40 Ways to Holiday, Day 24: December 16

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 24: Saturday, December 16

Featured pick: Ballet Minnesota Presents The 30th Anniversary Classic Nutcracker

Ballet Minnesota brings the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker Prince and more magic to the O’Shaughnessy stage on the St. Catherine University campus for the 30th year. Get transported into Clara’s dreams full of snow-covered forests and kingdoms of sweets. Performances today are at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. The show runs December 15 – 17. Tickets start at $21 for students, $25 for seniors and $34 for adults.

GIVE AWAY: I have a four-pack of tickets of tickets to give away to each of Ballet Minnesota’s four performances! That contest launches on Friday, December 8. Keep checking this page for how you can win.

Classic Nutcracker presented by Ballet Minnesota
December 15 – 17
O’Shaughnessy, St. Catherine University campus
Saint Paul
Tickets: $34 and up for adults, $21 for students, $25 for seniors

Other happenings

• I’m calling it now: Sean Sherman is about to take the cooking world by storm. His mission is to make indigenous foods more accessible and to revitalize Native American cuisine. Called The Sioux Chef, Sean will soon open a restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. He teamed up with Beth Dooley to publish a cookbook, “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen,” which came out just in time for holiday gift giving. Seriously, jump aboard this train now — it’s about to really take off. Sean will sign copies of his book at Magers and Quinn Booksellers in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis today from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
  • GIVEAWAY: I have two copies of “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” to give away! Keep checking my Facebook page for your chance to win.
• Today’s the last chance to see Kat Perkins’ holiday show at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. She has two shows: 1:00 and 8:15 p.m.
• The businesses around 50th and France are providing free child care for kids 4 and up on Saturday afternoons during the holiday season (November 25, December 2, 9 and 16). You do need to pre-register. College Nannies will host activities, including the chance for kiddos to make their own gingerbread house and snow globe. There are two sessions: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. When you’re in the neighborhood, check out a Winter Market hosted by the Edina Art Center and 50th & France.

• Today is your last chance to experience Christmas in Downtown Excelsior. Festivities include horse drawn wagon rides, cocoa with Santa and carolers. Festivities run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• You’ll see Santa lookalikes tonight in Lowertown Saint Paul. The annual SantaCon is entering its 10th year here in the Twin Cities and takes place around the world. Dress like Father Christmas, an elf, reindeer or get creative. Festivities start at 7:00 p.m. Opposed to the 12 Bars of Christmas held in Minneapolis, SantaCon has no entrance fee and wristbands or merchandise to buy. It’s people-watching at its finest.

• Tickets are available to see “The Voice” alum Nicholas David perform a holiday show at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis tonight at 9:00 p.m. The 7:00 p.m. show is sold out.