40 Ways to Holiday, Day 11: December 3

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 11: Sunday, December 3

Featured pick: The Twin Cities Largest Tea Party

Mrs. Kelly’s Tea is hosting their annual tea tasting in Northeast Minneapolis. You’ll be able to try over 100 varieties of local, freshly blended teas. Tea-related pottery and other gifts will be sold, too. Best of all, the event is free! Organizers do ask you bring $2 or a non-perishable food item; they will be donated to Perspective Kids Cafe and Second Harvest Heartland. This tea party is happening in Northeast Minneapolis — parking shouldn’t be an issue.

The Twin Cities Largest Tea Party
Sunday, December 3 (also Saturday, December 2)
77 13th Avenue NE, Suite 103
Minneapolis
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. both days
Free

Other happenings

• Take a baking class with your little one inside a fitting museum. Mill City Museum was once the world’s largest flour mill, and throughout December, will have museum bakers teach you how to make a traditional Swedish recipe. You’ll take home the recipes and the treats you make. Each family registered will get a gift from Nordic Ware. Tickets are a bit spendy ($50 for one adult and one child), but it includes the ingredients and the hassle of shopping. Additional dates include December 9, 10, 16 and 23.

• If you’re looking to drive through residential neighborhoods all decked out for the holidays, head to Plymouth!
  • The Fischer family says they have “somewhere around 40,000 lights” in their display. It’s computer-controlled and is set to music you’ll be able to listen to through your car’s radio. You’ll be able to see it from December 1-31 with the exception of Christmas Eve. Check out their elaborate website — it unveils the curtain on how they get their yard set up each year. Their display is at 16700 33rd Avenue North in Plymouth.
  • Nearby, the PD Shimmers display is designed and built by those living with Parkinson’s disease. In 2017, 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and this year, the PD Shimmers display will feature 60,000 lights. On their website, you can dedicate one of their lights to someone you know with Parkinson’s. The display is along Ithaca Lane; set your GPS for 4320 Ithaca Lane North, Plymouth. It is lit nightly from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. starting November 24 and lasting through Christmas.
• Southdale Center in Edina is providing children with special needs and their families an opportunity to see Santa. Their “Caring Santa” is a partnership with Autism Speaks and will be at the mall from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. You should register in advance online.
• In Eagan, Santa and his reindeer will park the sleigh at the Twin Cities Premium Outlets. Find them there from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Parents should bring their own camera. Can’t go today? They’ll be back on Saturday, December 16.
• It’s the second and final day of the American Swedish Institute’s Julmarknad. The Christmas market will have all sorts of gift ideas from over 40 local artists. Learn more.