9 Twin Cities Early December Holiday Events

Whether we’re ready or not the Twin Cities is preparing to kick off Christmas events in the upcoming weeks. Here are 9 you might want to mark your holiday calendar for:

Holiday Crafts from the Mississippi: Sand Candles and Straw Ornaments
@ Carl Kroening Interpretive Center, 4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis

When: Thursday, Dec. 3 • 10am-noon
Cost: $5/pp, reservations required by Dec. 1
Details: A candle cast from river sand or ornaments made from prairie grasses could make a great holiday gift for someone. Refreshments provided. Reservations required by December 1.

Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting & European Christmas Market
@ Union Depot Lot B, 200 Kellogg Blvd E, St Paul

When: Tree lighting takes place Dec. 4 • 5:30-7:30pm and the market runs Dec. 5-6 & 11-13 • find times here.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Union Depot will be the hub of many special holiday activities this year including the European-style Christmas market, the arrival of the North Pole Express and Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, a Holiday Movie Night and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Get all the details here.

U of M College of Science & Engineering Winter Light Show Premiere
@ Civil Engineering Building Plaza, 500 Pillsbury Dr. S.E., Minneapolis

When: Premiere party Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30, 6 & 6:30pm

After Friday, Dec. 4, shows will run at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. as follows:

• Saturday, Dec. 5
• Thursday, Dec. 10
• Friday, Dec. 11
• Saturday, Dec. 12

Cost: Free
Details: Our family discovered the student-designed Winter Lights Show put on by the University of Minnesota’s College of Science & Engineering last year. Each show is about 20 minutes long and features lights and laser projection set to fun music.

Grand Meander
@ Grand Avenue businesses between Dale Street & Fairview Avenue, St. Paul

When: Saturday, Dec. 5 • events 8:30am-5pm
Cost: Free
Details: Explore one of St. Paul’s best shopping districts, sample from local restaurants, have breakfast with Santa, take a trolley ride down the avenue, and much more at this annual winter tradition. Get the full event guide with participating businesses here.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
@ Steppingstone Theatre for Youth Development, 55 Victoria St N., St. Paul

When: Shows Dec. 4-6, 9-13, 16-23, find times here.
Cost: $16/adults, $12/students. Pay-what-you-can performance will be held on Saturday, December 5, 4pm show only.
Details: A holiday classic. Visit with Santa after the show!

Old Fashioned Holiday at Holz Farm
4665 Manor Park, Eagan

When: Sunday, Dec. 6 • Noon-3:30pm
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate the holidays 1940’s style at this free event at Holz Farm. Enjoy hayrides, carolers, a bonfire, refreshments, reindeer and a visit from Santa.

Bachman’s Annual Holiday Play: “Santa’s Magical Music”
@ Bachman’s on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis

When: December weekends through Sunday, Dec. 20 • Saturday shows at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm and Sunday shows at 11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm
Cost: Free
Details: Arrive early for a good seat to see the annual Santa & Albert holiday play and stay after for pictures with Santa. The show lasts about 20 minutes.

Folkways of the Holidays
@ The Landing, 2187 Highway 101 E, Shakopee

When: December weekends starting Dec. 5-6 • 10am-4pm
Cost: $8/adults, $5/ages 2-17 & seniors, under 2 free
Details: Discover the holiday traditions of 19th century Minnesota through folk art performances, a horse-drawn trolley, tours of homes decorated with heritage crafts for the season.

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