Best 2014 Holiday Events In Minnesota
The holidays can be a cold and depressing time for those who live in Minnesota. They can also bring the warmth of family and joy to the biggest of Scrooges. Whatever you feel during the holidays, there are plenty of events that take on holiday themes and help raise spirits among the community. Check out a play, ballet or concert with a holiday theme to be entertained and feel the Christmas joy being spread throughout the state. Whatever you prefer, don't sit around this year - get out and enjoy the season!
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Lorie Line: The 25th Anniversary Christmas Special
Verizon Wireless Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-3001
www.verizonwirelesscentermn.com
Date: Dec. 14, 2014 at 3 p.m.
Lorie Line, one of the most accomplished pianists in the world, will be performing holiday music this year at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. Ms. Line started playing piano as a child and quickly proved herself a prodigy. During her 25th year touring, Lorie Line will be playing with vocal accompaniment and musical backup from Fab 5, a very talented musical group on their own. This production is sure to be filled with Christmas delight and remarkable talent, an event you do not want to miss.
Jingle Bell Doc
Minnesota Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 371-5600
www.minnesotaorchestra.org
Date: Dec. 19 and 21, 2014
Doc Severinson, Pops Conductor Laureate and master trumpeter, will be entertaining in downtown Minneapolis this year at Orchestra Hall. Doc will be playing holiday hits and leading an amazing performance full of talent and enthusiasm. He is most famous for leading the orchestra on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson for many years. Now, at 87 years old, Doc is back to entertain and delight audiences for the holidays.
(credit: Getty Images)
"How The Grinch Stole Christmas"
Children's Theatre Company
2400 Third Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 874-0400
www.childrenstheatre.org
Date: Now through Jan. 4, 2015
Dr. Seuss's classic tale of good and evil comes to the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis this year. Watch the Grinch learn the true meaning of Christmas and bring the family to this fun event. Adults love the Children's Theatre almost as much as the children do and this year, the musical performance of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" will steal your heart. Enjoy this traditional story through the talented cast of actors and performers.
Related: Ask a Minnesota Expert: Easy Crafts To Do With Your Kids
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical"
Hopkins Center For The Arts
1111 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343
(952) 979-1111
www.stagestheatre.org
Date: Now through Jan. 3, 2015
Being different can be a great thing! Such is the moral of the story in "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer." This traditional Christmas tale will be performed as a musical appropriate for all ages and full of fun for everyone. Attend the show on December 6 and enjoy a reception complete with treats and activities. The show is playing for the entire month of December and into the New Year so there's no excuse to miss the fun.
(credit: Jupiter Images)
"The Nutcracker" Ballet
The Reif Center
720 N.W. Conifer Dr.
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 327-5780
www.reifcenter.org
Date: Dec. 12-14, 2014
One of the most popular holiday traditions is a night at the ballet to see a performance of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, "The Nutcracker." This year, The Myles Reif Center in Grand Rapids will be showing three nights of the famous ballet. Follow Clara through the Land of Sweets and watch the Sugar Plum Fairies grace the stage to the beautiful music of the ballet. Don't miss this elegant tradition and cultural event that is fun for all ages.
Related: Best Winter And Holiday Activities
It's A Wonderful Life
The Saint Paul Hotel
350 Market Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 292-9292
Eventful Listing
Date: Dec. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Now in its 9th year at The Saint Paul Hotel, "It's A Wonderful Live: A Live Radio Play" invites audiences to enjoy a three-course lunch or dinner while taking in playwright Joe Landry's acclaimed rendition of the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, It's a Wonderful Life. The presentation will be broadcast live on WCCO 830 Radio on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m., and will be rebroadcast on Christmas Eve at 5:00 p.m.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.
