Event highlights this week include:
Nov. 2 - Dec. 15, Rochester
Historic Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours
Nov. 14-17, Shakopee
Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair
Nov. 16, St. Cloud
Granite City Train Show
Nov. 16, Longville
"Brunch, Bubbles & Bling" Champagne Breakfast
Nov. 7-16, Duluth
An Enemy of the People (a new adaptation)
Southern Minnesota
Nov. 2 - Dec. 15, Rochester
Historic Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours
The History Center of Olmsted County presents Historic Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours. Tours will begin at the History Center of Olmsted County with light refreshments and an introductory film. Guests will then be taken to/from Mayowood Mansion via a vintage red trolley, courtesy of Rochester Trolley and Tour Co. Reservations are required. History Center of Olmsted County & the Historic Mayowood Mansion. 507-282-9447
Nov. 15 - Dec. 22, Lanesboro
Sanders Family Christmas
It's Christmas Eve, 1941, and America is going to war. But in North Carolina's little Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, the boisterous Sanders Family Singers band together with Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe to buoy the congregation's spirit. Conceived by a Commonweal favorite, director Alan Bailey, and brimming with warmth, hilarity and foot-stomping bluegrass music, Sanders Family Christmas will have your toes tapping and your heart singing. Commonweal Theatre Company. 507-467-2525
Nov. 16, Winona
Tundra Swan Watch
Visit the Weaver Bottoms area then travel to the Brownsville Overlook near Brownsville for spectacular sights and sounds of tundra swans. Interpreters will be onboard to answer questions, and binoculars, spotting scopes and brochures will be provided for the day. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The tour begins at the Winona Visitor Center. 507-494-6238
Nov. 16, Harmony
Holiday Fest Art, Craft and Gift Expo
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at the Holiday Fest Art, Craft and Gift Expo with more than 50 vendors selling a variety of crafts, handmade goods and specialty items. Fillmore Central High School. 507-886-2469
Nov. 16, Faribault
The Okee Dokee Brothers
The Grammy Award-winning Duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers, return to the Paradise to showcase songs from their newest album, Winterland as well as favorites from all their collections! A voyage from autumn to spring, Winterland presents winter adventures and music the entire family can enjoy. As four-time Parent's Choice Award winners, The Okee Dokee Brothers put their passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music. Their goal is to inspire children and their parents to get outside and be creative. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
Nov. 22, Fairmont
Fairmont Glows Festival
Kickoff the holiday season with the annual Glows Festival and watch as the City of Lakes transforms into the City of Lights! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Fairmont Municipal Airport via the North Pole Express around 4 p.m. Don't forget to bring your camera! Then head to Downtown Plaza at 6 p.m. for the annual Glows Parade, complete with Santa, wonderful floats, thousands of lights and pre- and post-parade activities. 507-235-5547
Nov. 23, Red Wing
The Bodeans
Those who have followed BoDeans' remarkable 30-year musical career know that their blend of compelling songs and high energy performances have retained an unpretentious rock & roll loyal following like no other. Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Nov. 23, Winona
Winona Art Walk and Tour
The Winona Art Walk features the artwork of a variety of artists for the holiday season. Wesley United Methodist Church will host ten artists, and nine artists will display and sell their artwork in nearby studios and venues. Maps available at Acoustic Cafe and other area coffee shops. 507-474-6879
Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, Sleepy Eye
Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion
You are invited to Sleepy Eye's Holiday Lights in Motion with 85 festive trees decorated in 200,000 Christmas Lights, along with choreographed music for everyone to enjoy! And on Saturday, Nov. 30, don't miss the Light the Night Holiday Celebration when Santa will arrive by firetruck, then reside in one of the cozy cabins for kids to visit. Also enjoy free carriage rides, yummy s'mores, cider & hot cocoa, popcorn, hot dogs and more… Please bring an unwrapped toy for Santa's Closet, which benefits our area kids. Sportsmen's Park. 507-794-4731
Nov. 29, Red Wing
Red Wing Holiday Stroll
The 18th Annual Red Wing Holiday Stroll is an old-fashioned Christmas celebration featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, baby reindeer, a medallion hunt, lighted parade and fireworks display! Historic downtown Red Wing. 651-388-4719
Nov. 29 - Dec. 31, Mankato
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Walk or drive through this year's Kiwanis Holiday Lights display of over 1.5 million LED lights. In addition, there will be a skating rink and warming house, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa Claus, live reindeer, ice sculptures and more! Admission is free for all vehicles and walkers. Non-perishable food items are collected each night for area food shelves. Cash donations are accepted. Sibley Park. 507-385-9129
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 8 - Jan. 5, Shakopee
Sever's Holiday Lights
Drive along and enjoy more than 1,000,000 lights synchronized to classic holiday tunes for an unforgettable new Twin Cities tradition. Stay in the comfort and warmth of your own vehicle while enjoying this one-of-a-kind magical display. Sip on hot cocoa and snack on mini donuts, caramel popcorn and other treats from Drew’s Concessions. Sever's new site at 3121 W 150th Street. 952-270-6293
Nov. 9 - Dec. 14, Scandia
Girls & Dolls Tea Parties
Girls ages 6-96 are invited to a fancy tea party with your doll! There will be stories, games, dances, crafts and music centered around historical information of the mid-1800s. Special Christmas teas will include the legend and celebration of Lucia. It will be a fun afternoon for girls of all ages. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053
Nov. 14-17, Shakopee
Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair
Hundreds of the nation's finest artists and crafters will display and sell their handcrafted works at the Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair. The Arts & Crafts tour of shows are consistently ranked in the Top 100 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. In addition to shopping tons of treasures, there will be an hourly gift certificate winner, plenty of food and drink, lots of family fun and free parking. Canterbury Park. 402-331-2889
Nov. 15 - Dec. 23, Wayzata
Arts of the Holidays
During Arts of the Holidays, you can shop fine arts and crafts by more than 130 local artists, selected for character and value, and perfect for holiday giving. This is a great way to shop local and support the arts, all in a relaxing setting. Lunch is available Mondays through Fridays. Minnetonka Center for the Arts. 952-473-7361
Nov. 16, Shakopee
CommUNITY Day
Community is About Unity. The public is invited to this free event to explore Hocokata Ti and learn more about the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and Native American history and culture through a series of interactive learning stations. The stations will provide visitors with an overview of topics and issues important to Indian Country, including arts and crafts, Native American culture and language, local history, Indigenous foods, film showings, federal policy impact, gaming history and much more. Hocokata Ti. 952-233-9151
Nov. 16-17, Plymouth
Minnesota Bluegrass Fall Jam
Don't miss this indoor music festival featuring numerous groups performing bluegrass, old-time stringband and related forms of acoustic music. Enjoy nightly stage shows, instrument workshops, Theme Jams, Open Mic times, the Grass Seeds Academy for kids and teens, and the Great Minnesota Ukulele Gathering. Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West-Plymouth. 651-456-8919
Nov. 17, Minneapolis
Holiday Open House
This annual Holiday Open House on the Sunday a few weeks before holiday shopping begins in earnest. Help us launch the winter season with cider and Somali coffee, locally-made treats, and hundreds of pots in our galleries. Free hands-on clay activities featuring Petite Plates and Pie Penguins, and artist demonstrations will both inspire and captivate you. Stay for a just quick bit of shopping or bring friends or family and make a whole day of it. Northern Clay Center. 612-339-8007
Nov. 22 - Jan. 5 (Fridays through Sundays), Chaska
Winter in Bloom Lights Display
Outdoor and indoor holiday lights celebrate the season! Indoors, find the Great Hall of Trees with a live poinsettia tree and decorated trees with nature-inspired ornaments and greens. Outside, enjoy a self-guided walking tour of lighted nature-inspired installations and more. Other highlights include hot family-friendly food in the cafe, a cash bar, live music Saturdays and Sundays, and free shuttle service Friday and Saturday nights. Winter in Bloom will also be open Dec. 23, and the week of Dec. 26 through Jan. 2. Inquire about additional special holiday events offered during the month of December! Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 612-624-2200
Nov. 23, Minneapolis
Green Gifts Fair
Don't miss the 14th Annual Green Gifts Fair! Highlights include shopping more than 85 vendors for upcycled, recycled, fair-trade and locally made gifts, learning through the completion of an activity passport, partnering with individuals, organizations and businesses working together to live more sustainably, and celebrating your green community through art, music, and more! Spend the day and enjoy lunch or dinner at the Midtown Global Market with over 30 global food options! A donation of $1 is recommended. Midtown Global Market. 970-222-6981
Nov. 23, Minneapolis
Nick Kroll
Nick Kroll is a comedian, writer, actor and producer. He writes, produces and performs over 30 voices on the hit Netflix animated series Big Mouth which is based on his childhood. Big Mouth has been heralded by the Hollywood Reporter as “sweet, progressive and breathtakingly filthy," and is currently nominated for a 2019 Emmy for “Outstanding Animated Program.” Historic Pantages Theatre. 612-339-7007
Nov. 23-24, Minneapolis
Healthy Life Expo
Explore more than 200 exhibitors offering everything for health, balance and success in all areas of life. There will be three stages of ongoing speaker presentations and demonstrations, hourly prize drawings, Booth Bingo for a FitBit, product samples and free health information. Don't miss the U.S. Strongman Competition on Saturday! Minneapolis Convention Center Ballroom. 952-238-1700
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Eric Andre: Legalize Everything Tour at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 11 & 22
The Beach Boys at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Nov. 15
The Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 15
Maren Morris: The World Tour at The Armory in Minneapolis, Nov. 16
The Screwtape Letters at the Pantages Theatre, Nov. 16
World of Dance at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 16
The Phantom of the Opera (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 20 - Dec. 1
Chris Janson at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Nov. 23
Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 24
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Musical (Touring) at Ames Center in Burnsville, Nov. 26-27
Louis the Child at The Armory, Nov. 27
Alice Cooper at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Nov. 29
Brockhampton at The Armory, Dec. 3
Disney On Ice Presents Worlds of Enchantment at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Dec. 5-8
A.C.E at the Pantages Theatre, Dec. 6
The New Standards at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 6-8
deadmau5 at The Armory, Dec. 7
101.3 KDWB's Jingle Ball at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 9
The Band's Visit (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 10-15
The Blenders at the Pantages Theatre, Dec. 12-15
Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre, Dec. 13-23
Twin Cities Ballet: A Minnesota Nutcracker at Ames Center, Dec. 13-15
Monster Jam at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Dec. 14
Tonic Sol-Fa at Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 17
An Andy and Bing Christmas at Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 22
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Nov. 16, St. Cloud
Granite City Train Show
Buy, sell, trade or just view hundreds of trains under one roof at the Granite City Train Show. Vendors will be selling and buying trains, accessories, books, videos, railroad collectibles & memorabilia, antique trains & toys, hobby items and more! There will be operating model and toy train displays, and kids can help build a wooden train layout and run a model train. Register to win door prizes, including a Lionel Train Set or an FSM HO structure kit. Food and refreshments will be available. St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center. 320-255-0033
Nov. 16, Fergus Falls
Shaun Johnson's Big Band Experience
The Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience is a rare newcomer to traditional pop, fusing a big band spirit with an inventive edge. Shaun, an Emmy award-winning crooner (and lead singer of the internationally-known vocal group, Tonic Sol-fa), stamps vocal jazz and swing with a contemporary punch. A Center for the Arts. 218-736-5453
Nov. 16-17, Onamia
Applique Beading 2-Day Workshop
Learn the techniques of applique beading and make an applique beaded coin purse to take home. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided on Sunday. Registration is required three days prior to the workshop. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Nov. 23, St. Joseph
Kevin Kling & Friends: Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log
Best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," Kling delivers hilarious, often tender stories that have delighted audiences around the country. With Yule Log, the Minnesota native captures the essence, merriment and humor of family holiday traditions. Wry tales of Midwestern Americana take surprising turns from the offbeat to the insightful. Yule Log features Simone Perrin, SJU alum Dan Chouinard and other surprise, familiar guests. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at St. John's University. 320-363-5777
Nov. 23, Willmar
Holidaze Parade
Get into the spirit of Christmas as you watch a Christmas parade decked out in holiday lights and decorated floats. In addition to the parade, enjoy children's games and inflatables, a petting zoo, chili feed, cookie decorating, turkey bowling, reindeer-led sleigh rides, visits with Santa, and a free movie at The Barn Theatre after the parade. This is a fun holiday event for the entire family! Downtown Willmar. 320-235-3552
Nov. 23, St. Cloud
Made in Minnesota Expo
See which businesses have made their roots in Minnesota at the Made in MN Expo. This event showcases Minnesota-made items and businesses who are based out of Minnesota. Sample, shop and have fun checking out over 100 great Minnesota companies that will be featured at this year’s expo. Start your holiday shopping here and support local Minnesota businesses! River's Edge Convention Center. 320-257-7224
Nov. 29 - Dec. 8, Little Falls
Little Falls Christmas Tours
Start your holiday season with four fabulous Christmas Tours in Little Falls! Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Musser and Weyerhaeuser Mansions featuring Christmas décor in every room, and a tour through the Nutcracker Suite at the Burton Rosenmeier Home (1903) — guess the amount of Nutcrackers and win a chance at a gift certificate for the Shoppes of Little Falls! Visit the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame and tour Christmas Tree Lane and the special displays. And step back in time and experience the holidays 100 years ago during the First World War during a WWI Christmas at the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum! 320-616-4959
Northwest Minnesota
Oct. 11 - Nov. 30, Bemidji
Bring Her Home: Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island
View original artwork by 20 Indigenous artists from across the United States and many tribal nations. Bring Her Home highlights the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, sharing the visual stories of the impacted women through paintings, digital work, sculpture and photography. An opening reception will be held Oct. 11. Watermark Art Center. 218-444-7570
Nov. 15-24, Bemidji
Annie
"The sun will come out tomorrow, tomorrow..." Based on the comical antics of Little Orphan Annie, the little red-headed waif who wins over the hearts of the staunchest nonbelievers when it comes to the matter of hope. Journey with her to find her real parents amidst a world that is often full of charlatans and crooks. The Historic Chief Theater. 218-755-8942
Nov. 16, Longville
"Brunch, Bubbles & Bling" Champagne Breakfast
Start off the winter season right and enjoy some champagne, a style show, silent auction, door prizes, music and a delicious buffet breakfast! Wear your best "bling" while doing your Christmas shopping thing! Patrick's Restaurant. 218-363-2630
Nov. 16, East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle & Dance Community Dance
Enjoy community dance, square dancing, dancing lessons, dance music, live music, fiddle music, reels, simple square and circles for all ages during the North Country Fiddle & Dance Community Dance. Music will be performed by the O’Neil Family Band, and teaching and calling will be led by Robin Nelson from Minneapolis. All are welcome! Free-will donations are requested at the door. East Grand Forks Senior Center. 218-773-3850
Nov. 23, Baudette
Frost Fest
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Frost Fest celebration. Just some of the festivities include a wide array of arts, craft and merchandise vendors at Lake of the Woods High School Commons, a free movie, the popular Fish House Parade, the Lighting of the Tree, fireworks display and dinner at The Moose. Additional activities and bargains will be offered in downtown Baudette through December 21. 218-634-1174
Nov. 24, East Grand Forks/Grand Forks
HollyDazzle Festival of Lights
This annual family-friendly holiday celebration features a parade of lights, free carriage rides, free holiday movie, s'mores, pictures with Santa, cookie & ornament decorating, local choir performances, delicious food, plus an amazing fireworks display — bring your blankets! Downtown Town Square. 701-757-4051
Nov. 30, Longville
Community Christmas Lighting Celebration
Don't miss this old-fashioned town lighting celebration with a bonfire, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate and hotdogs, Christmas carols, and the official lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa will also stop by to visit with the children! Free photos with Santa run 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Common Grounds Coffee Shop. Downtown Longville. 218-363-2630
Northeast Minnesota
Nov. 7-16, Duluth
An Enemy of the People (a new adaptation)
When a scientist discovers the town's water is toxic, the community must choose between jobs or environmental safety. A play as relevant today as when it was written in 1882. Marshall Performing Arts Center. 218-726-8561
Nov. 15 - Jan. 5, Duluth
Christmas Tours at Glensheen Mansion
The Glensheen Mansion is your Christmas by day Christmas activity during the holiday season in Duluth. See 25 Christmas Trees and hunt for 25 hidden elves in the 39-room mansion! Try to spot the hidden elves as you admire the 25 Christmas trees, sample a free Christmas cookie recreated from Clara’s very own shortbread cookie recipe, and finish off your tour by exploring the lakeside snowy grounds. Historic Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Nov. 17, Chisholm
Let's Make Lefse
Starting at 2 p.m., Mara Brownlee will demonstrate how to make Lefse. Everyone will then get to experience the preparation of this Norwegian delicacy at three different stations. Come learn a new family tradition! Minnesota Discovery Center. 218-254-7959
Nov. 22-24, Grand Marais
Winterer's Gathering & Arctic Film Festival
Celebrate the crafts, customs, landscape, history and stories of winter travel and traditional lifestyles in the North during Winterer's Gathering & Arctic Film Festival. Highlights include winter-centric coursework, a winter tent camp, gear swap, dancing, film festival, speakers and more. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
Nov. 23 - Dec. 28, Duluth
Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"
Experience America's largest free walk-through lighting display! This quintessential holiday event has something for everyone. Visitors will be amazed by the 4 million+ lights, the 128-foot Christmas tree and all the free treats! Children 10 and under will receive a new knit hat and a bag of cookies from Santa. Admission and visits with Santa Claus are free but a new unwrapped toy or nonperishable food donation are encouraged. Bayfront Festival Park. 218-740-3535
Nov. 29, Lutsen
New Standards Holiday Show
Celebrating their 13th season, The New Standards Holiday Show rings in the yule with a unique twist on traditional holiday concerts — one part variety show, one part homage to the season, one part irreverent, free-wheeling spectacle! The trio is joined by a supporting cast replete with vocalists and instrumentalists, as well as a dazzling lineup of special surprise guests. You won't soon forget this show that has become a beloved annual tradition in the Twin Cities and beyond. Papa Charlie's at Lutsen Mountains. 218-406-1320
Dec. 8, Duluth
Gag Me With A Spoon: A Community Storyshare
Adeline Wright of Adeline Inc. is the creator of this event series. 'Gag Me With A Spoon' is an evening of open mic storytelling. In theme with the Moth and Mortified podcasts, anybody can come and share true, funny and interesting stories in eight minutes or less. Each GMWAS features storytellers and a featured musician followed by open mic journal sharing! Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone. 218-336-1417
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
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