Puppetry takes center stage at new CTC show
An endearing children's book about a monster who's terrible at scaring is on stage at the Children's Theater Company, but the production is unlike anything they've put on stage before. It's called 'Leonardo: A Wonderful Show about a Terrible Monster'. The cast utilizes puppets, both paper and fuzzy puppets. They have a few different projector stations which are then broadcast on a large screen above the stage. None of the process is hidden, so they let you in on the magic of creating a show like this. This show is based on the Mo Willems book. The author actually approached this theater company, Manuel Cinema that's based in Chicago to come up with a way to bring his story to life. The show is on stage until March 9th.
Top local dancers featured in ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’
The Nutcracker is playing on many stages across the Twin Cities from professional productions to studio shows, but only one has been on stage for 60 years. ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’ was choreographed by renowned Minnesota choreographer and founder of Minnesota Dance Theatre, Loyce Houlton. This year, the production features more than 100 dancers from several studios paired with professional dancers. They are accompanied by a 44-piece orchestra. The show runs from December 14th through the 22nd at State Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the State Theatre box office.
Shakopee light display draws thousands of visitors
Come for the lights, stay for the crafts! Roger Schmidt grew up loving his neighbors light display. They even handed out candy. And that inspired him to do something similar. His light display started coming together in 1998. Now it fills the entire front and back yard and he has plans to spill over into two neighbors yards, who have given him permission. He created a walk-through experience that includes a stop in the garage where there are several tables set up with crafting supplies for kids, plus cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee. It is free to visit. Lights turn on at 5pm nightly through the 31st and crafts begin at 5:30pm. Some nights Santa appears in the Santa hut they built off the front porch. The home is located at 921 Shakopee Avenue East and there’s a Facebook page called ‘Shakopee Winter Wonderland.’
Sauna cabanas open on Pryes Brewing patio
Sauna season is in full effect, and there’s some unlikely spots to get a steam session in. Pryes Brewing has opened sauna cabanas on their patio, with four Nordic saunas from Superior Sauna & Steam that are available to rent for private parties as well as community steam experiences. The cabanas also include cold showers and private bonfire lounges, while an "event sauna" can also hold 20 people. To pair with the steam, Pryes has created a sauna beer called Kallio and a hydrating NA option called Hop Water.
Como Zoo polar bears celebrate monumental birthdays
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is home to the oldest male polar bear in North America. In fact, Neil is celebrating his 29th birthday Dec. 9. It’s a two-fer because his companion Nan is also another year older turning 30. She’s now in a three-way tie for oldest female polar bear in North America. The celebration included cupcakes on top of decorated barrels. Their roommate Kulu also got to enjoy the party and had the most fun. At just 5- years old, he continued to play with the barrels long after the cupcakes were gone. The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2024 British Arrow Awards at the Walker Art Center
For nearly 40 years, the best TV advertisements in the United Kingdom have been shown at the Walker Art Center in downtown Minneapolis. And these screenings always draw big crowds. The British Arrows, one of the oldest awards shows in the UK, begin screening at the Walker Art Cinema on December 6th and will play through January 4th, Thursday through Saturday. Tickets start at $18 and includes gallery admission. The show runs 73 minutes.
Rare, vintage holiday finds at Junk Bonanza
A very vintage Christmas market is underway this weekend at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Junk Bonanza has several events throughout the year but the holiday market runs from December 5th to the 7th. It is the longest-running and largest antique and vintage market in the Midwest.
Creekside Supper Club becomes Winter Wonder Bar
Several Twin Cities bars and restaurants are going all-in on the holidays with over-the-top decorations, to themed drinks and food. Creekside Supper Club in south Minneapolis is opening its Winter Wonder Bar on Tuesdays through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and for brunch on the weekends through Jan. 12.
Brit’s Pub decks the walls for festive pop-up
The Jingle Bar is open for the holidays after the pop-up took over part of Brit’s Pub in Downtown Minneapolis. Tinsel hangs from the ceilings and the drinks are holiday themed with fun glassware. Tickets must be reserved ahead of time and are going fast, available through Jan. 12.
Woodbury house lit up for the holidays
A Woodbury homeowner has flipped the switch on his holiday light display at 8846 Glacier Road. Mike Pageler says he’s been putting up a light display synchronized to music on FM 97.9 for several years and adds new elements each season. The lights will be on nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1.
A festive show for the grown-ups brings humor to the holidays
For more than 50 years, the Brave New Workshop crew has been creating a sketch comedy show where they deck the halls with abandon. This year’s show is called ‘Big Christmas Energy.’ It’s geared toward an older audience, 14 and up. ‘Big Christmas Energy’ runs through January 31, 2025 at Dudley Riggs Theatre at 824 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
Holiday Ideas House returns inside historic home on Lyndale
A holiday tradition is back. Bachman’s is reopening the decked out historic home on Lyndale for the first time since the pandemic and they’re honoring another historic Minnesota company with the theme. The Ideas House will be open Thursdays through Sundays From Nov. 29 to Sunday Dec. 15. It also happens to be the 40th anniversary of Department 56, which specializes in small ceramic holiday villages so they’ve displayed several villages inside the home. Tickets are $5 each and must be reserved ahead of time.
Arcade featuring only claw machines opens in Roseville
Claw machine arcades are popping up all over the Twin Cities. These types of machines are quite popular in Japan and are typically filled with colorful plushies. Neko Clawww is one of the newest spots in Roseville. And while claw machines are one of the most frustrating arcade games, the staff there will "fluff" the machine if you’re striking out. Neko Clawww is open seven days a week on Lexington Avenue near Larpenteur Avenue. There are similar arcades in Bloomington and Maplewood as well.
Christmas tree farms open for the season
With Christmas a little over four weeks away, many families will be heading out this weekend or next for a tree. There are more than 60 tree farms in the state and a few of the state's biggest and oldest are opening this weekend. Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm is celebrating 70 years in Lake Elmo. They offer both cut-your-own and pre-cut trees, but you do need to reserve a timeslot before arriving. To find a tree farm near you, visit the Minnesota Grown website.
CHS Field all aglow for light festival
Bring on the lights! Glow Holiday Festival is back for year five. They’ve placed more than a million lights inside CHS Field in St. Paul. This is a walk-through experience with food and beverage options plus a zip line and giant slide. GLOW Holiday Festival runs Nov. 21 through Jan. 5, 2025, from 5-9 p.m. on select nights.
Model trains bring holiday cheer to St. Paul museum
One of the most charming holiday events in the Twin Cities has opened for the season. Night Trains runs every Saturday evening from 3-7 p.m. through the last Saturday in February. The museum adds holiday lights to the miniature towns and trains while also dimming the lights inside so it glows. The museum is marking 90 years, and this is the 30th year of Night Trains. The museum is located at 668 Transfer Road, Suite 8 in St. Paul. Admission to this special show is $15 per person and free for children ages 4 and under.
Largest collection of nesting dolls in US at a Mpls museum
A collection of dolls is bringing steady crowds to The Museum of Russian Art. The ‘A Thousand Nesting Dolls’ exhibition will be on display through March 9. The show includes some of the earliest dolls ever created and shows the craft as it developed over the years with a large variety of styles and themes. The museum is located at 5500 Stevens Ave. in Minneapolis. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
State-of-the-art batting cages in MN
The Ball Park in Blaine has batting cages like you've never seen before, with a state-of-the-art baseball simulator.
Mothership Pizza opens in Edina
The crew behind Mr. Paul’s Supper Club in Edina has opened another restaurant in the same neighborhood. Mothership Pizza Paradise is all about wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and craft cocktails. FOX 9’s Shayne Wells has more on the new restaurant.
Halloween on the Farm in River Falls
Costumed alpacas greet trick-or-treaters at Eagle Eye Farm in River Falls, Wisconsin. The farm has 70 award-winning alpacas along with mini highland cattle, kune kune pigs and three new South American porcupines.