Wander Minnesota: December Festivities (Part 5)
As December draws to a close and the New Year arrives, there's still plenty to do.
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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.
St. Paul
A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House
Dec. 24, 26-28
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.
Eden Prairie
Ice Castles
Late December (check website for specifics—tentatively scheduled for 12/28)
Eden Prairie's Miller Park will be home to a giant ice castle, with plenty of room for kids to run and play.
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
Sparkle-rama
Dec. 31
Sparkle-rama at the Minnesota Children's Museum is the ultimate family friendly New Year's Eve event. Live music, arts and crafts, the chance to perform on stage with inflatable instruments, and the ball dropping for the New Year—at 8 p.m.
Minneapolis
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
Alexandria has several fun outdoor events taking place New Year's weekend.
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.
First Day Hike
Jan. 1
Start the year out right with a hike at Lake Carlos State Park, guided by a naturalist.
5th Annual Alexandria Christmas Bird Count
Jan. 3
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 114th Audobon Christmas Bird Count.
Victoria
In Laura's House
Jan. 3
Stop by the Lowry Nature Center and spend a little time exploring the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Make a punched-tin lantern, play hide-and-seek in the big woods, and warm up with some apple crisp and story time. Reservations required.
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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.
