Friday, December 16
It All Begins on Christmas Eve…
What: The Classic Nutcracker
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The O’Shaughnessy, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
Ballet Minnesota invites you to attend their family holiday tradition of The Classic Nutcracker. Follow Clara as she dreams about the Nutcracker’s world, adventures through a magical snow-covered forest (the Waltz of the Snowflakes is just as graceful as it sounds), and meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tickets can be purchased in advance at oshag.stkate.edu.
Craft Beers For Your Holiday Dinner
What: Inbound Brewco’s Double Bottle Release
When: 4-10 p.m.
Where: Inbound Brewco, 701 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis
Taste Inbound Brewco’s newest holiday releases, the Wild Rice Porter and Cranberry Orange Tart, both available in 750 ml bottles. The Wild Rice Porter is rich and creamy with nutty malt flavors while the Cranberry Orange Tart is crisp and refreshing with small hints of orange flavor. The Outlaw Grill-Food Truck will provide food for guests from 4-9 p.m. and live music be featured from 7-10 p.m. View more info on the Facebook event page.
Saturday, December 17
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
What: Santa at Night Trains
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Rd., Suite 8, St. Paul
Visit with Santa at Twin City Model Railroad Museum’s new location and see lighted models of vintage passenger trains in the make believe town of Matlin, which will be decorated for Christmas and adorned with festive lights. Tickets are $15 each and children 4 and under are free. tcmrm.org & facebook.com
Even Though It’s Freezing Outside…
What: December Free Ice Cream Tasting
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Big Watt Cold Beverage Co., 2904 Harriet Ave.
If it’s going to be cold, you might as well add a sweet twist. This free tasting by Sweet Science Ice Cream will consist of 12+ flavors, including their famous Old Fashioned, flavored with elements of orange, whiskey, cherries, and bitters. RSVP not required. View more info on the Facebook event page.
Sunday, December 18
Sunday Brunch with Mrs. Claus
What: Holiday Brunch at Lurcat
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Café & Bar Lurcat, 1624 Harmon Pl., Minneapolis
Dress up in your best Christmas attire and join Mrs. Claus for a holiday family brunch at Cafe Lurcat. The brunch will be $30 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under. Mrs. Claus and her holiday elves will be at Cafe Lurcat all day, making ornaments, decorating stockings, and visiting with guests. Reservations are required in advance. cafelurcat.com
“I’ll Have a Blue Christmas Without You”
What: Christmas with the King
When: 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave.
Internationally known Elvis tribute artist, Anthony Shore and his All Star Band invite you to attend their Minneapolis Christmas show as they perform Elvis’ collection of Christmas tunes. Tickets are available online. theparkwaytheater.com