Explore Minnesota – List of Fun Family Events Nov-Dec
Posted on 21. Nov, 2010 by EASTMNNEWSWIRE in Entertainment, Family, Popular Stories, State News
The information in this report is provided Courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism. 
Cute picture from Creative Commons on Flickr!
Highlights this week and weekend include Christmas By Candlelight, the Santa Holid-Ice Spectacular & Tour Of Homes in downtown Redwood Falls, the 2010 Midwest Home Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the annual Holidaze Parade in downtown Willmar, the 7th Annual Holmes Art Show at the Historic Holmes Ballroom in Detroit Lakes, and the annual Winterer’s Gathering at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Check out our events calendar for more information on many of these and other upcoming events.
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Southern Minnesota
The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will offer Migration Celebrations each Saturday and Sunday through November 21, with three weekends dedicated to the mystery and wonder of migration. Highlights the weekend of November 20 & 21 include eagle feeding programs, “Lessons from the Bottom of the World” program, a Golden Eagle class and field trip, “Fish Migration In The Mid-West” program, and the Minnesota DNR Wall of Shame display. 651/565-4989; www.nationaleaglecenter.org/migration-celebration
Madelia’s 11th Annual Razzle Dazzle Celebration will be held Friday and Saturday, November 19 & 20. Just some of the many highlights include the Parade Of Lights, Santa and his Reindeer, pictures with Santa, the Women of Today Craft & Bake Sale, a chili cook-off, Crafts for Kids, Christmas Carols, the lighted “Parade of Trees,” a “Dazzle Dollar” promotion at participating merchants, wine tasting, and hot cider, hot chocolate, hot sandwiches, baked goods and more served by area organizations! 1-888-941-7283; www.visitmadelia.com
Christmas By Candlelight will be held at various locations in downtown Redwood Falls, Friday through Sunday, November 19-21. Friday night highlights include horse-drawn sleigh rides down luminary-lined streets, strolling carolers dressed in Dickens-style costumes, a live nativity, chili supper, holiday treats provided by local retailers, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. On Saturday, enjoy a Santa Holid-Ice Spectacular at the Redwood Area Community Center, and on Sunday, November 21, take the popular Tour Of Homes. 1-800-657-7070; www.redwoodfalls.org
The city of Harmony will offer a Holiday Fest, Friday through Sunday, November 19-21, with a Candlelight Open House, Amish Tours, a holiday craft show, book fair, chili supper, bingo, woodcarving demonstrations, wagon rides to the nativity scene, holiday specials, and more! And while in the area on Saturday, November 20, check out the Holiday Open House in nearby Lanesboro, with the lighting of downtown streets and businesses, special promotions, a rosemaling exhibit, marshmallow roast, the Art of Food exhibit, fish fry, a live performance of “Little Women” at the Commonweal Theatre, and a Holiday Open House wine dinner. 1-800-428-2030; www.bluffcountry.com
The annual Festival of Trees will be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Wednesday through Sunday, November 24-28. In addition to a beautifully decorated forest of Christmas trees, there will be hundreds of talented musicians and dancers, a Friday Night Dance Party, a Saturday Gingerbread Family Day, a Silent Auction, Gift Thyme Shoppe, and a Holiday Cafe. Children’s Day will be offered all day Friday, with carnival games, creative crafts, pictures with Santa, and more! 507/289-7222; www.hiawathahomes.org
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis will host the 35th Anniversary Best of the World Tour of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Friday and Saturday, November 19 & 20 at 7:30pm. The Banff Mountain Film Festival selected winners from over three hundred mountain films featuring a range of styles and themes, including climbing, skiing, kayaking, biking, adventure, culture and the environment. The tour includes some of the best films from the festival, and the Friday and Saturday night screenings will have a different line up- you may want to attend both nights! And be sure to check out the 51st Bi-Annual Outdoor Adventure Expo, Friday through Sunday, November 19–21, when there will be a huge Expo Sale, with events in Midwest Mountaineering, the Big-Top Tents and on the U of M Campus across the street. 612/339–3433; www.outdooradventureexpo.com
The 2010 Midwest Home Show will be held Friday through Sunday, November 19-21, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This 20th annual home show is the largest and most comprehensive fall showcase of the hottest trends and the latest products for your home and garden. Visit with more than 200 of the Twin Cities’ best remodelers, landscapers, designers and home improvement specialists. In addition, enjoy seven spectacular gardens, a lake home, winter wonderland, cooking demos, The Ultimate Man Cave, a Designers Flea Market, and more. www.midwesthomeshow.com
The Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel in Golden Valley will be the site of Harvest Jam: An Acoustic Music Experience, Friday through Sunday, November 19-21. This indoor music festival features numerous groups performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music, with nightly stage shows, an open mic in Kips Irish Pub, and ongoing jam sessions. On Saturday, enjoy a band contest, banquet dinner, and band development workshops; a gospel show will be offered Sunday morning. Discounts available in advance. 1-800-635-3037; www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Christmas Fair II will be held Saturday, November 20, at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. The fanfare of a birch bark horn will signal the opening of the Christmas Fair, with a wide array of Swedish bakery goods, crafts and gift items. Come early, as items sell quickly. While at the American Swedish Institute, don’t miss the popular Nordic Christmas holiday tree and table setting exhibit, the special holiday Santa Claus, Coca-Cola, and Swedish Design exhibit, and the Illumination of a Saint: The Legend of Sankta Lucia exhibit. The Christmas Fair is included in museum admission. 612/871-4907; www.americanswedishinst.org
The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour at the St. Paul RiverCentre Exhibit Hall on Saturday and Sunday, November 20 & 21, showcasing the hobby of model railroading. This show is intended to introduce the general public to model railroading, with 50,000 square feet of large operating model railroads, Giant Thomas the Tank Engine train rides for the kids, more than 200 booths of manufacturers and retailers, 100 Thomas the Tank Engine trains for kids to play with, D.C.C. controlled railroads for the adults to play with, and lots of demonstrations and seminars. www.wghshow.com
Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis will be the site of the 19th annual Target Holidazzle Parades, Friday through Sunday evenings, November 26-28. Each parade will feature brightly lit floats, marching bands, celebrity grand marshals and over 200 costumed characters from popular children’s stories. Each parade begins at 12th Street at 6:30pm, traveling down Nicollet Mall to 4th Street, lasting approximately 30-minutes. Parades will also be offered Thursday through Sunday, December 2-19. 612/376-SNOW; www.holidazzle.com
And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances include:
NBC’s Last Comic Standing at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, November 19
The Nutcracker at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, November 19-21
Tu Dance at The O’Shaughnessy in St. Paul, November 19
Vince Vaughn’s Comedy Roadshow at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, November 20
Curious George Live! at the Target Center in Minneapolis, November 20 & 21
John Mellencamp at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, November 22 & 23
John Butler Trio at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, November 23
The Miss Minnesota USA and Miss Teen USA Preliminary Pageant & Finals at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, November 27 & 28
Tony Sandler at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, November 28
Bye Bye Liver at Camp Bar in St. Paul, December 3
Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas at the Orpheum Theatre, December 3 & 4
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Historic State Theatre, December 3 & 4
The Blenders at the Pantages Theatre, December 3-5
The New Standards at the Fitzgerald Theater, December 3-5
The “1940′s Radio Hour” at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, December 3-19
101.3 KDWB’s Jingle Ball at the Target Center, December 6
Spirit of Christmas at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, December 8-12
Disney On Ice : Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey at the Xcel Energy Center, December 9
Daryl Hall & John Oates at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 10
Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas at The O’Shaughnessy, December 11
Lorie Line: Making Spirits Bright at the Historic State Theatre, December 11 & 12
Peter Ostroushko at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, December 11
Home For The Holidays at the Pantages Theatre, December 12
Ozzy Osbourne at the Target Center, December 12
John Trones at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, December 14
All Is Calm at the Pantages Theatre, December 16-19
Billy Elliot -The Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 16 – January 9
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre, December 17-19
Heart at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, December 18
The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade – Christmas Show at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center in Minneapolis, December 20
Linda Eder Home for the Holidays at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, December 21
The Girl Singers Of The Hit Parade: Sirens Of The 60s at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, December 26 & 27
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, December 27
Donny & Marie at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, December 31
New Year’s Eve Danceteria at First Avenue in Minneapolis, December 31
Tina and the B-Sides at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, December 31
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater, January 8
Trampled By Turtles at First Avenue in Minneapolis, January 14
Guster at the Historic State Theatre, January 28
Shrek the Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, February 1
World’s Toughest Rodeo featuring Toughest Cowboy at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, February 4
Jeff Dunham at the Target Center, February 13
Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine at the Fitzgerald Theater, February 16
Gaelic Storm at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 24
Clay Aiken at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, March 5
Imagination Movers “In A Big Warehouse” Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, March 19
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151, or visit www.ticketmaster.com
Central Minnesota
Downtown Willmar will be the site of the annual Holidaze Parade on Saturday, November 20. Get into the holiday spirit as you watch lighted and decorated floats parade through town. In addition, enjoy a petting zoo, reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, a historic walk through downtown Willmar, storytime, cook-making, time with Santa, a children’s costume contest, and more. 1-800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com
The St. Cloud Jaycees Craft Show will be held November 20 at Midtown Square Mall in St. Cloud. And on Saturday and Sunday, November 20 & 21, also check out the Gingerbread Arts and Crafts Show at the St. Cloud Civic Center. 320/251-4170; www.granitecountry.com
The Northland Arboretum in Brainerd will be the site of Sertoma’s Winter Wonderland, Thursday through Saturday evenings, November 25-27, with a driving tour of more than 60 colorfully lit displays, including many new displays. Winter Wonderland will also be open Wednesday through Saturday, December 1 through January 1. The Holiday Village featuring Santa Claus is open Friday and Saturday nights. 218/829-8770; www.sertomawinterwonderland.com
Christmas in the Fort will be offered at the Runestone Museum in Alexandria, Friday, November 26, when you can listen to carolers and children’s choirs, enjoy hot cider, stroll through the Fort, visit with Santa, and join in the festivities. 320/763-3160; www.runestonemuseum.org
Downtown Little Falls will be the site of a Santa Parade on Friday, November 26 at 6:00pm, with festive music and floats decorated with holiday lights. Santa be present for pictures. The Linden Hill Mansions in Little Falls will offer 4th Annual Christmas at the Mansions Tours daily, from Friday, November 26 through Sunday, December 5. Come tour all four floors of the historic Musser and Weyerhaeuser mansions, and enjoy live music and complimentary hot apple cider and cookies. There will be spectacular decorations around every corner. Discounted admission is offered with a food shelf donation. And on Saturday, November 27, head to the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site in Little Falls for Christmas 1918 with the Lindbergh’s, and see living history characters portray family members and hired workers as they ready the house for Christmas. The Visitor Center’s gallery exhibits and gift shop will also be open. 1-800-325-5916; www.littlefallsMN.com
The World Famous Fish House Parade will be held along the streets of downtown Aitkin on Friday, November 26. Typically five- to ten-thousand spectators come to witness this annual ritual, with outrageously decorated fish houses traveling through town. You will also enjoy live music, great food, craft sales, retail promotions, Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, and the annual Turkey Trot run and walk. Bring your camera, and don’t miss the fun! 1-800-526-8342; www.aitkin.com
Northwest Minnesota
The 7th Annual Holmes Art Show will be held Thursday through Saturday, November 18-20, at the Historic Holmes Ballroom in Detroit Lakes, when area artists will offer for sale their paintings, sculpture, glassware and other works of art. An Opening Artist Reception will taken place Thursday evening, and there will be artist demonstrations and a Holiday Boutique in the lobby on Friday and Saturday. Adding to the festivities will be performances by Carrie Sorensen on November 18, the Mixed Blood Theater on November 19, and the Lakes Area Community Concert Band on November 20. 1-800-542-3992; www.visitDetroitLakes.com
A Holiday Bazaar will be held at Northland High School in Remer on Saturday, November 20, with a wide array of crafts to choose from. 218/566-1680; www.remerchamberofcommerce.org/events.html
Downtown Park Rapids will be the site of the St. Joseph’s Hospice Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 26. Santa will be arriving on his sleigh, and there will be caroling and a live nativity. And don’t miss the Yuletide Sampler at participating merchants throughout downtown Park Rapids. 1-800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com
A Festival of Lights will be held Friday, November 26, in downtown Walker. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures and to listen to children’s holiday wishes. At dusk, the town will light up from an array of holiday floats and the lighting of the park. And on Saturday morning, November 27, take part in the two-mile Reindeer Run & Walk – a wonderful way to start off the holiday season. 1-800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com
Downtown Baudette will be the site of Frost Fest and the 2nd Annual Holiday Light and Fish House Parade on Saturday, November 27. In addition to a hilarious parade, enjoy a tree lighting ceremony, singing, great food, and more. 1-800-382-3474; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Northeast Minnesota
The North House Folk School in Grand Marais will hold their annual Winterer’s Gathering Thursday through Sunday, November 18-21. The Winterer’s Gathering celebrates the crafts, customs, landscape, history and stories of winter travel and traditional life in the north. Highlights include a chance to talk with adventurers and authors specializing in environmental and earth science, adventure travel and wilderness survival, as well as camping at the Harbor Side Winter Tent Camp, a Deep Freeze Chili Feed, dancing at the Snowshoe Shuffle Community Contra dance, and new gear and product demos and sales at the Gear and Ski Swap. Numerous courses, seminars and Arctic films will also be offered throughout the weekend. 1-888-387-9762; www.northhouse.org
The Christmas City of the North Parade will be held Friday evening, November 19, running through Canal Park and downtown Duluth. This northern Minnesota tradition features Santa in his first appearance of the season, along with colorful lighted floats, marching bands and pageantry. And on Saturday, November 20, head to Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth for the Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”, with the magic of nearly 3 million lights, as well as a twelve-story Christmas Tree filled with over 50,000 sparkling LED lights and rising to more than twice the height of New York City’s famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Visitors are also welcome to free hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, popcorn, and a chance to roast marshmallows at one of our 20 fire pits. The Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” will be open daily through December 26. 1-800-4-duluth; www.visitduluth.com
The city of Grand Rapids will be the site of numerous Holiday Sales and Events on Saturday, November 20, including a Ski Swap at Itasca Trail Sports, Support our Troops – Giving Thanks Craft & Vendor Show at the Grand Rapids Armory, a performance by the Itasca Symphony Orchestra at the Reif Performing Arts Center, a Trunk Show at Something Original, and an Art & More Sale at the nearby Bigfork City Hall. And on Friday and Saturday evenings, head to the Grand Rapids Eagle’s Club for live music by Grock. 1-800-355-9740; www.VisitGrandRapids.com
A Thanksgiving Family Traditions Weekend will be offered in the cities of Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen and Grand Marais, from Thursday, November 25 through Sunday, November 28. Just some of the many highlights include Thanksgiving dinners and buffets at Lutsen Resort, Bluefin Bay, and Cascade Lodge on November 25; a Thanksgiving Festival at Lutsen Mountains, with skiing, snowboarding, turkey bowling, horse-drawn trolley rides and more, November 25-28; the 5th Annual Holiday Market at Last Chance Art Studio in Lutsen, November 26-28; horse-drawn trolley rides in downtown Grand Marais, November 27; Harvest Your Own Christmas Tree With A Naturalist at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, November 27; a Grand Marais Community Holiday Bazaar, November 27; a Hovland Christmas Art Festival, November 27; a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Grand Marais, November 27; a Holiday Concert at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais, November 27; pictures with Santa and his sled dogs at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais, November 26-28; and Boutique Holiday Shopping at galleries and gift shops throughout North Shore communities the entire weekend. 1-888-922-5000; www.anorthshoreholiday.com
The city of Cloquet will present Home for the Holidays Family Celebration, Friday through Sunday, December 3-5. Featured will be a Christmas Parade, caroling, horse-drawn trolley rides, hay rides, s’mores by the bonfire, scheduled activities for the children, Dinner with Santa Claus, the Lighting of the Christmas Tree, a Craft Show, Christmas stories by Mrs. Claus, Christmas cookie decorating and tasting, and Best Decorated Light Pole, Storefront and Float contests, with trophies awarded. 1-800-950-4668; www.santashomefortheholidays.com
