Favorite Twin Cities Holiday Traditions

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Minneapolis celebrates many wonderful holiday traditions that make it a magical place to spend the holiday season. From family friendly festivals to classic holiday shows performed in glitzy theaters, there’s enough going on to keep you busy all month long. These are some of our favorite holiday traditions that we never tire of, year after year.

A Christmas Carol at The Guthrie – In its 41st year, The Guthrie’s rendition of this classic holiday tale is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the cities. Many people have gone every Christmas for their entire lives. Whether it’s your first year or your 25th, A Christmas Carol is not to be missed.

Holidazzle Village in Loring Park – Holidazzle creates a festive holiday destination in downtown’s Loring Park, with entertainment and decoration that brings the community together with a celebration of the local people, places, and products that make Minneapolis so special. Entry is free, and programming continues every weekend throughout the month. Spend an afternoon gliding around the ice rink, or take your family to one of the weekly holiday movie screenings.

Nutcracker Ballet at the State Theatre – In the resplendent setting of the historic State Theatre, there is perhaps no holiday tradition in Minnesota as elegant and beautiful as the Minnesota Dance Theater’s performance of The Nutcracker. Celebrating its 50th year in 2015, MDT’s annual performance has been named one of the nation’s 10 best Nutcrackers and is Minnesota’s longest-running holiday event.

Holiday Lights in the Park – Hosted in Phalen Park in St. Paul, visitors drive through the park to experience over 60 larger-than-life holiday sculptures and festive animated displays. The event takes place nightly and tickets cost just $10 per vehicle, so it is a fun and inexpensive way for the whole family to get into the holiday spirit. Proceeds benefit the Saint Paul Police Foundation, and Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, and a community non-profit partner.

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