June 2, 2023

Give Me The Mike

Exploring Minnesota and Beyond

40 Ways to Holiday, Day 17: December 9

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 17: Saturday, December 9

Featured pick: Family photo hours in the Sunken Garden at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

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The Sunken Garden in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo is open for professional family photos today. Photo credit: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

You can use the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo in Saint Paul as the perfect backdrop for your family’s holiday photo! Bring your own camera and explore the North Garden or the ever-popular Sunken Garden to find a spot. And it’s all indoors, so those bulky jackets won’t be seen! Typically, Como requires a photography application and permit for posed pictures taken inside the Conservatory. That’ll set you back $25. Their policy also has a maximum of two people per photograph. Today, those rules are thrown out, although there will be a $5 charge per person. Family photo hours are held throughout the holiday season. Check Como Park Zoo’s event calendar to find a date that works with your family.

Artist, Photographer and Family Photo Hours in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
Saturday, December 9
Starting at 8:00 a.m.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Saint Paul
$5 per person

Other happenings

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Th Minnesota Boychoir performing in Nice, France, June 2017.
Excelsior
Take a horse drawn wagon ride through Downtown Excelsior today from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Photo credit: Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce
  • Downtown Excelsior is celebrating Christmas the first three Saturdays in December. Festivities include horse drawn wagon rides, cocoa with Santa and carolers. Festivities run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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The men of Celtic Thunder will sing holiday tunes with a full symphony orchestra tonight at the State Theatre. Photo credit: Celtic Thunder/Hennepin Theatre Trust
  • The good looking men making up Celtic Thunder will perform holiday tunes with a full symphony orchestra tonight at the State Theatre in Downtown Minneapolis. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
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The Lucia Celebration at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis include the youthful voices of their Lucia Choir. Photo credit: American Swedish Institute
  • Listen to traditional Swedish holiday music at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Tickets are $15 and include admission to the museum on-site. Performances are at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.