Explore Minnesota Events Report for November 27

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Explore Minnesota Events Report for November 27
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND ON THE TOWN will be offered in the city of Blue Earch through December 31. Come drive the 3-mile loop through Blue Earth and enjoy all of your favorite animated holiday light displays. 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 led by Santa's reindeer, lots of 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, marshmallow roasting, a fancy cookie sale, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and tours of the lavishly decorated Dunnell House and other historic area homes. 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, refreshments, live reindeer, and the sale of ornaments. 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

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE will be offered at Historic Chippewa City in Montevideo on December 1, with visits with Santa, horse-drawn rides, crafters, bake and candy sales, live entertainment, children's crafts, exhibits and displays, and a luncheon in this turn-of-the-century beautifully decorated and lighted village. To find out more, dial 1-800-269-5527, or visit www.montechamber.com

The city of Cannon Falls will hold their annual DECK THE FALLS celebration on Saturday, December 1. Just some of highlights include holiday open houses, a bake sale, children's Christmas story readings by Santa and Mrs. Claus, free photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and The Grinch, live music and performances, a live nativity, holiday dance, the Deck the Falls Parade and the lighting of the community tree. Visitors will also want to head to Frog Creek Pottery, located just west of Cannon Falls, to see the artwork of eight local artisans, and enjoy free coffee and cookies, and a free gift with purchase. For more information, dial 507/263-2289, or check out www.cannonfalls.org

A LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE & WINTER WONDERLAND CELEBRATION will be held throughout the city of Caledonia, Friday through Sunday, December 7-9. In addition to a festive parade, there will ice sculpture carving demonstrations, a sing-along with Santa, a DJ and dancing, hot air balloon launches, Breakfast with Santa, a relic snowmobile show, Christmas caroling throughout town, fire house tours and games, and much more! For further information, dial 507/725-3450, or visit www.caledoniamn.gov

Historic Wabasha will offer a CHRISTMAS TOUR on Saturday, December 8, with a chance to tour various private homes, bed & breakfasts, and hotels, all decked out for the holidays. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served after the tour. To find out more, dial 1-800-565-4158, or check out www.wabashamn.org

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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 each Thursday through Sunday, November 29 through December 23, 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 childrens' 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! For further information, dial 612/376-SNOW, or check out www.macysholidazzle.com

The 1855 Folsom House in Taylors Falls will be the site of CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLSOM HOUSE through Sunday, December 2, 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

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. To find out more, 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. To learn more, dial 320/274-8489, or visit www.pioneerpark.org

The GRAND MEANDER will be held December 1 along St. Paul's historic Grand Avenue. Just some of the highlights include Breakfast with Santa, Santa's reindeer, a tree lighting ceremony, soup tasting, a free showing of Shrek 3, readings of A Christmas Carol, a juried craft fair, trolley rides, live music, and lots of refreshments, holiday treats and specials! For more information, dial 651/699-0029, or check out www.grandave.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
THE REPLACEMENTS BOOK RELEASE PARTY at First Avenue in Minneapolis, November 28
CHICAGO at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, 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
R. KELLY at the Target Center, December 20
LOYCE HOULTON'S NUTCRACKER FANTASY at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 20-24
SOUL ASYLUM at First Avenue, December 21
PETER OSTROUSHKO at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, December 22
DAVE PIRNER & THE VOLUNTEERS at The Cabooze in Minneapolis, December 28
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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NORTHERN MINNESOTA

The BENTLEYVILLE TOUR OF LIGHTS, located in the city of Cloquet, will be offered daily through Saturday, December 29. 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, and visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and toy donations for the Salvation Army. To learn more, dial 1-800-554-4350, or check out www.bentleyvilleusa.com or www.cloquet.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 visit 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 check out www.cityofbiwabik.com

On Saturday, December 1, head to the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site in Little Falls 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. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5916, or visit www.littlefallsmn.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. To find out more, dial 1-866-253-8424, or check out www.stearns.history.museum

A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS will be offered at Ironworld in Chisholm from Thursday, December 6 through Sunday, December 9. Come see holiday trees decorated with lights and ornaments from around the world and across the Iron Range, and enjoy a holiday buffet, live entertainment, children's activities, reindeer, St. Nick, a free movie, and more! For further information, dial 1-800-372-6437, or visit www.ironworld.com

The city of Barnesville will present HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS on Friday and Saturday, December 7 & 8, with a lighted holiday parade, "Breakfast & Pictures with Santa," a holiday tour of homes, and s'mores, hot chocolate and caroling in Friendship Park. To learn more, dial 218/354-2479, or check out www.barnesvillemn.com

A PARADE OF LIGHTS & CHRISTMAS PROGRAM will be held Saturday, December 8 in Pine River. Featured will be horse-drawn sleigh rides (snow permitting), a children's Christmas program, holiday bonfire, caroling, and of course the Parade of Lights, followed by a holiday fireworks display! To find out more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or visit www.pinerivermn.com

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