Crafts for Keepsakes
What: Winter Break Maker Series
When: Dec. 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm St., Mankato
Kids and families can stop by the Loft at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota to work on a paper-making project led by museum staff, inviting a sense of exploration, play, and imagination (and a chance to create a last-minute holiday gift or two).
Carol of the Bells
What: Holiday Carillon Recital
When: Dec. 25, 3 p.m.
Where: House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave., St. Paul (outdoors)
Carillonneur Timothy Short plays an outdoor recital of favorite holiday tunes on House of Hope’s historic carillon, which features 49 bells. The carillon, which rings above the neighborhood, can be heard from Summit Avenue or from a peaceful spot (or vehicle) on the church’s campus; the church building is not open during the recital.
Courtesy of House of Hope Presbyterian Church
Pancakes With the Animals
What: Breakfast at the Zoo
When: Dec. 27, 8:30-10 a.m.
Where: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley
Wear your jammies to this family-friendly event at the Minnesota Zoo, where visitors enjoy a build-your-own pancake bar, turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee, and other treats. The event also features a story time with zoo staff, activity stations, and games. (Then, stick around to visit with the zoo animals on the indoor or outdoor trails.)
‘Superstar’ on Stage
What: “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Ordway
When: Through Dec. 28
Where: The Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
An Olivier Award-winning production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” comes to the Ordway for a limited run this month. The musical follows the final weeks in Jesus’ life from the perspective of Judas, the friend who would ultimately betray him. Familiar numbers include “Superstar” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”
Courtesy of the Ordway
Winter Wonderland
What: Indoor Holiday Forest
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska
An indoor evergreen forest has “sprouted” inside the Oswald Visitor Center and the Snyder Building at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Escape the chill and wander through more than 50 beautiful trees, festively topped with community-made decorations that are inspired by nature.
A Tasty Tradition
What: Gingerbread Wonderland
When: Through Jan. 8
Where: Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis
Norway House celebrates 10 years of Gingerbread Wonderland, its Yuletide display of gingerbread houses, shops, and more delightful (and delicious) buildings that make up the tiny village. Bakers from across the state submit their gingerbread buildings for judging in categories like Best of Minnesota and Best Pop Culture.
Courtesy of Norway House
