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Event highlights this week include:
Dec. 30, Faribault
Kat Perkins -- A New Year's Celebration
Dec. 26-31, Chanhassen
An Andy and Bing Christmas
Nov. 22 - Jan. 6, Willmar
Celebrate the Light of the World
Dec. 31 - Jan. 1, Bemidji
Family New Year's Eve Bash & First Day Hike
Dec. 29, Grand Rapids
Northwoods Holiday Fest
Southern Minnesota
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
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. 29, 2018, Elba
Winter Owl Prowl
Bring the whole family to experience the Whitewater Valley on a winter night. After an indoor presentation, participants will snowshoe outdoors and call to the owls. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park's. Whitewater State Park. 507-312-2300
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
Dec. 31, Houston
Owl Prowl at the International Owl Center
Learn how to identify local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound with the Owl Center's human and owl staff. Following an indoor program, participants will carpool to known owl territories to call for eastern screech-owls, barred owls and great horned owls. Dress for the weather, and try to wear clothes that don't make noise when you move. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957
Dec. 31, Welch
New Year's Eve in the Village Family Celebration
Celbrate New Year's Eve at Welch Village with Beginner Lesson special from 4:30-6:30 p.m., a Kids' Flashlight Parade at 6:45 p.m., Torchlight Parade at 6:50 p.m., fireworks at 7 p.m. and live music at Mad Jaxx from 8-11 p.m. Welch Village Ski Area. 651-258-4567
Jan. 1, 2019, Preston
First Day Hike to Tufa Spring
Enjoy a refreshing walk to one of the many springs located within Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. Along the way, observe and discuss what other living beings are using the park. Meet at the picnic shelter at 1 p.m. for an introduction then caravan to the starting point. Warm dress and appropriate footwear recommended. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. 507-937-3251
Jan. 5, Rochester
The Wedding Extravaganza
Have you recently gotten engaged and don't know where to start with the planning process? Or maybe you have almost all of your vendors and just need the final touches to perfect your wedding celebration. No matter what stage of wedding planning you may find yourself in, The Wedding Extravaganza is a great way to learn about dozens of wedding vendors and industry professionals from southeastern Minnesota, southwestern Wisconsin & northern Iowa. Mayo Civic Center. 507-876-2187; 507-328-2220
Jan. 5, Elba
Hidden History Snowshoe
When the leaves are gone and the snow is falling, nature reveals her hidden secrets. Join an afternoon snowshoe to find some of the historic relics only visible this time of year. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park's. If there is no snow, join a hike through the woods. Whitewater State Park. 507-312-2300
Jan. 11-13, Rochester
RV, Boat, Hunting, Vacation & Home Show
Looking to finally start that home improvement project? Take that family vacation? Or have you always dreamed of packing your family into an RV and hitting the road? The Rochester Home, Vacation & RV Show is the perfect destination for you to browse the latest trends in all things home, vacation and RVs. Mayo Civic Center. 507-286-1010; 507-328-2220
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 1 - Feb. 16, Excelsior
Lend Me a Tenor
This Tony Award-winning madcap screwball comedy, set in 1934, will keep you laughing all night long! Old Log Theatre. 952-474-5951
Nov. 6 - Jan. 6, Minneapolis
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The miserly, miserable Grinch has had enough of the Whos despicable Christmas joy! He conceives a dastardly plot, but when tiny Cindy Lou Who extends a hand of friendship, the course of Who-History - and the size of the old green guy's heart - is changed forever. Perfect for all ages. Children's Theatre Company. 612-874-0400
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. 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. 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 - 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. 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. 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 & 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
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 Theatres. 952-934-1525
Dec. 26-31, St. Paul
History Hound Hijinx - Winter Break
Celebrate winter in the northwoods with your family and enjoy art activities, performances, and a selection of winter items on view from the MNHS collections. There will also be special appearances by Paul Bunyan. Included with museum admission. Minnesota History Center. 651-259-3015
Dec. 29, St. Paul
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
This year's 20th anniversary tour, a presentation of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's unforgettable "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," features founder/composer/lyricist Paul O'Neill's timeless story of a runaway who finds her way into a mysterious abandoned theater. Xcel Energy Center. 651-726-8240
Dec. 31, Bloomington
New Year's Eve: Moonlight Circus
Meet under the big top for a family New Year's Eve celebration with live entertainment by Xelias Aerial Arts Studio including contortion, juggling, hula hoops, aerial fabric and more! Also enjoy a family dance party, New Year's countdown complete with lights, music, photo ops, party favors and a ball drop! Mall of America. 952-883-8800; 952-883-8643
Dec. 31, St. Paul
New Year's Eve Candlelight Walk
Enjoy a fun family-friendly New Year's celebration at Fort Snelling State Park. Hike miles of candle-lit trails, warm up at one of several roaring bonfires, toast marshmallows, sip hot cocoa and more to celebrate 2018 and ring in 2019! Fort Snelling State Park. 612-725-2724
Dec. 31, Prior Lake
2019 New Year Celebration & Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind and special guest Step Rockets are coming to the Mystic Showroom for a New Year's Eve performance! Led by Stephan Jenkins, Third Eye Blind has a fan base that is larger, younger and more dedicated than ever. Enjoy iconic chart-topping hits such as "Semi-Charmed Life," "Jumper," and "How's It Going to Be." Many other New Year's Eve festivities will be offered throughout the casino, including GLO, a nightlife experience and dance floor. Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino. 952-496-6563
Jan. 4-6, St. Paul
Land O'Lakes Dog Show
The Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show presents more than 1,500 purebred canines competing for American Kennel Club (AKC) awards. Other highlights of the show include Partners in Performance demonstrations, Unleashed Dog Expo demonstrations of fun activities for dogs and their owners, more than 70 vendors will be a part of the Ringside Market, showcasing the hottest trends in canine apparel and accessories, quality dog supplies, collectibles and artwork, behind-the-scenes tours of the show, and information from the American Kennel Club about the best breeds for you during Meet the Breeds! St. Paul RiverCentre. 651-280-5726
Jan. 4 - Feb. 28, St. Paul
Omnifest
The very popular annual Omnitheater film festival begins January 4 at the Science Museum of Minnesota's William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater with five films running in rotation on its 90-foot domed screen. Included in this year's festival are Ring of Fire, Journey to Space, National Parks Adventure, The Greatest Places, and Tornado Alley. Complete schedule. 651-221-9444
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: Church Basement Ladies - Rise Up O' Men at Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 11 - Feb. 2
Les Miserables at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 18-30
John Brickman at Ames Center, Dec. 27
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Dec. 29
Granger Smith & Rodney Atkins at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior, Dec. 30
Styx at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Dec. 30
Blues Brothers featuring Dan Aykroyd & Jim Belushi at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 31
Third Eye Blind at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Dec. 31
A$AP Rocky: Injured Generation Tour at the Amory in Minneapolis, Jan. 8
Brian McKnight at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Jan. 11
The Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota - Pink Floyd's The Wall: A Rock Ballet at Ames Center, Jan. 11-13
Human Nature at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Jan. 13
Brett Young at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Jan. 18
1964 at Ames Center in Burnsville, Jan. 19
Dwight Yoakam at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Jan. 19
Hasan Minah at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Jan. 19
The Fab Four Beatles Tribute at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
The Highwaymen Live at Ames Center, Jan. 20
On Your Feet - Emilio and Gloria Estefan at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Jan. 22-27
Champions of Magic at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 24-27
World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center, Jan. 25-26
Neil Young at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 26
Neil Young at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Jan. 28
Neil Young at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 29
Neil Young at the Northrup in Minneapolis, Jan. 31
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. 23 - Jan. 1, Wadena
Christmas in Wadena
See and hear this beautiful Christmas lights display from the comfort of your vehicle. When you arrive, tune your radio to 88.1 F.M., and the display will dance to the music. Donations for the local food shelf are greatly appreciated. 414 -3rd St SW in Wadena. 218-632-7704
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
Jan. 4-6, Willmar
New Year Bonspiel
The 14th Annual New Year Bonspiel features 8 end games, 3 games guaranteed and bracket pay-outs at Blue Line Arena. There will also be a raffle and full cash bar. And on Jan. 5, check out the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off at the Foxhole Brewhouse from 3-5 p.m. 320-403-3398; 320-441-2071
Jan. 5, Breezy Point
Ice Fest
Breezy Point invites you to Ice Fest where you can ski, fish, skate and watch snowmobiles hit top speeds! There will also be a bocce ball tournament and candlelight cross-country ski! Warm up at the many bars and restaurants in the area while enjoying great deals and discounts. Everything there is to love about Minnesota's winters all in one place! Located on Pelican Lake in front of Breezy Point Resort. 218-562-7811
Jan. 11-13, Little Falls
I.C.E Fest
The annual Sunny Zwilling Memorial Ice Carousel Extravaganza (I.C.E. Fest) is an attempt to regain the World Record for the World's Largest Spinning Ice Carousel. This event has turned into a family friendly weekend of events with a warming tent! Watch a video on the making of this massive solid ice spinning disc in the middle of a frozen Green Prairie Fish Lake. 320-249-1504
Northwest Minnesota
Dec. 31, Baudette
Sportsman's Roaring 20s New Year's Eve Party
Ring in Roaring 20s style at Sportsman's Lodge on the with dining specials, live entertainment by Fireline, party favors and a champagne toast! Dress up or come as you are. Reservations requested. Sportsman's Lodge on the Rainy River. 800-862-8602
Dec. 31, Bemidji
Family New Year's Eve Bash
The Bemidji Jaycees presents Family New Year's Eve Bash at the GYM BIN featuring dinner, open gym activities for the family, children's activities, countdown and balloon drop. Plan to stay the night, and enjoy a First Day Hike at Lake Bemidji State Park on Jan. 1. 218-368-9882; 218-308-2300
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
Jan. 5, Baudette
Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe
Luminaries will line more than a mile of ski and snowshoe trails. If the sky is clear, the moonlight will help light the way through the pines. Meet at the residence at 5 p.m. It is located just behind the park office. A limited number of skis and snowshoes will be available for free checkout. Zippel Bay State Park. 218-783-6252
Jan. 12, Ulen
Country Roads - A Tribute to John Denver
Headlined by Dennis Curley, Country Roads is a tribute to one of America's best-loved performers and draws deeply on Curley's own love of John Denver's music. Backed by a fantastic six-piece band, Curley's renditions of John Denver's music are sure to bring a smile to audience members of all ages. Ulen-Hitterdal Public School. 218-596-8853
Northeast Minnesota
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. 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
Dec. 29, Silver Bay
Live Peregrines at the Park
Peregrine falcons are an important aspect of Tettegouche State Park, with Palisade Head being the site of the first wild peregrine nest, post-recovery. Jackie Fallon, of the Midwest Peregrine Society, will bring her live falcons to Tettegouche for you to meet. Tettegouche State Park. 218-353-8809
Dec. 31 & Jan. 1, Grand Marais
New Year's Eve Celebration & New Year's Day Brunch
Celebrate New Year's Eve northwoods-style with a special dinner menu and live piano music at Justine’s at the Gunflint Lodge! New Year's Eve will be celebrated at Eastern Time so there will be plenty of time to return to your home, room or cabin to celebrate at midnight with family and friends! And on New Year's Day, kick off 2019 with a delicious Northwoods Brunch at Justine's. Reservations recommended. 218-388-2294
Jan. 1, Silver Bay
First Day Hike
Start the New Year off on the right foot with a stroll through Tettegouche Camp. The park naturalist will guide you on a 3.4 mile round-trip hike, interpreting animal signs and sharing the rich history of Tettegouche Camp and the surrounding hills along the way. Bring water and snacks, and dress for the weather. The trail is groomed so snowshoes are optional. Tettegouche State Park. 218-353-8809
Jan. 4-6, Sandstone
Sandstone Ice Festival
The Sandstone Ice Festival is Minnesota's original Ice Festival celebrating all things winter. Enjoy ice climbing, snowshoeing, skiing, winter camping, snowshoeing and socializing. Gear demonstrations, ice climbing and winter camping clinics, the Swap & Swing gear swap, raffle, door prizes and guest speaker will also be offered. Robinson Quarry Ice Park. 651-302-1774
Jan. 5-6, Meadowlands
BRRRRdathon
The BRRRRdathon may be the world’s coldest birdathon but it can also be the most exhilarating with the possibility of many boreal specialties. Imagine tallying the likes of Great Gray Owl, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing, Hoary Redpoll, Gyrfalcon and Northern Hawk Owl in a two-day birding spree! All participants are invited to an awards and compilation dinner on Saturday evening where great food and surprising prizes are awarded. Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. 218-341-3350
Jan. 12, Chisholm
Genealogy Genie
For nearly 40 years, the IRRC archives program has collected 100s of photo collections containing 1,000s of unique images of Iron Range people, places and happenings. Listen to the IRRC archivist discuss the collection, and learn about prints vs. digital copies, ordering reproductions, permission to publish, other online resources and how to maintain your images. Minnesota Discovery Center. 218-254-7959
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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