glenwood
The Magical Christmas in Glenwood includes a wide array of holiday festivities including a Lighted Holiday Parade, Lighting Ceremony, horse drawn trolley rides, sleigh rides with Santa's reindeer, Christmas Bazaar, merchant holiday sales and open houses, a Living Nativity with live animals including camels and more. 320-634-0400; 320-634-3636

Dec. 6-16, Alexandria
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There's not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Andria Theatre. 320-762-8300

Dec. 14-16, Milaca
Miracle on 34th Street Dinner Theater
Enjoy a performance of Miracle on 34th Street following a scrumptious slow-roasted turkey and Swedish meatball dinner. Northern Lights Ballroom & Banquet Center. 320-369-4622

Dec. 15-16, New London
The Church of Cash Holiday Show
The Church of Cash Holiday Show includes hits by the Man in Black along with holiday favorites. The Church of Cash is true to the music of Johnny Cash, and the lead singer's deep baritone voice is perfectly-suited for honoring the legacy of Johnny Cash. New London Little Theatre. 320-354-2559

Dec. 21, St. Joseph
Dave Cofell's 10th Annual Christmas Show
Celebrate the season with Dave Cofell's Christmas Show featuring traditional songs, stories and poems, modern adaptations, a selection of originals, jokes, and of course, the famous gingerbread cookies. There will also be special guest performances. This is a kid-friendly show that will appeal to all ages. Admission is free, but donations for the Local Food Shelf will be gladly accepted. The Local Blend. 320-333-1011

Dec. 22, St. Cloud
Diamond Rio
These Grammy Award-winning country music legends are bringing their holiday show to the Paramount! Diamond Rio became the first country music group in history to reach No. 1 with a debut single. The band is also known for their hits “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” “Unbelievable,” “In A Week or Two,” and more. Hear all the hits and holiday favorites this December with Diamond Rio! Paramount Center for the Arts. 320-259-5463

Dec. 31, Little Falls
Candlelight Hike
Spend New Year's Eve exploring trails by candlelight. The annual hike will include luminaries along trails connecting the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site and the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum. Guests can drop in at any time during the event and hike whatever distance is comfortable. Snowshoes are welcome if conditions allow. Both museums will be open with free admission for guests to warm up and grab a refreshment. Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site. 320-616-5421

Northwest Minnesota

Nov. 23 - Dec. 15, Moorhead
Theatre B Presents "The Santaland Diaries"
Based on the iconic essay by David Sedaris, The Santaland Diaries is a brilliant evocation of what a slacker's Christmas must feel like. Out of work, our slacker decides to become a Macy's elf during the holiday crunch. Twisted, sardonic and funny, The Santaland Diaries is the subversive Christmas tale for the ages. Theatre B. 701-729-8880

Dec. 15, Moorhead
Christmas with the Comstocks
Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at the historic Comstock House. Learn about the Christmas customs of the Comstock family and other Victorian traditions, play Victorian parlor games and enjoy hot cocoa and holiday treats amidst lovely holiday decorattions. Comstock House. 218-291-4211

Dec. 15, Bemidji
Ice Fishing Follies
Join local fishing organizations to celebrate ice fishing! Learn tips and tricks, take the Fish ID Challenge, watch filleting demonstrations and explore the We Are Water MN exhibit. Enjoy kid’s casting activities, door prizes, fish printing, macroinvertebrates, and mechanical fishing. Trout Unlimited, Take a Kid Fishing and other organizations will be on hand. One lucky winner will win a half-day guided ice fishing trip with Dick Beardsley, a renowned area fishing guide! Headwaters Science Center. 218-444-4472

Dec. 20, Detroit Lakes
Rock & Roll Christmas
This annual Holmes Christmas tradition is a Las Vegas-caliber, multimedia, full-production show that mixes an 8-piece band with music, comedy, parodies and even a game show! Join an all-star cast of musicians as they rock their way through timeless holiday classics. Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-7469

Dec. 21, Mahnomen
Lee Greenwood Holiday Show at Shooting Star Casino
Lee Greenwood is a country music singer with an unrivaled love of his country. His hit singles have been featured on the Billboard Country charts time and time again, but Greenwood achieved his greatest success with “God Bless the USA,” an iconic hit which celebrates everything great about the United States. Join us as Greenwood sings his greatest hits, as well as his favorite holiday songs! Shooting Star Casino. 800-313-7469

Dec. 22-23, Vergas
Christmas Open House at Forest Edge Gallery
Enjoy snacks, refreshments and prize drawings while shopping for handcrafted items by area artists. Items include metal work, pottery, fused and hand-blown glass, paintings, photography, mosaics, jewelry and ornaments. Forest Edge Gallery. 218-342-2681

Jan. 1, Park Rapids
First Day Hike: A Backcountry Exploration
Get your New Year’s resolutions off to a good start and enjoy an invigorating snowshoe hike along the Dr. Roberts Trail. Dress for being outdoors, bring along your snowshoes, water and sunglasses. A limited number of snowshoes will be available at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center for use during the program. Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251

Northeast Minnesota

Nov. 17 - Dec. 26, Duluth
Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"
See Bayfront Festival Park on the shores of Lake Superior transformed into America's largest free walk through light show! Visitors will be amazed at the magical atmosphere of lights and holiday music floating through the air. The majestic Bentleyville Castle greets visitors as they arrive. Some of the displays that can be seen are Dinosaur Land, Rudolph’s Camp Grounds, "Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends," "Sesame Street," "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" and the Island of Misfit Toys. One of the main attractions is the animated 12-story (128 foot) steel Christmas tree and ball which is covered with over 150,000 sparkling LED lights. The tree rises to more than twice the height of New York City’s famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Admission is free, however, new unwrapped toys or nonperishable food donations are encouraged. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-740-3535

Nov. 17 - Dec. 28, Duluth
A Glensheen Christmas
A Glensheen Christmas features the famous 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 find throughout the mansion. Start your experience with free hot cocoa in the Carriage House. Take a memorable family photo on a Portland Cutter sleigh. Listen to stories of the Congdons at Christmastime. Sample a free Christmas cookie recreated from Clara’s very own shortbread cookie recipe. Finish your tour by exploring the lakeside grounds. Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910

Dec. 13, Grand Rapids
Diamond Rio: Holiday and Hits
Enjoy a night of hits and holiday classics with Del Rio -- the original show, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 14 has sold out so another show has been added! This legendary country music group recently celebrated its milestone 20th Anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Wilcox Theater at Reif Center. 218-327-5780

Dec. 14-15, Lutsen
SnowBall Music Festival at Lutsen Mountains
SnowBall returns as part of the Wookiefoot 20th Anniversary Tour. Don't miss out on two nights of music, a special afternoon set at the mountaintop Summit Chalet, après ski live music and jam sessions, and the camaraderie of skiing, snowboarding, hot tubing and sharing with friends and family! Papa Charlie's at Lutsen Mountains. 218-406-1340

Dec. 14-15, Grand Marais
Dark Sky Festival
Travel to Cook County to celebrate some of the nation's darkest skies! There will be a traveling planetarium, telescopes to view the Geminid Meteor, Stars and Space Movie Marathon, and much more. On Saturday, Dec. 15, head to the North house Folk School for "Dueling Photographers" featuring a presentation by Bryan Hansel and Travis Novitsky on how they capture dark skies and northern lights on the North Shore. Complete schedule. Venues throughout Cook County. 218-387-2524

Dec. 14-23, Cloquet
The County Seat Theater Co. presents One Christmas Carol
Dickens' famous story about selflessness is stripped down to its bare essence, forgoing the usual opulence of the holidays and focusing on what is of utmost importance during the season. No scenery, no costumes - just one actor and a timeless story. Encore Performing Arts Center and Gallery. 218-878-0071

Dec. 22, Grand Rapids
Rock and Roll Christmas
This Las Vegas-caliber, multimedia, Rock & Roll extravaganza mixes hilarious stories with your favorite holiday songs in a way you've never heard before. Join an all-star cast of musicians as they rock their way through timeless holiday classics. You'll hear Christmas standards like Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree, The Little Drummer Boy and many more like you've never heard them performed before. Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit better than the Rock & Roll Christmas! Reif Center. 218-327-5780

Dec. 29, Grand Rapids
Northwoods Holiday Fest
Revel in a winter wonderland of family fun with trolley and sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowball fights and water balloon launching with a giant slingshot! Guests can also tour the logging camp under winter conditions, join a wildlife show and play games in the visitor center. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482

Jan. 1, Grand Marais
New Year's Day Brunch
Kick off 2019 with a delicious Northwoods Brunch at Justine's at Gunflint Lodge. Reservations recommended. 218-388-2294

 

Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!

 

 

Have something else in mind?
Our expert travel counselors can help!

Call Explore Minnesota travel counselors at 888-847-4866 Email Explore Minnesota travel counselors Live Chat with Explore Minnesota travel counselors
 
Subscribe to Explore Minnesota e-newsletters
 

What's Happening Now Only in Minnesota ExploreMinnesota.com Friend Us On Facebook Follow Explore Minnesota On Twitter Watch Us on YouTube Connect with Us on Pinterest Follow Us on Instagram