Event highlights this week include:
Dec. 5-8, Owatonna Hometown Holiday Weekend
Dec. 6-8, St. Paul St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show
Dec. 7, Litchfield Pioneer Christmas
Dec. 6-8, Park Rapids Heart of the Holidays and More Festive Events
Dec. 6-8, Knife River Julebyen Christmas Village
For a list of fun activities for friends and family this holiday season, be sure to check out 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Minnesota!
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. 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
Dec. 5-15, Faribault Peter Pan presented by the Paradise Community Theatre This superb adaptation captures all the magic and charm of everyone's favorite story. The Darling children love to hear of Peter Pan’s adventures during his visits through the open window of the nursery. Then one night after Nana has taken his shadow and Wendy has sewn it back on, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell whisk the children off to Neverland to be part of the adventures. Wendy, John and Michael become friends with the Lost Boys and Princess Tiger Lily, and Wendy becomes everyone's mother. When the evil Captain Hook captures Wendy and the Lost Boys, Peter Pan comes to their rescue. Together with the ticking crocodile, Peter Pan puts Captain Hook in his place and returns the Darling children to their home. Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
Dec. 6-8, Luverne Winterfest Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in Luverne. A Holiday Trivia contest will be held at Take 16 Event Center, Friday evening. On Saturday, head to the Luverne Elementary School for a spectacular craft show featuring more than 60 vendors, pictures with Santa and Santa's Workshop. That evening, support the Rock County Food Shelf at the Sing Christmas Community Christmas Cantata by the Carnegie Minstrels at the American Reformed Church. And on Sunday evening, don't miss Christmas in the Park at Luverne City Park. A snowmobile swap meet and other outdoor winter activities will be offered. 507-283-4061
Dec. 7, Rochester Feast! Local Foods Marketplace The 6th Annual Feast! Local Foods Marketplace brings together 100+ artisan businesses from throughout the region to share samples and sell their foods and beverages including craft beer, wine and cider. Also enjoy cooking demonstrations, children's activities, and vote for your favorite booth for a chance at a local foods gift basket. Mayo Civic Center. 507-405-4045
Dec. 7-8, Mankato Christmas at the Hubbard House Take a step back in time and see the Hubbard House decorated for the season. While there, help untangle a history mystery by visiting with the Hubbard family, staff and guests. Also enjoy a display of textiles and handiworks. After the tour, head to the Carriage House to see if you've figured out who the culprit was, and enjoy refreshments and a holiday gift shop. Historic Hubbard House. 507-345-5566
Dec. 14, Henderson Christmas Bird Count Join the Ney Nature Center for its annual Christmas Bird Count! Families, friends, professional and novice birders will head out with bird guides and checklists to observe their bird feeding stations or explore select areas within a 7.5 mile radius of the Nature Center. Simultaneously, thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas will take part in this adventure that has become a tradition. Ney Nature Center. 507-248-3474
Dec. 14, Winona Winona Holiday Market A new holiday tradition, the Winona Holiday Market, will feature over 25 one-of-a-kind artisan vendors from all over the region. The Market will also be the kickoff of Let's Levee: Winter Edition with food trucks, hot beverages, mulled wines and the grand opening of the Levee Park Ice Skating Rink. Levee Park. 507-457-8258
Dec. 14, Austin Christmas in the County The Mower County Historical Society presents Christmas in the County with indoor and outdoor children's activities, including great food, a bake sale, silent auction, horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides, raffle and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pioneer Building. 507-437-6082
Dec. 20, Red Wing Continental Ballet Company: The Nutcracker Especially designed for families, this seasoned production develops themes of generosity, non-violence and responsibility through the timeless tale of Clara's fantastic voyage to the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy with her magical godfather, Drosselmeyer. The Continental Ballet Company's Nutcracker has toured throughout Minnesota, and is a beloved annual tradition at the Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Dec. 20-22, Austin The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Matchbox Children's Theatre will perform The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. See six children in the notorious, horrible Herdman family volunteer to star in their town's Sunday school Christmas pageant, eventually teaching everyone the true meaning of Christmas. Historic Paramount Theatre. 507-437-9078
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. Enjoy costumed Victorian carolers, strolling Santa, "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. 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
Dec. 5-7, St. Paul Landmark Center's Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar 'Tis the season for holiday cheer and shopping! Landmark Center will open its doors for their 40th Annual Landmark Center Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar featuring 75 booths of beautiful and unique handcrafted gift items by the area’s finest artist. Festive music and delicious treats add to the enjoyment of this special holiday shopping opportunity. Landmark Center. 651-292-3225
Dec. 6-7, Afton Afton Village Holiday Weekend Kick-off your holidays in the quaint and picturesque village of Afton. Friday evening, enjoy free horse & wagon rides, carolers, ice skating at Town Square Park, festive food & drink specials, and the Lighting of the Village Christmas Tree. On Saturday, there will be strolling carolers, free horse & wagon rides, skating, self-guided historic walking tours, and Family Day festivities at numerous Afton merchants. 651-436-8883
Dec. 6-8, St. Paul St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show Shop more than 190 exhibit booths featuring products and services dedicated to the die-hard ice angler. View all new ice fishing products, including fish houses, augers, underwater cameras, digital fish finders, rods and reels, tackle, accessories, apparel and more. Whether you are an avid fisherman looking for a few new accessories, an experienced angler in need of an upgrade, or totally new to the ice fishing scene, you will find what you are looking for at this show! St. Paul RiverCentre Convention Center Complex. 651-265-4800
Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14, Roseville Wreck the Halls: Haunted Basement presents "The Workshop" 'Tis the season to be...scary? For thirteen years, the Haunted Basement has built a reputation as one of the top October stops on the Twin Cities scare circuit. Its annual haunt is known for interactive, artist-driven designs and absurdist psychological horror. Still lurking in Rosedale Shopping Center’s lower southeast corner, The Workshop will invite brave patrons—18 and older—to explore a disturbing den of yuletide terror. Rosedale Shopping Center. 612-444-2191
Dec. 6 - Feb. 22, St. Paul Destination Winter Saint Paul Destination Winter Saint Paul is bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to Lowertown. All ages will enjoy the relocation of Wells Fargo WinterSkate from Landmark Plaza to the playing surface at CHS Field, as well as the return of the 40-foot Securian SuperSlide for the first time since Super Bowl LII. CHS Field. 651-644-6659
Dec. 7, Maple Grove Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener Embrace winter by celebrating cross-country skiing at the 3rd Annual Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener! Skiers of all abilities and ages are invited to kick off winter with free skiing, free rental equipment and free mini lessons. Participate in the Ski Tour with routes for the whole family, ski with Goldy and other mascots, and check out the Nordic Ski Expo with reps from 50 Nordic ski suppliers, resorts, retailers and clubs. Kids can test their skills at a fun ski obstacle course. Activities are on and off the snow, so come dressed for the weather. Elm Creek Park Reserve. 763-559-9000
Dec. 7, St. Paul Grand Meander A beloved tradition, Grand Meander combines the charm of historic Grand Avenue and the cozy communal spirit of the holidays. The day features Santa, art shows, carolers, trolley rides, signature soup tasting contest, a petting zoo, holiday performances and many free family-friendly activities. Grand Avenue. 651-699-0029
Dec. 7-8, Minneapolis Julmarknad - ASI's Holiday Market Julmarknad is the American Swedish Institute's holiday market and festival -- one of the ASI's most popular weekends! There will be handmade items for sale by more than 40 talented local and regional artists, and the ASI Museum Store and Jul Shop will sell Nordic and Nordic-inspired gifts. The celebration continues with performances, crafts and festival food by FIKA. The museum is open for festival goers to browse the decorated holiday rooms. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
Dec. 7, 14 & 21, Excelsior Christmas in Excelsior Christmas in Excelsior is a magical time. Trees are adorned with white lights, old-fashioned lamp poles entwined with evergreens and holly, and snow-covered streets filled with bustling shoppers. On Dec. 7, kids will enjoy a free movie and visits with Santa, along with carolers, wagon rides, carriage rides, chili dinner with Santa, and the lighting of the Veteran's Memorial Tree. On Dec 14 & 21, the Masonic Lodge will host Santa, and there will be a Hot Cocoa Bar and wagon rides. Downtown Excelsior. 952-474-6461
Dec. 8, Scandia Lucia Dagen Welcome the Jul season with the celebration of Lucia. Follow the candlelit pathway to the GammelKyrkan for a brief Swedish prayer service. (Dress warmly - this church dates back to 1856 and has no heat.) Afterwards, cross the street to the Community Center for a full Lucia Jul Fest Breakfast with special guests; the Svenskarnas Dag Girls' Choir which presents their lovely music program that honors Lucia and her ministry of bringing light into darkness. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053
Dec. 13-14, Shakopee Arts & Crafts Fair Try delicious Indian Tacos and find unique Native American handcrafted goods such as beadwork and jewelry. Hocokata Ti’s 3,805-square-foot public exhibit, Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake, provides visitors with a cultural experience that enhances their knowledge and understanding of the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history. Hocokata Ti. 952-233-9151
Dec. 15, St. Paul Santa's Workshop Santa's Workshop is a free holiday event for children to make a holiday gift, wrap it and take it home for a loved one. Other highlights include reindeer games, treats and visits with Santa! Landmark Center. 651-292-3225
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: 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 Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas Tour at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Dec. 6 The New Standards at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Dec. 6-8 deadmau5 at The Armory in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, 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 in Burnsville, 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. 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
Dec. 7, Parkers Prairie Prairie Christmas Craft Sale Prairie Christmas will feature handcrafted and specialty items by over 50 crafters and vendors. Santa will be hand for pictures (no charge), and there will be ongoing entertainment and activities in the gym. Parkers Prairie High School. 218-338-4115
Dec. 14, St. Cloud City of St Cloud's Weihnachtsmarkt & Christmas on the Prairie Downtown St. Cloud (5th Avenue - Under the Festoon Lights) will be the site of a Christmas Tree Lighting with heated tents, plenty of traditional German food and drink such as Gluhwein (warm, spiced wine), and Christmas cookies, bratwurst and sauerkraut, live music, food and craft vendors. That evening, head to Pioneer Place on Fifth for Christmas on the Prairie with Mary Jane Alm, Aimée Lee & Boyd Lee, featuring Pat Donohue and members of A Prairie Home Companion's "Guy's All Star Shoe Band." Spend your Christmas holiday with two of the Twin Cities most talked about groups as they join together for a rare and very special holiday concert! 320-255-7200; 320-227-8222
Dec. 14, Wahkon S.N.O.W.FEST 7 S.N.O.W.FEST 7 is a celebration of snowmobiling wrapped around a snowmobile film festival. The day will begin with a vintage snowmobile show and film festival, followed by a silent auction, dealer demos and specials on new sleds, and door prizes. Muggs of Mille Lacs in downtown Wahkon. 612-805-4738
Dec. 21, Isle Brunch with Santa Head to Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort & Event Center for brunch, cookie decorating and pictures with Santa. You can even get a picture of your pet with Santa in the afternoon. 320-676-8834
Northwest Minnesota
Nov. 29 - Dec. 21, Moorhead Theatre B Presents "The Last Schwartz" In this fresh and funny “holiday” drama, the Schwartz siblings gather for a Yarzheit – the anniversary of their father’s death. And as with any distant relatives, things get awkward and complicated when everyone’s together. Theatre B. 701-729-8880
Dec. 6-8, 14, 19 & 21, Park Rapids Heart of the Holidays and More Festive Events Celebrate the holidays with numerous festive events in Park Rapids including Christmas Sweets, Treats & Treasures at Calvary Lutheran Church and a Christmas Showcase at Armory Square on Dec. 7. Don't miss Santa & Mrs. Claus at Bella Cafe on Dec. 7, 14 & 21. Other festivities taking place during Heart of the Holidays include performances of A Dickens' Christmas Carol, Christmas at Timber Creek, Christmas movie matinees and A Magical Medora Christmas. Various venues in Park Rapids. 218-732-4111
Dec. 7, Detroit Lakes Holiday Bazaar & Free Movie "The Grinch" Washington Square Mall will host over 35 artists, crafters, vendors and fundraising groups at their Holiday Bazaar, with great door prizes as well. And the entire family will enjoy a free showing of the movie "The Grinch" at 10 a.m. The mall will be filled with holiday music by local piano students, and children will enjoy Wishes with Santa -- bring your camera! Washington Square Mall. 218-847-1679
Dec. 14, Bemidji Tenth Avenue North Tenth Avenue North will perform their show "Decade The Halls" with music by Plumb and special guest Land of Color. Take a journey through the decades of Christmas that includes spectacular music, pageantry and time travel! Sanford Center. 218-441-4000
Dec. 14, Moorhead Christmas with the Comstocks Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at the historic Comstock House which will be all decked-out for the holidays. Learn about the Christmas customs of the Comstock family and other Victorian traditions. Play Victorian parlor games, listen to live music and enjoy hot cocoa and holiday treats. Historic Comstock House. 218-291-4211
Dec. 20, Mahnomen The Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most recognized and silky country sounds of any band ever. Their four-part harmonies are smoother than Tennessee whiskey and their numerous hits have earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM awards. Don't miss this amazing night filled with hits such as "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue," and "Thank God for Kids," as well as their favorite holiday songs. Shooting Star Casino. 800-313-7469
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. 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
Dec. 6-8, Knife River Julebyen Christmas Village The Julebyen (Christmas Village) is a centuries-old Scandinavian and German tradition celebrated with ethnic foods, crafts, holiday decorations and live music. Enjoy an Outdoor Market with unique, hand-made gifts by local artisans, an Indoor Market full of hand-crafted decorations for your home, Troll Village featuring regional authors and illustrators, a variety of recreational exhibits and vendors, and The Gnome Dome filled with performances, children's activities, workshops, races, animals and festive food. Drive or take the train to and from Duluth! Sites throughout the town of Knife River. 218-834-5950
Dec. 7 & 14, Grand Rapids Christmas in the Logging Camp Family Day North Woods No. 1, the Forest History Center's recreated 1900s logging camp, comes to life under a blanket of snow during this yearly event. Join the logging camp crew as they get ready to celebrate Christmas, and enjoy sleigh rides, hot chocolate, cider and more. Bring a camera and have your picture taken with Santa! Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
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
Dec. 12-14, Duluth The Santaland Diaries This outrageous holiday comedy starring Crumpet is back again for this joyous season. Based on the essays of David Sedaris, The Santaland Diaries recount the true-life tale of an out-of-work writer's stint as a Macy's department store elf. The Underground Theatre. 218-733-7555
Dec. 13-15, Grand Marais Dark Sky Festival Cook County is home to one of the darkest skies in the nation. Every year, explorers, adventurers, artists and photographers from around the world travel to Cook County to experience the northern lights. Festivities will include a Lights Out Dark Sky Festival Kickoff at Harbor Park, the City Lights, Starry Nights Documentary Film at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, the UMD GeoDome traveling planetarium at Voyageur Brewing Company, City Lights, Starry Nights Documentary and presentations at the North House Folk School, and much more. Sites throughout Cook County. 218-387-2524
Dec. 13-15, Duluth Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show Join fellow ice anglers and winter enthusiasts during the Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show. Shop the season's top brands, newest technology and one-of-a-kind products. Also, visit the live Alaskan Grizzly Bear exhibit, fish for trout at the frozen basin, win prizes, learn fishing tips at the Ice Box from the pros, get your free photo inside the life-size Snow Globe and take a selfie at the interactive 3D Street Art Experience! Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. 952-431-9630
Dec. 13-15, Duluth Minnesota Ballet: The Nutcracker Holiday magic begins with the Minnesota Ballet's sparkling production of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. The whole family will relish in the merry party with children's hijinks, the Mouse King's flying leap into battle with the Nutcracker, the flurry of twirling snowflakes, winsome gingerbread children emerging from Mother Ginger's enormous skirt, and the swirling bouquet of waltzing flowers. The Minnesota Ballet Orchestra plays the Tchaikovsky score live. Symphony Hall at the DECC. 218-529-3742
Dec. 21, Grand Rapids Rock & Roll Xmas Rock & Roll Christmas is a Las Vegascaliber, 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 and bring new takes on hit songs you didn't even know were holiday classics. Reif Center. 218-327-5780
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
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