Wander Minnesota: Festivals and Events in December (Week 2)
The holiday jollity continues for this weekend.
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 weekend features a number of special events and live music on Dec. 12-13, including the Minnetonka Chamber choir and a Messiah sing-along on Saturday, and Jazz on the Prairie on Sunday.
Rochester
Christmas at Mayowood
Dec. 8-13
The home of the Mayo Clinic founder will be offered several times a day through Sunday, a great opportunity to see this beautiful historic home decorated in its holiday finery.
St. Paul
A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House
Dec. 9-13
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.
St. Paul
Victorian Christmas Stories
Dec. 10
At the James J. Hill House, visitors to this event will enjoy a tour of the decorated mansion along with live music from the Mill City String Quartet.
Minneapolis
Holidazzle Village
Dec. 10-13
Not a parade any longer, Holidazzle has been reimagined as a holiday village, complete with food, live music, and a holiday carousel. This year, the event moves to Loring Park Metro Transit is offering free rides to the village on Saturday if you fill out this short survey.
Duluth
Glensheen Holidays
Dec. 11-13
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the gorgeous Glensheen estate, all decked out in the holidays in a manner befitting such a grand mansion.
Mankato
The Betsy-Tacy Victorian Christmas
Dec. 12
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. 12
A three-course Swedish coffee party, with the opportunity to learn about Swedish Christmas traditions, at the Gammelgarden Museum. Reservations required.
Stillwater
BeirCycle Caroling Tours
Dec. 12
The BierCycle holds up to 13 people (reservations required at least one day in advance), and for the holiday season, you can pedal through scenic Stillwater while singing Christmas carols. Bring your own wine, beer, or hot chocolate.
Hastings
Victorian Holiday Dinner
Dec. 12
Visit the sumptuously decorated historic LeDuc House and enjoy a multi-course meal along with live entertainment (reservations required).
Victorian Holidays at the LeDuc House
Dec. 12-13
Visit the sumptuously decorated historic LeDuc House for the holidays. On Dec. 2, there will be a special dinner with music (reservations required).
Farmington
Holidays in the Village
Dec. 12-13
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.
Winona
Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
Dec. 12-13
Take a leisurely tour of festively lighted homes in historic Winona, aboard the historic Trester Trolley. Reservations recommended.
St. Paul
Hill House Holidays
Dec. 12-13
Also at the James J. Hill House, costumed actors portray servants at the lavish James J. Hill House, giving living history tours.
Lucia Dagen
Dec. 13
Celebrate St. Lucia Day (on the actual St. Lucia Day this year) the Scandinavian way at the Gammelgarden Museum. Arrive early for church, followed by a Swedish breakfast bord and St. Lucia Day program.
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.
