December 15, 2009 Explore Minnesota Events Report
Just some of the highlights this weekend include A North Shore Holiday in Grand Marais, Celebrate The Light Of The World in Willmar, Target Holidazzle Parades in downtown Minneapolis, and Christmas Night at the Museum - A Doll House Walk at the Waseca County Historical Society.
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Northern Minnesota
The Glensheen Mansion in Duluth will be the site of Holiday Living Literature, "The Gift of the Magi," Thursday through Saturday evening, December 17-19, as well as Glensheen Holiday Brunches, Saturday and Sunday, December 19 & 20. And while in Duluth, head to Historic Fitgers Brewery Complex for an evening Bentleyville Light Display Train Tour running daily through Tuesday, December 22. For further information on any of these events, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out
www.visitduluth.comA North Shore Holiday will take place Friday, December 18 through Sunday, December 20, throughout the city of Grand Marais. Just some of the highlights include Visits with Santa, Gems of the North Shore Jewelry Trunk Show, Lefse and Rosemaling demonstrations and classes, A North Shore Holiday High Tea, and a Christmas Concert by The Nylons in downtown Grand Marais. To find out more, dial 1-888-922-5000, or visit
www.anorthshoreholiday.comDowntown East Grand Forks will be the site of First Night on Thursday, December 31. Come celebrate the New Year and enjoy entertainment for all ages including concerts, comedians, magicians, dancers and storytellers. There will also be ice sculptures, concessions and fireworks at midnight. For rates and times, dial 218/230-4231, or check out
www.firstnightggf.orgThe Brrrrmidji Polar Days Festival will be held at Waterfront area of the city of Bemidji on Saturday, January 16. Highlights of this annual festival celebrating winter include a Polar Plunge, sled derby, broomball, 5K Polar Run & Walk, the Hardwater Classic Fishing Contest, and more. For further information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or visit
www.bemidji.orgCentral Minnesota
The Northland Arboretum in Brainerd will be the site of the Sertoma Winter Wonderland, Thursday through Sunday, through January 3. Featured will be breathtaking lights reflecting off sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays - many new displays have been added this year. Proceeds go to area charities. To learn more, and for rates and times, dial 218/829-8770, or visit
www.sertomawinterwonderland.comCelebrate The Light Of The World will be held Saturday, December 19 in the city of Willmar. Festivities and highlights include horse and carriage rides, Horse Pie Bingo fundraiser, snowball toss fundraiser, Photos with Santa, a movie at the outdoor drive-in theatre, and a holiday lights show. Donations are welcome. For more information, dial 1-800-845-8747, or check out
www.willmarlakesarea.comA Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Holiday Pops Concert will be offered at A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls on Sunday, December 20. The entire family will enjoy sparkling holiday classics from around the world performed by a symphony orchestra, with a good chance of a Santa sighting! To find out more, dial 218/998-2787, or visit
www.fergusarts.orgThe St. Cloud Civic Center will present the Wedding Expo, Sunday, January 17. Featured will be florists, caterers, musicians, bridal boutiques, and everything needed to plan the wedding of your dreams. To learn more, dial 1-800-264-2940, or check out
www.granitecountry.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Target Holidazzle Parades will take place along Nicollet Mall, from 12th Street to 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis, each Thursday through Sunday, through December 20. Celebrating the 18th season, this year's parade will include dazzling lights, festive floats, marching bands, celebrity grand marshals, and over 200 costumed characters from popular children's stories. Each parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 30 minutes. For more information, dial 612/376-SNOW, or check out
www.targetholidazzle.comThe Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul will present The Homecoming: Christmas at the Alexander Ramsey House, Wednesday through Sunday, December 16-20. Come tour one of the nation's premier Victorian-era mansions, decorated for the holidays. Afterwards, visit the Carriage House Gift Shop for unique Victorian gifts. For rates and time, dial 651/296-8760, or visit
www.mnhs.org/ramseyhouseThe 2010 Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show will take place Friday through Sunday, January 8-10, at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Come see over 2,000 dogs competing for American Kennel Club honors. In addition, enjoy products and services offered by many excellent vendors of dog-related items and collectibles, as well as information from American Kennel Club staff. For further information, and for rates and times, dial 651/770-3279, or check out
www.onofrio.comAnd just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
All Is Calm at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, December 17
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, December 17-27
Loyce Houlton?s Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 18-20
Peter Ostroushko at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, December 19
George Winston at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, December 20
The Gear Daddies at Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, December 26
The Harlem Globetrotters at the Target Center in Minneapolis, December 26
New Year's Eve 2010 - Deep Space Danceteria at First Avenue in Minneapolis, December 31
The Steve Miller Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, January 2
Carnival China Style at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, January 10
WWE Presents Monday Night Raw at the Target Center, January 11
Dreamgirls at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, January 12-17
Sesame Street Live : 123 Imagine With Elmo & Friends at the Target Center, January 13-17
Larry the Cable Guy at the Historic State Theatre, January 15
American Carnage Tour: Slayer and Megadeth with Testament at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at the St. Paul RiverCentre, February 4
Young Frankenstein at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, February 9-14
Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 13
The Pink Floyd Experience at the Fitzgerald Theater, February 11
The Wailin? Jennys at The O?Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, February 19
B.B. King and Buddy Guy at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, February 20
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 20
Mamma Mia! (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 9-14
John Mayer with Special Guest Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 2
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, March 14
Experience Hendrix featuring Joe Satriani, Billy Cox & Sacred Steel at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 17
Norah Jones at the The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, March 17
Baby Wants Candy at The O?Shaughnessy Auditorium, March 19
Bill Engvall at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, March 20
Alice In Chains at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, March 21
The Black Eyed Peas at the Xcel Energy Center, March 22
Celtic Woman - Songs from the Heart at the Xcel Energy Center, March 24
Cheech & Chong at the Historic State Theatre, March 26
The Wizard of Oz at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 26-28
Michael Bubl? at the Xcel Energy Center, March 28
Pat Metheny at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 9
Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 9
Cats at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 14-16
U2 360? Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Southern Minnesota
The city of Blue Earth will host a Christmas Wonderland of Lights>, daily after dark through New Year's Eve, with spectacular animated holiday light displays along a three-mile route running through Blue Earth. For more information, dial 507/526-2916, or check out
www.blueearthchamber.comChristmas Night at the Museum - A Doll House Walk will be offered at the Waseca County Historical Society in Waseca through Wednesday, December 30. Featured will be over 15 doll houses all decked out for the holidays, including Victorian doll houses, manufactured doll houses of the late 1940s, amateur homemade houses of all skill levels, and even two townhouses. Donations graciously accepted. To find out more, dial 507/835-7700, or visit
www.historical.waseca.mn.usThe Mayo Civic Center in Rochester will host the Gingerbread Craft Show, Saturday and Sunday, December 19 & 20, with over 50 exhibitors. After the show on Saturday, stay for The Music of Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller. To learn more, dial 1-800-634-8277, or check out
www.rochestercvb.orgThe Great Outdoor Expo will be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Friday and Saturday, January 8 & 9, with approximately 80 vendors offering everything related to outdoor activities! Admission is free. The 17th Annual Southeastern Minnesota Wedding Extravaganza will take place Saturday, January 9 at the Mayo Civic Center. Highlights include fashion shows, prizes, live entertainment, packages, and over 100 exhibitors. For rates and times, and for more information on either event, dial 1-800-422-2199, or visit
www.mayociviccenter.comThe Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Owatonna will host Bridal Fair 2010 on Sunday, January 10, with roughly 65 exhibitors, as well as a fashion show, and thousands of dollars in door prizes. Admission is free. For further information, 1-800-423-6466, or check out
www.owatonna.org