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40 Ways to Holiday, Day 2: Black Friday

by with No Comment randoMNess

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 2: Happy Black Friday!

Featured pick: Pop-Up Taproom in Maple Grove

If your family is divided on whether you should shop or relax with an adult beverage on Black Friday, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove have a solution!

They’re teaming up with OMNI Brewing Co. (a Maple Grove brewery) to create a pop-up taproom! The first 50 people to arrive (starting at 8:00 a.m.) get a free pint. In addition to the brews, they’ll have music and games throughout the day. Growlers will also be available for purchase for those who prefer their gifts in liquid form. The pop-up brewery will be right next to H&M.

Pop-up Brewery at The Shoppes of Arbor Lakes
Maple Grove
Friday, November 24
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Free

Other happenings

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Can Can Wonderland in Saint Paul is an Instagrammer’s dream.
  • Avoid crowds at the malls: Can Can Wonderland is open Black Friday to keep you entertained. The indoor mini golf course in Saint Paul is a blast, and it’s fun for all ages. They have old-school arcade games, food, and a wide, crazy fun array of adult beverages thanks to the genius team at Bittercube.
    • GIVEAWAY: One lucky person will get $50 in gift cards to Can Can Wonderland on my Facebook page! Enter by commenting on this post. The deadline for your chance to win is Wednesday, November 22 at 9:00 p.m.
  • Shop local: the old Schmidt Brewery on West Seventh Street in Saint Paul is hosting a three-day market starting today. It’s free and street parking is easy to find.
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Red velvet pancakes at Red Cow? Yes please. Photo credit: Red Cow
  • Enjoy brunch on a weekday: get your full day of shopping off to a flying start with a good meal. Every Red Cow restaurant (50th & France, Saint Paul Cathedral Hill, Uptown and North Loop) will open starting at 9:00 a.m. for brunch. Even better, the first 50 customers will get a gift card that’ll range from $5-100. Oh, make sure to get the French fries!
    • HEADS UP: I am giving away a $50 Red Cow gift card on my Facebook page on Black Friday! Make sure to like my page so you don’t miss out.
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40 Ways to Holiday, Day 39: December 31

by with One Comment randoMNess

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 39: Sunday, December 31

Featured pick: New Years Eve at Can Can Wonderland

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Mini golf, a balloon drop, champagne towers and live music await you at Can Can Wonderland. Photo credit: Can Can Wonderland

Celebrate New Years Eve with champagne towers, wearable art, mini golf, face painting and a balloon drop at Can Can Wonderland in Saint Paul. Not only will the party be a celebration to ring in 2018, you’ll be there when Can Can Wonderland turns one year-old. Music will be provided by the Brass Messengers. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and celebration goes until 2:00 a.m.

Heads up: I’m giving away a pair of tickets to this party! Check back on Monday, December 18 for your chance to win.

New Years Eve at Can Can Wonderland
Sunday, December 31
8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Tickets: $35 – 60

Other happenings

  • Afton Alps, outside of Hastings, hosts a family-friendly New Years celebration with skiing and snowboarding, a bonfire and hillside fireworks at 10:00 p.m. They’re running a deal, too — buy a lift ticket after 9:30 p.m. and you’ll be able to ski or snowboard on January 1 for free.
    • GIVEAWAY: Head to my Facebook page on Tuesday, December 12 for your chance to win lift passes to Afton Alps!
  • One of the most kind human beings I’ve had the pleasure to meet is comedian Louie Anderson. The co-star of “Baskets” on FX is back in his home state for two shows at the Ames Center in Burnsville. Tickets are expected to sell out quick, so act fast! (Links to purchase tickets online: 6:30 p.m. show; 9:30 p.m. show)
  • Ring in the New Year at noon. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory hosts it’s ever-popular Noon Year’s Party starting at 10:00 a.m. today and tomorrow. Learn more.
  • Fort Snelling State Park hosts an annual candlelight walk from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. You can hike miles of candle-lit
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40 Ways to Holiday, Day 37: December 29

by with No Comment randoMNess

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 37: Friday, December 29

Featured pick: Pre-New Year’s Eve Party

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Celebrate New Years really early at a time more appropriate for the little ones. Photo credit: Edinborough Park via Facebook

Celebrate New Years Eve early…a couple days early. Head to Edinborough Park in Edina for a party from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Edinborough is home to one of the nicest indoor playgrounds in the Twin Cities.

Pre-New Year’s Eve Party
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, December 29
Edinborough Park
Edina
Tickets: $10.50 per child in advance

Other happenings