Best Bets: Nov. 27-Dec. 3

PROVIDED

Shop Local + Tree Lighting

What: European Christmas Market
When: Opens Nov. 24-weekends through Dec. 17
Where: Union Depot, 214 4th 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.

The tree lighting at Union Depot takes place Dec. 2, with a celebration starting at 5 p.m. There’s a holiday concert beforehand, as well as the unveiling of this year’s Saint Paul Winter Carnival buttons. The evening wraps up with a showing of “Elf” in the depot’s waiting room. Bring some blankets.

St. Paul Grand Meander

What: Summit Avenue Artisan Festival
When: Nov. 24-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: Nov. 24-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: Nov. 25-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.

Courtesy of the Cedar

Balkan Bash

What: 21st Birthday Concert of Orkestar Bez Ime 
When: December 2, 8 p.m.
Where: Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis

Starting off with a special set by local powerhouse Ukrainian Village Band, this concert features the music of Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, and the Romany people in Eastern Europe. (Dancing is encouraged.)

Ad Break

What: British Arrow Awards
When: Dec. 1-31
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.