Wander Minnesota: December Festivities (Week 2)
The holiday jollity continues...
Chanhassen
Making Spirits Bright
Ongoing
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum features a lavish display in the Great Hall and the nearby grounds, as well as the traditional (and gorgeous) poinsettia tree. The exhibit opens 11/28, and the weekend features a number of special events and live music on Dec. 13-14, as well as a Messiah sing-along on Saturday.
St. Paul
A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House
Dec. 10-14
The beautiful Alexander Ramsey House will be decorated to the hilt in period decorations—and there just might be cookies coming out of the wood-fired stove. Reservations recommended.
Minneapolis
Holidazzle Village
Dec. 6-7
Not a parade any longer, Holidazzle has been reimagined as a holiday village, complete with food, live music, and a holiday carousel. This weekend: glass-blowing demonstrations.
Mankato
The Betsy-Tacy Victorian Christmas
Dec. 13
Visit Betsy's and Tacy's houses, do a little Christmas shopping, and enjoy a story hour.
Scandia
Annie's Swedish Jul Coffee Party
Dec. 13
A three-course Swedish coffee party, with the opportunity to learn about Swedish Christmas traditions, at the Gammelgarden Museum. Reservations required.
Lucia Dagen
Dec. 14
Celebrate St. Lucia Day the Scandinavian way at the Gammelgarden Museum. Arrive early for church, followed by a Swedish breakfast bord and St. Lucia Day program.
Farmington
Holidays in the Village
Dec. 13-14
Take a trip back to the 19th century, visit with Santa (or write a letter to Santa with the help of Mrs. Santa), trolley rides, craft and cooking activities and live music.
Duluth
Glensheen Holidays
Dec. 13-14
Enjoy a tour of the gorgeous Glensheen estate, all decked out in the holidays in a manner befitting such a grand mansion.
Hastings
Victorian Holidays at the LeDuc House
Dec. 13
Visit the sumptuously decorated historic LeDuc House for the holidays. On Dec. 2, there will be a special dinner with music (reservations required).
Elk River
Christmas on the Farm
Dec. 13-14
Explore the historic Kelley Farm with a 75-minute guided tour with hike and horse -- or oxen-drawn bobsled or wagon ride. Reservations required.
Winona
Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
Dec. 13-14
Take a leisurely tour of festively lighted homes in historic Winona, aboard the historic Trester Trolley. Reservations recommended.
St. Paul
Hill House Holidays
Dec. 13-14
Costumed actors portray servants at the lavish James J. Hill House, giving living history tours.
Victorian Christmas Stories
Dec. 14
Also at the James J. Hill House, visitors to this event will enjoy a tour of the decorated mansion, a discussion of popular Victorian Christmas traditions, and readings from Dickens and Willa Cather. Reservations recommended.
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What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.
