Friday, December 26
Aerial Enchantment
WHAT: Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai
WHERE: Target Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 4:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Described as “a captivating forest inhabited by whimsical and enchanted creatures,” this high-flying acrobatic show is sure to delight. Watch as the characters journey through this absurd and extraordinary adventure, all the while performing death-defying flips and twirls. Find tickets and more info at cirquedusoleil.com.
Wings and Things
WHAT: Flight of the Butterflies
WHERE: Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater, St. Paul
WHEN: Various show times
Wonder what it would be like to migrate south this winter? This immersive exploration into the mysterious annual voyage of the monarch butterfly, shown on the Omnitheater’s 90-foot screen, will give you a good idea. Follow the visually stunning journey of a team of devoted scientists as they find out where these elegant insects spend their winter vacation. Get the details at smm.org.
Saturday, December 27
Spirit of the Season
WHAT: Kwanzaa Family Day
WHERE: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
WHEN: 12 p.m.
This celebration of African American and pan-African culture includes plenty of festive family events, including poetry readings, traditional dancing and drumming, and art projects; plus a performance from the Walker West Jazz Ensemble. Events are free with museum admission. Find details about the activities at minnesotahistorycenter.org.
Soul Sound
WHAT: Motown: the Musical
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 2 and 7 p.m.
This rhythm-filled musical follows the journey of Berry Gordy as he finds his own groove, forming his own record label and producing some of the greatest talents in music history, including Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and Michael Jackson. The show includes more than 60 classic Motown songs that will have you dancing in the street—or, at least, in your seat. Find tickets and more details at hennepintheatretrust.org.
Sunday, December 28
Greenhouse Tunes
WHAT: Music Under Glass
WHERE: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St. Paul
WHEN: 4:30 p.m.
When the dreary winter weather gets to be a bit too much, the warm and welcoming Conservatory can be the perfect escape, especially with a few local musicians there to add some life to the party. Dean Magraw, Jim Anton, and JT Bates will perform their eclectic set in the first in this free Sunday afternoon concert series. To learn more, go to comozooconservatory.org.
Historical Holidays
WHAT: Victorian Christmas
WHERE: Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul
WHEN: Tour times vary
For a taste of Christmas the old-fashioned way, pay a visit to the Alexander Ramsey House to see original family ornaments, hear the old holiday tunes played on the 1875 Steinway piano, and eat fresh cookies baked in the wood stove. Get the details at sites.mnhs.org.
