Photo by Jason Boudreau Landis
Sugarplum Pastoral
What: Winter Lights at the Arboretum
When: Nov. 22-Jan. 5
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum illuminates its gardens with festive displays and unveils its enormous poinsettia tree on Thursday (Nov. 21). Then, on Friday, walking tours open among 14 light-up vignettes, with twinkling botanical setups in the gardens.
On Parr
What: Charlie Parr
When: Nov. 21-22
Where: Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis
Charlie Parr releases new record Charlie Parr with two shows marking his annual return to the Cedar Cultural Center. The much-loved Minnesotan’s 15th studio album comes after an accident, less than a year ago, that forced him to relearn guitar and compelled him to reflect on his catalogue.
St. Paul Standard
What: Black Nativity
When: Nov. 21-Dec. 22
Where: Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul
In St. Paul, Penumbra founder Lou Bellamy stages Langston Hughes’ gospel-tinted holiday classic, with choreography by the local TU Dance.
FOMO at MIA
What: Alyssa Baguss: Wish You Were Never Here
When: Nov. 21-March 1
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis
Minnesota artist Alyssa Baguss explores our constant yearning to be somewhere else and the way technology continually breaks our bond with the outdoors, constructing three new works.
Ode to Wilco
What: Wilco – Ode to Joy Tour
When: Nov. 22-24
Where: Palace Theatre, 17 W. Seventh Pl., St. Paul
Wilco returns with an album of big folk and earned joy, touring Ode to Joy nationwide and playing three shows in St. Paul.
Cookie-Cutter ‘Hoods
What: Gingerbread Wonderland
When: Nov. 22-Jan. 5
Where: Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis
Frosted mini-Twin Cities buildings go on display under festive lighting for the fifth Gingerbread Wonderland.
Tall Tails
What: Storytelling: Julie Buffalohead
When: Nov. 23-Sept. 6
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis
In three large-scale diptychs and two smaller works, artist Julie Buffalohead tells visual tales starring animal characters, exploring agency and individuality while blending the mythical with the ordinary.
Merry Mary Bennet
What: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
When: Nov. 23-Dec. 29
Where: Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
The popular, contemporary sequel to Jane Austen’s blockbuster novel puts the characters in Christmas mode. It returns to the Jungle, spotlighting Mary, who rejects her place in the background.
