On the Town

CHRISTMASTIME CHEER

Join in for a monthlong holiday celebration in Excelsior.

WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND THE HOLIDAY SEASON than by celebrating Christmas in Excelsior? During Saturdays throughout the month of December, the town will brim with festivities dedicated to spreading holiday cheer.

Beginning on Small Business Saturday on November 26, Christmas in Excelsior carries forward the commitment to support local businesses and restaurants during the season of giving and celebrating.

Excelsior will be festooned with seasonal decorations, shining bright all month long. Join in for the tree lighting ceremony on December 3, carriage rides and Mason’s Chili Dinner—perfect during chilly temps!—and much

more. —Paige Schuller

December 3, 10 and 17. All ages. Water Street in Excelsior. For more information, including times, visit, excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamberofcommerce.org.

Compiled by Nicole Berglund and Megan Hegenbarth

LOCAL EVENTS

Princess and the Pea

Through 12/31 The Old Log Theatre presents this fairytale musical about what it takes to be a princess. All ages. $14. Times vary. Old Log Theatre, 5185 Meadville St., Excelsior; 952.474.5951; oldlog.com

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis Benefit

12/03 The 34th annual event includes live music by the Sons, darts, a photo booth, food and a dessert and hot

The Northern Express Rolls In

Celebrate the season with holiday shopping, food, drink and more.

The Northern Express returns to Excelsior’s Camp Fire (previously Tanadoona). This time, several new activities and offerings have been added to the event lineup.

Look for: added outdoor, interactive activities, such as an Elf in Training obstacle course; more food and beverage options; expanded holiday shopping; new characters; a Hanukkah celebration the weekend of December 16; live caroling and other musical performances; and Santa visits (using a virtual queue that families can schedule upon arrival).

In addition, charitable initiatives that visitors can get involved with, such as a new wilderness-themed space being created for children and families at the Masonic Children’s Hospital, will be part of the event. —Lauren Bettenga

For more information, visit thenorthernexpress.org.

cocoa bar. All ages. $100. 7–10 p.m. Minneapolis Marriott Southwest, 5801 Opus Parkway, Minnetonka; jfcsmpls.org

Melodies with the Wind

12/08 Hear traditional wind and percussion music with MacKenzie & Bisonnette as they perform at 318 Cafe. Enjoy a dinner before the show starts and anticipate a few holiday pieces to be played. All ages. $15. 8–10 p.m. 318 Cafe, 318 Water St., Excelsior; three-eighteen.com

Meet the Little Women

12/09–12/18 Get to know Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth March in Little Women at Studio Theatre. This classic story surrounds the lives of these four women in their hardships, heartaches and friendship. All ages. Tickets start at $20. Times vary.

To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Minnetonka Theatre, 18285 Highway 7, Minnetonka; minnetonkatheatre.com

Craft and Gift Show

12/18 There will be handmade gifts, jewelry, knits and crocheted items, toys and more at this event. All ages. Free. 10–3 p.m. Minnetonka American Legion Post 398, 233 Wilshire Blvd., Mound; facebook.com/allthisandmoreevents

AREA EVENTS

Holidazzle Craft Market

Through 12/18 This recurring event is family-friendly with Santa visits, food and drinks, handcrafted items and live entertainment including an interactive art installation. All ages. Free. Fridays, 5–9 p.m.; Saturdays, noon–9 p.m.; Sundays, noon–6 p.m. Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Mpls.; 612.376.7669; holidazzle.com

A Christmas Carol

12/01–12/31 The biggest grouch of Christmas is back in A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater. Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Ages 8 and up. Tickets $15–$134. Times vary. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Mpls.; 612.377.2224; guthrietheater.org

Holiday Flower Show

12/03–01/08 Como Park Conservatory hosts a holiday flower display. Enjoy a unique viewing experience. All ages. Free; reservation required. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul; comozooconservatory.org