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 1: Happy Thanksgiving!
Featured pick: Pack meals at Feed My Starving Children
Before your family sits down to eat Thanksgiving Day, help others less fortunate get food on their table. Feed My Starving Children locations in Coon Rapids and Eagan will hold meal packing sessions on Thanksgiving morning from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. and again from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (as of November 19th, sessions at Feed My Starving Children’s location in Chanhassen are full). Feed My Starving Children’s meals are distributed to schools, clinics and orphanages in 70 countries. And in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma along with the recent earthquake in Mexico, these meals are even more crucial.
A $50 donation per volunteer ($150 max per household) is required for this session (typically attending a session is free).
Meal Packing Sessions at Feed My Starving Children
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 23
Coon Rapids and Eagan
$50 donation required
Other happenings
- I love this grassroots effort sharing thanks to those who keep us safe. To participate in the #GraciousMob, bring a Thanksgiving potluck item to the Saint Paul Police Department headquarters (367 Grove Street, Saint Paul 55101) between 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Someone at the front desk will let you in. I’m sure the K-9 officers would like something to snack on, too. Bring the kids — event organizers said that last year, officers gave tours of the station and let kids see inside police cars.
- Have a moment of zen before the relatives come over: YogaFit Studios in Roseville is offering free classes at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. It looks like YogaFit is offering free classes at other studios, too.
- If your turkey gets burned or if you don’t want to cook, FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar at Radisson Blu Mall of America is hosting a three-course, prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner. It includes the turkey, all the traditional sides, and ends with a pumpkin praline pie. It’s $36.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids 6-12 years old.
