Event highlights this week include:
Nov. 23, Winona
Winona Art Walk and Tour
Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, Stillwater
Hometown for the Holidays
Nov. 23, Willmar
Holidaze Parade
Nov. 23, Baudette
Frost Fest Celebration & Fish House Parade
Nov. 23 - Dec. 28, Duluth
Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"
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. 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 The 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. Start the day at the Winona Indoor Farmers’ Market, and end the day with music by Steve Szydel at the Acoustic Café or the Charlie Parr Release Show at Ed’s No-Name Bar. 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, New Ulm
Parade of Lights
New Ulm welcomes Santa to town with a Parade of Lights. The 31st Annual Parade of Lights features over 60 units, brightly lit with thousands of twinkling lights traveling downtown at 6 p.m. Historic downtown New Ulm will be lined with real Christmas trees, and real garland hanging from above. Children of all ages will delight in this event. Historic downtown New Ulm. 507-233-4300
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
Dec. 5-8, Owatonna
Hometown Holiday Weekend
Hometown Holiday Weekend is a wonderful way to kick-off the Holiday Season. Highlights include a Lighted Holiday Parade, Christmas in the Village, the Historic Holiday Home tour, drive-through Christmas lights display, visits with Santa, live music, 29th Annual Festival of Trees, the Owatonna Arts Center's Christmas Dreams display and carolers, plus plenty of opportunities to shop local. On Thursday, Dec. 5, the 21st Annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will arrive in Owatonna with performances beginning at 3:40 p.m. and ending at 4:15 p.m. The Lighted Holiday Parade in downtown Owatonna will follow! 507-451-7970
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. 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. 21 - Jan. 2, Bloomington
Take Flight to the North Pole at FlyOver America!
FlyOver America will transform into a magical winter wonderland for the holiday season. Guests will have fun helping Santa search for his missing elves during an exhilarating flight across America and onto the North Pole. It's time to take your holiday traditions to new heights! Mall of America. 952-853-6000
Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, Stillwater
Hometown for the Holidays
Historic Main Street Stillwater will come alive with Christmas lights, decorations and events for a month-long celebration. Kicking-off on Black Friday and running through New Year's Eve, enjoy costumed Victorian carolers, strolling Santa, Christmas at the Courthouse Gala & Bazaar, "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Zephyr Theatre, performances of "The Nutcracker," B&B tours, free horse-drawn Victorian wagonette rides along the river, shopping specials, a Twinkle Parade with live music and Santa, live reindeer, Breakfast with Santa, holiday cooking classes, and much more. Get in the old-fashioned holiday spirit! Historic Main Street. 651-351-1717; 651-275-7075
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
Nov. 27 - Dec. 29 (Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays), St. Paul
Christmas Traditions Guided House Tour
Get in the holiday spirit with a guided tour of the James J. Hill mansion and learn about the many Christmas traditions of the Hill family and their servants. James J. Hill House. 651-297-2555
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
This outstanding festival features a weekend of holiday events and activities for all ages including programs at Interstate Park, an Art Fair at the Depot, the Grand Lighting and Santa Parade, free trolley rides, Holiday Booya, free wagon rides, Mrs. Claus at the library, Santaland, a variety of craft fairs, tours of the 1855 Folsom House Historic Site and private homes all decked-out for the holidays, a medallion hunt, puppet show, Vespers, Poetry and StorySlam, cash bingo, Irish dancers, St. Croix Valley Orchestra and more! Venues throughout Historic Stillwater. 651-707-3541
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, Excelsior
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
The Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is an annual three-day German-theme Christmas Festival filled with activities to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy the Grande Parade, open-air market featuring German Christmas traditions and delicious treats, shopping for traditional gifts and unique treasures, and visit with family and friends at the beer garden. The children's KinderWorld includes story-telling, face painting, Mrs. Christmas, puppet shows, Frozen Princesses, music, performers and more. The NorthPole Trolley operates during the festival and features Father Christmas listening to your Christmas wishes. Also visit the live Alaskan reindeer for the perfect photo opportunity! Downtown Excelsior. 952-292-8898
Nov. 29 - Dec. 22 (Thursdays through Sundays), Minneapolis
Holidazzle
Holidazzle is Minneapolis' premier holiday celebration. This free event is filled with activities including ice skating with complimentary skates available, fireworks, movies, a Kids' Zone, interactive art, festive lighting and more. Enjoy local foods, beverages and gift items along the way. Holidazzle is about holiday traditions and creating memories. Loring Park. 612-376-7669; 612-338-3807
Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, St. Paul
Hmong New Year
The 41st Annual Hmong New Year celebrates Minnesota's Hmong Community. This event draws over 35,000 spectators each year to experience the rich Hmong culture through dancing and singing competitions, as well as food and merchandise vendors. Minnesota Monthly calls this one of the best holiday events of the season! Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention Center Complex. 651-265-4800
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
The Phantom of the Opera (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 20 - Dec. 1
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Musical (Touring) at Ames Center in Burnsville, Nov. 26-27
Louis the Child at The Armory in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, Dec. 6
The New Standards at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 6-8
deadmau5 at The Armory, Dec. 7
101.3 KDWB's Jingle Ball with Camila Cabello 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
Nick Swardson at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Dec. 27-28
Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2019 at the Xcel Energy Center, Dec. 28
Cheap Trick at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dec. 31
Rick Springfield at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Dec. 31
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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, Perham
Perham Lions Holiday Parade of Lights
Enjoy the lighting of the community tree and caroling, followed by the largest and best holiday lights parade in the area running through downtown Perham. Anyone with a child 14 and under will want to stop by the Cactus Entertainment Center for the Kids' Christmas Kick-off Party! 218-346-7710
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
Dec. 7, Litchfield
Pioneer Christmas
A variety of activities are planned for this year's Pioneer Christmas at the Forest City Stockade including pioneer crafts, visits with Santa, Christmas carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tours of all historic buildings, demonstrations and a winter encampment with tepee. Lots of treats and warm foods will be available. And while in Litchfield, check out all of the decorated homes during Light Up Litchfield and take part in Get Wrapped Up - Shop Local. 320-693-6782; 320-693-8184
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. 23, Baudette
Frost Fest Celebration & Fish House Parade
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Frost Fest celebration. Just some of the festivities include the popular Fish House Parade filled with lighted floats, cars, animals and fish houses, a wide array of arts, craft and merchandise vendors during the Craft and Vendor Extravaganza at Lake of the Woods High School Commons, a free movie, the Lighting of the Community Tree, fireworks display and lasagna 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
Nov. 30, Walker
Festival of Lights
The community comes together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season and partake in the true meaning of giving. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be ready for pictures and eager to hear children's holiday wishes. Other highlights include the 5K Reindeer Ramble, Miracle on 5th Street Tent Party with live reindeer, horse and buggy rides, a Tap Holiday DIY Art Class, and an array of lighted holiday floats during the Festival of Lights parade. Downtown Walker. 218-547-1313
Dec. 5 & 19, Moorhead
Victorian Christmas Traditions Tours
Explore the Victorian origins of many of today's Christmas traditions with a special tour of the 19th century 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. And on Dec. 14, check out Christmas with the Comstocks and play Victorian games, listen to live music and enjoy hot cocoa and holiday treats while learning more about holiday traditions of the era. 218-291-4211
Northeast Minnesota
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. 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
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, Duluth
AMSOIL Duluth National Snocross
The annual AMSOIL Duluth National Snocross features the world's best snowmobile drivers competing in the Pro-Am races. Join thousands of fans and nearly 1,000 participants for these amazing races! Spirit Mountain. 763-497-8474
Nov. 30, Ely
Small Town Christmas & Holiday Parade
Find the perfect holiday gifts at the many local merchants, then enjoy the Christmas Parade followed by the City Tree Lighting Ceremony and festivities in Whiteside Park. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. On Nov. 29 & 30, stop by the Ely Arts & Heritage Center for Holiday Fantasy, an arts and crafts fair for the entire family featuring unique artwork and handcrafted items, as well as special activities for youth. 218-365-6123; 218-365-2841
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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