For most people, the holidays are the busiest time of the year. Shopping malls are packed, there is plenty of traffic, work-related deadlines are fast approaching, and we are all just trying to get everything checked off of our to-do lists. Although this time of year can be stressful, there are also many fun things going on all around us. From breweries to bus tours, there is no shortage of holiday events in the Orono, MN area this month. Check out these events below if you find yourself in need of a reason to get out of the house this holiday season.
Betty’s Winter Wonderland Rooftop Display
Betty Danger’s Country Club
2501 Marshall Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Wednesdays & Sundays, November 15th – February 4th
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
$8
Stir up that fuzzy feeling inside with a romantic sleigh ride through a winter wonderland. Celebrate the season with a complimentary hot drink in hand (spike it for an extra $3), a bundle of blankets, and a retro rooftop holiday light display. This event happens every Wednesday and Sunday from November 15th to February 3rd (weather permitting) at Betty Danger’s Country Club. Call 612-315-4997 if you would like to set up your reservation.
2017 Holiday Lights Tour
MoA Bus / Overflow Parking Lot near Ikea
8000 24th Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55425
Every Thursday & Sunday in December
$15-30
Every year, it is always easy to find beautiful Christmas light displays in the Orono, MN area. Looking for a light tour that covers as much ground as possible? The 2017 Holiday Lights Tour is exactly what you’re looking for. Grab the bus at the Mall of America and get whisked away on a tour that hits all the holiday decoration hotspots in the nearby area. For interested adults, you are allowed to bring your own beer or wine on the bus, as long as you are responsible and don’t drink on someone’s lawn. The tour lasts for 2.5 hours and it is the perfect family event. If you’re interested, we recommend purchasing Early Bird tickets for a discount (while supplies last).
Nutcracker 2017
Eden Prairie High School Auditorium
17185 Valley View Road
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
12/15 – 7:00 pm
12/16 – 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
12/17 – 2:00 pm
$22-32
If you’re looking to add a bit of culture to your holidays, then the Academy of Russian Ballet has the answer for you. From December 15th to the 17th, the academy is presenting its 16th annual dance production of The Nutcracker classical ballet. This show is an authentic Russian classical version of the famous Nutcracker fairytale. Performed by Academy of Russian Ballet dancers, this show shines with its charm and authenticity. The production is being put on at the Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center, and there will be four showtimes in total. Get your tickets!
Pups, Pints, & Pictures with Santa
Lakes & Legends Brewing Company
1368 Lasalle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Sunday, December 17th: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
FREE
The Twin Cities Home Group RE/MAX Results has partnered with Vet Partners Pet Hospital for this fun afternoon for your family and furry friends. Swing by Lake & Legends Brewing Company for a photo with Santa and your pup. There will also be a Flagsmash taco truck, along with fun activities for kids and families.
If you’re feeling generous, Vet Partners Cares will be collecting donations. Each $10 cash donation will get you a custom celebration pint glass you can use for a Lakes & Legends beer. They will also be collecting any extra dog and cat food, toys, and bedding for Underdog Rescue along with Spot’s Last Stop Canine Rescue.
See the Story: A Living Nativity
Messiah Church
17805 County Road 6
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Sunday, December 17th: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
FREE
Want to take a quick trip back in time? See the Story: A Living Nativity transports you to that famous night that Jesus Christ was born. Witness the Christmas story brought to life with the help of local actors and live animals. This free event also comes with dinner, activities for kids, entertainment, and the chance to help out with a special Christmas service project. The night will conclude with a candlelit Christmas service in Messiah’s Sanctuary. Visit the Messiah Church site for more information on the event, including updates due to weather.
New Year’s Eve Magic Matinee at Lord Fletcher’s
Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge
3746 Sunset Drive
Spring Park, MN 55348
Sunday, December 31st: 1:00 pm
Adults: $40, Kids (12 and under): $30
Ring in the New Year with a truly magical afternoon! Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a pasta buffet meal, accompanied by a family-friendly matinee magic show. Come feast on pasta while you feast your eyes on The Magic of Suzanne and her bag of amazing tricks. The pasta bar includes chicken alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks and an ice cream sundae. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for kids. Come one, come all!
The world is full of beautiful places, but there is only one Orono, Minnesota. The abundance of holiday activities in the nearby area is only one example of the many reasons that this city is a great place to call home. If you need more reasons, check out the 5 Best Reasons to Live in Orono. If you’re looking to settle down and find a place that you’re happy to come home to, contact Lakeview Orono today.