40 Ways to Holiday, Day 7: November 29

In 2017, there are exactly 40 days from Thanksgiving Day to New Years Day. And with the elimination of the eighth floor display at Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis and Holiday Lights in the Park in Saint Paul, along with the disappointing change from tradition at Holidazzle, more people than ever are looking for new holiday activities. Enter “40 Ways to Holiday.” Each day between November 23 and January 1 will have at least one event worth checking out, along with plenty of giveaways along the way! Find the full list of days here.

Day 7: Wednesday, November 29

Featured pick: Wells Fargo WinterSkate

Enjoy the holiday lights of Rice Park and skate outdoors in Downtown Saint Paul at the annual Wells Fargo WinterSkate. Located next to Landmark Center, WinterSkate is free and skate rental is only $4 a person (it’s free if you show a Wells Fargo debit or credit card). They also host free 30-minute skating lessons on select Saturdays in December and January. Make sure to check their website before you go — the rink is closed to the public Monday through Thursday nights, closing at 4:50 p.m. Also, if you’re loading up the car with the kids from the neighborhood, make sure their parents sign a waiver before you take them downtown. It’s available online.

Wells Fargo WinterSkate
Through February 11
Downtown Saint Paul
Open skate hours: 11:00 a.m. – 4:50 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday
Free, skate rental $4

Other happenings

• The founding members behind the “Church Basement Ladies” are sharing their wisdom and advice for getting through the most stressful season of the year. “Hold the Lutefisk! — It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Christmas” is onstage at the Plymouth Playhouse through December 23. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows start at 1:00 p.m. with evening performances on Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at $29.
• The Hopkins Center for the Arts is home to Stages Theatre Company, an affordable and easy way to get kids introduced to theater. This year’s show is a classic: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” This all-ages show runs 75 minutes with no intermission. Tickets start at $18.

• Some of the cheapest (and best available seats) to Children’s Theatre Company’s production of the Dr. Suess classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” are for tonight’s show at 7:00 p.m.
• Owner of Muddy Paws Cheesecake, Tami Jo Cabrera, hosts her 25th annual Cheesecake Sampling party tonight from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. at her commercial kitchen and shop in Saint Louis Park. You’ll be able to taste and purchase 35 varieties of cheesecake. Plus, enjoy live music, a photo booth and craft bazaar. It’s free to attend with the donation of an unwrapped toy which will go to the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP).