Winter HOLIDAY FUN can be found by heading south

BY KATHLEEN MURPHY

We all know that the Twin Ports is the absolute best place to be for the holidays. We’re the Christmas City of the North, after all, and we even have a parade to prove it. But a few hours south there are some fun holiday events to be had, for those who don’t mind the drive. Bundle up the family, throw on those snow tires, and catch these events in the Twin Cities Metro Area:

The American Swedish Institute

The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis knows how to celebrate a Nordic Christmas. Their “Handmade Holidays” program kicks off on Nov. 10 with Family Day. In the weeks after, there will be no shortage of activities to choose from. Attend a family Gingerbread House Workshop, or one of several Julglädje Sunday Concerts, a collection of Swedish and American holiday songs that “evoke the feeling of standing around the family piano.” They even host several events just for

Be Part of Our Creative Learning Community

toddlers, such as Lucia’s Legend and Kids at the Castle, both opportunities for young kids to explore Scandinavian storytelling, crafts, and music inspired by the season. There is so much for families to do here, you might want to make more than one trip!

Your K-8 Schools of Choice

APPLY NOW FOR 2019-20

This is your opportunity to apply for enrollment for your child, kindergarten-8th grade. Students applying for kindergarten must be five years old by September 1, 2019, and Minnesota residents. First grade applicants must be at least six years of age on September 1, 2019 and Minnesota residents. An exception to the age requirement may be made if the student has completed kindergarten. Applications must be submitted by February 22, 2019, for first consideration and to be entered in our March 1 lottery. However, all will be accepted for consideration throughout the year. We also have limited openings for the 2018-19 school year. For more information and an application, call 218-728-9556 Ext. 5006, or apply online at www.duluthedison.org.

Swedish Institute 2600 Park Ave. Minneapolis (612) 871-4907 asimn.org

Alexander Ramsey House

The kids might not be the only family member who fondly remembers reading “Little Women” and wondered what it might be like to experience a 1860s Christmas. For anyone who still cherishes this book as one of their favorites, “A Little Woman Christmas” will take over the Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul for two weekends in December. Play along as Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy celebrate Christmas in the festively decorated Ramsey House. There will be Victorian-era parlor games to play, a display about the fashion of the era and craft tables. As an extra bonus, freshly baked gingerbread cake will be available, a timeless treat.

Alexander Ramsey House

265 S. Exchange St., St. Paul (651) 296-8760 ramseyhouse@mnhs.org

Holidazzle in Loring Park

Held every weekend from Nov. 23Dec. 23, the Holidazzle in Minneapolis is moving to Loring Park this year. What used to be a downtown Minneapolis holiday parade has turned into a full-fledged Christmas Market and Fair, where families can watch winter fireworks displays, enjoy a family movie night, ice skate, listen to free music and other entertainment, and of course, meet up with the big man himself, Santa Claus. A special kid zone and holiday light display will be definite favorites for the kids while the parents can enjoy the vendor market, as well as the Fulton Beer Market and board game area.

Holidazzle

Loring Park, Minneapolis Thursdays-Sundays, Nov. 24- Dec. 23 holidazzle.com

Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum Night Trains

Kids love model trains, so this museum is a no-brainer for those with young kids. It’s a good bet that everyone else in your family will be entertained as well. This museum is surprisingly large and entertaining, even for those who never gave model trains a second thought, and it knows how to celebrate winter and the holidays. Every Saturday evening from Nov. 3-Feb. 23, the Model Railroad Museum turns down the overhead lights and lights up the train displays with miniature Christmas lights and decorations. Two Saturdays in December, as an added bonus, Santa will be there! No need to wait in a long line at the mall.

Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum

668 Transfer Road, Suite 8

Saint Paul (651) 647-9628 tcmrm.org

Ice Castles in Stillwater

More a winter activity since it doesn’t begin until after the holidays in order to capitalize on January’s freezing temperatures, the Ice Castles in Stillwater are worth an extra trip to the Citites. The charming river town of Stillwater welcomes a team of ice sculptors, who spend weeks converting

Minnesota Streetcar Museum

The Minnesota Streetcar Museum hosts several events in two different locations. At the Como-Harriet location, enjoy the Holly Trolley and Vinternatt, both weekend events in December where the kids can celebrate the holiday trolley-style. The Holly Trolley is geared more toward younger kids, featuring a decorated streetcar, Santa Claus and a marshmallow roast. Vinternatt also has a bonfire, marshmallows and the potential of a visit from the big guy, but features the trolley being decorated inside and out with lights and seasonal greens, as well as hundreds of luminaries lighting the streetcar tracks. If you are closer to the Excelsior Streetcar location, enjoy Christkindlsmarkt, a traditional European open air market that also features a ride on the streetcar. This event is only held one weekend in November. The streetcars are an iconic piece of Twin Cities history, make sure to add them to your Christmas traditions.

the town into an awe-inspiring series of ice castles and sculptures. Made so that people can get up close and even walk through them, enjoy the lighted ice castles, sculptures and tunnels. They even make frozen thrones, icecarved tunnels, slides and fountains for the kids to enjoy (though adults can get in there, too). Last year, fire performers put on shows on weekends, and a certain ice-themed Disney princess made multiple appearances. Don’t forget to dress warm and wear boots.

Ice Castles

Stillwater, Minn.

Dates dependent on weather, but usually begins early to mid-January icecastles.com/stillwater