Best Bets: Dec. 4-10

Matt Barnes

Millionaire Magic

What: Barenaked Ladies 
When: Dec. 7
Where: Mystic Lake Casino

The minds behind the hits “If I Had $1,000,000” and “One Week” uniroinically bring their “Hometown Holidays” show to a Minnesota casino this week, where they may hit the jackpot with fans looking to celebrate the release of BNL’s 18th studio album, titled “In Flight.”

Cathedral Christmas Festival

What: Cathedral Christmas Festival
When: Dec. 7-9
Where: Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul

Come for the festive Cathedral Christmas Market and experience the old-world charm of the Cathedral of Saint Paul courtyard. Enjoy food truck options, Gluhwein, beer, hot cocoa and more than a dozen vendors selling gift items. There will also be a warming tent with music, a silent auction, and raffle.  Head inside for the “Christmas Together with Steve C” concert at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

Holiday Vintage

What: Olio Vintage Holiday Party 
When: Dec. 8
Where: Olio Vintage, 21 Fifth St. NE, Minneapolis

Dress up in your holiday best to celebrate two of life’s greatest pleasures: Vintage and Christmas! Olio Vintage opens its doors in Northeast Minneapolis for its annual holiday party, featuring gift shopping from local makers, a live DJ, punch, treats, and of course, bubbles.

VocalEssence

Christmas Carols

What: Welcome Christmas 2023
When: Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, 4 p.m. both days
Where: Northrop, 84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis

Traditional carols, new work from Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds and an audience-wide sing-along get the holiday spirit going at this concert featuring all four of the VocalEssence choral groups.

PROVIDED

Shop Local + Tree Lighting

What: European Christmas Market
When: Weekends through Dec. 17
Where: Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul

More than 70 vendors crowd St. Paul’s Union Depot for this annual European-inspired market of live entertainment, food and drink, opportunities to make crafts, and more.

St. Paul Grand Meander

What: Summit Avenue Artisan Festival
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Summit Avenue, St. Paul

The 14th annual Summit Avenue Artisan Festival features locally handcrafted items from more than 40 artists and artisans, plus food, kids’ activities, and a Santa for pics.

Rockin’ It

What: Miracle at Big Rock
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Big Rock Creek, 1674 State Highway 87, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

Just across Wisconsin border, Big Rock Creek is ringing in the holiday season. The camping and event venue’s annual winter festival features light displays, food trucks, sledding, cocktails, fireworks, and other activities.

She’s Everything

What: “I Am Betty”
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul

Betty Crocker, the fictional icon, gets some “Barbie” treatment in this musical that grapples with conflicted feelings over what she has represented across generations.

Ad Break

What: British Arrow Awards
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis

A yearly tradition—and the Walker’s most popular annual program—Great Britain’s best “telly adverts” screen at the contemporary art museum. Celebs roped into the fun this year include Miley Cyrus, Daniel Craig, John Boyega, and others.

GLOWed Up

What: GLOW Holiday Festival
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: CHS Field, 360 Broadway St., St. Paul

GLOW Holiday Festival returns to CHS Field this year, adding Vixen’s 300-foot tandem zip line to the entertainment. Enjoy illuminated displays, holiday eats, and a synchronized light show every 15 minutes.