Friday, November 25
Park Your Shopping Cart and Get Outside
What: Free Park Friday at MN State Parks
When: All day
Where: Fort Snelling State Park, Afton State Park, and many more around the state
Grab the family and burn off some of that turkey with free admission to Minnesota State Parks and recreation areas. Go for a nature walk, check out some gorgeous views, play in the snow, and much more. Info here.
Ski the Day Away
What: Free Ski Day
When: All day
Where: Lutsen Mountains, 445 Ski Hill Rd., Lutsen
Lutsen Mountains is joining national sporting goods store REI for their second #OptOutside event. REI closed its stores on Black Friday last year to encourage customers to get outside rather than spend the day in crowded malls. Lutsen is participating this year by offering free lift tickets to all skiers. If skiing isn’t your thing, enjoy a free gondola ride to the Summit Chalet and scenic overlooks on Moose Mountain. More here.
Saturday, November 26
Christmas the German Way
What: Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 Third St., Excelsior
Get in the holiday spirit with German Christmas traditions including storytelling, food, handcrafted gifts, and of course the Biergarten. Sample German sausages, roasted almonds, strudel, Gluwein (a warm mulled wine), and more. There’s also a KinderWorld with face painting, parades, and coloring for the kids. Information here.
Comedy for Christmas
What: A Stocking Full of Awesome VI: Wreck the Halls
When: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Where: Brave New Workshop, 824 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
The Danger Committee returns for this year’s installment of A Stocking Full of Awesome, complete with knife throwing, possible tragedy, and of course laughs—the usual Christmas fare. The Danger Committee has appeared on stages from New York to Las Vegas, on networks such as NBC, E!, and the Travel Channel, and they’re back to make some more holiday memories. Details here.
Sunday, November 27
A Royal Family Feud
What: The Lion in Winter
When: 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 Second St. S., Minneapolis
James Goldman’s famous play takes the audience back to Christmas in 1183 and some imperial family drama. This tale of Henry II, his imprisoned queen, and three mischievous sons spares no one a harrowing fate, as the kingdom is deviously divided. Tickets here.
A De-light-ful Display
What: Holiday Lights in the Park
When: 5-10 p.m.
Where: Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Dr. E., St. Paul
Celebrate the holidays from the warmth of your car while gazing out at more than 60 holiday-themed displays lighting up Phalen Park, complete with sculptures and animated elements. All proceeds benefit the St. Paul Police Foundation, to enhance the training and safety of officers in the community. Illumination here.
