Friday, December 6
A Twist on a Classic
WHAT: The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose
WHERE: The Cowles Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
The Zenon Dance Company is known for innovation and flawless technique, and its dancers put those skills to use in this mashup of Mother Goose stories and the classic Nutcracker ballet. See Jack and Jill and Little Bo Peep unwrap their dancing shoes so that they can tell their stories to Tchaikovsky’s score. Learn more at thecowlescenter.org.
Friday, December 6
Mailable Art
WHAT: 6 Degrees Opening Reception
WHERE: Light Grey Art Lab, Mpls.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
Snail mail is increasingly rare these days, though this show celebrates the elusive sentiment behind postcards, hometowns, and images of daily life. 85 artists have created special postcards using lithographs, risographs, screen prints, and digital images, overlaid by hand-drawn embellishments and letterpress details. Since the point is to share the images, stop by the opening and pick up a set of postcards to mail to far-away friends; large-scale prints are also available for purchase. Learn more at lightgreyartlab.com.
Saturday, December 7
Sweet Things
WHAT: Union Depot Holiday Bake Sale
WHERE: Union Depot, St. Paul
WHEN: 1 p.m.
And now we enter into what can truly be regarded as the sweet spot of the year: the season when we focus on gratitude, generosity and caring and, yes, the enjoyment and sharing of various goodies. This sale at Union Depot includes a who’s who of the best bakeries in the Twin Cities, including Angel Food Bakery, Barkley’s Bistro, Bars Bakery, Birchwood Cafe, The Buttered Tin, Foxy Falafel, Groundswell, Rye Deli, St. Paul Classic Cookie Company, Sun Street Breads, and more. Learn more at facebook.com.
Saturday, December 7
Handy Family Time
WHAT: Art@HAND Intergenerational Workshop
WHERE: Northern Clay Center, Mpls.
WHEN: 12 p.m.
Holiday preparations are always busy, but multitask by clocking in some family time while you create gifts for loved ones. This intergenerational workshop at the Northern Clay Center is designed for kids ages 6 and up, as well as parents and grandparents, and is sure to inspire creativity—and it’s free, to boot. Learn more at northernclaycenter.org.
Sunday, December 8
Say Om
WHAT: Yoga in the Gardens
WHERE: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
WHEN: 12 noon
It’s no secret that this can be a stressful month, so head to a yoga class at the Arboretum for some much-needed meditation and relaxation. This collaborative class between the Arboretum and Life Time Fitness takes place in one of the Arb’s scenic indoor gardens, so you’ll be surrounded by fabulously fresh fragrances as you stretch into downward dog. Learn more at arboretum.umn.edu.
Sunday, December 8
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
WHAT: The Magic Dreidels
WHERE: Hillcrest Center Theater, St. Paul
WHEN: 1 p.m.
The Festival of Lights is upon us—and it’s more than just pretty candles and eight days of presents. This charming family-friendly play, based on the book by Eric A. Kimmel, is a great introduction to the culture and traditions of Hanukkah. Follow the young protagonist and his magic dreidels as he discovers the meaning of the season. Learn more at mnjewishtheatre.org.
