40 Ways to Holiday, Day 30: December 22

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 30: Friday, December 22

Featured pick: Katie McMahon, original lead vocalist for Riverdance

Katie McMahon was the original lead vocalist for Riverdance and lives in the Twin Cities. Every year, she puts a Celtic twist on Christmas with a concert at The O’Shaughnessy on the St. Catherine University campus in Saint Paul. The show includes harp-playing, 20 Irish dancers, along with flute, fiddle, banjo and accordion. Tickets for tonight’s 7:30 p.m. show start at $28 with discounts for students, military, along with members of Minnesota Public Radio and Twin Cities Public Television.

Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas
Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
The O’Shaughnessy
Saint Paul
Tickets: $28 and up for adults

Other happenings

• Celebrate the new year “Downton Abbey” style. The Alexander Ramsey House in Saint Paul will have food, music, dancing and games with a Victorian twist. Enjoy hands-on activities over three floors, including your chance to sing along to popular songs of the 1800s. It should be noted that treats will be baked from the wood-burning stove obviously since it is the 19th century. Tonight’s event runs from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults. Another party takes place Saturday, December 29.
• Tonight marks the last stop on a holiday tour for the eight-man vocal ensemble, Cantus. The Minnesota-based group will sing holiday tunes at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 – 40 for adults and $10 for students. Learn more.