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 18: Sunday, December 10
Featured pick: FREE photos with Santa
I get it, Santa needs to make a buck to make all those toys. But today, he’s taking photos with your little ones for free! Photo credit: Landmark Centers
Visiting Santa at the mall is a tradition, but it ain’t cheap. At one mall in the Twin Cities, it costs $16 just to get a 5×7″ photo of your good little boy or girl with Jolly Old St. Nicholas. Today from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Landmark Center, your kiddo can chat with Santa and you get you snap a free photo of the two of them. The photos will be taken by a professional photographer and posted on the Landmark Center’s Facebook page so you can download them free of charge. Plus — there will be a craft table, live animals and music. Admission to the entire event is free.
Over 600 musicians will perform today at 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. during Mount Olivet Lutheran Church’s annual Christmas concerts.
It’s only $5 for kids 5 to 12 to enjoy story time with Santa at the Hilton Minneapolis. They’ll also get a photo with jolly old Saint Nicholas and will take it home in a picture frame they create! The event runs today from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Learn more.
The Gammelgården Museum in Scandia (near Forest Lake) as they welcome the Jul season with the celebration of Lucia. Candlelight Swedish prayer services take place at 6:00 and 8:30 a.m. (dress warm, although the event is inside, the church dates back to 1856 and has no heat). The festivities continue across the street with a breakfast and program. The celebration of Lucia makes the beginning of the Christmas season and frequently recognizes young women making a difference in their community. Learn more about the tradition here.
Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter holds an annual Festival of Saint Lucia, recognizing sophomore students for their involvement on campus. Photo credit: Gustavus Adolphus College
Your pet can get a photo with Santa tonight at Southdale Center in Edina. Head to the mall’s second level between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
