12/5/2024 -- Weekend Events Preview

TWIN CITIES WEEKEND PREVIEW — KEEPING YOU BUSY ✔

Today is December 5th.

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

Holiday Light Viewing in the Twin Cities 🎄

🎄 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Explore a beautiful outdoor walking route adorned with over one million lights and nature-themed displays | Now through 1/5 | $30 |  More Info

🎄 Holiday Trolley Ride: Enjoy a cozy trolley ride through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decorations | Minneapolis | Now through 12/21 | Cost varies | More Info

🎄 GLOW Holiday Festival: Experience a dazzling light show featuring over a million lights and interactive displays at CHS Field | CHS Field, St. Paul | Now through 1/5 | $12.75+ | More Info

🎄 Magic of Lights: Drive through a spectacular display of holiday lights and animated scenes from the comfort of your car | Viking Lakes, Eagan | Now through 1/5 | $25 | More Info

🎄 Festive Holiday Lights Tour: Experience beautiful holiday light displays on a cozy coach bus with festive music and treats | Minneapolis | Now through 12/22 | $450 for a bus | More Info

🎄 Gray Lines Minnesota Holiday Lights Tour: Enjoy a guided motorcoach tour showcasing the beautifully decorated streets of the Twin Cities | Twin Cities area | Now through 12/31 | $45 | More Info

🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night at Union Depot: Celebrate the season with a tree lighting ceremony followed by a classic holiday movie under the stars. | Union Depot, St. Paul | December 7, 2024 | Free | More Info

🎄 Twinkle Weekend and City Tree Lighting: Celebrate the holiday season with a magical Twinkle Party at Chestnut Plaza, featuring festive activities, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the City Christmas Tree accompanied by cheerful music and fireworks | Downtown Stillwater | 12/7d | Free | More Info 

Check out this spreadsheet for the most comprehensive list of holiday lights including shows, individual houses, neighborhoods, etc. (credit to Minnesota blogger, Give Me The Mike)

The Broadcast Wars on PBS 📺

📺 On my list to watch this weekend is a new documentary series that digs into the historical tv competition in the Twin Cities.

Broadcast Wars

"Broadcast Wars" is a new three-part documentary series from Twin Cities PBS that explores the intense competition among local television news stations in Minnesota during the 1960s to the 1980s. Featuring archival footage and interviews with veteran broadcasters, the series highlights how rivalries between stations like KSTP, WCCO, and KARE transformed local journalism into a cultural phenomenon.

How to Watch "Broadcast Wars"

"Broadcast Wars" premiered on November 26, 2024, and is available for viewing in multiple formats:

- PBS App: The series can be streamed on the free PBS App, which is accessible on various devices including iPhone, Android smartphones, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

- TPT Website: Viewers can also watch "Broadcast Wars" for free on TPT's official website.

New Restaurant Openings 🍔

🍕 Mothership Pizza: offers wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas named after team members' mothers, alongside pasta and cocktails, all in a vibrant atmosphere. Located in SW Mpls. More Info

🍔 Le Burger: simple menu featuring gourmet burgers with a french twist. Located in Linden Hills. More Info

🍝 Russell’s: elevated comfort food located on iconic Grand Avenue in St. Paul. More Info

🍔 Francis Burger Joint: all vegan burger joint featuring juicy lucy’s and fried chicken sandwiches. Newest location is on East Lake Street. More Info

🌮 Los Ocampo: family run Mexican restaurant has now opened a St. Paul location. More Info

Music 🎙

❯ The 45th Annual John Lennon Tribute | First Avenue | 12/8 | $30 | More Info

❯ Vocal Essence | Northrup Theater | 12/7,8 | $12+ | More Info

❯ Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas | Ames Center | 12/6 | $37+ | More Info

❯ Twin Cities Men’s Gay Chorus : Wranglers & Refrains: A Homespun Holiday | Ted Mann Concert Hall | 12/6,7 | $45 | More Info

❯ Honeymoon Madness with Cook County | Metronome Brewery | 12/6 | $10 | More Info

❯ Capitol Guitars 20th Anniversary Bash | Amsterdam Bar and Hall | 12/7 | $15 | More Info

❯ The String Queens: Our Favorite Things | Ordway | 12/7 | $34+ | More Info

❯ The New Standards Holiday Show | State Theater | 12/6,7 | $30+ | More Info

❯ Jim Brickman: Comfort and Joy | Pantages Theater | 12/7 | $50+ | More Info

❯ LAYZ - Aftershock Tour | Skyway Theater | 12/7 | $25 | More Info 

❯ Handel’s Messiah | St. John’s Lutheran Church | 12/6,7 | Free Will Donation | More Info

❯ The Best of Bach | Orchestra Hall | 12/6 | $15+ | More Info

❯ Girli | Turf Club | 12/8 | $20 | More Info

Sports 🏉

🏈 MN Vikings v. Atlanta Falcons | 12/8 | $145+ | More Info 

🏒 MN Gopher Women’s Hockey v. St. Thomas Tommies | St. Thomas Ice Arena | 12/6,7 | $8+ | More Info

🏒 MN Gopher Mens Hockey v. Michigan Wolverines | Mariucci Arena | 12/6,7 | $40+ | More Info

Miscellaneous…Something for Everyone

❯ Nordic Julemarket | Utepils Brewery | 12/6,7,8 | Free | More Info

❯ St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show | St. Paul River Centre | 12/6,7,8 | $15 | More Info

❯ The Best Christmas Pageant Ever | Park Square Theater | 12/6,7,8 | $60 | More Info

❯ Circus Juventas: Blizzard | Circus Juventus Bigtop, St. Paul |12,6,7,8 | $25+ | More Info

❯ Metropolitan Ballet presents Nutcracker | The Fitzgerald Theater | 12/7,8 | $30 | More Info

❯ Nutcracker “Magic Christmas Ballet” | Orpheum Theater | 12/6,7 | $36+ | More Info

❯ Dudley Riggs “Family Dinner” | Dudley Riggs Theater | 12/6,7 | $25 | More Info

❯ Girls Gone Bible Live Tour | Pantanges Theater | 12/6 | $45 | More Info

❯ 46th Annual Holiday Bazaar | Landmark Center | 12/8 | $5 | 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.

❯ The Book of Mormon | 12/10 - 12/15 | More Info

❯ Holidazle | 12/18 - 12/22 | More Info

❯ Elf In Concert | 12/20 - 12/22 | More Info