As I listen to Christmas music today, I’m inspired to take a look at the plethora of holiday events happening right here in the Twin Cities metro area.
For theater, as always, there’s A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater, which Assistant Editor Ellen Burkhardt’s review called “The best it’s ever been” (through Dec. 30). I saw it a few weeks ago for the first time since they changed the script, sets and costumes, and it is quite a treat. Other shows include the Saint Paul Hotel’s It’s a Wonderful Life, a radio show of the favorite story combined with a three-course meal (Dec. 13-24) and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts’ Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold (opens Dec. 13). Shows at the History Theatre, Hennepin Theatre District and Heart of the Beast also celebrate the holidays. As we’ve said before, there’s nothing better than the gift of time together with a holiday show.
left, A Christmas Carol, photo by Michael brosilow;
right, loyce houlton’s nutcracker fantasy, photo by tim boatman
I’m always impressed that the Twin Cities has so many versions of The Nutcracker on stage. I’m looking forward to seeing Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy at the Cowles Center (Dec. 23-31) for the fist time later this month. For more chances to see interpretations of the classic ballet, there’s Ballet Minnesota’s The Classic Nutcracker at the O’Shaughnessy (Dec. 16-18), Ballet of the Dolls’ Nutcracker: The Lost Act (Dec. 9-31) at the Ritz and Zenon Dance’s The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose (Dec. 17 & 18) at the Cowles.
Another way to celebrate the season is to hear a holiday concert, like The Blenders this weekend at Pantages or A Scandinavian Christmas (Dec. 17 & 18), one of the Minnesota Orchestra‘s new holiday traditions. Several local historic homes are also rolling out the red and green carpet. Explore Alexander Ramsey House’s Victorian Christmas or the the James J. Hill House’s Gilded Age Christmas.
Check back here for more holiday suggestions as the end of the year approaches. We’ve already shared the excitement of the 20th anniversary Holidazzle Parade, as well as holiday lights and tours, plus the fun of cutting down your own Christmas tree, visiting the Christmas train, shopping at the General Store of Minnetonka and heading out of the cities for fun in Rochester and Owatonna.
What holiday activities around town do you plan to attend this year?
