12/19/2024 -- Weekend Events Preview

TWIN CITIES WEEKEND PREVIEW — KEEPING YOU BUSY ✔

Today is December 19th

Here is what’s happening in the Twin Cities this weekend.

In Partnership With Ambit Media Company 🤝

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➡ Go to www.Ambit.community to get started.

Holidazzle 2024 Preview 🎄

After an abrupt cancellation in 2023, the Holidazzle festival has returned to Nicollet Mall this December. The event is free andd will transform five blocks of downtown into a winter wonderland from December 18-22.

What to Expect:

• Live Entertainment: Throughout the festival, there will be performances on two stages:

  • U.S. Bank Stage: Enjoy a range of acts including karaoke, a silent disco, and performances by local choirs and bands. Special events like the A Cappella Sing-Off and scenes from "Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will also take place

  • Indoor Stage: This stage will host various musical acts, including high school choirs and community performances.

• Roll-A-Dazzle: An indoor roller skating rink where guests can bring their own skates or rent them for free, available throughout the festival.

• Minne-Golf: A unique mini-golf course featuring iconic Minneapolis landmarks, open daily inside City Center.

• Very Vintage Holidazzle Market: Taking place on December 20-21, this market will showcase retro-inspired finds and local artisans.

• Dog Rescue Showcase: A special event highlighting local dog rescue organizations will occur daily in the Nicollet Community Space.

• Kids Activities: Family-friendly options include dance parties hosted by the YMCA and visits with Santa Claus, ensuring fun for younger attendees.

• Peppermint Pub Crawl on Saturday, December 21 from 5-9 p.m.

What To Know Before Attending

• Location: Nicollet Mall (between 6th and 11th Streets)

• Dates: December 18-22

• Hours:

  • Wed-Fri: 4-9 p.m.

  • Saturday: Noon-9 p.m.

  • Sunday: Noon-6 p.m.

• Admission: Free and open to the public

Learn more at the Holidazzle official website.

Winter Solstice Celebrations 🌙

The winter solstice, also known as the hibernal solstice, is an astronomical event that occurs when one of Earth's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. In other words, the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Here are some of the events happening in the Twin Cities to celebrate this annual occurence.

🌙 Frost + Fire Fest: A Winter Solstice Soirée: A celebration featuring bonfires, hot chocolate, and beer festivities marking the year's shortest day | Urban Growler Brewing Company | 12/21 | Free | more info

🌙 Winter Solstice Solar Observing: A celebration of the winter solstice with safe solar observation using specialized telescopes and equipment | Bell Museum | 12/21| $12+ | more info

🌙 A Winter Solstice Sound Bath: A ritual celebration and healing gathering at the turning point from the longest night toward life-giving light | The Cedar Cultural Center | 12/22 | $23 | more info

🌙 Winter Solstice Bonfire: A community celebration featuring a roaring bonfire, live music, storytelling hikes, and guided night walks on the longest night of the year | Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields | 12/20 | $10+ | more info

🌙 Winter Solstice w/ Minneapolis Parks: A family-friendly celebration featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, birdfeeders, fire pits, hot cocoa, and winter activities | Lake Nokomis Park | 12/20 | Free, no preregistration required | more info

🌙 Winter Solstice Sound Baths: A rejuvenating experience featuring crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes accompanied by live video art to celebrate the longest night of the year | Walker Art Center | 12/19 | Free | more info

Music 🎙

❯ O’Neill Brothers Holiday Christmas Show | Edina Performing Arts Center | 12/20,21,22 | $40+ | More Info

❯ Rachel and Vilray| Lake Street Dive Vocalist | The Dakota | 12/20,21,22 | $45+ | More Info

❯ Handel’s Messiah | The Basilica of Saint Mary and The Ordway | 12/20,21,22 | $16+ | More Info

❯ Take Two for Christmas | Crane Theater | 12/20,21,22 | $25 | More Info

❯ A Charlie Brown Christmas NHanced w/t Nate Hance Trio | Metronome Brewery | 12/20,21 | $10 | More Info

❯ A Christmas Celebration with the Steeles | Pantages Theater | $30+ | More Info

❯ Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for our Time | Ordway Theater | 12/20 | $34+ | More Info

❯ About to Run: Phish Tribute Show | Day Block Brewing | 12/21 | $15 | More Info

❯ The Jayhawks w/ Special Guest Freedy Johnston | Fitzgerald Theater | 12/21 | $58+ | More Info

Sports 🏀

🏀 MN Timberwolves v. Golden State Warriors| Target Center | 12/21 |  $15+| More Info

🏀 MN Gopher Mens Basketball v. Farleigh Dickenson  |12/21 | $18+ | More Info

🏀 MN Gopher Womens Basketball v. Prairies View A&M | 12/20 | $12 | More Info

Miscellaneous…Something for Everyone

❯ Triple Espresso | Plymouth Playhouse | 12/20,21,22 | $36+ | More Info

❯ Glow Holiday Festival | CHS Field | 12/20,21,22 | $27 | More Info

❯ The Unexpected Guest | Theater in the Round | 12/20,21,22 | $18| More Info

❯ Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy | State Theater | 12/20,21,22 | $20+ | More Info

❯ Cirque Dreams Holidaze | Orpheum Theater | 12/20,21,22 | $34+ | More Info

❯ First Avenue Presents Michael Kosta | Cedar Cultural Center | 12/21 | $35+ | $35+ | More Info

❯ Glo-Ho-Ho Dink N’ Drink | Smash Park Roseville-Indoor Pickleball Courts | 12/21 | $30 | More Info

Planning Ahead! Events coming up the next few weeks 📆

Here are some notable events to keep your eye on and add to your calendar.

❯ Vikings vs Packers | 12/29 | More Info

❯ Sparklerama: A New Year Celebration | 1/31 | More Info

❯ Taylor Swift Day at Inbound BrewCo | 1/25 | More Info