Explore Minnesota Events Report for November 20

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Explore Minnesota Events Report for November 20

NORTHERN MINNESOTA

Between Thursday, November 22 and Saturday, December 29, head to the city of Cloquet for the BENTLEYVILLE TOUR OF LIGHTS. This free family event features several million Christmas lights, 600-plus snowflakes suspended from trees, and 230 lighted reindeer scattered throughout 3 acres of woods. Santa will greet kids daily through December 23. Cider, coffee and cookies are even free of charge. Donations are accepted to defray expenses, and visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and toy donations for the Salvation Army. And on Saturday, November 24, head to downtown Cloquet for an OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, with a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, a pie-eating contest, all-day bonfire, ski races, and the crowning of Miss Cloquet. To learn more, dial 1-800-554-4350, or check out either www.bentleyvilleusa.com or www.cloquet.com

The 16TH ANNUAL WORLD-FAMOUS FISH HOUSE PARADE will be held Friday, November 23 in the city of Aitkin. This much anticipated and hilarious event has been featured on national T.V. and radio broadcasts, and includes wacky floats, dressed-up fish houses, and celebrity guests. In addition, enjoy a craft fair, live music, and lots of great food and refreshments! To find out more, dial 1-800-526-8342, or visit www.aitkin.com

The city of Little Falls will be the site of the CITY OF LIGHTS KICKOFF on November 23, when all buildings in the historic downtown district will glisten with white lights. Also enjoy the SANTA PARADE running through downtown Little Falls, and tours during the LINDEN HILL OPEN HOUSE. And on Saturday, November 24, head to the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site for A 1917 CHRISTMAS WITH THE LINDBERGHS, when living history characters will portray family members and hired workers readying the house for Christmas. Learn about the political and social landscape of Minnesota at the time, and discover how the Lindberghs viewed the war in Europe. The program includes a 45-minute tour of the home and admission to the gallery exhibits. A 1917 CHRISTMAS WITH THE LINDBERGHS will be repeated Saturday, December 1. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5916, or check out www.littlefallsmn.com

A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS will be offered November 23 in downtown Walker. In addition to lots of holiday lights and decorations, visitors will enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free children's movies, and horse and buggy rides. For further information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit www.leech-lake.com

The city of Melrose will be the site of a HOLIDAY KICK OFF & MINIDAZZLE PARADE on November 23, with the arrival of Santa and his reindeer at Lake Wobegon Trail Park. In addition, enjoy lots of family activities, a Mini-Dazzle Parade, and a fireworks display. And, while in Freeport, head to the Freeport State Bank for horse-drawn wagon rides, hot dogs and pop, and live music. To learn more, dial 320/256-7174, or check out www.melrosemn.org

The NIGHT WE LIGHT CELEBRATION will be held November 23 in the city of Bemidji, with an evening parade, the lighting of the trees along the waterfront and throughout downtown, fireworks over the lake, sleigh rides, sledding, food and family fun. To find out more, dial 1-800-458-2223, or visit www.visitbemidji.com

Downtown Pine City will be the site of A CHRISTMAS CAROL PARADE & HOLIDAY MADNESS on Friday, November 30. Visitors will enjoy a lighted parade, a special outdoor tree lighting ceremony in Robinson Park, holiday shopping and dining specials, and visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Then on Saturday, December 1, head to the Pine City Elementary School for SANTA'S COMING & HOLIDAY FUN, when families will enjoy pictures, cookies and milk with Santa Claus! For more information, dial 320/629-4565, or check out www.pinecitychamber.com

WEIHNACHTSFEST will be held Saturday, December 1 in the city of Biwabik, with a children's musical and Kinderfest, craft fairs, a Candy Haus, horse-drawn trolley rides, lunch at the park pavilion featuring ethnic specialties, live music, a bake-sale, Christmas carols, the lighting of Schuster Park, and fireworks. For further information, dial 218/865-4183, or visit www.cityofbiwabik.com

The Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud will host KRINGLE FEST on Sunday, December 2. Just some of the highlights include visits and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday displays, a treasure hunt and other hands-on family activities centered on the holidays and traditions of central Minnesota. For more information, dial 1-866-253-8424, or check out www.stearns.history.museum

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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis will be the site of A NORDIC CHRISTMAS through Sunday, January 6. Come discover the holiday traditions of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland, with decorated trees and table settings. This year's theme is "Christmas of Light." The ILLUMINATION OF A SAINT: THE LEGEND OF SANTA LUCIA will also be offered through January 6, with photographs and story panels detailing Lucia's beginnings as a fourth-century Christian martyr, the legends surrounding her, and how the holiday is celebrated today. For more information, dial 612/871-4907, or visit www.americanswedishinst.org

MACY'S HOLIDAZZLE PARADES will be offered Friday through Sunday, November 23?25, along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Each parade will feature brightly lit floats, marching bands, celebrity grand marshals and nearly 250 costumed characters from popular children's stories. Before or after the parade, head to Macy's for their annual ANIMATED HOLIDAY DISPLAY featuring the Nutcracker story. The display will be open during regular story hours through December 31. Both events are free! MACY'S HOLIDAZZLE PARADES will also be offered each Thursday through Sunday, November 29 through December 23. For further information, dial 612/376-SNOW, or check out www.macysholidazzle.com

The city of Taylors Falls will hold its annual LIGHTING FESTIVAL, Friday through Sunday, November 23?25, with the grand lighting of the village, a Santa parade, horse-drawn wagon rides, an outdoor holiday booya, reindeer, Christmas dogs, holiday craft fairs, an International Bazaar & Bake Sale, house tours, and performances by the community chorus, the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, and the Green Fire Irish Dancers. And, from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 2, head to the 1855 Folsom House in Taylors Falls for CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLSOM HOUSE, when eight rooms of this five generation family home will be enhanced for the holidays by professional area designers. The 1884 Jail, the cave, and two other bed & breakfast units at the Old Jail B & B will also be open for tours. For more information, and specific days and times, dial 1-800-447-4958, or visit www.taylorsfallschamber.org

Rice Park in St. Paul will be turned into a WINTER WONDERLAND on Saturday, November 24, when a tree as tall and bright as the Rockefeller Center tree will be lit. In addition, there will be millions of twinkling lights throughout the park, classic Nutcracker and angel statues, other holiday décor, and live entertainment. Holiday lights will remain lit throughout Rice Park through January 1. And, visit the adjacent Wells Fargo WinterSkate for free skating at this artificially-chilled ice skating rink. Skate rental is available. To learn more, dial 651/291-5608, or check out www.capitalcitypartnership.com

Chisago City?s annnual LIGHTING FESTIVAL will be held Sunday, November 25, when 33 trees will be lit in Moberg and Triangle parks. In addition, there will be free Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon rides, music, caroling, roasted chestnuts, a stove to toast marshmallows, and of course, Santa Claus! Visitors are asked to please bring toys for Santa Anonymous, and a non-perishable food item. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit www.chisagolakeschamber.com

An OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY BAZAAR will be offered at the Landmark Center in St. Paul, Thursday through Saturday, November 29 through December 1. This is one of Landmark Center?s longest running and most beloved traditions, with over 80 local artisans participating in this juried craft show. For more information, dial 651/292-3233, or check out www.landmarkcenter.org

Pioneer Park in Annandale will host an IMMIGRANTS' CHRISTMAS on Saturday, December 1, when buildings will be decorated in traditional ethnic fashion for the holidays. In addition, there will be interpreters, ethnic foods to sample, strolling musicians, time with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides through the village, and fresh cut trees. For further information, dial 320/274-8489, or visit www.pioneerpark.org

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
DISNEY PRESENTS THE LION KING at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, through November 25
THE CRIBS at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, November 21
DANE COOK at the Target Center in Minneapolis, November 23
LEO KOTTKE at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, November 24
JOHN FOGERTY at the Historic State Theatre, November 27
THE REPLACEMENTS BOOK RELEASE PARTY at First Avenue in Minneapolis, November 28
CHICAGO at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, November 30
THE CULT at The Myth in Maplewood, November 30
MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 1
MODEST MOUSE at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 3
THE BLENDERS at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, December 7
THE KDWB JINGLE BALL 2007 at the Target Center, December 7
DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE ICE TOUR at the Xcel Energy Center, December 13-16
THE HOLIDAY PAGEANT at the Pantages Theatre, December 17
LOYCE HOULTON'S NUTCRACKER FANTASY at the Historic State Theatre, December 20-24
SOUL ASYLUM at First Avenue, December 21
PETER OSTROUSHKO at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, December 22
The GEAR DADDIES at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, December 28
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 31
VH1'S ROCK OF LOVE NEW YEARS EVE with BRET MICHAELS at The Myth, December 31
BARRY MANILOW at the Xcel Energy Center, January 11, 2008
SESAME STREET LIVE : WHEN ELMO GROWS UP at the Target Center, January 16, 2008
THE 2008 U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, January 20, 2008
The MARTINA MCBRIDE WAKE UP LAUGHING TOUR at the Target Center, January 26, 2008
B.B. KING at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, February 5, 2008
SWEENEY TODD at the Historic State Theatre, February 5-10, 2008
MY FAIR LADY at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, February 20-March 2, 2008
The SMUCKER'S STARS ON ICE TOUR at the Xcel Energy Center, February 26, 2008
BON JOVI at the Xcel Energy Center, March 18, 2008
JERSEY BOYS at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 19-April 20, 2008
DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL NATIONAL STAGE TOUR at the Historic State Theatre, April 1-6, 2008
The HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS at the Target Center, April 11 & 12, 2008
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 2-4, 2008
MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 27 through June 1, 2008
CELINE DION at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 30, 2008
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Bluff Valley Campground in Zumbro Falls will be the site of a LIGHT MAZE & KTTC LIGHTS AT BLUFF VALLEY, the first autumn season drive-thru light show, through November 25. Highlights include a 1 1/2-mile drive-through light tour, with 19 theme areas featuring over 450 light displays. In addition, enjoy nightly live entertainment, wagon rides, and Pepsi NightLight Park & Play activities, including nightlight glow-in-dark miniature golf, disc golf and basketball golf. For rates and times, dial 1-877-GO-SEE-IT, or check out www.BluffValley.com

HOLIDAY GUIDED TOURS will be offered Friday, November 23, at the Historic Hormel Home in Austin. Built in 1871, this beautiful home of founder George A. Hormel will be decorated with 20 Christmas scenes. The tour includes famous cranberry cake with butter sauce and a beverage. Afterwards, head to downtown Austin for the traditonal lighting of the Christmas tree, holiday caroling, lots of live entertainment, and refreshments, treats and specials at several downtown stores during CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY. For more information, dial 1-800-444-5713, or visit www.austincvb.com

The city of New Ulm will offer a CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS on Friday, November 23, with over 30 units covered with twinkling Christmas lights traveling through the downtown New Ulm. Afterwards, head to New Ulm Telecom for visits and pictures with Santa during SANTA CLAUS IS HERE! To find out more, dial 1-888-463-9856, or check out www.newulm.com

The 6TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN RED WING HOLIDAY STROLL will be held November 23, with a holiday parade, spectacular holiday lighting ceremony, chili feed, wagon rides, prizes, a performance by the Sheldon Brass Band, roasted chestnuts, carolers, and a live nativity scene. To learn more, dial 651/388-7737, or visit www.redwingholidaystroll.com

Historic downtown Albert Lea will be the site of a HOLIDAY ART STROLL from Friday, November 23 through Monday, November 26. Featured will be the artwork by more than 30 artists, as well as art demonstrations, live music and refreshments. Other highlights on Friday, November 23, include the ARRIVAL OF SANTA CLAUS at Northbridge Mall, and a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at the Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum. For more information, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out www.albertleatourism.org

A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND ON THE TOWN will be offered November 23 through December 31 in Blue Earth. Come drive the 3-mile loop through Blue Earth and enjoy all of your favorite animated holiday light displays. And on Saturday, November 24, watch Santa hoisted up to wrap the Jolly Green Giant in a warm red scarf during the ANNUAL SCARFING OF THE JOLLY GREEN GIANT. Afterwards, Santa will visit with the kids and hand out goodies. For further information, dial 507/526-2916, or visit www.blueearthchamber.com

The city of Montgomery will hold its annual TORCHLIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS DISPLAY on Thursday, November 29, with a fun parade lead by Santa's reindeer, holiday lights, music, lots of kettlekorn, the lighting of the community Christmas tree, and a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to holiday music. To find out more, dial 507/364-5577, or check out www.montgomerymn.org

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE will be offered at the Village of Yesteryear in Owatonna, Friday and Saturday, November 30 and December 1. Come enjoy a Victorian Christmas, with horse-drawn sleigh rides, cookie decorating, caroling, marshmallows roasting, a fancy cookie sale, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and tours of the lavishly decorated Dunnell House. To learn more, dial 507/451-1420, or visit www.steelecohistoricalsociety.org

The city of Luverne will host WINTERFEST, Friday through Sunday, November 30 through December 2, with the Parade of Lights, neighborhood lighted lanes, a puppet show, a performance of ?The Gift? at the Palace Theatre, a large craft show, Make-N-Take projects for the kids, pictures with Santa, tours of historic sites, a soup supper, a Festival of Trees, and much more! For further information, dial 507/283-4061, or check out www.luvernechamber.org

The 14TH ANNUAL OLDE FASHIONED COUNTRY CHRISTMAS will be held Saturday, December 1, in the town of Plainview. Visitors will enjoy the warmth of the season through a variety of special events, including free sleigh rides, live music, arts and crafts, a live nativity, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an unforgettable tree lighting ceremony, with a chance to walk and read the luminaries that honor individuals affected by cancer. In addition, there will be chimney sweeps, lamplighters, carolers, strolling characters, Mr. Scrooge, marching toy soldiers and drummer boys, all dressed in 1900's style attire. For more information, dial 507/534-2229, or visit www.plainviewmn.com

The Granite Falls Historical Society in Granite Falls will hold a CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, December 1. Highlights will include storytelling, visits with Santa Claus, the sale of ornaments, refreshments, and live reindeer! In addition, learn about Carl Lomen, the ?Reindeer King,? who collaborated with Macy?s department stores to stage annual Christmas parades featuring Santa in a sleigh being pulled by reindeer. He also wrote ?pretend? children?s letters asking about Santa and his reindeer. As a result of the letters and the parades, Santa Claus and his reindeer have become an integral part of the North American Christmas tradition. To learn more, dial 320/564-2255, or check out www.granitefalls.com/historical.html

"The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism."
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