New Hope

2019 Minnesota Holiday Lights Display Guide

Featured by Give Me The Mike, posted in randoMNess

Scroll below for more than 50 MN holiday light shows and displays. All of these holiday light displays are verified for 2019 by the organizers or homeowners — nothing is outdated!

Give Me The Mike’s 2019 holiday lights display guide is presented by Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour

Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour is home to more than 4 million Christmas lights! It’s located less than 20 minutes northeast of Stillwater in Somerset, Wisconsin. If you go on a Monday or Tuesday night, you are able to drive-through their display, making it more accessible for those who aren’t able to walk around the half-mile light tour. Between Wednesday and Sunday nights, Sam’s Christmas Village is closed off to vehicles and is a walk-through experience.

Submit information about your holiday light display here.

View all of these light displays on an interactive map!

View 2019 Holiday Light Display Guide in a full screen map

Albert Lea

Carter Christmas Lights Show
1905 Brookside Drive
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Carter Xmas Main Picture 2019.jpg — The Carter Christmas Lights Show in Albert Lea loops every 10 minutes. *Submitted photo.*

November 23rd – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
The homeowner asks that you use Bayview Drive for optimal viewing and traffic flow. More information can be found here
The 2019 display has 4,000 more lights (38,000 total) and features four jumbo stockings, a mistletoe, along with Santa and his reindeer on the roof
Turn your radio to 93.5FM to hear music that goes with the synchronized light display
The light show runs every 10 minutes
100% of donations will be donated to JDRF, an organization looking to find a cure for type 1 diabetes

Albertville

Albertville Lights
5669 Large Avenue
Albertville, MN 55301

November 28th, 2019 – January 6th, 2020
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 12:00 am Friday – Saturday)
Stop by to see 20,000 lights and “too many blow mold figurines to count”
Weather permitting, see 20 foot tall inflatables, too
Turn your radio to 89.1FM to hear synchronized music

Andover

Cairl Family Christmas Lights
2342 145th Avenue Northwest
Andover, MN 55304

November 28th, 2019 – January 4th, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Includes 54,000 LED and flood lights synchronized to music. Tune in to 99.1FM
New this year: a 20 foot pixel mega tree
The display raises awareness and money for the 23rd Veteran, a non-profit dedicated to providing happier, healthier lives for veterans living with trauma

Apple Valley

Lights on Flagstaff
13452 Flagstaff Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124

lights on flagstaff.jpg — Lights on Flagstaff has over 100 blow mold figurines. *Photo credit Lights on Flagstaff/Facebook.*

November 28th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
The display includes more than 100 figurines on the lawn
The owners are using their display to raise awareness for Lyme disease. After being misdiagnosed several times, the owner received a diagnosis about two years ago

Apple Valley

Lights on Guthrie
14440 Lower Guthrie Court
Apple Valley, MN 55124

Thru January 5th, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Includes 10,000 lights
Turn your radio to 91.9FM to hear music synchronized to lights

Apple Valley

Porter’s Holiday Light Show
13596 Hollins Court
Apple Valley, MN 55124

November 28th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights at week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
See more than 20,000 lights and a 20 foot tall mega pixel tree
Turn your car radio to 88.9FM to hear 27 songs synchronized to the lights
Reminder to avoid blocking driveways and to turn off your car’s lights when you approach the display

Blaine

Durrant Family Lights
1750 130th Avenue Northeast
Blaine, MN 55449

November 29th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:30 pm Friday – Saturday)
Features more than 10,000 lights
Tune in to 87.9FM to hear tunes

Bloomington

Dancing Trees
10201 Rich Road
Bloomington, MN 55437

November 30th, 2019 – January 5th, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Includes 10,000 lights

Chaska

Christmas on Savanna
4441 Savanna Trail
Chaska, MN 55318

christmas on savanna.jpg — A 20′ nutcracker is a highlight at this holiday display in Chaska. *Submitted photo.*

November 22nd – December 25th, 2019
7 nights a week (6:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 9:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Display includes 20,000 lights
Tune your car radio to 91.1FM to hear music synchronized to lights
You won’t be able to miss the 20 foot inflatable nutcracker!

Chaska

Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive
Chaska, MN 55318

landscape arboretum.jpg — Indoor and outdoor light displays await for you at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. *Submitted photo.*

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays November 22nd, 2019 – January 5th, 2020
- Also open Monday, December 23rd and daily from December 26th, 2019 – January 2nd, 2020
5:00 – 9:00 pm
Tickets: $15 for those 16 and older, free for those 15 and under
- Members of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are free
Stroll through eight miles of lights
Buy a s’mores kit to roast over a roaring fire, warm up with hot cocoa in the Visitor’s Center, and take a photo in front of the Arboretum’s 25 foot poinsettia tree
A free shuttle is available on Friday and Saturday nights. Learn more here
Parking at the Arboretum is free with admission

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Circle Pines

Barno Family Lights
4102 88th Lane NE
Circle Pines, MN 55014

November 29th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week (6:30 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 6:30 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes 30,000 lights
Turn your car radio to 106.7FM to hear synchronized music
The family is collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House Charities

Duluth

Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”
Bayfront Festival Park
700 Railroad Street
Duluth, MN 55802

Bentleyville, located on the shores of Lake Superior, is the country’s largest free walk-through light display. *Submitted photo.*

November 23rd – December 28th, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
With 5 million lights, Bentleyville is America’s largest free walk-through lighting display
It’s located at Bayfront Festival Park, a 20-acre park located on the shores of Lake Superior
Complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and roasted marshmallows are provided
Get your photo taken with reindeer
Kids 10 and under who visit Santa receive a knit hat
Bentleyville is an official collection site for the Salvation Army. Bring a non-perishable food item or new, unwrapped toy when you visit. Donations are distributed to Salvation Army Corps in Duluth, Cloquet, Virginia, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, International Falls, and Superior, WI

Duluth

Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound and Light Show
2725 Exhibition Drive
Duluth, MN 55811

exhibition drive.jpg — This home has won Duluth’s lighting contest every year since 2013. *Submitted photo.*

December 1st – 31st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
They have won Duluth’s lighting contest every year since 2013
Includes 10,000 lights
Tune your car radio to 99.9FM as you pull up

Duluth

Spirit of the Lights at Glensheen
3300 London Road
Duluth, MN 55804

December 10th – 28th, 2019 (closed December 24th – 25th)
4:00 – 9:00 pm
Spirt of the Lights is an outdoor light display that was previously located at Park Point in Duluth. It now has a new home at Glensheen
Includes 300,000 lights
Admission to the grounds of Glensheen is free

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Eagan

Cinnamon Ridge Circle Lights
4462 Cinnamon Ridge Circle
Eagan, MN 55122

November 28th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Monday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Sunday)
Includes more than 100 blow mold figurines, 25 inflatables and 4,000 lights

East Bethel

Manners Magnificent Lights
19509 Rochester Street NE
East Bethel, MN 55011

November 28th – December 30th, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Includes 20,000 lights
Turn your radio to 90.9FM to hear synchronized music

Eden Prairie

Christmas Lights at Sunrise
15482 W Sunrise Circle
Eden Prairie, MN 55347

November 28th, 2019 – January 6th, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Includes a show of 10,000 lights designed by the homeowner’s son who designs the circuit boards and enhanced by his dad who welds the trees on display
Turn your car’s radio to 89.7FM

Elk River

Warnke Christmas Lights
17978 Fresno Street NW
Elk River, MN 55330

Thru January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:30 pm
More than 3,500 red and white LED lights synchronized to music

Faribault

Christensen’s Light Display
7168 240th Street
Faribault, MN 55021

christensen lights.JPG — Look for 17,000 lights and a manger scene outside of this Faribault house. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Includes 17,000 lights, a manger scene and 10 large blowups
Tune your car’s radio to 88.1FM to hear synchronized music

Ham Lake

Mellem Family Christmas Lights
17438 5th Street NE*
Ham Lake, MN 55304

November 30th – December 26th, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
* = This house is in a new development and Google Maps does not recognize a new road built. See the below image for directions. Do not rely on Google Maps!

Mellem map.jpg — The blue line is a brand new road (173rd Lane NE) that does not exist on any maps program yet. It can be accessed from 175th Avenue NE or 175th Lane NW. You can also search 599 175th Avenue NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304 in Google Maps and it will take you to the entrance of the neighborhood. *Submitted photo.*

Includes 60,000 lights synchronized to music; set your radio to 88.1FM
Raises awareness and funds for HOPE 4 Youth

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Inver Grove Heights

Doocy’s Winter Wonderland
8020 Claymore Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Until December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Stop by to see many Disney characters, Santa’s workshop and upwards of 5,000 lights!

Inver Grove Heights

Lundell’s Lights
3892 72nd Street E
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

lundells lights.jpg — View 6,500 lights on display outside of this home in Inver Grove Heights. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th, 2019 – January 5th, 2020
7 nights a week (5:00 pm – approximately 10:00 until mid December, then 5:00 pm – dawn until January 5th)
Includes 6,500 lights

Inver Grove Heights

Radant Xmas Display
8160 Carmen Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Radant Xmas.jpeg — This is one of many homes with bright lights in Inver Grove Heights. *Submitted photo.*

November 27th, 2019 – January 5th, 2020
7 nights a week from 6:00 – 10:30 pm
Includes more than 5,000 lights
Santa makes an appearance on the weekends
The homeowners collect donations for Toys for Tots

Inver Grove Heights

Soldier’s 6 Christmas Light and Santa Display
8238 Copland Way
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Through January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week from dark until 11:00 pm
Appearances by Santa and a special reindeer on select dates
Includes 2 18′ inflatables and 2 15′ inflatables
Raises awareness for Soldier’s 6, an organization providing service dogs to police officers, military vets, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, corrections officers and EMS at no cost

soldiers 6 breakfast.jpeg — Support Solider’s 6 at a Breakfast with Santa on December 8th.

Inver Grove Heights

Strandlof’s Christmas Lights
7050 Blaine Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

November 28th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
You can’t miss a 19′ ferris wheel!
Display includes over 10,000 lights
Turn your car radio to 87.9FM to hear synchronized music

Inver Grove Heights

Waldhauser’s Christmas Lights
2005 67th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

November 28th, 2019 – January 2nd, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Includes 5,000 lights

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Jordan

Trellis Lights
1135 Trellis Street
Jordan, MN 55352

November 29th – December 25th, 2019
7 nights a week from 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Includes 7,000 lights
Tune in to 87.9FM to hear synchronized music

Kasson

Nevala Family Christmas Light Show
406 Sixth Street Court NE
Kasson, MN 55944

The Nevala family hosts a kids coloring contest when their light display is up. Two lucky winners get bicycles! *Submitted photo.*

November 22nd – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Includes 32,000 lights
Turn your car radio to 88.1FM to hear Christmas tunes synchronized to the lights
The family will collect donations for Kasson Fire & Rescue
Kids can participate in a coloring contest with two winners receiving new bicycles!

Lake Elmo

Rockpoint’s Valley Lights
5825 Kelvin Avenue N
Lake Elmo, MN 55045

valley lights.jpg — Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church has 100,000 lights along with free wagon rides on select dates in December. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Free to attend
Includes 100,000 lights!
Tune your radio on 97.9FM to listen to music synchronized to the lights
Check out free wagon rides on December 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Lino Lakes

Cinnamon Teal Holiday Lights
7188 Cinnamon Teal Court
Lino Lakes, MN 55014

cinnamon teal.jpg — Cinnamon Teal Holiday Lights in Lino Lakes will get a visit by Santa every Friday and Saturday night between November 29th and December 21st. *Submitted photo.*

November 22nd – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week from 6:00 pm – 1:00 am
Includes 15,000 lights
Collecting donations for the Centennial Food Shelf along with toys for local churches
Santa will make an appearance on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00 – 9:00 pm November 29th – December 21st

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Mankato

Kiwanis Holiday Lights
900 Mound Avenue
Mankato, MN 56001

kiwanis holiday lights.jpg — Over 1 million lights along with a skating rink, horse drawn wagon rides and live reindeer await at Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato. *Submitted photo.*

November 29th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights at week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Features 1.8 million lights!
Upon entering Sibley Park, turn your car radio to 88.1FM to learn about Kiwanis Holiday Lights and listen to holiday music. Once you’re in the loop, flip over to 90.1FM
For more information on how to get to Kiwanis Holiday Lights, click here
Admission is free for all vehicles. You can also walk through the display
In addition to all the lights, stop by for a skating rink, horse drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, and Santa Claus

Minneapolis

CSE Winter Light Show at the University of Minnesota
Civil Engineering Building Courtyard
500 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

UMN CSE LightShow — Students of the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering design and program a show with 250,000 lights on select dates in early December. *Submitted photo.*

Select dates: Thursday, December 5th, Friday, December 6th, Saturday, December 7th and Saturday, December 14th, 2019
5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 pm on nights listed above
The students of the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering design and program a winter light show featuring 250,000 lights. If you’re seeing this in time, it’s a must-see
The shows are free and open to the public. No ticket necessary
On Friday, December 6th from 5:00 – 6:30 pm, they are hosting a premiere party in the Civil Engineering Building on the second floor. Stop by for free hot chocolate and cookies

Minneapolis

House on Howard
2418 Howard Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

November 29th – December 29th, 2019
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Includes more than 11,000 lights

Montrose

Mindy Lane Holiday Display
135 Mindy Lane
Montrose, MN 55363

mindy lane.jpg — 30,000 lights are used for this display in Montrose, located off of Highway 12 in the west metro. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th, 2019 – January 5th, 2020
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes 30,000 lights
Tune your car radio to 105.9FM to hear music synchronized to lights on display

Larson’s Lights
3549 Ensign Avenue North
New Hope, MN 55427

larsons lights.jpeg — Enjoy this New Hope light display by foot — with outdoor music speakers — or in your car. *Submitted photo.*

November 29th, 2019 – January 3rd, 2020
7 nights a week (4:30 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 4:30 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes more than 25,000 lights
Outdoor speakers will stay on until 9:00 pm. You can also listen to music on 87.9FM
The homeowner tells Give Me The Mike they will not run the show in the rain. Check their Facebook page before you go to see if the show is canceled the night you would like to go

North Mankato

Omega Ct Christmas Lights Display
14 Omega Court
North Mankato, MN 56003

Omega Ct.png — The homeowners at this light display are collecting toys to be donated to a hospital pediatric ward on December 19th. *Submitted photo.*

November 26th, 2019 – January 5th, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Includes 100,000 lights
Turn your radio to 88.1FM to hear the 11 minute loop of music synchronized to the lights. There are also outdoor speakers if you decide to hop out of your car
The homeowners are collecting unopened toys (no plush toys, please), which will be donated to the pediatric ward of a local hospital on December 19th

Oakdale

Christmas Fantasy
6953 26th Street Court N
Oakdale, MN 55128

December 2nd – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week from 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Check out 27 hand painted wood signs on a 60 foot fence along Stillwater Boulevard near Hadley Avenue
A Nativity scene and hand painted figurines are in the front yard, along with 10,000 lights
Word is that Santa stops by occasionally

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Owatonna

Murray Street Lights
1014 Lincoln Avenue
Owatonna, MN 55060

murray street.jpg — This is one of three homes in a close proximity that goes bright for the holidays. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes three homes! One on Lincoln Avenue and two around the corner on Murray Street
The radio station for the home on Murray Street is 94.7FM

Plainview

Hanson Family Christmas Lights
315 Fifth Street W
Plainview, MN 55964

December 1st, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:30 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes 400,000 lights synchronized to music
Turn your car radio to 88.1FM

Plymouth

PD Shimmers
4120 Juneau Lane
Plymouth, MN 55446

PD Shimmers.jpeg — PD Shimmers has a light for every person in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s this year. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th – December 28th, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
The show contains window displays from the old Dayton’s store in downtown Minneapolis
Tune your car radio to 97.9 FM to hear music synchronized to the lights
Display includes more than 60,000 lights — one for each person in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019. The display raises money for the Mike Justak Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.

Plymouth

Joy of the Season
4810 Orchid Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55446

November 27th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
The show of 5,000 lights lasts about 15-20 minutes
Raises awareness and funds for the Animal Humane Society

Plymouth

Quantico Christmas
535 Quantico Lane N
Plymouth, MN 55447

November 26th, 2019 – January 2nd, 2020
7 nights a week from 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Santa and his reindeer make an appearance on the roof every night!
Your kids can leave letters for Santa
Display includes 11,000 lights and 10 blow up displays

Prior Lake

Ken’s Kreation
16424 Fillmore Avenue SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372

Thru January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week (4:30 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 4:30 pm – 12:00 am Friday – Saturday)
Display also on from 4:00 – 8:00 am 7 days a week
Includes more than 6,000 lights

Prior Lake

Lights at the Cove
3490 Cove Point Circle NW
Prior Lake, MN 55372

November 28th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes 5,000 lights
Listen to music synchronized to light show on 91.9FM

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Ramsey

Sedok House
5716 162nd Crossing NW
Ramsey, MN 55303

December 7th – 28th, 2019
7 nights a week from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Stop by to watch a 25 minute projection video featuring Rudolph, Frosty, Elsa, Christmas Vacation, Trans Siberian Orchestra and the Nativity story.
The whole show is set to music — tune your radio to 98.7FM
Candy and small toys will be handed out to those who stop by

Rosemount

Kojak House
13826 Addison Avenue
Rosemount, MN 55068

November 23rd, 2019 – January 2nd, 2020
7 nights a week from 4:30 – 10:30 pm
The homeowners lost count at 25,000 lights
They do have a drop box for Toys for Tots donations

Saint Michael

Holiday Lights on 20th Street
11594 20th Street NE
Saint Michael, MN 55376

November 29th – December 29th, 2019
7 nights a week (5:30 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 – 9:30 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes 25,000 lights
Turn your radio to 99.3FM to hear synchronized music
If you go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, bring a donation for the Hanover Food Shelf

Saint Paul

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at Union Depot
214 Fourth Street E
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Union Depot-29.jpg — The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into Union Depot on Tuesday, December 10th with a free concert at 7:00 pm. *Submitted photo.*

Tuesday, December 10th from 6:45 – 7:30 pm
Stop by to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train and enjoy a free concert from 7:00 – 7:30 pm
VIP tickets are $10 and get ticketholders access closest to the stage. Click here to purchase
Those attending are encouraged to bring a cash or heart-healthy food donations for Merrick Community Services

Saint Paul

Holiday Lights on York Avenue
1526 York Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55106

November 29th – December 31st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Includes 65,000 lights
Tune your car radio to 91.5FM
Bring a non-perishable donation for Merrick Food Shelf

Saint Paul

Illumination at the Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102

Illumination_11_2019-3 copy (1).jpg — The Science Museum of Minnesota has a whole new take on a light show with Illumination. *Submitted photo.*

November 29th – December 28th, 2019
Friday – Saturday nights from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
It’s a holiday “light” show in a new sense. Experience large-scale and hands-on experiences, glow-in-the dark cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, a puppet shadow room, and more
Illumination is included in the cost of admission to the Science Museum of Minnesota ($19.95 adults, $13.95 ages 4 – 12 and seniors). You can buy tickets in advance online

Saint Paul

Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy
At Rice Park
109 W 4th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102

Holiday tree: November 23rd, 2019 – February 9th, 2020
Lighted trees: November 23rd, 2019 – March 17th, 2020
7 days a week from 6:00 – 8:00 am and 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
The holiday tree has 15,000 lights

Shakopee

Sever’s Holiday Lights
3121 50th Street West
Shakopee, MN 55379

Sever’s Holiday Lights is new in 2019. *Submitted photo.*

November 8th, 2019 – January 5th, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Drive through a display with more than 1 million lights synchronized to holiday tunes
$5 per person, $20 per car maximum (tax not included)
Vehicles with more than 8 people are charged $35 (tax not included)
The route is a half mile
Plus, enjoy hot cocoa, mini donuts, caramel popcorn from Drew’s Concessions and more

Shakopee

Shakopee Winter Wonderland
921 Shakopee Avenue East
Shakopee, MN 55379

December 1st – 25th, 2019
7 nights a week from 6:00 – 9:30 or 10:00 pm
Stop by between December 13th – 24th for crafts, cookies, hot cocoa and Santa

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Sleepy Eye

Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion
Sportmens Park
West side of State Highway 4 (northwest side of Sleepy Eye and the north side of Sleepy Eye Lake)

November 28th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Includes more than 300,000 lights
You can drive through the park to enjoy the lights. Tune your car’s radio to 89.1 FM to hear synchronized music. The music is also broadcast throughout the park if you want to get out of your car to see things up close.
Everything is free! That includes wagon rides, free concessions, and free horse drawn carriage rides on December 14th and 21st. Donations are accepted.

Waconia

The Spirit of Winter at Sovereign Estate
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
9950 North Shore Road
Waconia, MN 55387

sovereign estate.png — Over 20 miles of lights are on display at this winery in Waconia. *Submitted photo.*

November 21st, 2019 – January 5th, 2020
Friday – Sunday nights plus Monday, December 23rd
- 4:00 – 9:00 pm Friday – Saturday
- 4:00 – 8:00 pm Sunday
Over 20 miles of lights on display!
View lights and see Santa, play boot hockey, and sip on wine
Tickets are $5 for ages 3 and older. You can buy them online or at the door (cash only at the door)
The Winery at Sovereign Estate donates tickets so kids can attend on Thursday nights

White Bear Lake

Our Last Holiday Light Show
5590 West Bald Eagle Lake Boulevard
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Until January 9th, 2020
7 nights a week from 6:00 – 10:00 pm
The homeowner trimmed down the light display, but it still includes 100,000 lights

Willmar

Celebrate the Light of the World
Robbins Island Regional Park
Highway 71 North
Willmar, MN 56201

celebrate the light.jpeg — Celebrate the Light of the World is ranked as one of the 5 best holiday light displays in Minnesota. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th, 2019 – January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Celebrate the Light of the World is a free, drive-through display featuring 800,000 lights
When you drive-through, turn your car radio to either 88.7FM or 90.3FM to hear music
Freewill donations will be collected for the Salvation Army of Willmar, Habitat for Humanity of West Central Minnesota, Kandiyohi County Food Shelf and The Link

Woodbury

Crazy Christmas Display
7401 Wyndham Way
Woodbury, MN 55125

crazy christmas display.jpg — 150 pieces line the lawn of a Crazy Christmas Display in Woodbury. *Submitted photo.*

November 28th – December 30th, 2019
7 nights a week (dusk – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, dusk – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Includes 10,000 lights and 150 pieces on the lawn

Woodbury

Holiday Lights of Woodbury
8846 Glacier Road
Woodbury, MN 55125

Pageler Display.JPG — You can’t miss this bright yard in Woodbury. *Submitted photo.*

Through January 1st, 2020
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Tune your radio to 97.9FM to hear synchronized music

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Breakfast becomes a passionate subject for many people. And for good reason.

For starters, it’s the most meaningful meal of the day. You need fuel to be productive.

It’s food people love, too: omelets, pancakes, French toast, hash browns.

Sitting down for breakfast is also the chance to connect with the people who mean a lot to you. Time and time again you hear about the senior mens’ groups who have coffee and chat about current events and what’s going on in their neighborhood. I’m guessing many of you reading this have a breakfast tradition you remember from when you were a kid, whether it be at home or at a restaurant on a weekend morning. Breakfast is more than food. It nourishes the soul.

I asked my Facebook fans, along with Twin Cities Live viewers, to tell me their favorite spot to get breakfast in Minnesota. Hundreds of entries came in. I visited the top five restaurants to meet with the owners and learn what you should order when you stop by.

I appeared on Twin Cities Live to share the top five spots:

1. Lindas’ Cafe

13575 Northdale Blvd, Suite 200
Rogers, 55374

Linda Frigaard and Linda Grady have been friends since third grade. A divorce kickstarted Linda Grady to call Linda Frigaard, who worked in the restaurant industry, to help her achieve a dream: to open a restaurant.

Linda Frigaard and Linda Grady, owners of Lindas’ Cafe in Rogers.

The two opened Lindas’ Cafe on August 1st, 2006 in a strip mall off of I-94 in Rogers. The space used to be a video store.
You will find four generations working at Lindas’ Cafe. Linda Frigaard’s father is there, along with her daughter and grandchild.

Their skillets are the number one menu item. The Ranch Skillet, with eggs, green peppers, onion, cheese and meat, along with the Log Cabin Skillet, smothered in sausage country gravy and a country fried steak, are the most popular.
The Lindas tell me they’ll go through nearly 225,000 eggs a year. If you’re a fan of wild rice soup, get the Minnesota omelet — it has the soup inside.

Lindas’ Cafe has the most traditional version of the pancake I had on my breakfast tour.

The pancake is worth ordering. The recipe belongs to the cook’s great great grandmother. The owners mentioned that customers drove from Edina to Rogers to get their pancakes. That’s nearly 60 miles roundtrip.

The Lindas’ Stuffed, a homemade take on the McGriddle.

You don’t want to miss the Lindas’ Stuffed. I’m calling it a homemade take on the McDonald’s McGriddle. It’s two slices of French toast stuffed with Swiss cheese with your choice of ham or sausage. Pour some syrup on it and you got yourself a quality, homemade McGriddle without the guilt.
Lindas’ Cafe is not big — it’s only 88 seats. Make sure your whole party is there if you want to get seated.
Their entire menu, which does include broasted chicken and other lunch items, is available for take out.

2. Fat Nat’s Eggs

3 metro locations, including the location I attended:
2700 39th Avenue NE, Saint Anthony Village 55421

Jeff Nat, whose nickname was Fat Nat while playing hockey, started Fat Nat’s Eggs in 2002.

Jeff, who loves to cook, wanted to run restaurant like his grandma’s house with quality ingredients.
The original location in New Hope had 35 seats when it first opened. Today, it has more than 100. It previously was a Chinese restaurant.
- Fans of my Facebook page say the New Hope location is best, although the menu is consistent at all three restaurants.
They expanded to Brooklyn Park in 2007 and opened a Saint Anthony Village restaurant in 2012. Jeff’s wife, Lisa, tells me another location could be in the cards.
Fat Nat’s Eggs is a family affair. Jeff, Lisa, and their sons, Michael and David, run the restaurants.

Eggs Bacon Avocado Benedict with a can’t miss avocado verde.

The number one selling menu item is the Eggs Bacon Avocado Benedict, served on a toasted English muffin with a slice of tomato, bacon and an (AMAZING) spicy avocado verde. If you like spicy, you must order something with the avocado verde.
All of the salsas Fat Nat’s Eggs serves are made in-house. They have green chili, which you will find in New Mexico cuisine.
If you’re looking for an omelet, the owners say a hidden gem is the Jacob’s Omelette with carnitas, black beans, salsa verde, pepper jack cheese and homemade salsa on top.
Don’t pass up on the warm fruit fritter, which are made by Denny’s 5th Avenue Bakery in Bloomington.

Fat Nat’s Eggs in Saint Anthony Village.

Fat Nat’s Eggs has counter seating at all three locations.
It gets busy, especially on the weekends. Owner Lisa says for the shortest wait time, come before 9:00 am or after 12:30 pm.

3. The Original Pancake House

4 metro locations, including the location I attended:
1661 County Road B2 West, Roseville 55113

The Original Pancake House in Roseville.

I need to be honest: before my first trip to The Original Pancake House, I wasn’t thrilled about eating there, mostly because it’s a chain. But after learning their story, it’s definitely worthy of this list.
The four Minnesota locations are franchisees of the national The Original Pancake House brand. The locations in Edina, Eden Prairie, Roseville and Burnsville have the same owner, however, each location has a totally different look and each location has a different menu.
- The Edina location is the original in the Twin Cities, opening in 1977. They started by serving pancakes in the morning, closing for a couple hours, then serving pizza for dinner. You won’t be able to miss the huge chandelier inside.
- Eden Prairie opened in 2007 with a traditional restaurant vibe.
- Roseville opened in 2013 and is very contemporary, having gone through a remodel in 2018.
- The newest location in Burnsville has a Scandinavian feel.
None of their kitchen have microwaves.

Their most popular item is the 49er Flapjack, a thin pancake. The Potato Pancake and Buckwheat Pancakes are top-sellers, too.
A hidden gem are the Breakfast Ribs, which is like thick cut bacon.
On a busy day, one location will serve up 1,400 orders of bacon.
The hash browns at OPH are epic.

The Original Pancake House does a great job accommodating food allergies.

I heard this from multiple people: The Original Pancake House does an extremely good job accommodating those with food allergies. Gluten-free food comes out on yellow plates and there’s no extra charge. Our gluten-full table tried a gluten-free peach crepe, and it was really good. They also can accommodate those who are dairy-free and who have soy or egg allergies.

The coffee mugs at The Original Pancake House are made by a Saint Paul artist and are available for purchase.

The coffee mugs are made by a potter from Saint Paul. Some of the other OPH locations from around the nation have started to use her mugs as well. You are able to purchase them, too.

4. R.J. Riches Family Restaurant

2145 Highway Avenue, Mounds View 55112

R.J. Riches Family Restaurant in Mounds View originally was a Country Kitchen back in the 1970s. The owners who took over that space were named Royce and Janice (RJ) and they wanted to make ‘Riches’ — hence the name R.J. Riches. The current owners have operated the restaurant since 1992.

You need to watch other people’s food come out before you place your order. Food comes in HUGE portions. The chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes are not only the size of dinner plates, they’re also extremely thick. Think of it more like a cake than a pancake. You don’t need more than one for your table.

The Country Fried Steak comes with all the things you see in this photo.

The number one menu item is the Country Fried Steak, which was really good. A thick gravy didn’t sit too heavy.

The second most popular menu item is my favorite. The Gyro Omelet was epic. First, it’s huge — it could be two, maybe three meals. It’s four eggs, with hash browns, cheese, and gyro meat inside. It’s served with Tzatziki sauce, too.
Owner Barb tells me that a lot of people overpass their Spicy Chicken Omelet, which has deep-fried, spicy chicken.

I wouldn’t attempt to eat at R.J. Riches with more than 4 people at your table.

The restaurant isn’t huge, with only 120 seats. On a busy weekend day, you may have to wait 45 to 60 minutes to get a table. They’re the busiest between 8:30 am – 1:00 pm.
In addition to breakfast, R.J. Riches is open for dinner, serving all-you-can-eat meals.
Note that R.J. Riches is not set up for large parties. I would recommend that you keep your group to four or less (or be willing to split yourselves up). Most of the restaurant is booths.

5. Keys Cafe & Bakery

9 metro locations, including the original restaurant in Saint Paul:
767 Raymond Avenue, Saint Paul 55114

The first Keys Restaurant opened on Raymond Avenue in Saint Paul on November 1st, 1973 by Barbara Hunn. She took over a space called Mister D’s. Before that, it was called Slater’s.

You will see Keys owner Barbara Hunn at the Raymond Avenue location 3 days a week.

Barbara had no restaurant management experience at the time. In fact, she was a licensed psychiatric nurse.
Barb and her late husband had four kids, all who would work in the restaurant. As kids, they would make hamburger buns.
About nine years in, they added a location in New Brighton. That’s when Keys started to sell more baked goods, which they’re known for today.
Today, Keys has nine locations around the Twin Cities. At one point, all 17 of Barbara’s grandchildren have worked at Keys.

Keys is known for large portions. The Beef Hash and Cajun Skillet are popular menu items and will fill you up.

Thick cut bacon is key at Keys. One pound is 13 slices. So if you eat 3 slices, you’ve eaten about a quarter of a pound of bacon.

Probably one of the best cinnamon rolls I have ever had.

The Cinnamon and Pecan Rolls are amazing. Their number one baked good is the house chocolate cake.
Make sure to order toast and get their house-made strawberry rhubarb jam. I would drink it if it was socially acceptable.
Barb says that their oatmeal is an unsung hero on the menu at the Raymond Avenue Keys. It’s not instant. Make sure to add fruit and nuts.
All of Keys soups are made in house. Barb says to try the Tomato Basil, Chicken Noodle and Tomato Bisque.
You’ll still see Barbara at the Raymond Avenue Keys three days a week.
The catchphrase “Yummy!” that Keys uses in their radio commercials was inspired by Jim Carrey’s character in the 1994 movie, “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”.

Did you conquer those breakfast spots that are Worth the Trip? Try these honorable mentions

6. Frieda’s Cafe, Willmar (warning: closed Sundays)
7. B&B Cafe, Albert Lea (warning: closed Sundays)
8. Oasis Cafe, Stillwater
9. Jensen’s Cafe, Burnsville
10. Carol’s Restaurant, Blaine
11. Al’s Breakfast, Minneapolis
12. Peg’s Countryside Cafe, Hamel
13. North Pole Restaurant, Newport
14. Windmill Cafe, Savage
15. Duluth Grill, Duluth
16. The Buttered Tin, Saint Paul
17. Hazel’s Northeast, Minneapolis

Check out my other roundups of what’s ‘Worth the Trip’

31 can’t miss events in Minnesota this July

June 23, 2019July 26, 2019 by Give Me The Mike, posted in randoMNess

Not much gets better than July in Minnesota! There’s plenty to do with long summer nights. Bonus: you don’t have to spend 20 minutes putting on a parka and scraping ice off your windshield!

I compiled a list of events happening around the state. Many are your suggestions! Is there one I forgot? Let me know! Fill out the form at the bottom of this page. Happy summer!

July and fireworks go hand in hand. Here are Minnesota cities with great 4th of July shows:
- Anoka (July 3)
- Apple Valley
- Bloomington (July 3)
- Excelsior
- Minneapolis (pro tip: don’t watch from the Stone Arch Bridge. And no matter what, get there early)
Check out a good ol’ fashioned community festival:
- Richfield Red White and Blue Days (July 2-4)
- Eagan Funfest (July 3-4)
- Monticello Riverfest (July 11-14)
- Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days (July 11-14)
- New Hope Duk Duk Daze (July 12-14)
- Hopkins Raspberry Festival (July 13-21)
- Minneapolis Aquatennial (July 24-27)
- Chaska River City Days (July 26-28)
Sing with the Twin Cities Beer Choir. The concept is simple and quite fun. The group gathers as a brewery, bar or restaurant and hand out “hymnals” to attendees. The music are melodies you are familiar with, but the words are switched out to involve drinking beer. Many Twin Cities Beer Choir participants are alumni from those really good Minnesota Lutheran college choirs, so as a group, they sound quite good. It’s a very lighthearted time. Their July meetup takes place at Spring Cafe, located at the Como Lakeside Pavilion in Saint Paul. (July 3)
The PGA Tour stops in Minnesota with the brand new 3M Open. The field has yet to be announced when this list was published, but Phil Mickelson has already announced he will play. Tournament play takes place July 4-7, but festivities go all week at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. (July 1-7)
Head down to the Mississippi River in Northeast Minneapolis to watch a Twin Cities River Rats show. Every Thursday night, this ski team puts on a free show filled with stunts, jumps and pyramids all on the water. They do have a show on the 4th of July, which is followed by fireworks. They also have a bonus performance on Friday, July 5th. They’re super family-friendly. Bring a blanket! (July 4, 11, 18 and 25)
Little Mekong is the Asian business and cultural district in Saint Paul. It runs along University Avenue between Mackubin and Galtier Streets. At the tail end of the 4th of July weekend, businesses in the area hold the Little Mekong Night Market, which is a huge street festival with really good food, unique shopping and lots of entertainment. It’s inspired by the night markets you would find in southeast Asia. It runs from 5-10 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. (July 6-7)
The Minnesota Orchestra starts their annual Sommerfest concert series by performing the soundtrack to the Disney Pixar movie, “Coco.” Sommerfest 2019 has a Latin American theme, with concerts throughout the month of July. It should also mark the expected debut of the new Peavey Plaza, the public park space next to Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis. (July 6-7)
If you can’t wait for the Minnesota State Fair to start, check out the Ramsey County Fair in Maplewood. Admission is free. (July 10-14)
There’s no need to head west to catch a classic rodeo! The town of Hamel is just west of Plymouth and since 1981, has hosted a rodeo with barrel racing, steer wrestling and more. More impressive: the Hamel Rodeo is operated by 5 non-profit groups; the large event doesn’t have a single paid staff member. (July 11 – 14)
Kacey Musgraves, Semisonic, Jason Mraz and Hanson headline the Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis. The two-night outdoor concert first started in 1995 to raise money for the Basilica of St. Mary. (July 12-13)
A spot featuring one of the best meat raffles in the Minnesota is hosting a parking lot fish fry. Stop by Bull’s Horn in south Minneapolis on July 13 for a fishing tournament, music, drinks, and of course, fried fish.
- Also on Give Me the Mike: Top 5 spots for fried fish in Minnesota
Celebrate French independence, Bastille Day, on either side of the Mississippi River. In Minneapolis, Barbette hosts its annual block party from 2-9 pm. In Saint Paul, Alliance Francaise and Meritage host an outdoor family-friendly celebration outside of Landmark Center from 12-6 pm. (July 14)
- Cafe Lurcat in Minneapolis is one of more than 50 restaurants participating in MplsSt.Paul Magazine’s Restaurant Week July 14-19.
Enjoy $10-25 lunches and $15-35 dinners at some great Twin Cities restaurants during MplsSt.Paul Magazine’s Restaurant Week. Over 50 spots are participating. My personal favorites include 4 Bells, Cafe Lurcat, Corner Table, FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, The Freehouse, Holman’s Table and Lela. (July 14-19)
The Minneapolis Movies in the Park series continues all month with free films shown at parks across the city. Stop by the Nicollet Island Pavilion on Monday, July 15 for “Free Solo,” a National Geographic documentary following Alex Honnold as he attempts to climb El Capitan at Yosemite National Park without any ropes. I recently saw it and it’s riveting.
Once a month, The Spring Street Tavern in Northeast Minneapolis hosts Pundamonium, a pun slam competition. Those who think they are punny are welcome to show off their skills. Participants are selected first come, first serve. The five judges are pre-selected members of the audience. (July 17)
Italian restaurant, Pazzaluna hosts its annual Wheels of Italy street party in downtown Saint Paul on Thursday, July 18. Stop by to see some of the finest street cars along with live music. The car show is free to attend.
Twin Cities Summer Jam at Canterbury Park in Shakopee features three days of big names in music: Tim McGraw, Aerosmith, Pitbull, REO Speedwagon, Soul Asylum, and others. (July 18 – 20)
People from around the Twin Cities will make their way to the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul for the Rondo Days Festival and Parade on Saturday, July 20. The parade begins at 10 am with the festival running from 12-7 pm.
Enjoy Celtic music, Highland dance and a bag pipe band competition during the Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games at Central Park in Eagan. (July 19-20)
Minnesota Monthly hosts its Fine Spirits Classic inside Orchestra Hall. Sample cocktails from the best mixologists in the state. (July 24)
Competitive eater Joey Chestnut will be at The Great Midwest Rib Fest at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake. His mission: to eat more than 13.76 pounds of pork meat in 12 minutes. The three day festival is free to attend and also includes performances by Gretchen Wilson and Sugar Ray. (July 25-27)
The iconic Porky’s drive-in diner in Saint Paul has a new home in Hastings. It’s a part of the Little Log House Pioneer Village, a collection of historic buildings which are restored to make it feel like you are stepping back in time. The village is open to the public one weekend a year. Stop by the last full weekend of July for the Little Log House Antique Power Show, which allows you to walk through the Village. This year, they welcome artifacts from the Cottage View Drive-In in Cottage Grove. (July 26-28)
The British choral group, Libera, is astonishing. Boys range in age from seven to 16 and members are from schools throughout London. They tour internationally and are visiting Saint Paul once again. I had the privilege of hearing them the last time they were in Minnesota and I just wanted to melt in my seat. The venue is ideal, too: the gorgeous Cathedral of Saint Paul. (July 26)
Fitness studio Alchemy 365 is taking over the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and will offer a free class as part of the Minneapolis Aquatennial festivities. All fitness levels all welcome, just bring your own yoga mat. Check in begins at 5 pm with the class starting at 6:00. (July 26)
Watch (or walk in) a parade of dogs in northeast Minneapolis. The gathering point is right on the shores of the Mississippi at St. Anthony Main. (July 26)
Say ‘ooh, ahh’ at one of the largest fireworks displays in the country. The Minneapolis Aquatennial fireworks display start promptly at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 27. The best viewpoint is near the Guthrie Theater.
The Loring Park Art Festival in Minneapolis features 140 juried artists in a beautiful setting. (July 27-28)
Avoid downtown Minneapolis traffic by taking a water taxi! That’s right, the Minneapolis Water Taxi is a solar powered boat and is currently privately operated, meaning that you can book it for your group of friends for an intimate ride down the Mississippi River. The Water Taxi can fit two to six people and does private events for up to one hour. It goes from 10 am to 10 pm.
Rent a Lime or Spin scooter for a ride. They’re very simple to use and their max speeds only get to 15 MPH, so it’s hard to lose control. Pro tip: find someone who has already rented the scooters to refer you before you download the app. That way, you both get a free credit!
Be in control of how much beer you want to sample. Stop by the new First Draft Taproom & Kitchen near Target Field in Minneapolis. They have over 50 beers, wines, ciders and kombucha on tap. You get to control how much you would like. If you’re curious, the average pour is about 5 ounces.
Make sure you dine al fresco. Watch my Twin Cities Live segment featuring the 5 best restaurant, brewery and winery patios in Minnesota!Also on Give Me the Mike: Best places to play bingo in Minnesota

Is there something I missed? Please let me know!

The best birthday freebies in the Twin Cities

May 19, 2019January 20, 2020 by Give Me The Mike, posted in randoMNess

Most of these freebies were verified as of May 2019. Enjoy! If you know of others not listed, please let me know about them. Connect with me with the form at the bottom of this page.

From a bottle of wine worth your age to free car washes, I rounded up the best freebies you can snag on your birthday. Check out my segment on KSTP-TV’s Twin Cities Live.

Featured spots:

Free bottle of wine worth your age at Tria Restaurant

Located in North Oaks
Required to purchase two entrees
Must go during your birthday week (3 days before until 3 days after)
Credit can be used towards a more expensive bottle
Don’t want wine? You can get a free dessert instead

$25 towards dinner at Lindey’s Prime Steak House

Located in Arden Hills
Must register on their website 4-6 weeks in advance

Up to $1,000 in slot play at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Located in Prior Lake
Must register to be a Club M member and visit guest services the month of your birthday
You’ll spin a virtual wheel to win prizes, including free bingo, blackjack play, or up to $1,000 in slot play

Up to $1,000 in slot play and a free buffet at Treasure Island Resort and Casino

Located in Welch (near Red Wing)
Must register to be a Island Passport Club member and visit a kiosk the month of your birthday
You can win up to $1,000 in free slot play
You will also receive a free buffet coupon along with a $20 bingo coupon
Thanks to Aaron Moy for the tip!

Up to $50 in Grand Play at Grand Casino

Note: their freebie has changed since the segment above originally aired
On any day during the month of your birthday, head to Grand Casino Mille Lacs or Grand Casino Hinckley
Spin the wheel for your chance at $5-50 in Grand Play along with free food based on your Grand Rewards membership tier
Go on your actual birthday and receive match points for that day’s play

Free car washes at Paradise Car Wash

Locations in Apple Valley, Eagan, Bloomington, Savage, Woodbury and Maple Grove
Go on your birthday and be ready to show an ID

Other freebies:

Free concert tickets

Even if a show is sold out, you and a friend will get in to a show at the First Avenue Mainroom or 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis for free on your birthday
Not only do you get in for free, you will get a bottle of bubbly or a drink ticket
This deal also applies to First Avenue’s other venues, the Fine Line in Minneapolis and Turf Club in Saint Paul
Don’t forget your ID

Free comedy show tickets

At ACME Comedy Company in Minneapolis
You and three guests can select to attend one Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night show for free the month of your birthday
You must submit your request online no later than 3 p.m. the day prior you would like to attend

$15 to IKEA

Minnesota location in Bloomington
You must be a member of the IKEA Family program
The IKEA website says you receive a “surprise on your birthday” that is valid during your birthday month; I can confirm that it’s $15 to IKEA (with no minimum purchase required) along with a free meatball dinner at their restaurant

Click here to learn more about this amazing freebie

Free mini golf at Can Can Wonderland

Can Can Wonderland is right off Pierce Butler Route in Saint Paul
On a Thursday during your birthday month, bring at least 3 friends to play mini golf and you will play for free
You will also receive a birthday drink of your choice
If you would rather play in the arcade, the birthday person can choose to receive 2 hours of unlimited arcade play along with a birthday drink instead
Note that only the birthday person receives the freebie, all others must pay

$25 to The Local Minneapolis, The Local West End, Kieran’s Irish Pub, or The Liffey

You must sign up for Cara Irish Pubs’ Pub Club at one of the above locations. They say you can reverse register online but I got an error when I tried to do so
You will have to register your card once you have it
You receive a free appetizer upon activating your card
Accounts with no activity for 24 months are automatically deactivated
Thanks to Jessica Jensen for the tip!

Free filet mignon dinner at Cherokee Tavern

Located in West Saint Paul
Head there on Thursday night during the week of your birthday
You must show proof of your birthday with a valid ID at the hostess stand
Someone at your table must order an entree of $15 or more
Thanks to Emily DeCorsey for the tip!

A free burger at Red Cow

Three locations in Minneapolis and one in Saint Paul
You must be a member of Red Cow’s eClub and you will receive an e-coupon for their Ultimate Burger for your birthday
If you don’t want the Ultimate Burger, the coupon can be used for a discount of equal or lesser value
The coupon expires 3 weeks from the date it was sent. Mine was sent 4 days before my actual birthday
You also get a free order of cheese curds when signing up (coupon is good for three weeks from sign up date)

A free burger at Red Robin

Locations in Shoreview, Bloomington, Plymouth and Apple Valley
You must be a member of the Red Robin Royalty program
Credit is loaded onto your account the first day of the month of your birthday

A free Juicy Lucy at Crooked Pint Ale House

Minnesota locations in Apple Valley, Chaska, Duluth, Fairbault, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Rochester, and Waite Park
You must be a member of their Crooked Rewards program
You receive a free Juicy Lucy of your choice for your birthday

Free entree at Houlihan’s

Participating locations in Chanhassen, Eagan and Richfield
You must be a member of the Houlihan’s email program
You also get a $10 credit when signing up

Free entree from La Casita

Locations in Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Roseville and Waite Park
You get a free entree if another food item of equal or lesser value is purchased
It must be redeemed on your actual entree and an ID is required
Thanks to Kimberly McKay for the tip!

Free deep dish pizza from Green Mill

19 Minnesota locations
You must be a member of the Green Mill Rewards Club
You receive a certificate for a small one-topping deep dish pizza

Free pizza from Park Tavern

Located in Saint Louis Park
You must be a member of their EClub
You will receive an e-coupon good for a 12″ pizza with up to 3 ingredients. That coupon expires two weeks after it was sent. Mine was sent and marked June 27th, although my birthday is July 1st
You also receive $5 off your next meal when you sign up. That certificate expires 1 month after registering

A pizza worth up to $17 from Old Chicago

Locations in Roseville, Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, Saint Cloud and Duluth
You must sign up for their OC Rewards program at a restaurant or online
You must visit an Old Chicago once in the 12 months prior to your birthday in order for the credit to upload to your account
The credit is added to your account 7 days prior to your birthday and stays on up to 10 days after your birthday. For my July 1st birthday, my certificate arrived June 24th and expired on July 9th
Any unused credit does not apply towards future purchases

A free meal at HopCat

Minnesota location in Minneapolis
You must be a member of their HopCat Rewards program (phone app)
You are emailed a free birthday meal on your birthday
That certificate is good for 30 days
Once you join the program, you also receive a free appetizer. That is good for 14 days after signing up
If you know someone who has a membership, have them refer you. They will receive points which can be redeemed for free food

Also on Give Me the Mike:
A review of HopCat, the Nicollet Mall bar with 80 beers on tap

Four hours of free beer at Skinner’s Pub

Located in Saint Paul
Come in with three other guests and the birthday person will receive free tap (non-craft) beer from 4 – 8 p.m.
You will also get a free t-shirt and a free appetizer for your party
Your guests must each order at least one beverage
You must be 21 or older, show a valid ID and must not be driving

Three hours of free drinks at Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon

Minnesota locations in Apple Valley, Blaine, Rochester and Woodbury
On the Friday of your birthday week, grab three friends
You get free drinks from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
They will get $3 you-call-its from 9 p.m. – midnight
You also get a free t-shirt, mason jar, birthday shot, and birthday toast

Free personalized bottle of wine at Pazzaluna

Located in Saint Paul
You must fill out this form in advance
You must dine the week of your birthday (up to 3 days before and up to 3 days after)
You receive a bottle of wine from their Birthday Wine List along with a free dessert
You are required to purchase 2 entrees

A free glass of wine at Red Rabbit

Locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul
You must be a member of the Red Rabbit eClub
You will receive an e-coupon good for a glass of wine, not to exceed $15
The coupon expires 3 weeks from the date it was sent. Mine was sent 4 days before my actual birthday
You also get a free New World Margherita Pizza when signing up (coupon is good for three weeks from sign up date)

A free cannoli at Mario’s Italian Kitchen

Located in Watertown
You can also get a free drink instead, but why do that when you can get a cannoli

Free dessert at 6SMITH

Located in Wayzata
Free piece of chocolate cake with your meal
Bonus: let them know in advance you’re celebrating a birthday and they will decorate the table and give you a birthday card that contains $15 off your next visit!

Free dessert and $15 gift card at Baldamar

Located in Roseville
If you make an advance reservation and let staff know you’re celebrating a birthday, they will decorate the table and treat the birthday person with a complimentary dessert and a $15 gift card to use on a future visit
Thanks to Donovan for the tip!

Free dessert at Buca di Beppo

Locations in Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minneapolis and Saint Paul
Sign up for their E-Club and you will receive an email for a free Colossal Brownie dessert on your birthday
- Colossal Brownie voucher is only valid if you dine-in (no to-go orders)
Email comes to your inbox a few days before your birthday and expires at the end of your birthday month
You will also get $20 off a purchase of $40 or more
- Discount can be used on online orders

$10 at GODIVA

You must be a member of the GODIVA Rewards Club

A free bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Minnesota locations in Blaine, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Rochester, St. Paul and Woodbury
You must be a member of their EClub

A free cupcake at Lunds & Byerlys

27 Minnesota locations
Sign up for their Extras program
You will receive an email for a free cupcake that is to be redeemed within two weeks of your birthday
Thanks Michelle Koerth for the tip!

Free (s’mores dessert pizza) at Red’s Savoy Pizza

18 Minnesota locations
You must be a member of their Thank You Rewards program
A credit (for what I’m being told is a s’mores dessert pizza) will be added to your card a week prior to your birthday
The deal expires 14 days after it is added to your card
Thanks Richard Harris for the tip!

A free cupcake at Nadia Cakes

Minnesota locations in Maple Grove and Woodbury
You must sign up for their mailing list

A free pastry, croissant, muffin, scone, sweet roll or cookie at Panera Bread

You must sign up for their MyPanera program

A free half hoagie and beverage at Hogan Brothers

Located in Northfield
Good for a half hoagie sandwich and a medium fountain beverage
Valid on your birthday only
Just show up with your ID!

A free sandwich and beverage at Jersey Mike’s

You must be a member of their Email Club
On your birthday, you will receive a coupon for a regular sub and a 22 oz drink
The coupon is good for one year
You must confirm your subscription to the Email Club at least 24 hours before the birthdate you provide, otherwise you won’t receive a coupon

A free sandwich at Which Wich

You must be a Vibe Club Rewards member
You need to sign up for the Vibe Club at least 30 days before your birthday
You may not receive a certificate if you haven’t purchase anything using your Rewards account in the last year

A free sandwich at Firehouse Subs

You must sign up for the Firehouse Rewards program before your birthday
You will receive a coupon for a free medium sub, which expires 6 days after your birthday
Parents are able to sign their kids up to receive a free sub as well
Thanks to Richard Harris & Danielle Rabe for the tip!

A free beverage at Caribou Coffee

You must be a Caribou Perks member
The perk can be used on any beverage, in any size
You have 7 days from your birthday to redeem

A free beverage or food item at Starbucks

You must a Starbucks Rewards member
You need to sign up for Starbucks Rewards at least 7 days before your birthday
The credit can be used for a handcrafted beverage, a food item or a ready-to-drink bottled beverage
You need to make one other transaction using your Rewards account prior to your birthday each year to receive the credit
The credit usually appears on your account 1 to 3 days before your birthday

$5 at Dunn Brothers Coffee

You must have the Dunn Brothers Coffee Rewards app
You receive a $5 credit on your birthday

$10 off your dinner at Sunshine Factory Bar & Grill

Located in Plymouth
Go in to their restaurant and sign up in person for their email list
You will get $10 off your birthday dinner
The certificate is valid 2 weeks prior until 1 week after your birthday
If you go on the day of your birthday, you will also receive a complimentary appetizer or beverage

Free entree from Acapulco Restaurante Mexicano

Locations in Andover, Blaine, Ham Lake, Maplewood, New Brighton, Ramsey, Stillwater and Woodbury
You must sign up for their VIP Email Club
Heads up: the electronic coupon only good for 10 days from the day they send the email. My birthday is July 1st and coupon was sent and marked June 27th, meaning I only had until July 7th to redeem it.
You also get a free order of queso when signing up (coupon is only good for a week)

Free appetizer or side of ribs at Texas Roadhouse

Locations in Coon Rapids and Saint Cloud
You must sign up for their email or text list
You also get a free appetizer (cactus blossom, fried pickles, tater skins, cheese fries or rattlesnake bites) when signing up

Free dessert with the purchase of an entree at TGI Fridays

Locations in Saint Louis Park, Bloomington, Maplewood, Maple Grove, Burnsville and Coon Rapids
You must be a member of the Friday Rewards program
You also get a free appetizer or dessert when signing up

$10 at Jake’s City Grille

Locations in Eagan, Eden Prairie, Maplewood and Plymouth
You must become a Dining Rewards member (not available online)

$15 or $20 at Wildfire

Minnesota location in Eden Prairie
You must become a member of their Frequent Diner Rewards program
According to their website, you must have “recent activity on your account”
The credit is added the first day of the month of your birthday
Blue and silver level members get $15 off their meal; gold level members get $20 off their meal
To be a silver level member, you must spend at least $1,000 a year; gold members must spend $2,500
Birthday rewards do not expire, but are not cumulative

$30 at Benihana

Locations in Bloomington, Maple Grove and Golden Valley
You must join The Chef’s Table email list
You receive a $30 credit on a meal when another adult teppanyaki entree is purchased
The credit can only be used Mondays – Thursdays
The credit is valid 29 days from the date it was issued
You MUST print the certificate — it cannot be shown on a phone

A free Grand Slam breakfast at Denny’s

You must be a Denny’s Rewards member
It must be redeemed on your actual birthday

A free Magnificent Seven breakfast at Perkins

You must be a MyPerkins member

$15 at Finish Line

You must be a member of Finish Line’s Winner’s Circle Reward Program

$5 to Arc’s Value Village

Available only at locations in Richfield, New Hope and Bloomington
You must be a member of their Village Rewards program

Discount on Botox at Uptown Dermatology & SkinSpa

Located in Minneapolis
They take $1 off of every year of your age on Botox
Get $50 off if you’re 50, $65 off if you’re 65, $75 off if you’re 75

$10 off your meal at Timberlodge Steakhouse

The chain restaurant collapsed: the only Minnesota location left is in Owatonna
Be weary here: I asked the location to verify this deal; they did not respond to my request

Half birthday deal at Stanley’s Northeast, The Howe, The Block, Al’s Place, Pub 819, and The Bar Draft House

You must sign up for the Craft & Crew Hospitality Loyalty program
You will receive an email for $13 off an entree, valid dine in only
Certificate expires 5 days following your half birthday

Know a birthday freebie not listed? Tell me!

Twin Cities Restaurant Room Rental Guide

February 17, 2019January 20, 2020 by Give Me The Mike, posted in randoMNess

Sponsored content
Some restaurants listed below advertised with Give Me the Mike to be highlighted in this guide.

It’s a question I get frequently: ‘Please recommend a restaurant where you can rent a private room. I’m planning a birthday party for a friend.’

I get it. It sure beats out inviting randoms into your house — and then having to clean up after them.

After a while, I thought, ‘Heck, there must be an extensive guide out there listing all these restaurants.’ Well, there are a couple. One, from 2016, is extremely out of date. Many of the restaurants listed have closed. Another one I found is good, but it’s limited.

Wedding planners have their own rental guides, but you don’t need to rent out a 300-person reception hall for your cousin Janet’s 50th birthday. So, I did my research and created this guide.

Happy planning! And if you know of a restaurant not listed, let me know! Reach out to me by filling out this form.

Minneapolis

4 Bells

Seafood Platter (1).jpg — 4 Bells, just on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, has incredibly fresh seafood.

1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis 55403
(612) 904-1163, events@4bells.com
More information

Overlooking Loring Park; the sister restaurant to Butcher & the Boar
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be split amongst guests
Valet parking is available ($11, hosted for $13)
Surface pay lot available next door

Venue: Quarters

Quarters Park — There is lots of natural light in the Quarters Dining Room at 4 Bells in Minneapolis.

Private
Capacity (seated): 24
Capacity (cocktail): Not available
Includes access to smart TV
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $1,000

Venue: Roof Top Atrium

4 Bells Roof top.jpg — Roof Top Atrium at 4 Bells.

Private or semi-private
Capacity (seated): 100
Capacity (cocktail): 130
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private bar, private restrooms, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on night and time of year (ranges from $1,500-9,500)
Additional experiences: includes indoor and outdoor spaces for guests

Venue: Parkside Room, Lounge Room & Hickory Room

4 Bells Hickory Room — Hickory Room at 4 Bells.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 40 (Parkside), 30 (Lounge), 14 (Hickory)
Capacity (cocktail): 30 (Lounge)
Handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $750-2,500

508 Bar + Restaurant

508 lower level 2 — 508 Bar + Restaurant is just one block north of Target Center.

508 North First Avenue, Minneapolis 55403
(612) 339-0036, events@the508mpls.com

Close to Target Center and Target Field
Final bill can be split amongst guests

Venue: Lower Level

508 lower level — The Lower Level at 508 Bar + Restaurant has no rental fee and no food and beverage minimum.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 150
Capacity (cocktail): 347
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in music, access to projector, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $0

Venue: Pool Room

508 pool room — The Pool Room is located downstairs at 508 Bar + Restaurant.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 40
Capacity (cocktail): 60
Includes access to projector, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $0

Butcher & the Boar

1121 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis 55403
(612) 338-8888, events@butcherandtheboar.com
More information

Just a couple blocks from Minneapolis’ Theater District
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be split amongst guests
Valet parking is available ($11, hosted for $13)

Venue: Boar Room

Boar Room table & bar.jpg — The Boar Room in the basement of Butcher & the Boar in Minneapolis.

Private
Capacity (seated): 32
Capacity (cocktail): 40
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private restrooms, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $1,500

Venue: Butcher Room
Private
Capacity (seated): 18
Capacity (cocktail): not applicable
Includes access to microphone, access to smart TV, private restrooms, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $1,000

Venue: Beer Garden
Private and semi-private options available
Capacity (seated): 80
Capacity (cocktail): 100
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private bar, private restrooms, private entrance, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on night and time of year (ranges from $2,500-9,500)

Cafe and Bar Lurcat

1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis 55403
(612) 486-5500, lurcat@damico.com
More information

Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Valet parking is available ($13 if hosted, $11 cash)

Venue: Private Dining Room

Private
Capacity (seated): 55
Capacity (cocktail): 70
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, ability to rent private bar with additional charge, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $1,500 Sunday to Thursday evenings, $6,000 Friday and Saturday evenings — all exclude tax and service charges
Additional experiences: Bose Sound Tower/microphone available for rental; includes access to back patio from June 1st to October 1st for cocktail hour; offers large windows overlooking Loring Park

Venue: Lofted Bar Mezzanine

The semi-private Lofted Mezzanine at Lurcat provides a more intimate setting.

Semi-Private
Capacity (seated): 30
Capacity (cocktail): 30
Includes access to private restrooms
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $500 Sunday to Thursday, $1,000 Friday and Saturday — all exclude tax and service charges
Additional experiences: offers great views of the main bar floor; area for cocktail reception within the space

Venue: Bar Buyout

Planning a big party? Turn Lurcat’s bar into a dance floor!

Private
Capacity (seated): 150-180
Capacity (cocktail): 225
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, private bar, private restrooms, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $500 Monday to Thursday, $2,000 Friday and Saturday, $500 Sunday
Food and beverage minimum: $10,000 Monday, $12,000 Tuesday and Wednesday, $15,000 Thursday, $20,000 Friday and Saturday, $12,000 Sunday — all exclude tax and service charges
Additional experiences: part of the restaurant can turn into a dance floor with room for a band

Erte’ & the Peacock Lounge

323 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis 55413
More information

Venue: Chef’s Table Private Dining Room
Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 20
Capacity (cocktail): not available
Handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $20 per person, minimum of 12 people

Venue: Erte’ Main Dining Room
Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 100
Capacity (cocktail): not available
Includes access to plug in own music, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on night and time of year

Venue: The Peacock Lounge
Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 54
Capacity (cocktail): not applicable
Includes access to plug in own music, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on night and time of year

FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar

PDR(1).jpg — FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar inside the Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown.

31 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis 55402
(612) 216-3473
More information

Located inside the Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown

Venue: Private Dining Room

PDR(2) — Private Dining Room at FireLake.

Private
Capacity (seated): 40
Capacity (cocktail): 60
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $600-2,000

Venue: Half Private Dining Room
Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 20
Capacity (cocktail): 25
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $300-1,000

Venue: Board Room

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 14
Capacity (cocktail): not available
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $200-700

The Freehouse

Freehouse Beer.jpg — Guests at the The Freehouse can go on their own on-site brewery tour.

701 North Washington Avenue, Minneapolis 55401
(612) 339-7011, michelle.dimuzio@blueplateco.com
More information

Part of the Blue Plate Restaurant Company
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests
Adjacent pay ramp available (Nordic Parking Ramp)
Valet parking is available ($7)

Venue: Volstead Lounge

Volstead Lounge 3.jpg — Volstead Lounge at The Freehouse.

Private, curtains can be drawn closed
Capacity (seated): 50
Capacity (cocktail): 75
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to projector and screen, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on night
Additional experiences: go on an on-site brewery tour or add a beer tasting or cocktail class for your group! The Volstead Lounge also offers beer and wine paired dinners.

Venue: Back Bar Area

Freehouse 3.jpg — The Freehouse in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 25
Capacity (cocktail): 40-50
Handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $250 per hour

Gluek’s Bar & Restaurant

Gluek’s Bar and Restaurant is in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

16 North Sixth Street, Minneapolis 55403
(612) 338-6621, party@glueks.com
More information

Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests

Venue: Banquet Room

The Banquet Room at Gluek’s has no rental fee.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 60
Capacity (cocktail): 60+
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on night
Additional experiences: includes access to Beer Garden

Hell’s Kitchen

80 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis 55402
(612) 238-1427, events@hellskitcheninc.com
More information

Venue: Hell’s Kitchen Underground Room

Underground 2up_ — The Underground Room at Hell’s Kitchen comes with a full stage, a 12-foot projector screen, and no rental fee.

Private or semi-private
Capacity (seated): 160
Capacity (cocktail): 325
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies
Additional experiences: full stage; 12 foot projector screen; professional sound system; attached parking ramp which goes into lobby; connected to Minneapolis skyway system

Venue: Hell’s Kitchen Minnesota Room

MNRoom 2up_ — The Minnesota Room at Hell’s Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis.

Private or semi-private
Capacity (seated): 135
Capacity (cocktail): 200
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies
Additional experiences: attached parking ramp which goes into lobby; connected to Minneapolis skyway system

Venue: Hell’s Kitchen Far Side Pub

Far Side Pub2up_ — Hell’s Kitchen is connected to the Minneapolis skyway system and the restaurant has a parking ramp attached to its lobby.

Private or semi-private
Capacity (seated): 50
Capacity (cocktail): 60
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies
Additional experiences: attached parking ramp which goes into lobby; connected to Minneapolis skyway system

Venue: Hell’s Kitchen Full Restaurant Buyout
Private
Capacity (seated): 345
Capacity (cocktail): 425
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies
Additional experiences: 2 full bars; private restrooms; 12 foot projector screen; professional sound system; attached parking ramp which goes into lobby; connected to Minneapolis skyway system

Masu Sushi & Robata

The Nomu Room Bar and Private Dining 2 — Masu Sushi & Robata’s location in Northeast Minneapolis has a private room with no rental fee.

330 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis 55414
(612) 332-6278, info@masusushiandrobata.com

Located in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages (with two weeks notice)
Final bill can be split amongst guests

Venue: Nomu Room

The Nomu Room Private Dining.jpg — The Nomu Room at Masu Sushi & Robata in Northeast Minneapolis has its own bar and private restrooms.

Private
Capacity (seated): 40
Capacity (cocktail): 40
Includes access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private restrooms, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $1,200

Saint Paul

DeGidio’s Restaurant & Bar

DeGidios 2.jpg — DeGidio’s is located along West 7th in Saint Paul, not far from downtown, but quite accessible for guests.

425 Seventh Street West, Saint Paul 55102
(651) 291-7105, info@degidios.com
More information

Final bill can be split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available
Valet parking is available (for events and after 5:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday nights October – March)

Venue: DeGidio Event Venue

DeGidios 3 — The Event Venue at DeGidio’s and seat up to 160 people and does not have a rental fee.

Private
Capacity (seated): 40 to 160
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0 (deposit of $100 required for Sunday – Thursday nights and $500 for Friday – Saturday nights)
Food and beverage minimum: There is a $22 food minimum per adult in the DeGidio Event Venue. Beverages do no count toward the minimum. There is a $1,000 food minimum for events with less than 45 guests on Friday and Saturday evenings. There is a $750 food minimum Sunday – Thursday evenings for events with less than 35 guests. Children under 10 are half price.

Holman’s Table

644 Bayfield Street, Saint Paul 55107
(612) 800-5298, contact@holmanstable.com
More information

View of the Holman Field tarmac
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced and split amongst guests (based on event)
Valet parking available for hire

Venue: Earhart Room
Private
Capacity (seated): 70
Capacity (cocktail): 100
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in music, access to smart TV, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: based on event
Food and beverage minimum: based on event

Bloomington

FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar

FireLake Private Dining Room 2.jpg — FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar inside Radisson Blu Mall of America.

2100 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington 55425
(952) 851-4040, reservationsmoa@firelakerestaurant.com

Inside the Radisson Blu Mall of America; connected to the Mall by skyway
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be split amongst guests up to 5 ways
On-site parking is available ($17)
Additional on-site parking is available in the Mall of America ramps
Valet parking is available ($12 event parking, $25 overnight parking)

Venue: Dining Room

FireLake Private Dining Room 1.jpeg — The Semi-Private Dining Room at FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar at the Radisson Blu Mall of America.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 60
Capacity (cocktail): 75
Includes access to smart TV (additional fee), private bar (additional fee), handicap accessible
Rental fee: $50
Food and beverage minimum: Varies

Venue: Lounge

FireLake Cocktail Bar Pool Tables.jpg — Guests in The Lounge at FireLake can enjoy a game of pool.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 46
Capacity (cocktail): 100
Includes access to smart TV (additional fee), private bar (additional fee), handicap accessible
Rental fee: $50
Food and beverage minimum: Varies
Additional experiences: includes 2 pool tables

Lela Restaurant

Lela PDR — The Private Dining Room at Lela Restaurant in Bloomington.

5601 West 78th Street, Bloomington 55439
(952) 656-5980, events@lelarestaurant.com
More information

Attached to the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests

Complimentary on-site parking available

Venue: Lela Private Dining Room
Private
Capacity (seated): 36
Capacity (cocktail): 20-40
Includes access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: varies
Food and beverage minimum: varies

Venue: Lela Lounge

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 58
Capacity (cocktail): not available
Includes access to microphone, access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: varies
Food and beverage minimum: varies
Additional experiences: happy hour menu available in this space

Venue: Lela Wine Room

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 10
Capacity (cocktail): not available
Includes access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: varies
Food and beverage minimum: varies

Venue: Restaurant Buyout

Capacity (seated): 175
Capacity (cocktail): 225
Includes access to microphone, access to smart TV, private restrooms, handicap accessible
Rental fee: varies
Food and beverage minimum: varies

Chanhassen

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen 55317
(952) 934-1524, randerson@chanhassendt.com
More information

The Chanhassen Dinner Theatres isn’t just for date nights and wedding receptions!
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available
Discounts or packages for groups of 12 or more may be available for performances in the Main Dinner Theatre, Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret, and the Fireside Theatre Concert Series. Call (952) 934-1547 for details.

Venue: The Club

The Club at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

Private
Capacity (seated): 175
Capacity (cocktail): 225
Includes access to microphone, access to smart TV (additional fee), private bar, handicap accessible, private entrance
Rental fee: varies
Food and beverage minimum: varies

Venue: Garden, Jonathan and Carver Rooms

From 50 to 300 people, the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres can accommodate groups of all sizes!

Private
Capacity (seated): 250 — the rooms can be divided and closed off for smaller parties (as few as 50)
Capacity (cocktail): 300
Includes access to microphone, access to smart TV (additional fee), private bar, handicap accessible (note: dancing area is not handicap accessible)
Rental fee: varies
Food and beverage minimum: varies

Venue: Director’s Suites — available for Main Stage shows at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Private
Capacity (seated): 4 or 33 (two Suites available)
Capacity (cocktail): 33
Includes access to smart TV (additional fee), private bar (additional fee)
Rental fee: guests must purchase dinner and show tickets
Food and beverage minimum: a minimum of 20 people for larger space

Edina

Tavern on France

6740 France Avenue S, Edina, MN 55435
(952) 358-6100
More information

Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available

Venue at Tavern on France

The semi-private space at Tavern on France in Edina has no rental fee and only a $500 minimum Mondays thru Thursdays.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): 55
Capacity (cocktail): 55
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV (no sound), handicap accessible
Complimentary black or white linens, gift/check-in table available
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $500 Monday – Thursday, $1200 Friday – Saturday

Maple Grove

Lookout Bar and Grill

Banquet room — The Lookout Bar and Grill in Maple Grove.

8672 Pineview Lane, Maple Grove 55369
(763) 424-4365
More information

Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available

Venue: Patioview and Fireside Rooms

patioview 3 — The Fireside Room at the Lookout Bar and Grill.

Private
Capacity (seated): 60 (if booked together)
Capacity (cocktail): 70 (if booked together)
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies
Additional experiences: Patioview comes with a private patio space

Minnetonka

Spasso

17523 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka 55345
(952) 224-9555, customerservice@spassomn.com
More information

Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available

Venue: Spasso Private Dining Room

SpassoPDR4 — Food and beverage minimums at Spasso in Minnetonka start at $250.

Private
Capacity (seated): 56
Capacity (cocktail): 85
Includes access to plug in own music, includes access to smart TV, handicap accessible, dimmable lighting
Rental fee: a 5% event fee is added on to the final bill in lieu of a rental fee
Food and beverage minimum: lunch event: $250; Sunday-Monday evenings $250, Tuesday-Wednesday evenings $450, Thursday evening $650, Friday-Saturday evenings $850

Saint Louis Park

Park Tavern

3401 Louisiana Avenue South, Saint Louis Park 55426
(952) 929-6810, reservations@parktavern.net
More information

Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available

Venue: Atrium

Park Tavern Atrium — The Atrium inside Park Tavern.

Private
Capacity (seated): 36
Capacity (cocktail): not applicable
Includes access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $0

Venue: Party Room

Park Tavern Party Room — There is no food and beverage minimum for the Party Room at the Park Tavern.

Private
Capacity (seated): 40
Capacity (cocktail): not applicable
Includes access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: $0

Venue: Bowling Lanes

Semi-private or private
Capacity (seated): 200
Capacity (cocktail): not applicable
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, private bar, handicap accessible, private entrance
Rental fee: No flat fee — determined by when event is held
Food and beverage minimum: No flat fee — determined by when event is held
Additional experiences: 20 bowling lanes; 3 buffet areas; children’s arcade; smoking patio

Venue: 11th Frame

Park Tavern 11th Frame — Rent out the entire 11th Frame, which can turn into a private bar for your group.

Semi-private or private
Capacity (seated): 100
Capacity (cocktail): not applicable
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: No flat fee — determined by when event is held
Food and beverage minimum: No flat fee — determined by when event is held
Additional experiences: space includes 13 TVs, 4 pool tables, 5 dart boards, Big Buck Hunter video game, Golden Tee video game, Skee Ball machine, TouchTunes juke box, seasonal outdoor patio with additional 120 seats available

Wayzata

6Smith

294 Grove Lane North, Wayzata 55391
(952) 698-7900, party@6smith.com
More information

Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages
Final bill can be invoiced or split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available
Valet parking is available ($8)

Venue: Revel Room

Revel+Room.jpg — The Revel Room at 6Smith includes panoramic views of Lake Minnetonka and a private patio.

Private or semi-private
Capacity (seated): up to 50
Capacity (cocktail): 50
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private bar upon request, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on time, day of week and time of year (ranges from $1,250-3,000)
Additional experiences: includes panoramic views of Lake Minnetonka, private patio space

Venue: Knotty Room

Knotty+Room.JPG — The Knotty Room at 6Smith in Wayzata.

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): up to 14
Capacity (cocktail): 25
Includes access to microphone, access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on time, day of week and time of year (ranges from $500-1,250)

Venue: Revel & Knotty Rooms

6Smith+Revel+Knotty.JPG — Combine the Revel & Knotty Rooms at 6Smith for additional space.

Private or semi-private
Capacity (seated): up to 86
Capacity (cocktail): 100
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart TV, private bar upon request, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on time, day of week and time of year (ranges from $2,000-4,200)
Additional experiences: includes panoramic views of Lake Minnetonka, private patio space

Venue: The Tavern

Semi-private
Capacity (seated): up to 64
Capacity (cocktail): 50
Includes access to smart TV, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0
Food and beverage minimum: varies depending on time, day of week and time of year (ranges from $1,000-5,000)
Additional experiences: includes panoramic views of Lake Minnetonka

Woodbury

Angelina’s Kitchen

Angelinas 1.jpg — Angelina’s Kitchen in Woodbury.

2170 Eagle Creek Lane, Suite H, Woodbury 55129
(651) 998-0474, angela@angelinaskitchen.com
More information

Final bill can be split amongst guests
Complimentary on-site parking available
Menus can be specialized with logo and special messages

Venue: Tuscany Room

Angelinas 2 — The Tuscany Room at Angelina’s Kitchen has no rental fee.

Semi-private or private
Capacity (seated): 70
Capacity (cocktail): 100
Includes access to microphone, access to plug in own music, access to smart Apple TV, access to private restrooms, private bar, handicap accessible
Rental fee: $0, a service fee of $30 per hour per staff member will be charged; staff count will be determined by guest count, menu and service style
Food and beverage minimum: private events: $1,500 Monday – Thursday, $2,000 Friday – Saturday; $0 for semi-private

With the crowdsourced list of restaurants below, it’s recommended you visit their websites to ensure they offer the private dining options you need.

Minneapolis

4 Bells (see above)
508 Bar + Restaurant (see above)
Butcher & the Boar (see above)
Cafe and Bar Lurcat (see above)
Erte & the Peacock Lounge (see above)
FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar (see above)
The Freehouse (see above)
Hell’s Kitchen (see above)
Masu Sushi & Robata (see above)

Saint Paul

DeGidio’s Restaurant & Bar (see above)
Holman’s Table (see above)
Boca Chica Restaurante Mexicano y Cantina
Buca di Beppo
Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies
Downtowner Woodfire Grill
The Fitz
Green Mill
In Bloom
The Lexington
Mancini’s
The Nook
Parlour Bar
PUBLIC kitchen + bar
Salut Bar Americain
Yarusso Bros.

Arden Hills

Apple Valley

Vivo

Blaine

Burnsville

Champlin

Buona Sera Wine Bar

Chanhassen

Coon Rapids

Eagan

Eden Prairie

Edina

Excelsior

Golden Valley

Hastings

Hopkins

Pizza Luce

Long Lake

Maple Grove

Maplewood

Mendota

Minnetonka

New Hope

Pub 42 Restaurant and Bar

Plymouth

Richfield

Rogers

Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies

Rosemount

Fireside

Roseville

Saint Louis Park

Savage

Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies

Shakopee

Spring Park

Lord Fletcher’s

South Saint Paul

Kaposia Club

Stillwater

Vadnais Heights

Mad Jacks Sports Cafe

Wayzata

6SMITH (see above)
Bellecour

Woodbury

The best comedy clubs in Minnesota

January 20, 2019January 20, 2019 by Give Me The Mike, posted in randoMNess

I was on KSTP-TV’s Twin Cities Live with a roundup of the best places for standup and improv comedy in Minnesota.

Acme Comedy Company
- North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis
- Monday is Open Mic Night — admission is free!
- Plan a bit of time to find parking on the street; download the Minneapolis parking app so you can pay from your phone and get alerts when your meter is about to expire
HUGE Improv Theater
- Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis
- Improv comedy 6 nights a week (closed Tuesdays)
- Tickets are usually $10, with some shows ‘pay what you like’
Cinema Grill
- New Hope
- Check the schedule in advance as they don’t always have a show
- Big names go through the community of New Hope — Todd Bridges, Ben Bailey (“Cash Cab”)
Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret
- Inside the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen
- Shows Friday and Saturday nights
- Similar format to “Whose Line is it Anyway?”
- If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, make sure to let the troupe know!

Your recommendations:

Brave New Workshop (sketch and improv comedy)
- Downtown Minneapolis
Mixed Blood Theatre
- Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis
- Blackout Improv the third Monday of the month

Have a suggestion for a great comedy club in Minnesota? Let me know!

A Minnesota holiday lights display guide, 2018 edition

November 22, 2018November 24, 2019 by Give Me The Mike, posted in randoMNess

Looking for the 2019 guide? Click here

‘Tis the season for holiday light displays! Check out this roundup of displays around Minnesota.

Many other websites have outdated information — don’t trust them! The listings below are accurate for 2018 and nearly every single listing has information submitted by the homeowner or organizer.

I was on KSTP-TV’s Twin Cities Live on December 10th with a roundup of some of the best spots on this list. Take a look!

Want more best of Minnesota roundups? Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest!

Albert Lea

Carter Christmas Lights Show
1905 Brookside Drive
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Carter Christmas.jpg — *Courtesy: Carter Christmas Lights Show*

November 17th – December 31st, 2018
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Tune in to 93.5 FM to hear the music that is synced up to the 34,000 LED lights on display
The Carter Christmas Lights Show is drawing awareness to Spruce Up Albert Lea, a $75,000 fundraising campaign to help update the city of Albert Lea’s holiday display — something that hasn’t been done over in 20 years
This display is just minutes away from Interstates 35 and 90, so if you’re traveling this holiday season, it’s easy to check out if you find yourself in southern Minnesota
Watch their 2018 light show on YouTube

Albertville

Albertville Lights
5669 Large Avenue
Albertville, MN 55301

November 22nd, 2018 – January 6th, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am Friday – Saturday)
Tune in on 89.1 FM to hear music that is synchronized to the lights. Don’t miss the singing Santa!
Albertville Lights includes more than 300 blow mold figurines and over 20,000 lights

Andover

Cairl Family Christmas Lights
2342 145th Avenue NW
Andover, MN 55304

November 22nd, 2018 – January 5th, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:30 pm Friday – Saturday)
Tune into 99.1 FM to hear the music that goes along with the light show
Approximately 86,000 lights are included!
The Cairl family reminds you to make sure you turn off your headlights so you can really enjoy the display. Also, a friendly reminder to not park in or block any driveway in the neighborhood
The display raises awareness for Hope4Youth, a non-profit based in Anoka helping homeless young adults meet basic needs

Apple Valley

Lights on Flagstaff
13452 Flagstaff Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124

Thru December 31st, 2018
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
It will be hard to miss the 100 plus blow mold figurines!
Turn your radio to 87.9 FM for music synced up to the light show
This display raises awareness for lyme disease

Porter’s Holiday Light Show
13596 Hollins Court
Apple Valley, MN 55124

porters holiday light show.jpg — *Courtesy: Porter’s Holiday Light Show via Facebook*

November 22nd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Tune your car radio to 89.9 FM to hear music that is synced to the light display
Features 16,000 lights

Becker

11395 Third Street
Becker, MN 55308

November 22nd, 2018 – January 6th, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 11:00 pm
50,000 lights!

Blaine

Durrant Family Lights
1750 130th Avenue NE
Blaine, MN 55449

durrant family lights.jpg — *Courtesy: Durrant Family Lights via Facebook*

November 23rd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Tune in to special music on 87.9 FM from your car
Features 10,000 lights

Chaska

SnoMutt Lights
1913 Waterford Circle
Chaska, MN 55318

snomutt lights.jpg — *Courtesy: SnoMutt Lights via Facebook*

December 7th – December 25th, 2018
7 nights a week (6:30 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 6:30 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Make sure your radio is tuned to 87.9 FM when you drive by!
Includes approximately 15,000 pixels

Christmas on Crest
1561 Crest Drive
Chaska, MN 55318

christmas on crest.jpg — *Christmas on Crest (submitted photo)*

November 17th – December 26th, 2018
7 nights a week (6:00 – 9:00 pm Monday – Thursday, 5:00 – 9:00 pm Friday – Sunday)
Tune your radios to 89.9 FM for music
If it isn’t windy outside, keep an eye out for a 20 foot inflatable nutcracker!

Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive
Chaska, MN 55318

minnesota landscape arboretum.jpg — *Courtesy: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum via Facebook*

Fridays thru Sundays until January 6th, 2019
Additional dates December 26th – 27th, December 31st and January 1st
5:00 – 9:00 pm
Approximately 100,000 lights on 14 outdoor displays
This is a walking display; 90% is ADA accessible
New highlights include a s’more village — make 4 s’mores for $5
Stop by on Friday nights for wine tastings from Schram Vineyards
$15 admission if you are not a member of the Arboretum
Kids 15 and under are always free at the Arboretum!

Circle Pines

Barno Family Lights
4102 88th Lane NE
Circle Pines, MN 55014

barno family lights.jpg — *Courtesy: Barno Family Lights via Facebook*

November 23rd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:30 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Around 10,000 lights
Raises money and awareness for the Ronald McDonald House

Duluth

Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound and Light Show
2725 Exhibition Drive
Duluth, MN 55811

November 23rd – December 31st, 2018
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Don’t forget to tune your radio to hear the music! Look out for signs with the frequency
They have won Duluth’s lighting contests every year since 2012

The Great Glensheen Tacky Christmas Display
Glensheen Mansion
3300 London Road
Duluth, MN 55805

November 23rd – December 31st, 2018
Friday and Saturday nights
Additional dates December 26th – December 31st, 2018
5:00 – 9:00 pm
The ‘tacky’ outdoor display is made of 62 snowmen, 8 bears, 3 beavers, 3 sharks, 2 foxes, 1 unicorn, 1 Santa band, 1 yeti and 1 elf car
Don’t forget to tour the inside of Glensheen! It’s decked out on the holidays and is open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

East Bethel

Enchanted Forest
1206 226th Avenue NE
East Bethel, MN 55005

December 1st, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
See 140 mold figurines and 4,000 lights!

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Kasson

406 Sixth Street Court NE
Kasson, MN 55944

Thru January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Tune in to 88.1 FM for music synced to these 32,000 lights
They are accepting donations for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Kasson Fire & Rescue
Kids can enter a coloring contest for the chance to win a new bicycle! Check out the front of the display for how to enter

Lake Elmo

Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church
5825 Kelvin Avenue N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042

Thru December 31st, 2018
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Check out this church sharing the Christmas story
Turn your car’s radio to 97.9 FM as you drive through the display of 100,000 lights
Free to attend

Lakeville

Trinity Christmas Lights
9118 161st Street West
Lakeville, MN 55044

December 1st – 31st, 2018
7 nights a week starting at 6:00 pm, last show starts at 10:00 pm
Features approximately 10,000 LED pixels
This year’s theme is “A Nutcracker Christmas,” a modern interpretation of the traditional Nutcracker ballet
Tune in to 91.7 FM to hear music
Trinity Christmas Lights started in 2017

Lino Lakes

Holiday Lights on Cinnamon Teal Court
7188 Cinnamon Teal Court
Lino Lakes, MN 55014

cinnamon teal court.jpg — *Courtesy: Michelle Gooder via Facebook*

November 23rd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 11:00 pm
Bring a non-perishable food item which will be donated
Includes 15,000 lights

Mankato

Kiwanis Holiday Lights
903 Park Lane
Mankato, MN 56001

November 23rd – December 31st, 2018
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
1.7 million lights are on display at Sibley Park in Mankato!
Turn your car radio to 97.3 FM as you enter the park; that station has music, Christmas trivia and information about the event
You can also walk through the display; speakers will play music
Once you enter the driving loop, switch over to 90.1 FM
Nearly 80 non-profit groups are involved in putting this event on each year
Non-perishable food and monetary donations are accepted and given back to the participating non-profits
Free to attend

Minneapolis

University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE)
Civil Engineering Building
500 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

23331121_1617042005005993_3645562719023662118_o — *Courtesy: College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota*

November 30th – December 1st and December 6th – 8th
November 30th at 5:30 pm, shows other days at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 pm
The 15 minute show features 250,000 LED lights set to music written by University of Minnesota students
Free hot chocolate on opening night!
An annual tradition now in its 8th year
Find directions and parking information here

House on Howard
2418 Howard Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

house on howard.jpg — *Courtesy: House on Howard via Facebook*

December 1st – 25th, 2018
Friday – Sunday nights from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Lights will be other days as well, but hot chocolate and candy canes will be handed out Fridays – Sundays from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Santa makes an appearance on December 15th at 7:00 pm
Includes 10,000 lights

Montrose

Mindy Lane Holiday Display
135 Mindy Lane
Montrose, MN 55363

November 24th, 2018 – January 6th, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
30,000 lights all aglow
Tune your radio to 105.9 FM to hear their music!
They are collecting new and gently used coloring and activity books which will be donated to Kruzin 4 Kids

New Hope

Larson’s Lights
3549 Ensign Avenue
New Hope, MN 55427

larsons lights.jpg — *Courtesy: Larson’s Lights via Facebook*

November 23rd, 2018 – January 3rd, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Over 500,000 lights! That’s a lot
Listen to music synced with lights on 87.9 FM
You can also get updates on their Facebook page

Plymouth

PD Shimmers
4110 Juneau Road and 4320 Ithaca Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55446

pd shimmers 2.jpg — *Courtesy: PD Shimmers*

November 23rd – December 28th, 2018
7 nights a week (5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Ithaca, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. on Juneau)
PD Shimmers is a multi-block holiday light display drawing awareness to Parkinson’s
Over 60,000 lights are included — one for every American diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018
Organizer Mike Justak is battling Parkinson’s, and said 2017 would be his last year. However, neighbors stepped up to help plan this year’s display
Both areas will have synchronized shows to music on 97.9 FM
Check out their website to see the best way to navigate the neighborhood from your car

Joy of the Season
4810 Orchid Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55446

Joy of the Season.jpg — *Courtesy: Joy of the Season via Facebook*

November 23rd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
Tune your car radio to 87.9 FM for music
Raises awareness for the Animal Humane Society

Prior Lake

Lights at the Cove
3490 Cove Point Circle NW
Prior Lake, MN 55372

lights at the cove.jpg — *Courtesy: Lights at the Cove via Facebook*

November 22nd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week
15 minute shows begin at 5:00 pm, with a five minute break between shows (shows are at :00, :20 and :40 past the hour)
Last show is 9:40 pm Sunday – Thursday, 10:40 pm Friday – Saturday
As you enter the cul-de-sac, tune your radio to 89.1 FM

Saint Joseph

Morningside Loop Lights
802 Morningside Loop
Saint Joseph, MN 56374

morningside loop.jpg — *Courtesy: Morningside Loop Lights via Facebook*

November 22nd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Lights synchronize to music you can tune in from your car
Features 50,000 lights

Saint Paul

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at Union Depot
214 4th Street East
St. Paul, MN 55101

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train.jpg — The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into Lowertown Saint Paul on Monday, December 10. *Courtesy: Canadian-Pacific/Union Depot*

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop by Union Depot at 7:00 pm on Monday, December 10th
The event is free and open to the public
VIP tickets are $10 and provide a special viewing area nearest the stage
Better yet, thru December 2nd, you can enter to win 4 VIP tickets! Click here.
Those attending are encouraged to bring a heart-healthy non-perishable food donation for Keystone Community Services

Holiday Lights on York Avenue
1526 York Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55106

holiday lights on york avenue.jpg — *Courtesy: Holiday Lights on York Avenue/Schultz Family Lights via Facebook*

November 23rd – December 31st, 2018
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 10:00 pm
65,000 lights span across houses along a block in Saint Paul, just north of 94
Drop off a donation for Merrick Community Services Food Shelf
Tune in to 91.5 FM for some tunes
Get updates on their Facebook page

Sleepy Eye

Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights
Sportsman’s Park (on Sleepy Eye Lake)
MN Highway 4
Sleepy Eye, MN 56085

November 22nd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week, 5:00 – 10:00 pm daily
See 200,000 LED lights! Listen to music on 89.1 FM
Plan a trip for some of their special events:
- Friday, November 23rd: horse and carriage rides
- Saturday, November 24th: Santa!
- Friday, December 7th – Sunday, December 9th: hay wagon rides
- Friday, December 21st and Saturday, December 22nd: horse and carriage rides
Sleepy Eye holiday lights is a non-profit organization

White Bear Lake

Our Last Holiday Light Show
5590 West Bald Eagle Lake Blvd
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

last holiday light show.jpg — *Courtesy: Our Last Holiday Light Show via Facebook*

November 26th, 2018 – January 3rd, 2019
7 nights a week from 5:00 – 11:00 pm
For the last few years, Our Last Holiday Lights Show said that year would be the last year they would put up lights. They tell me that 2018 is the finale. But that’s what they told me in 2017 🙂
This show is in its 37th year
The display on the shores of Bald Eagle Lake is quite popular and includes 200,000 lights

Woodbury

Holiday Lights of Woodbury
8846 Glacier Road
Woodbury, MN 55125

November 23rd, 2018 – January 1st, 2019
7 nights a week (5:00 – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 – 11:00 pm Friday – Saturday)
Turn your radio to 97.9 FM as you drive by
Boasts 13,000 lights

Crazy Light Display
7401 Wyndham Way
Woodbury, MN 55125

Thru December 25th, 2018 (possible extension through December 31st, 2018)
7 night a week (Sunday – Thursday dusk – 9:00 pm, Friday – Saturday dusk – 10:00 pm)
Drive by to see 100 figurines and about 20,000 lights!

A guide to Minnesota holiday light displays, 2017 edition

November 25, 2017November 29, 2019 by Give Me The Mike, posted in randoMNess

The 2019 Minnesota holiday light display guide can be found here.

Here’s a roundup of 2017 holiday light displays around Minnesota. Know of one I’m missing? Let me know by filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page. I have personally confirmed these shows are happening in 2017; be wary of other websites!

This listing is presented in collaboration with Family Fun Twin Cities.
They have a fantastic holiday activity guide on their website. Check it out!

Looking for more holiday event ideas? Check out my 40 Ways to Holiday guide.

I was on KSTP-TV’s Twin Cities Live to share some of these light display picks. Check out the video!

Minneapolis

The University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE) will premiere a student-designed 3D outdoor light show starting at 5:00 p.m. on December 1. It features 250,000 LED lights (!!!) set to music. Coolest part: much of the show is designed, sequenced, composed and performed by U of M students. The December 1 premiere includes a party inside Rapson Hall on campus. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be served. The show lasts about 20 minutes and repeats at 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. They’ll also run the light show on December 2, 7, 8 and 9.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops at Lions Park between 37th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard on Saturday, December 9 at 7:45 p.m. A program with live music performance takes place from 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. Learn more about the Holiday Train.

Saint Paul

Rice Park.jpg — The holiday tree in Rice Park has 15,000 LED lights.

The Capital City’s holiday tree in Rice Park adorns 15,000 LED lights and stays lit nightly through the holiday season. It’s free to check it out. Make sure to visit Wells Fargo WinterSkate across the street. Learn more.
A few years ago, I met the households behind what’s nearly a full city block of holiday light displays in Saint Paul. Holiday Lights on York Avenue even has its own website. The light show is set to music, and you’ll be able to listen to it from the radio in your car. It boasts more than 60,000 lights across 10 yards. The show starts on Friday, November 24 and runs through New Years Eve. You can see it lit up nightly from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Bring a non-perishable food donation for Merrick Community Services, a non-profit serving the east side of Saint Paul since 1908. To find Holiday Lights on York Avenue, have your GPS take you to 1526 York Avenue, Saint Paul 55106.

Andover

Head to 2342 145th Avenue Northwest in Andover to see the display put up by the Cairl family. It runs Sundays – Thursdays from 5:00 – 9:30 p.m. and Fridays – Saturdays from 5:00 – 10:30 p.m. The show is synchronized to music you’ll be able to listen to from your car.
Set your radio to 107.5 FM when driving by this home in Andover. It’ll be lit up from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. nightly December 13 through New Years Eve. You’ll find it located at 3715 152nd Lane Northwest.

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Anoka

The Anoka County Fairgrounds host a free Holiday in Lights celebration December 8 through the 10. There will be hayrides, live music and an appearance by Santa and his blushing bride, Mrs. Claus. It’s free to attend.

Buffalo

Buffalo is a scheduled stop for the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. Find it on Monday, December 11 at 612 Northeast Third Avenue at 5:45 p.m. The event is free. Learn more about the Holiday Train here.

Chaska

The SnoMutt Lights Holiday Show kicks of December 8th in Chaska. You’ll see the synchronized show from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays and 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. Fridays – Saturdays. It’ll stay lit through December 31. Find it at 1913 Waterford Circle in Chaska.

Cloquet

A handful of homes and businesses in Cloquet are participating in A Sweet Event’s Christmas Lighting Challenge. Click here to see a list of placess all lit up, along with how you can vote for the best display.

Cottage Grove

CP Holiday Train — It’s a light display on wheels: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into Cottage Grove on Saturday, December 9. Photo credit: Canadian Pacific

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in Cottage Grove on Saturday, December 9 at 5:15 p.m. You’ll find it south of the Seiben Bridge in front of the Youth Service Bureau. A program takes place from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Learn more about the Holiday Train.

Duluth

Bentleyville claims to be the nation’s largest free walk-through light display. Photo credit: Bentleyville

Claiming to be “America’s Largest Free Walk Through Lighting Display,” Bentleyville in Duluth is the real deal. They have a “crowd-o-meter” on their website to determine which nights are the most crowded, Santa makes frequent appearances, and they even hand out free knit hats to kids 10 and younger. Organizers say about 30 minutes is a good amount of time to walk through the light display, and if you want a photo with jolly old Saint Nick, set aside at least an hour. The key is to dress warm, as winds coming off of Lake Superior can be nasty. Bentleyville is 501(c)(3) non-profit and accepts tax-deductible contributions. You’ll find it at Bayfront Festival Park — 700 Railroad Street — in Duluth. It’s open through December 26, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Jon Jacobs told me about the holiday sound and light show on Exhibition Drive in Duluth. Their Facebook page says they’ve won holiday light contests in Duluth every year since 2012. Their show features 36 channels of lights choreographed to holiday music that you’ll be able to hear from your car’s radio. See it twinkle through New Years Eve from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays and 5:00 — 11:00 p.m. Fridays – Saturdays.
Peter from A Sweet Event messaged me with a great resource for those looking for lights up north. Every year, they host a Christmas Lighting Challenge and in 2017, have around 50 homes and businesses participating in Duluth, Superior, Two Harbors and Cloquet. Check it out.

Golden Valley

Head to the Level Railway Crossing at Golden Hills Drive on Sunday, December 10 at 4:50 p.m. to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train roll in. Learn more.

Hastings

CP Holiday Train 2 — The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train makes its way to Hastings on Friday, December 8. Photo credit: Canadian Pacific

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls into the CP Depot at 500 East Second Street at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 8. A program with live music will begin at 8:45 p.m. The event is free; attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations. Learn more.

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Lake Elmo

Over 100,000 LED lights are choreographed to music you can listen to from your car in Lake Elmo. Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church runs 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. nightly through December 31. Free wagon rides will be offered December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Rockpoint Church is at 5825 Kelvin Avenue North in Lake Elmo.

Mankato

Over 1.5 million lights make up the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display in Mankato. Find it at Sibley Park. Photo credit: Kiwanis Holiday Lights via Facebook

The Kiwanis put on a light show you can walk or drive through at Sibley Park in Mankato. It features over 1.5 million LED lights, a skating rink with warming house and special daily events. You can check it out Sundays – Thursdays from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Fridays – Saturdays from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. through December 31. Friday, December 15 is a great night to visit; you can check out ice sculptures, hope on a horse-drawn wagon ride and visit with Santa and his reindeer. Kiwanis Holiday Lights is free. Thanks to Kathy Gelhaye for the suggestion!

Minnetrista

The owner of this display has shut it down, citing loud party buses and visitors. More from KSTP. ~~Trista Lights~~ ~~is run by Ryan Kasper-Cook, and this guy means business. Seriously, he owns a lighting business.~~ ~~Just take a look at this video~~ of what he’s doing out in the west metro. He also works with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska to produce their light show. They were actually featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” (~~click here~~ to watch part of that). Head to 4386 Trista Road in Minnetrista to check it out; it runs from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays and from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Fridays – Saturdays. The 12-minute show runs every half hour.

New Hope

The Larson family creates a light show synchronized to music that runs past New Years Day. You’ll see the 100,000 plus lights in action from 4:30 – 10:00 p.m. weeknights and 4:30 – 11:00 p.m. on the weekends. Outdoor speakers will play the music until 9:00 p.m.; you can also hear it on their radio station, “The Sled.” It’s at 3549 Ensign Avenue North, New Hope.
Head to the Level Railway Crossing on 49th Street on Sunday, December 10 at 3:35 p.m. to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train roll in. Free music performances start at 3:45 p.m. It’s free to attend. Learn more about the Holiday Train.

Plymouth

1497810_551973208232567_972353881_n — The Fischer family in Plymouth uses 40,000 lights in just one front yard. Photo credit: Fischer family

The Fischer family in Plymouth says they have “somewhere around 40,000 lights” in their display. It’s computer-controlled and is set to music you’ll be able to listen to through your car’s radio. You’ll be able to see it from December 1-31 with the exception of Christmas Eve. Check out their elaborate website — it unveils the curtain on how they get their yard set up each year. Their display is at 16700 33rd Avenue North in Plymouth.
The PD Shimmers display in Plymouth is designed and built by those living with Parkinson’s disease. In 2017, 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so the PD Shimmers display will feature 60,000 lights this year. On their website, you can dedicate one of their lights to someone you know with Parkinson’s. The display is along Ithaca Lane; head to 4320 Ithaca Lane North, Plymouth. It is lit nightly from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. starting November 24 and lasting through Christmas.

Richfield

Originally known as the Gingerbread House, the display at 7039 Third Avenue South in Richfield is back. They’re also known to set up quite the display for Halloween as well.

Saint Louis Park

Head to the Saint Louis Park Emergency Program building at 6812 West Lake Street on Sunday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m. to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. Free music performances take place from 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Learn more about the Holiday Train.

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Shakopee

There’s a winter wonderland happening in Shakopee! Check out this light display at 921 Shakopee Avenue East in Shakopee. Lights will be on each night through New Years Day. Between December 15 and Christmas Eve, they’ll have crafts, treats hot cocoa and visits from Santa beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Sleepy Eye

Holiday Lights in Motion runs through New Years at Sportsmans Park in Sleepy Eye. Select nights will offer free horse and carriage rides along with a freewill concession stand. You’re able to drive or walk through the exhibits, which are all made of LED lights. It’s open nightly from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Thanks to Cindy LaBrie for suggesting this spot!

Two Harbors

Homes and businesses in Two Harbors (along with Duluth, Cloquet and Superior, WI) are participating in A Sweet Event’s 2017 Christmas Lighting Challenge. Find an interactive with places participating here.

Waconia

The Winery at Sovereign Estate in Waconia uses eight miles worth of lights to create its display, The Spirit of Winter. Photo credit: The Winery at Sovereign Estate

This is the event to take the place of Holiday Lights in the Park in Saint Paul. The Winery at Sovereign Estate in Waconia hosts the Spirit of Winter, a light show featuring over eight miles of lights over 10 acres, with animated displays set to synchronized music. Although it’s at a winery, all ages are welcome. And since it’s at a winery, their wine shop will be open for adults to buy a glass or bottle (no tastings). Cider, hot chocolate, cookies and more will be sold, too. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3 to 12. They must be purchased in advance online. The Spirit of Winter runs through Saturday, December 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) and is open again Thursday, January 25 through Saturday, February 3. It runs from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m.

White Bear Lake

Since publishing this article, multiple people have reached out to me about a White Bear Lake display on the shores of Bald Eagle Lake. It looked as though 2016 was going to be last year of the light display at 5590 West Bald Eagle Boulevard. Well, they couldn’t resist. It’s scaled back slightly, but you’ll still be amazed. Take a look at this YouTube video to see for yourself. It’s lit from 4:30 p.m. – midnight every day through the first week of January. Don’t let the Facebook page “Our Last Holiday Light Show” fool you.

Willmar

Celebrate the Light.jpg — Celebrate the Light of the World is entering its final year in Willmar. Photo credit: Celebrate the Light

Celebrate the Light of the World is entering its 10th and final year in Willmar. The display is a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. You can see it run nightly from 4:30 – 11:00 p.m. until January 7, including all night on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is unique — organizers host drive-in movies; see “ELF” on December 1, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” on December 2. The December 2 celebration also has a fireworks show. Santa will stop by on Saturday, December 9; a professional photographer will be there to snap free pictures of you and Father Christmas (donations will taken for the Salvation Army of Willmar).

Woodbury

You know a family’s light show is legit when it has sponsors. After taking a few years off, MNlightshow is back again this year in Woodbury. The show is synchronized to music you’ll be able to listen to from your car radio. The homeowners are collecting non-perishable food donations for Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf (look for the bin at the end of their driveway). You’ll see it lit up Sundays – Thursdays from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Fridays – Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. The address: 891 Winterberry Drive, Woodbury.

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40 Ways to Holiday, Day 16: December 8

November 16, 2017November 20, 2017 by Give Me The Mike, posted in 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 16: Friday, December 8

Featured pick: Union Pacific Holiday Train

If you have a kiddo who loves trains, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is a MUST. It will roll through 171 communities along their tracks throughout Canada and the United States this year. Each stop includes performances and a dazzling train inspired by the holidays. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations which will go to local charities. You aren’t able to hop aboard the holiday train, but the 30 minute event is worth it.

The Minnesota portion of the holiday train’s route actually start December 5 in Rochester. It begins its journey through the Twin Cities today: it’ll arrive in Hastings around 8:30 p.m.; expect the program to start at 8:45 p.m. Stops over the weekend include Cottage Grove, Northeast Minneapolis, New Hope, Golden Valley, Saint Louis Park, Loretto, Buffalo and Annandale.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Thursday, December 8
Hastings
8:30 p.m. arrival
8:45 p.m. program
Additional stops in Cottage Grove and Minneapolis on December 9; New Hope, Golden Valley and Saint Louis Park on December 10; Loretto, Buffalo, Annandale and Kimball on December 11.

CP Holiday Train 2.jpg — The little train engineer in your house will love to see the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train roll in. Photo credit: Canadian Pacific

Other happenings

The Anoka County Fairgrounds host a free Holiday in Lights celebration starting tonight. They’re be hayrides, live music and an appearance by Santa and his blushing bride, Mrs. Claus. Holiday in Lights runs through Sunday in Anoka.

Anoka County Fair.jpg — The Anoka County Fair will dazzle during their free Holiday in Lights event starting tonight.

Union Depot’s outdoor Christmas Market continues this weekend. The European-influenced shopping experience includes craft vendors, German imports and much more. Metro Transit is offering free rides (you’ll need to fill out this survey and download a pass if you go tonight). Special appearances during tonight’s 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. event include Santa, reindeer, and a concert by the Simley High School Choir. Union Depot’s European Christmas Market runs December 1 – 3 and 8 – 10.