Would you go? Christmas-themed haunted attraction opens in Inver Grove Heights

We are solidly in festive season with spooky season well behind us, or is it? A new attraction in the Twin Cities is offering up a Christmas-themed immersive experience. Nowhere Haunted House has created the Yule Scream event. It’s part haunted house, part escape room, part theater. The group behind the Inver Grove Heights haunted house dove into winter folklore to come up with the storyline. The event is about 45 minutes long and will take place over just four nights, December 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th. It is recommended for people 12 and up and tickets should be purchased ahead of time online.

Old-fashioned Christmas celebration in Farmington

Historic village, Dakota City is hosting ‘Christmas in the Village’ December 10th and 11th from 3 to 8pm. The village is located on the Dakota County Fairgrounds. The 22 original buildings that make up Dakota City include a post office, general store, and a 1900’s era farmhouse. Kids can meet Santa, send letters to the North Pole, ride in a horse-drawn trolley and learn about life before electricity and running water.

Every Meal celebrates 10 millionth meal delivery

Every Meal is a Twin Cities nonprofit that provides weekend meals to Minnesota kids in need, but unlike school assistance programs, it receives no government funding. It recently celebrated its 10 millionth meal delivery.

Excelsior, Minnesota: Great place to shop, eat all year

FOX 9's Kendall Mark stopped by Excelsior, Minnesota, to highlight everything the Lake Minnetonka-area city has to offer in the winter — and all year round. From shopping to eating, it's a great location to spend time with friends and family.

Circus Juventas selected as talent development center for Cirque de Soleil

The largest youth circus school in North America has some exciting news to share. Circus Juventas has been selected as a NexGen training center for Cirque du Soleil. Circus Juventas co-founder Dan Butler joined Fox 9 Good Day to talk about the announcement and share more about their upcoming ‘Solstice’ performance.

Ballet Minnesota's 34th production of The Nutcracker is one weekend only

For one weekend only, you can catch Ballet Minnesota’s 34th production of The Nutcracker. The show features a cast of more than 100 including two guest dancers from the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Many of the iconic costumes are original, and some even include signatures on the inside of the other people who have played the same role. The Nutcracker performances are December 16th, 17th and 18th at The O’Shaughnessy.

Tis the season for The Nutcracker

For one weekend only, you can catch Ballet Minnesota’s 34th production of The Nutcracker. The show features a cast of more than 100 including two guest dancers from the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Many of the iconic costumes are original, and some even include signatures on the inside of the other people who have played the same role. The Nutcracker performances are December 16-18 at The O’Shaughnessy.

Traditional holiday market expands at Union Depot

St. Paul’s European Christmas Market started small, just 12 stalls open for three days. It’s grown immensely since then. This year the event runs 12 days with 60 kiosks. The event takes place outdoors, at the Union Depot the first three weekends in December. The market offers handmade European gifts, food and beverages.

Sweet Escape: local landmarks recreated using gingerbread

Gingerbread Wonderland is back at the Norway House in Minneapolis. Hundreds of cookie creations are on display including notable local landmarks like the John H. Stevens house and the Highland Park water tower. There’s also an incredible depiction of Norway’s Arctic Cathedral. The event runs through January 8th. The Norway House is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Sneak peek at Sever's Holiday Lights in Shakopee

This massive holiday light display dances in time to the best songs of the season. Grab a snack from the festive food & drink vendors and enjoy the show. The event runs November 24 through January 1.

Holiday favorite hits the stage at Children’s Theatre Company

That green, angry, holiday-hater has taken over the stage at Children’s Theatre Company. This is the 10th time CTC has produced the stage version of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Reed Sigmund has played the role of the Grinch five times, which adds up to more than 300 performances of the holiday classic. He has no problem maneuvering his caves’ stairs in his long point Grinch shoes, and stays cool by lining his costume with ice packs. Sigmund says the biggest challenge is getting the green paint off his face. How the Grinch Stole Christmas will run through January 8th.

Historic Minneapolis Mansion opens for holiday-themed tours

One of the city’s most historical mansions is all decked out for the holidays and open to the public for tours that will dive into the secrets of the past, including the hidden doors. The Turnblad Mansion is connected to the home of the American Swedish Institute. It’s the 72nd Holiday Experience at ASI. Besides the mansion tours, Fika Café is serving up a special seasonal menu tapping into traditional Scandinavian flavors and the Museum Store is filled with holiday must-haves for creating a cozy Nordic holiday.

Winter Maker’s Market opens at The Dayton’s Project

One of Minnesota’s most iconic department stories is back for the holidays and offering up a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. The Winter Maker’s Market has returned and expanded. There are 65 local vendors including many heritage brands from Minnesota. The shops take up much of the lower level including the former JB Hudson space and don’t miss the Grande Gallery on the skyway level. The market will be open through January 13th, Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

St. Paul coffee roaster changes name and expands into Minneapolis

Bootstrap Coffee Roasters is now Backstory Coffee Roasters and they’ve opened a second location in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood. Backstory has a beautiful new space with vaulted ceilings and velvet wallpaper inside the lobby of The Duffey Flats. Many historic elements of the buildings past helped shape its design. The wallpaper was created with old photos of Minneapolis and the wood shelving is reclaimed wood from the building when it was the Minneapolis Iron Store. Backstory Coffee Roasters Minneapolis location is open seven days a week from 7am to 3pm. The space can also be used for co-working.