Friday, December 19
Cinema Spectacular
WHAT: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
WHERE: Trylon Microcinema, Mpls.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Playing as part of the month-long David Bowie takeover at the Trylon Microcinema, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence will fill the room with more of its space oddity. See the 1983 war flick in small-cinema style at the Trylon for a different kind of holiday-movie experience.
Twist on Tradition
WHAT: Visions of Sugarplums: A Burlesque Nutcracker
WHERE: The Ritz Theater, Mpls.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Considering the glamour gals comprising this cast of talented Twin Cities burlesque artists, one might venture to say this version is a pinch different than the original. Don’t fall asleep this time; see a Nutcracker where after dark everything, well, goes nuts. Check out the show site for ticket info.
Saturday, December 20
Christmas Centennial
WHAT: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
WHERE: Pantages Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
2014 marks a poignant year to see one holiday musical in particular: All is Calm features the true story of truce in the trenches during the first year of World War I, exactly a century ago. One hundred years later, the story remains one that inspires hope in humanity, bearing a reminder of a time when even the bitterest of enemies could lay down their arms for a day. For tickets to the show, go to hennepintheatretrust.org.
Sweaters and Sing-alongs
WHAT: 6th Annual Yuletide Sweater Ball
WHERE: The Cedar Cultural Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
The Cedar has the highlight holiday-themed music party of the season, ugly sweaters and all. Local string bands Pistol Whippin Party Penguins, Sans Souci, Dead Horses, and The Lowest Pair combine for an evening of the finest folk in town. For tickets, visit thecedar.org.
Sunday, December 21
Holiday on Ice
WHAT: Wells Fargo Winter Skate
WHERE: Rice Park, St. Paul
WHEN: 3 p.m.
OK, winter’s cold certainly isn’t going anywhere, but spend a day at the skating rink to embrace the season, work up some heat, and check out the glowing holiday lights. It may be as picturesque a holiday lead-in as you can find. Get details at wellsfargowinterskate.com.
Feliz Navidad
WHAT: La Natividad
WHERE: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
The annual Natividad processional is a rich Twin Cities tradition for the whole family to enjoy. In honor of Mexico’s La Pasada tradition, follow Maria and José, two immigrants on a candlelit search for refuge in our community. For more information, go to hobt.org.
