Friday, December 20
Christmassy Classics
WHAT: Christmas at the Riverview
WHERE: Riverview Theater, Mpls.
WHEN: 4 p.m.
There’s a lot of holiday greatness going on at the Riverview Theater this weekend. There’s nothing less than a triple feature of Christmas favorites: the vintage-y theater offers up a triple-header of White Christmas, A Christmas Story, and It’s a Wonderful Life all weekend long. Admission fees are as classic as the films: $2 per movie, just $1 if you bring a non-perishable food donation for the Minnehaha Food Shelf. Learn more at riverviewtheater.com.
Friday, December 20
Keep the Change…
WHAT: Home Alone
WHERE: Uptown Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 11:55 p.m.
The holidays are perfect for kicking back with a late-night movie, but instead of retreating to your sofa, head out to see this hilarious childhood favorite. The very youthful Macaulay Culkin craftily outsmarts the Wet Bandits with all manner of bone-crunching traps and schemes, with a touching spirit of family that prevails by the end. Bonus points for remembering the spelling of “Macaulay.” Learn more at landmarktheatres.com.
Saturday, December 21
Jump to Stay Warm
WHAT: Sleepless in St. Paul Jumping Jack Frost 5K
WHERE: Harriet Island Pavilion, St. Paul
WHEN: 4:50 p.m.
A fitting way to celebrate the shortest day of the year: going for a nighttime run (in what’s really late afternoon) along the Mississippi River, with the lights of St. Paul glowing. Festive Christmas lights and glowsticks with illuminate the route, with holiday music for added inspiration to finish the trek. Come dressed for the weather (festive costumes are encouraged) and stick around after the race for hot drinks. Learn more at finalstretch.com.
Saturday, December 21
Breakfast with the Boss
WHAT: Breakfast with Santa
WHERE: Cheeky Monkey, St. Paul
WHEN: 9 a.m.
It’s always good to log a little extra face time with the boss—and at Christmastime, Santa is in charge. The kids will love the morning at Cheeky Monkey’s third-annual Breakfast with Santa: they can get a last-minute session with the big guy, play games, enjoy holiday music, and, of course, nosh on comfort food on a cold winter morning. Reservations are required. Learn more at cheekymonkeydeli.com.
Sunday, December 22
Comfort and Joy
WHAT: Victorian Christmas Carols
WHERE: James J. Hill House, St. Paul
WHEN: 6 and 7:30 p.m.
While Christmas carols are in no short supply during this time of year, it wasn’t always about “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” This concert at the James J. Hill concert traces the rise and popularity of holiday tunes through the 19th and early 20th centuries, all in the midst of the stunning mansion environment and surrounding Summit Avenue beauties all lit up for the holidays. Learn more at mnhs.org.
Sunday, December 22
Playing for Peanuts
WHAT: George Winston
WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Those Bing Crosby holidays CDs have earned a rest: instead hear Montana-bred pianist George Winston rock out on the ivories. He’s been performing for more than 40 years and has become known for his range of styles, including Peanuts pieces from his Vince Guaraldi tribute albums (Linus & Lucy, anyone?). Collection baskets for canned food will be at the theater doors, and all merchandise sales will go to benefit Hunger Solutions. Learn more at fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org.
