Weekend Best Bets: December 12-14

Friday December 12

Tale as Old as Time

WHAT: Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy
WHERE: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
WHEN: 1 and 5 p.m.
For a magical night with the characters you know and love from Walt Disney Studios, check out Worlds of Fantasy at the Xcel. You’ll see Ariel, Tinker Bell, Lightning McQueen, and many more as they glide through their most daring on-ice adventures yet. Get tickets and details at xcelenergycenter.com.

Tickling the Ivories

WHAT: 2 Pianos, 4 Hands
WHERE: Park Square Theatre, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Who knew that the world of concert piano was so dramatic? 2 Pianos, 4 Hands gives a peek behind the scenes at friends Ted and Richard, concert pianists in training who suffer for their art, all while jamming out a score ranging from classical pieces to jazz to Billy Joel (one guess which hit they’ll play). Go to parksquaretheatre.org for more info.

Saturday December 13

Happy Christmas

WHAT: Oratorio Society: A Downton Abbey Christmas
WHERE: Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas with the Crawleys in this post-Edwardian-themed concert performed by a chamber chorus and orchestra. The performance includes an audience sing-along and holiday photos. You don’t have to live like Lord Grantham to enjoy this one. Find more information at oratorio.org.

Pancakes and Presents

WHAT: Breakfast with Santa
WHERE: Cheeky Monkey, St. Paul
WHEN: 9 a.m.
This sassy restaurant on Selby celebrates the holidays in style, with a buffet breakfast and fun for the whole family. The Jolly Fellow himself will be there strumming his guitar, with plenty of opportunities for prizes and photos. Find more at cheekymonkeystpaul.com.

Sunday December 14

Mush!

WHAT: Holidazzle Village
WHERE: Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
WHEN: 11 a.m.
If you haven’t already checked out the Holidazzle Village, which has replaced the annual parade, now’s your chance. Sunday features a dog-sled exhibition—meet the pups, and maybe catch a ride yourself. Be sure to take a look at the Minneapolis Holiday Market for gift ideas, and maybe a snack or two. Details at holidazzle.com

B’ah Humbug!

WHAT: A Klingon Christmas Carol
WHERE: Phoenix Theatre, Minneapolis
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
If Charles Dickens was a Trekkie, A Christmas Carol would have certainly taken place on the Klingon homeworld of Kronos. At least, that’s what this creative production at the Phoenix Theatre portrays. Can the Klingon SQuja’ regain his honor with the help of three mysterious apparitions? The show is performed in Klingon with English subtitles—what better treat for the Trekkie in your life? Find tickets and more info at facebook.com.