Weekend Best Bets: November 23-25

Todd about Town: Around the Twin Cities this weekend, check out so many holiday celebrations

1. Handmade Holidays

American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis
Runs through January 13
Admission: $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children (ages 6-18)

The Nordic holiday rooms are all decorated for this annual tradition, where you’ll step into a celebration of Christmas that reflects the cultures of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. This year’s special guests hail from the Czech American community. Learn more.

2. Making Spirits Bright Holiday Lights Display

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska”‹
November 23-January 6
Admission: $15 for ages 16 and older. Free admission to Arboretum members 

The Arboretum celebrates its 60th anniversary with indoor and outdoor light displays on a self-guided tour. The Great Hall has been transformed with the “Tree of Lights” along with real poinsettia trees, decorated with nature-inspired ornaments. Learn more.

3. Keri Noble: A Very Special Christmas

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Chanhassen”‹
November 23 and 24
Admission: Dinner and show, $55; show only, $40

Singer-songwriter and local radio personality Keri Noble returns to the Chanhassen stage to perform a holiday concert focusing on original songs from her album More Than Santa. Learn more.

4. Holidazzle

Loring Park, Minneapolis
November 23-December 23
Admission: Free

This tradition brought to us by the Minneapolis Downtown Council returns to Loring Park for a month of family activities, including fireworks, free movies, ice skating, holiday food vendors, and, of course, a visit from Santa. Learn more.

5. Donny and Marie Holiday Tour

Mystic Lake, Prior Lake
November 23, starting at 8 p.m.
Admission: $74, $94, and $104

Donny and Marie Osmond fill the Mystic Showroom with holiday cheer for one night only. The consummate entertainers mix in holiday songs with classics from their career dating back to nostalgic favorites like “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll,” “Paper Roses,” “Puppy Love,” and “It Takes Two.” Learn more.

6. Christmas Traditions Guided House Tour

James J. Hill House, St. Paul
November 21-December 30
Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors and college students, $8 kids (ages 5-17)

This guided tour gives you a glimpse of how the Hill family celebrated the holiday in their Summit Avenue mansion circa the early 1900s. Guides share stories of the traditions that both the Hill family and the servants kept. Learn more.

7. 40th Annual Minnesota Hmong New Year Celebration

St. Paul RiverCentre
November 23-25
Admission: $10 at the door, $8 in advance

Celebrate the Hmong New Year, with entertainment including traditional Hmong dance, music, crafts, and a fashion show, plus merchandise and food vendors. It all culminates in the crowning of the 2019 Miss Hmong Minnesota. Learn more.