Wander Minnesota: Festival And Events In December (Week 4)
As December draws to a close and the New Year arrives, there's still plenty to do.
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St. Paul
A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House
Dec. 23-24, 26-27
How did the Ramseys celebrate Christmas? This is the time to find out. And hey, your tour includes cookies baked in the home's wood-fired stove.
Victorian Christmas Carols
Dec. 26-27
Not quite done with Christmas by Dec. 25? You're in luck. The James J. Hill House in St. Paul is offering Victorian Christmas Carols on both Saturday and Sunday.
Chanhassen
Making Spirits Bright
Through Jan. 4
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.
Richfield
Candlelight and Ice
Dec. 31
Visit Wood Lake Nature Center to enjoy a walk down candlelit trails, followed by toasting marshmallows over a campfire.
St. Paul
Noon Year Party
Dec. 31-Jan. 1
Party like an animal—with the animals. Como Park offers Noon Year Party, a family friendly event, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Games, dancing music, giveaways, and a gazillion beach balls dropping from the ceiling with the countdown to noon.
Minneapolis
New Year's Snowshoe Hike with Hot Cocoa
Jan. 1
Starting at the Carl Kroenig Interpretive Center, enjoy the first day of the new year by snowshoeing (or hiking, if there's no snow) along the Mississippi River before having some hot cocoa. Reservations required.
Victoria
New Year's Day Snowshoe Hike
Jan. 1
Snowshoe (or hike, if there's no snow) along the Mississippi River, then enjoy some hot cocoa and bird and squirrel watching. Reservations required.
Alexandria
Candlelight and Ice
Dec. 31
Visit Lake Carlos State Park for a hike or walk along candlelit trails, then stop in the warming house for refreshments.
5th Annual Alexandria Christmas Bird Count
Jan. 2
Training provided, so you don't have to be an expert birder to help. Meet at Lake Carlos State Park for your chance to help contribute to the 6th Annual Alexandria Christmas Bird Count.
Various State Parks
First Day Hike
Jan. 1
Several state parks are offering First Day Hikes on New Year's Day, including Blue Mounds State Park, Whitewater State Park, and Tettegouche State Park.
Maple Plain
Winter Cooking Adventure
Jan. 3
At the Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement, learn how to build a fire, then how to cook a dinner on it. Reservations required.
Eden Prairie
Ice Castles
Eden Prairie's Miller Park will be home to a giant ice castle, with plenty of room for kids to run and play.
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.
