40 Ways to Holiday, Day 27: December 19

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 27: Tuesday, December 19

Featured pick: “Annie” at the Ordway

“Annie,” with popular songs “Tomorrow” and “it’s the Hard Knock Life” is back on stage in the Twin Cities again this holiday season, but this time with a local flair. Many on the show’s cast call Minnesota home. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Saint Paul is home to the production, which runs December 7 – 31. Tickets start at $47.

When you’re at the Ordway, remember you can now bring a beverage into the theater with you! Head upstairs to the mezzanine level (even if your seats aren’t there) to avoid long lines. My parking recommendation is Lawson Commons, which gives you the excuse to walk through Rice Park, which is all decorated for the holiday season

“Annie”
December 7 – 31 (off Mondays)
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Saint Paul
Tickets: $47 and up

Other happenings

• Listen to three-part female harmonies of SimpleGifts as they continue their tour through Minnesota with shows at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center in Bloomington. Concerts begin at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. The show will include the Lutheran favorite, “Beautiful Savior,” sung in Norwegian. The group’s tour concludes with annual shows at Town Hall Theater in Marine On St. Croix December 20 – 23.