Things to do the week of 1/13

     We are so boring lately, both in midst of studying. So unfortunately most of the events for a little bit longer here will be not personally enjoyed by us until the exams are over. So here's a list of things for you to check out if you weren't lucky enough to score Jerry Seinfeld tickets for the MLK holiday weekend.

Top Things for Families

Top Pick: Arctic Fever 2014

       There's a whole host of events going on this weekend in South Minnetonka. Arctic Fever 2014 starts off on Friday with a snow sculpture garden, free ice skating, music and free pizza. Saturday is even more packed with different events held throughout the day in Excelsior, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. On Sunday there will be a dance and a princess tea. Get out and enjoy the snow with your family in the West metro.

       Winter Fete in Bloomington starts this weekend and runs through next. Saturday will start the event with Hockey day events at Westwood and Running Parks. There will also be a bike race and demonstration on Lyndale and the Bloomington Ice Garden will open. Lots of community events to keep your kiddos busy during the time off from school.

     Stillwater Ice Cream Social will be run this Saturday from 12 - 4 pm. There will be FREE ice cream and coffee to celebrate the winter. There will also be ice skating if you remember to bring your own skates. A bonfire and live music will round out the evening. Chili can also be purchased for a nominal fee. 

       The Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival will be held this Saturday from 12 pm - 4pm at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis. Kites of all sizes, colors, shapes and themes will be flown over the ice. Also there will be ice fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, music and a marshmallow roast. The admission to the event is free and it'll get the kids out and enjoying this balmy 20-30 degree weather we'll be having.

     Urban Expedition: Spain is this Sunday at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. The Landmark Center annually hosts different events throughout the year showcasing different cultures from around the world. The event will feature authentic music, dance, crafts, live animals and traditions that originate from each country showcased. This particular weekend will showcase Spain and will feature Sendero Flamenco and the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet. The program runs 1 to 3 pm and is free and open to the public. Children will receive a "passport" and a stamp for each showcase they visit.

    ZoOlympics is this weekend at Como Zoo. The event will be a kid-friendly, animal-themed version of the Olympic Games. Kids will be able to test their skills at animal-themed Olympic activity stations throughout the zoo. There will also be Zookeeper talks, small animal education stations, and hands on activities and crafts. The event will start on Saturday and runs through Sunday from 10 am through 4 pm and is free.

    

    3M Visiting Wizards Day will be this Saturday at The Works Museum in Bloomington. Activities and demonstrations will be put on the visiting 3M "Wizards". Kids will also get to make their own Super Slurper Polymer to take home and there will be 30-minute shows throughout the day. The event runs from 1 pm to 4 pm and all activities are included in the $8 admission price (free if you're a member).

    The International Motorcycle Show opens this Thursday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The neweset bikes and accessories will be on exhibit, also there will be a custom bike competition, demo rides and more. Racer, Scott Russell will be doing a Q&A each day during the convention. Admission runs from $6 to $30 depending on your age and how many day passes you want and the convention runs through Sunday.

Picks for Adults

Top Pick: Silhouette Release Party

        The Second Annual Liftbridge Brewery Silhouette Release party is this Saturday. Silhouette, an imperial stout will be released and the party will run from 3 pm until 10 pm. You can purchase up to 4 bottles of the bourbon barrel aged drink and there will also be live music, food and of course, beer. You might want to think about a cab though as it's 10% alcohol by volume and 75 IBU. 

    Painting Class/ Beer Tasting with Surly Brewing Company will be at the Paint Pub in Maple Grove on Saturday. You know one of those classes everyone and their mom goes to where you all paint the same thing, think you're an artist and then go home and put it up on your wall like a kid on fridge. The cost of the class is $45 and will run from 7 pm - 9:15 pm.

 Picks on the Arts

    The Sixth Annual Monster Drawing Rally will be held at the Grain Belt Brewery Bottling House on Saturday from 6 until 10 pm. Over 80+ artists will be on hand throughout the night drawing monsters and if you see something you like you can buy it for $35. There will also be a cash bar and one of the best food trucks in the state, Potter's Pasties & Pies will be on site. All proceeds go to benefit Midway Contemporary Art 2014 programming. There will be drawing rounds at 6. 7 and 8 pm. 

 Picks on the Unusual Side

       Beauties Behaving Badly opens this weekend at the Gamut Gallery in Minneapolis. Artist, Kate Renee takes some classic characters and turns them on their heads. Want to see Sleeping Beauty as a raging alcoholic? Or Cookie Monster with a serious addiction? These princesses and fairy tales have some more modern, realistic endings that are not exactly happy. Believe it or not the artist received a grant to make these images, enjoy them through February 22nd. There will be an opening reception on Saturday from 7 until 11 pm and the price of admission, free!

Things to do the week of 1/6/2013

    Sorry for the delay; I've been spending some quality family time over the holidays and have been staying away from the computer. 

Things to do for the Family

    The First Winter Market of the New Year is this weekend, Saturday from 10 am until 1 pm at the Mill City Farmers Market. There will be tons of locally produced arts, crafts, vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses and more. Also, live music and food trucks on site, BOOYA!

    The Winter Trails Day is this weekend, Saturday from 11 am until 4 pm at Fort Snelling State Park. REI representatives will be on site to show you how to try snowshoeing, go geochaching, cross country skiing, learn about skijoring and dogsledding. Equipment will be provided and a sweepstakes to win a pair of snowshoes, a large bonfire and hot cocoa. The event is free but you'll need a State Park vehicle permit which involves a $5 day permit or a $25 annual permit. Good excuse to go run around in the snow with your family.

Things to do for Adults

     Hops for Hunger II will be held at the Solar Arts Building on Saturday, January 11th from 5 pm - 8 pm. Drink unlimited samples from over 16 local breweries in an effort to raise money for supply local food-shelves. Drink and help charity, pretty easy on the mind. Breweries involved include Excelsior, Finnegans, Harriet Brewing, Indeed, Lucid, 612, Barley John's, Boom Island, Flat Earth, Pour Decisions, Bad Weather, Badger Hill, Burning Bros, Sociable Cider Werks, ENKI and Northgate. Food will be provided by Stanley's Food Truck! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

Activities for Foodies

     Lesfe cooking class will be held at Ingebretsen's Scandinavian on Thursday. You're not a true Minnesotan if you don't know how to make Lefse, so in order to validate your citizenship you might want to get on this. The class costs $35 and is still open.

Activities for the Active

Top Pick: Minnesota Sportsmen's Boat, Camping & Vacation Show

    The 44th annual convention featuring boats, newest gear of hunting, fishing & camping is coming to the RiverCentre starting this Thursday. The Minnesota Sportsmen's boat, camping & vacation show runs Thursday through Sunday. For the kiddos, there will be animals, live bucks, fish, wolves, cougars, foxes and other wild animals which also shows the adults how cute the animals can be with their guts still on the inside. Ron Schara will be on hand to host the "Kids Fishing School" on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $2.50 for children 6-12, and kids 5 & under are free.

       

     Riding Slushy: Protected Bike Lane at the Winter Market is this Saturday at the Mill City Farmers Market Center. There will be a pop-up protected bike lane which a group ride will follow to the Freewheel Midtown Bike Center and back. So come and bike outside... with a group of people... if that's your thing.

    Healthy Life Expo runs this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Up to 200 exhibitors will display the latest services, products and information regarding health and wellness. There will be free demos, seminars, door busters, and giveaways. Admission is $6 or free if you bring a food donation, extra points if you bring a super unhealthy donation. 

Things to do for the Arts

     Patrick's Cabaret presents "Winter Games" is this Saturday from 7:30 pm until 9:30 pm in Minneapolis. The Cabaret is open call to various artists featuring performance art, storytelling, music, poetry and comedy. Also the level of experience will vary, so buyer beware. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.    

Unusual Activities for the week

Top Pick: Tattoo Arts Convention

    This weekend the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention opens at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. The convention will feature world famous tattoo artists, burlesque dancers, sideshow performers, and various contests for the tattoo'd. Tickets run $20 a day and $40 for the entire weekend, children, if for some reason you want to bring them to this show are free under age 12. The show opens Friday at 2 pm and runs through Sunday. 

   Party in the Rec Room opens this Friday at Bryant Lake Bowl at 7:00 pm. Improv related show that doesn't have much a definition on the website, but improv right? Also margaritas! Tickets are $15 or$18 at the door. 

   Bippy's Burlesque-O-Rama also opens this Friday at Bryant Lake Bowl at 10:00 pm. Fun, experimentation, and controlled chaos is how this event is described. Burlesque on a more comedic, lighter side.

The Best of Christmas Things to Do in the Twin Cities

Things to do for Families

Top pick: Macy's Santaland

 

       Macy's Santaland Display in Minneapolis to open this weekend for the last weekend prior to Christmas. After your tour Santa will be on hand for meet and greets, to listen to everything your kid plans on having you buy them and photos. Also in addition if you'd like to enjoy a buffet breakfast downtown, with a visit from Santa following you can do so for $19.95 an adult and $13.95 for children under 10. To make a reservation or for more details regarding the chow you can call 1-877-556-2297 and there's also a dinner option a few nights during the holiday season as well.

Runner-Up: Santa arrives at the Mall of America

      Not too late to visit Santa at the Mall of America. He's officially arriving on Tuesday, the 12th at 6pm in the rotunda. If you want to maximize on your time you can schedule an appointment with Santa in the Macy's court otherwise it's on walk-in, first come, first served basis in the Sears court. If you had your thinking caps on while reading that, yes two Santa's so you might want to avoid running into the other court with small kids or perhaps have a good story in the hopper (oh no, honey that's just Santa's brother, Fred Claus from that horrible movie).

     Rice Park Tree Lighting and Skating Rink  will run through January. The lighting for the park is sponsored by Xcel Energy which boasts that this tree will be as big and bright as the tree in Rockefellar Center in New York. The tree will be lit with 15,000 energy-efficient LED lights.  

   Winterlights at the Purcell-Cotts House is a 1915's style house that has tours for the holiday season where costumed tour guides walk you through the house and you can learn about the period holiday traditions. Make sure to ask fun questions such as, "Do you get lots of housework done as a housewife done since you don't have to focus on whom to vote for?" or "How many of your kids are dead from influenza, polio, measles , etc.?" Admission is $5, $4 for students and free for kids 12 & under.

     Holiday Lights in the Park is now open in Phalen Park. This event coordinates with King of Kings of Woodbury to create more than 50 lighted and animated displays that you can drive right through. The cost is $10 a vehicle but it's a discounted rate Sunday- Thursday evening at 8pm. All net proceeds go to local charities so you can feel good about where your money is going. Think of the money and time you've save not putting up your own lights and just driving your kids through the park!

     Daily the Mall of America will be transformed for a regular experience for shoppers. The Universe of Light has just opened and will be open indefinitely at this point. The show will run for nine minutes and will feature smoke, lights and music into an interactive experience, not for the epileptic. It will run Monday through Thursday at 7pm and 9:30pm, Friday through Saturday at 7pm and 10pm and finally at 7pm on Sunday at the South Entrance of Nickelodeon Universe. If you're schlepping the kids to the mall anyways to shop, might as well check it out and try to pass it off as a cheap ride.

Cinderella is now open at the Children's Theatre this week and will run through January 5th. This isn't your Disney Cinderella, rather this comical theatre play for all ages is a bit more slapstick and raucous, definitely more fun. Tickets will run you $30 - $50 depending on where you sit.

       A Christmas Carol is now open at the Guthrie this week as well. This is the 39th running year of this play at the Guthrie. Tickets will run a bit higher at $34 - $85 per person depending on where you sit and when you go, also standard child discounts will not apply to this production due to the extremely high demand. In related news the Guthrie itself will be playing the role of Scrooge in keeping with the production's theme for the remainder of the holidays.

"Hometown for the Holidays" is now open in Stillwater and besides seeing beautiful, scenic Stillwater all dressed up for the holidays you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy some holiday merriment. This weekend there will be free carriage rides, carolers as well as visits from Santa throughout the holidays including lunches with him at Dock Cafe.

     Holiday Delight at Calhoun Square in Uptown is Saturday. The event will feature a hot chocolate bar by Uptown Cafeteria, free holiday photos, kid's Christmas crafts, prize drawings, live music, free holiday cookies from Republic and local Uptown business specials. Best part about the event? Yea, it's free and did I mention free gift wrapping? The event runs from 12 - 6 pm. 


    Skate with Santa at the White Bear Lake Sports Center is Sunday and runs from 1 - 3 pm. Besides having the obvious activity of skating with the big man there will be face painting, crafts, a DJ, Concessions, and some little gifts for the kiddos. The cost is $5 a person and skate rentals are $2.50. 

    Winter Solstice Celebration is this Saturday at the American Swedish Institute. Come out and celebrate winter's longest night, and the very slow, gradual descent towards Spring. There will be bonfires, tours of the Jul to the World exhibit, and FIKA, the on-site cafeteria will be open late for a festive dinner and glogg, which is a mulled wine (look you learned something). The holiday pop-up store will also be offering a special deal on holiday lights. The event runs 3 - 8 pm.

Things to do for Adults

Top pick: Ugly Sweater Crawl

      On Saturday there's another reason for you to bundle up and head out into the cold, and it involves booze! The Ugly Sweater Crawl is Saturday in Minneapolis and involves four bars, starting at Cowboy Jack's at 6 pm. You're heavily encouraged to wear your ugliest sweater and the first 200 people receive Santa hats and beads, if only work had such punctuality incentives. Tickets are $10, but are free if you bring an unwrapped toy donation. The ticket allows you to partake of food and drink specials at each stop on the itinerary. 

Things to do for the Active

      Sleepless in St Paul: Jumpin Jack Frost 5k - $50 fee, Saturday 4:50pm at Harriet Island. This race will be outdoors and at night against the cityscape of St Paul. Runners will wear glow sticks, Christmas lights will light the way and of course with the beautiful city in the background it will be a sight for the eyes. 

Things to do regarding the Arts

Top Pick: The Wizard of Oz at the Ordway

      It's lions, bears and tigers- oh my! (honestly where in the world do you find these three species living in the wild together?) The Wizard of Oz is now open at the Ordway. The literary, stage and film classic returns to the Minneapolis area. Opening Wednesday the show will run through December, 29th. Tickets will the gambit from a partial view obstruction at $35 a person to $120.

    "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol" from the folks at the Hennepin Trust Theatre is like A Christmas Carol, only it's not. Gunner Johnson from the previous play "Don't Hug Me" finds himself in a predicament when a trail of bad luck leads him to falling into a coma and conversing with Sven Yorgenson who plays the ghost of Christmas past, present and future all at once. The show opens Friday at 7:30pm. KQRS's Tom Bernard's take on it? "Go see it!"

 Born Yesterday at the Guthrie is now open. The play follows the life and times of a corrupt businessman, Harry Brock who moves to D.C. and attempts to get ahead in society with his chorus-girl sidekick, Billie Dawn. However Billie is no debutant and hijinks thus arise while attempting to turn her into a socialite, too bad she didn't have Richard Gere on her side. Tickets run from $35 to $53 depending on when you go and where you sit.

"The Christmas Founding" is now open through December 29th on The Minnesota Show Boat. The play loosely follows the story of a group of miners whom are left with an orphaned infant so basically like "Three Men and a Baby" but with miners, and Christmas.


"An Eventfully Christmas" starts this weekend at Mill City and features a play performed in the mill's elevator ride and features "The Ghost of Mill City Ghost's past." The ticket price is $14 for adults, $12 for college students and seniors and $10 for children ages 17-6 however the play is not recommended for children under the age of eight years old.

   The famous Andrew Lloyd Webber play is coming across the pond. Cameron Mackintosh's new production just finished up a sold-out tour of the United Kingdom and now is coming to Minnesota. The Phantom of the Opera is now open at the Orpheum. Tickets range from $39 to $130.

   Tidings of Joy- Christmas Festival Exultate's choir and orchestra will be playing in various locations this weekend in Minneapolis and St Paul. They will be playing a selection of old time tunes and songs to celebrate the seasons. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors or students.

Unusual Activities

Top pick of the strange: Hello Kitty Denouement

       This art exhibit features Hello Kitty in different art masterpieces. That's right, Hello Kitty painted into various artworks from Monet to Warhol. This interesting exhibition, Hello Kitty Denouement is now open to display at the Burnet Gallery at Le Meridien Chambers Hotel in Minneapolis and will remain so until early January. The opening reception will be held 6-9pm. The gallery is otherwise open daily from 11am - 9pm. I'll leave you with Hello Kitty and Jesus from the collection;

  God's Sketchbook of Creation is a very interesting event at the Instinct Art Gallery in Minneapolis. The basic premise behind the art created for the exhibit is that these were God's rough-cut ideas for species, ones that didn't exactly make the cut. The cost is free and runs from 6pm - 8pm each day though mid January.

Mansfeld Manor: Peculiar Color Illustrations and Sculptures in Fetted Wool at Gallery 360 is now open with an opening reception from 7pm until 10pm. The Event is odd, but very interesting all at once. These felted creations made from wool and dyed fibers are hauntingly strange and revolve around strange, fanciful and morbid tales. Think of the mice from Dinner for Schmucks, meets Wallace and Gromit, meets Tim Burton.

"Erotic Art Craft Fair" - no you read that correctly. For all your handmade erotic crafts please see the Smitten Kitten. There will be sex educators on hand to demonstrate craft activities... yea, I'm leaving it at that, as all I'm picturing is adults with macaroni shells, glue and glitter making... you're on your own from here on out.

On a final note, I started a twitter. Why? Well it's easier to keep up on all the cool stuff happening by following pretty much every food truck, brewery, magazine, newspaper, etc. in the Twin Cities and I do try to retweet the best looking stuff. So... if that sounds cool to you, check it out here at the handle MerryMinnesotan.

Things to do the week of 12/16 in the Twin Cities

Things to do for the Family

Top pick: Holiday Delight at Calhoun Square

      Holiday Delight at Calhoun Square in Uptown is Saturday. The event will feature a hot chocolate bar by Uptown Cafeteria, free holiday photos, kid's Christmas crafts, prize drawings, live music, free holiday cookies from Republic and local Uptown business specials. Best part about the event? Yea, it's free and did I mention free gift wrapping? The event runs from 12 - 6 pm. 


    Skate with Santa at the White Bear Lake Sports Center is Sunday and runs from 1 - 3 pm. Besides having the obvious activity of skating with the big man there will be face painting, crafts, a DJ, Concessions, and some little gifts for the kiddos. The cost is $5 a person and skate rentals are $2.50. 

    Winter Solstice Celebration is this Saturday at the American Swedish Institute. Come out and celebrate winter's longest night, and the very slow, gradual descent towards Spring. There will be bonfires, tours of the Jul to the World exhibit, and FIKA, the on-site cafeteria will be open late for a festive dinner and glogg, which is a mulled wine (look you learned something). The holiday pop-up store will also be offering a special deal on holiday lights. The event runs 3 - 8 pm.

Things to do for Adults

Top pick: Ugly Sweater Crawl

      On Saturday there's another reason for you to bundle up and head out into the cold, and it involves booze! The Ugly Sweater Crawl is Saturday in Minneapolis and involves four bars, starting at Cowboy Jack's at 6 pm. You're heavily encouraged to wear your ugliest sweater and the first 200 people receive Santa hats and beads, if only work had such punctuality incentives. Tickets are $10, but are free if you bring an unwrapped toy donation. The ticket allows you to partake of food and drink specials at each stop on the itinerary. 

Things to do for Foodies

Top Pick: Surf and Turf, Cooks of Crocus Hill

          Not only will your get a demonstration on making surf and turf but you'll also get to sample each local wine pairing at the Surf and Turf Demonstration in Stillwater. Meat, seafood and wine, what's not to love? You'll be directed by a head chef and a sommelier through the class. The class is at the Stillwater location of Cooks of Crocus Hill and runs 6 - 9 pm on Thursday night. 

         Holiday Food for a Crowd cooking class is this Tuesday at Nordicware 7 pm - 9pm. Nervous about cooking for your family, have high-maintenance in-laws you scrutinize your every move- wow them with your skills once you take this class! You'll learn to make an entire Christmas Day meal complete with dessert. The class costs $25 and you'll need to register.

Things to do for the Active

      Sleepless in St Paul: Jumpin Jack Frost 5k - $50 fee, Saturday 4:50pm at Harriet Island. This race will be outdoors and at night against the cityscape of St Paul. Runners will wear glow sticks, Christmas lights will light the way and of course with the beautiful city in the background it will be a sight for the eyes. 

Things to do in the Arts

        The SOO Visual Arts Local Holiday Show is open for it's last weekend this weekend on 35th and Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis. The pop-up shop will have crafts and art from area artists and will run 12-4 pm Saturday and Sunday.

        The Ballet of the Dolls: Nutcracker (not so suite) is running at the Ritz Theater. Yuppie Marie lives in her ritzy New York penthouse playing with her Barbie dolls until one Christmas she gets a brand Ken doll and all hell breaks loose,. It's a modern, fun spirited take on an old classic. The show goes through the 31st and tickets run between $23.50 - $150.

Unusual Activities

Top Pick: Comedy Roast of Mr Scrooge

         Bringing the modern times to the old school classics, The Comedy Roast of Mr Scrooge at the Camp Bar in St Paul with make you jolly in time for the holidays. Watch as the cast of The Christmas Carol has one too many 'nogs and start telling Mr Scrooge just what they think of him. This is a very adult production, so 18+ strictly and tickets run $14.50 - $24.50 depending on whether you buy in advance and/or can take advantage of any group rates. This show ends this weekend!

       The British Arrow Awards which celebrate the best in UK Commercials is currently going on at the Walker. The Brits must think we're crazy, paying to see commercials, especially for brands we're not aware of. However, let's face it with most commericals these days you tend to forget what the Ad was even for. The screenings run through January and are $12.

Rice Park Winter Lights Opening Ceremony

       I've been meaning to type this up for awhile now but the holidays and work has made our lives crazy, but it's starting to calm down... well for now :)

   So, we attended the Rice Park Winter Lights Opening and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Saint Paul the weekend after Thanksgiving. We parked somewhere half away between Barrio and Rice Park, because we like to eat and word was no food trucks on site, which is such a bummer.

  So we hiked through the urban jungle, Todd reminding me to keep my voice down maybe a bit this time because last time we did this I was talking out loud... ok really loudly and we attracted a pickpocket who probably assumed I was an easy target. It wasn't THAT big of a deal since he was looking for a purse when he bumped into my shoulder but surprise buddy, I carry my cards in my wallet in my pocket when downtown. The hilarious part was when, after bumping into me he tried to excuse it like he was out jogging even though he was wearing extremely baggy jeans.

  

    Seriously how pretty is that bowl of guac? And it tasted as good as it looked. I'm such a huge fan of Barrio, some say it's over-rated but I say it's taste-tastic! The guacamole was spicy and had such a great kick with the jalapenos. We ordered a line-up of tacos, the mahi-mahi, pork carnitas and steak respectively.

      Now the flavors were very good this time around as well but I will say I thought the shells were a little stale. That's my only critique, the tacos were fantastic and also pretty gorgeous to look at as well. Barrio is still one of my favorite hangouts down town and everything tastes so fresh and you can identify all the individual ingredients.

    So we braved the cold and trekked back to the Landmark Center full of cilantro, lime and jalapeno goodness! The Landmark was pretty in the dusk, the lights now on in the park. Walking up to the park I was overwhelmed with the distinct smell of vomit which was permeating the whole area, which was pretty gross. However it was beautiful even if it smelled like puke.

   I made a mental note that I have to come back here and skate on this rink at some point, it was so pretty with the buildings all around. The skating, which sits adjacent to The Landmark and Rice Park was closed for most of the evening for actual figure skaters who were doing jumps and spins which was really fun to watch... well for me, Todd was semi-interested.

      I mean, who wouldn't want to skate on that? It's gorgeous! So next we went over to The Landmark for the tree lighting ceremony in smack dab into more vomit-smell. I was accusingly avoiding every trash can I saw.

    The Landmark Center is such a gorgeous building, love this part of St Paul. The only thing I wish is more restaurants over in this area but it's mostly entertainment, government buildings, and hotels but we can walk perfectly fine.

        This is Dave Dahl's backside during the beginning of the ceremony... there were SO many people it wasn't worth getting closer. You don't really need to be that close to see fireworks, note to everyone there.

   The fireworks starting over the main tree in the park. We walked around the exterior of the park and under the trees, still smelling strongly like puke and then I overheard a conversation behind me. The main point of this said conversation was about how everything smelled like vomit because it was due to the rotting crabapples decaying on the ground. There was the smoking gun and it was all over my boots... great!

    Puke-smelling crabapples all over my boots or no- you can't deny that's not a pretty sight! Rice Park is gorgeous- go check it out!

Things to do in the Twin Cities, the week of 12/9

Things are a little slower this week as we head into much busier weeks ahead with the holidays!

Things to do for the Family

Top Pick: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train with Sheryl Crow

     Come out to enjoy a free concert, see the train and donate to a good cause. Cottage Grove will be one stop this Saturday on a nation-wide tour of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train to create awareness and to drive donations for local food shelves. While the event is free you are heavily encouraged to bring a donation, so don't be a mooch! The North Pole station, which opens at 4pm will be set up in the city and will feature family-oriented activities including ice-carving, hot chocolate, and a chance for kids to meet and greet Santa. Finally at 5:00pm the Sheryl Crow concert will begin.
    

    Disney on Ice: Passport Adventure is at the Xcel Energy Center this weekend starting on Thursday. See award-winning figure skaters as they dance around in jumbo costumes and do tricks. Tickets run $18 to $71 depending on where you sit and what show you go to as they run all day and not just as night so the kids can get back in time for bed.


   The Winter Wonderland at The Shoppes of Arbor Lakes is this weekend at the Shoppes of Arbor Lakes on Saturday and Sunday. The event will feature carolers, shopping discounts, live reindeer and of course, Santa. It's Minnesota, if you weren't ready for the cold yet you should be!

Things to do for Adults

Top Pick: St Paul Santa Crawl

       This is easily one of the better planned pub crawls in the Twin Cities. The St Paul Santa Crawl is Saturday at 3pm. Most dress like Santa but if you don't feel like being a jolly old man, you can dress up pretty much however you want long as "your naughty bits are covered" as the website says. 15 different bars participate and there are party buses running between some of the longer stretches. The wrist bands are $20 a person and can be picked up at Ragstock locations with a prepaid online voucher and also you'll get a coupon for 20% off your attire. The wristband gets you access to the party bus shuttles as well as discounted drinks, however thanks to toys for tots donations bins located at each bar will get you a free drink per donation. What else will there be? Live reindeer, caroling, costume contests, drunk gift-wrapping contests, photo booths, XXX cookie decorating and Holiday Blingo! That's a lot of activities for your adult holiday spirit.

      Lowertown SantaCon a rival Saint Paul pub crawl and is also happening this weekend. It involves a different group of bars and restaurants. The web site states "This is a REAL pub crawl"- shots fired! There's a brass band and a route that will go from bar to bar with the crowd. Santa and holiday-related costumes are highly encouraged.You can RSVP via the official facebook page and the crawl will start at 6pm.

Things to do for Foodies

Top Pick 4X4 Culinary Minnesota Wine Series: 

 The 4x4 Culinary Minnesota Wine Series is on Thursday at 6:30pm. The event will feature four Minnesotan wines and five courses from Joan Donatelle, chef and Byerly's culinary instructor. Cost is $55 for Arboretum members and $65 for non-members. The menu looks pretty tasty and you'll get to have pairings for each course so that's a pretty decent price if you're a thrifty sort.

Things to do for the Arts

Top Pick: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

        The famous pop rock group renown for their holiday hits are back in the Twin Cities and right in time for the holidays. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is this Saturday for two shows at the Target Center, both 3 and 8 pm. The tickets for both shows go on sale on Friday at noon and a portion of proceeds will go the Salvation Army. 

       The famous Andrew Lloyd Webber play is coming across the pond. Cameron Mackintosh's new production just finished up a sold-out tour of the United Kingdom and now is coming to Minnesota. The Phantom of the Opera opens this Friday at the Orpheum. Tickets range from $39 to $130.

   Tidings of Joy- Christmas Festival Exultate's choir and orchestra will be playing in various locations this weekend in Minneapolis and St Paul. They will be playing a selection of old time tunes and songs to celebrate the seasons. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors or students.

Unusual Activites

Top Pick: A Very Die Hard Christmas

      What doesn't say Christmas more like Die Hard? Dancing, Singing and Bloodshed! A Very Die Hard Christmas opens this Friday at the Bryant Lake Bowl and runs through the holidays. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Do something a little different for Christmas.

Things to do in the Twin Cities, the week of 12/2

Things to do for the Family

Top Pick: Universe of Light at Mall of America

      Daily the Mall of America will be transformed for a regular experience for shoppers. The Universe of Light has just opened and will be open indefinitely at this point. The show will run for nine minutes and will feature smoke, lights and music into an interactive experience, not for the epileptic. It will run Monday through Thursday at 7pm and 9:30pm, Friday through Saturday at 7pm and 10pm and finally at 7pm on Sunday at the South Entrance of Nickelodeon Universe. If you're schlepping the kids to the mall anyways to shop, might as well check it out and try to pass it off as a cheap ride.

"Holiday Dazzle" in Prior Lake is on Friday from 5-8pm and features a long list of activities. The event will feature Ice Carvings, carolers, live music, a bonfire, pony rides, live reindeer, pictures with Santa, laser tag, small town business booths, sledding, skating and fireworks. This city knows how to do it big! Pretty sure Prior Lake wins for most elaborate town holiday celebration.


"Norwegian Christmas on the Farm" in Brooklyn Park at the Eidem homestead. There will be bonfires, Christmas tunes, caroling, Victorian decorations, craft demos and Santa of course. Also there will be Norwegian pippakakut (Finnish ginger cookies) and polsa which Wikipedia describes as a dish "similar to taste and texture" of Scottish Haggis... yummy...



"Shakopee Holiday Festival" is this Friday from 6-8pm and features caroling, a bike parade, carriage rides, ceremonial tree lighting and an appearance from Santa himself. Photos with Santa are just $5.  CANCELED DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER


"Hill House Holidays" opens this Friday at the James J Hill House. Actors dressed to portray servants of the house during the 1st decade of the 20th century. So see what it was like to be an impoverished lower class for the holidays. Tours run every 30 minutes however reservations are recommended.

"Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar" opens at the Landmark this Thursday and runs through Saturday and for $4 admission you'll have access to over 75 booths featuring crafts and gifts from the Twin Cities finest artists. Hey it's all indoors at the very least.

"Hometown for the Holidays" is now open in Stillwater and besides seeing beautiful, scenic Stillwater all dressed up for the holidays you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy some holiday merriment. This weekend there will be free carriage rides, carolers as well as visits from Santa throughout the holidays including lunches with him at Dock Cafe.


"Pet Photos with Santa" at Mall of America are on Sunday. Pets of all kinds are welcome to take pictures of Santa. So make sure your pet cobra and tarantula are looking their best when you bring them in.

Things to do for Adults

Top Pick: Excelsior Brewing Launch Party

       This brewery is making it's debut on St Paul's side of the river and celebrating in style at The Happy Gnome in St Paul on Wednesday. 5 taps will be poured from the Excelsior Brewing repertoire. The Excelsior Brewing Launch Party starts at 5pm. Who doesn't enjoy having a few brews in the middle of the week?

    Darkness tapping at Pizza Luce in Richfield on Thursday at 4pm. Surly and Pizza Luce is a pretty lethal combination. Get your weekend going early.

Things to do for Foodies

Top Pick: McCoy's Beer Dinner with Fulton

   McCoy's Beer Dinner with Fulton Brewery is Thursday at 6:30pm. Come hungry, for $50 a person you'll be treated to a six course dinner paired with a different beer for each. That's worth it in retail for the beer alone; that's six craft brews!


"Brunch with Santa" is at Pinstripes this Sunday and the following. I technically could have put this under the Family section but there's not a lot of food-related events this week and Pinstripes is pretty good... close enough. Santa will be on hand from 11am-1pm, make sure to make reservations.

Activities for the Active

Top Pick: St Paul Ice Fishing &Winter Sports Show

   The St Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show is the largest Ice Fishing show in the country and opens at the RiverCentre this Friday and runs through Sunday. Over 190 exhibitors come to the RiverCentre to show off the best new tools and gadgets in the trade. Tickets run $9 for adults, $4 for children 12-6, and 5 & under are free so here's a good thing for Daddy to take the kids to on his own... maybe? You might have to work the angle but it's all there.

Races this week

     5K Cherry & Spoon Run in Minneapolis on Saturday at 8am-5K, registration is $25- through Friday


    5K Beer Run in Minneapolis on Saturday at 2pm- 5K, registration is $30- through Friday


    Jingle Bear Run in White Bear Lake on Saturday at 9am-5K, 9:40am-Kids fun run, registration is $35 and $10 for kids through Thursday.


   Reindeer Dash in Minneapolis on Saturday at 9:10am-Kids 1/2 mile, 9:30am- Run, 9:40- Walk, registration is $35 and $20 for kids and can be paid on race day.


   JCC Dreidel Dash in St Paul on Sunday at 12:30pm-10k, 1:15pm- 5k, and 2:15pm- Maccabee mini-mile. Registration is $40 for the 10k, $35 for the 5k and $20 for kids through Friday.


   Walk for the Philippines at the Mall of America is Saturday and runs 7-10am. the cost is $25 and proceeds will go to help rebuild.

Activities for the Arts

Top Pick: The Wizard of Oz at the Ordway

      It's lions, bears and tigers- oh my! (honestly where in the world do you find these three species living in the wild together?) The Wizard of Oz opens Wednesday at the Ordway. The literary, stage and film classic returns to the Minneapolis area. Opening Wednesday the show will run through December, 29th. Tickets will the gambit from a partial view obstruction at $35 a person to $120.


"Nutcracker" by Moscow's Great Russian Ballet is at the Orpheum this Friday and Saturday. A variety of dancers from all over the world bring this Christmas classic to life. Tickets start at $28. Prepare yourself for the tights.


   "The Christmas Founding" is now open through December 29th on The Minnesota Show Boat. The play loosely follows the story of a group of miners whom are left with an orphaned infant so basically like "Three Men and a Baby" but with miners, and Christmas.


"An Eventfully Christmas" starts this weekend at Mill City and features a play performed in the mill's elevator ride and features "The Ghost of Mill City Ghost's past." The ticket price is $14 for adults, $12 for college students and seniors and $10 for children ages 17-6 however the play is not recommended for children under the age of eight years old.

Unusual Activities

   "An Unscripted Minnesota Holiday" begins at Bryant Lake Bowl on Thursday and Friday and will run every week through the season. The crowd will provide, in mad libs style the names of the characters, the town and the event and the actors take the suggestions from there. Did I mention it's a musical and the singing will be ad-libbed as well? Tickets are $15 or $13 in advance.


"Holiday Geek Expo" is this weekend at the Double Tree Bloomington. All things nerdy appear to be on the agenda. Gifts for the nerd in your life will be abundant with a host of vendors and artists who pander to this sort of crowd. And shocker, there will be a costume contest.


"Erotic Art Craft Fair" - no you read that correctly. For all your handmade erotic crafts please see the Smitten Kitten on Friday from 8-11pm. There will be sex educators on hand to demonstrate craft activities... yea, I'm leaving it at that, as all I'm picturing is adults with macaroni shells, glue and glitter making... you're on your own from here on out.