The best things to do and see in Minnesota!
Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Swing by Kwik Trip for Karuba Gold Happy Hour from 3-7 pm each day now through Thursday, 11/22. You’ll be able to get any size Karuba Gold Genuine Espresso beverage for just $0.99!
Note that you’ll need to swipe your Kwik Rewards Card to redeem this offer (it’s free to join).
I was just reading about the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato, and I plan to squeeze a visit onto our calendar this season. Even if you don’t live super close, it really looks like something that’s worth the drive. It takes place at Sibley Park in Mankato. You can drive through the display, or if you prefer you can walk through it. It starts on November 23th and goes through December 31st. The event is open to the public, but cash donations and non-perishable items are welcome.
The 7th Annual Kiwanis Holiday Lights kicks off November 23 at 6 p.m.
The Girl Scouts Mankato Area Unit present a parade to open the event.
The parade will wrap up with Santa Claus himself who’ll flip the switch to turn on the lights.
Santa will stick around on weekends for free visits through December 23.New this year: opening weekend features a lighted Ferris wheel, while a lighted carousel will be available every night.
The events also features an ice sculpting contest December 14-15 as well as learning to curl December 21.
Guests can walk or drive through the display.
Woohoo! I’m so excited to share this deal with you as I LOVE Let’s Dish! It’s a great meal solution for busy families, especially this time of year. Right now through Groupon you can save up to 32% on their freezer meals, plus get a $20 gift card to spend on an additional purchase!
Plus, save an extra 20% with coupon code SAVE through 11/16 (that’s today)!
Here’s how the Groupon deal breaks down:
After you purchase your Groupon, you’ll place an online order for four customized, freezer-ready Dish-n-Dash meals and then pick up the order in-store. Each meal has four to six servings and can be split in half upon request. There are five locations: Apple Valley, Blaine, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Woodbury.
You’ll also receive a $20 gift card when you show up to pick up your order. This gift card can be redeemed for ready-made items from the store’s retail case (they usually have sides or desserts along with entrees), applied toward future sessions, or given as a gift.
Get your Groupon HERE!
I have shared a lot of advance screening notices lately, but this is one you WILL DEFINITELY WANT TO SEE!! I had a chance to see an early screening of RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET and I can tell you that I can’t wait to see it again!
If you have seen the trailers you know there are lots of fun scenes – for example the Disney Princesses! The trailer scenes are only the tip of the iceberg, and you’ll see what I’m talking about after you catch the screening itself.
In RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET, video-game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) leave the comforts of Litwak’s arcade in an attempt to save her game, Sugar Rush. Their quest takes them to the vast, uncharted world of the internet where they rely on the citizens of the internet—the Netizens—to help navigate their way.
Lending a virtual hand are Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), the head algorithm and the heart and soul of the trend-making site “BuzzzTube,” and Shank (voice of Gal Gadot), a tough-as-nails driver from a gritty online auto-racing game called Slaughter Race, a place Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces—so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he’s ever had. Directed by Rich Moore (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph”) and Phil Johnston (co-writer “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Zootopia,” writer, “Cedar Rapids”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Bolt,” “Lilo & Stitch”), “Ralph Breaks the Internet” hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.
You and a guest are invited to an advance screening of RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET on Monday, November 19th at AMC Southdale at 7:30pm. To download a pair of passes click here (while supplies last). Seating is based on first come, first served. It is recommended to arrive early.
Traditions are a huge part of the holidays. The Santa & Albert Play at Bachman’s in Minneapolis has been a tradition for more than 30 years! It takes place at the Bachman’s flagship store on Lyndale in Minneapolis. This weekend (Nov 17-18) is your first opportunity to catch this great free event.
Christmas is coming, and there are toys to be made! This year, Albert the Elf has earned a coveted spot competing in one of the North Pole’s most popular contests, “Who Wants To Be A Toymaker?” The goal is to craft something uniquely new with only leftover odds and ends from the toy making process. Albert certainly has the talent, but will his creativity waver or will he have what it takes to design a toy that wins over the hearts of children across the world?
The play lasts approximately 20 minutes and seating is first come, first served. Following the play, Santa and Albert will lead a sing-along of carols and take pictures with guests. Please bring your own camera to have your picture taken with Santa and Albert.
Saturdays | 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm & 2:30 pm
Sundays | 11:30 am, 1 pm & 2:30 pm
November 17 – December 16, 2018
There’s just something about trains and Christmas that go hand in hand! The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train starts rolling into Minnesota in the next few days. Making several stops along the way, while collecting donations to local food shelves. You’ll find live music and entertainment at the stops. The train will roll into several Minnesota locations December 5th-14th. We are sharing a little early so you can check the map and get the perfect spot and date on your calendar.
What’s a Holiday Train event like?
A typical Holiday Train event goes something like this: the train arrives and pulls to a safe stop in front of the crowd. The stage door lowers and the band opens with its first song. After that, a brief presentation takes place with local food bank officials and other dignitaries. Once complete, the band resumes performing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs. The whole event lasts about 30 minutes. Once the band plays its farewell song, the stage door closes, and the train heads off to the next stop.
It’s important to keep a safe distance away from the train so we can safely continue our journey.
The MN schedule can be found here on their website.
Twin Cities folks – did you know that your IKEA FAMILY card offers you local discounts as well as exclusive product discounts and special offers at IKEA? It’s true! I’m not sure how long they’ve been doing this, but they’re currently offering 40% off Sea Life admission, free youth admission to the American Swedish Institute, and more.
All you have to do is show your free IKEA FAMILY card. Don’t have one? You can sign up here for one or at IKEA, of course. Current discounts include:
Show your IKEA Family card at SEA LIFE to save 40% on general admission tickets! You can also order online and enter the first six digits of your IKEA FAMILY number as the promo code. Offer valid through 12/31/18.
Want to try out the new Tesla? Save 15% on a Tesla rental car – just enter the first six digits of your IKEA FAMILY number as the promo code when booking online. Offer valid through 12/31/18.
Try out a vomFASS cooking class and show your IKEA Family card to receive 50% off your registration. Offer valid through 12/31/18.
Show your IKEA Family card at the American Swedish Institute to receive one free Youth admission with purchase of one Adult admission. Offer valid through 12/31/18.
One of our favorite events is coming up at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. The famous slogan “Eventually—Why Not Now?” comes to life during this holiday event. We first went to this event a few years and really enjoyed it, watching the story unfold during each scene as we rode the Flour Tower elevator ride. The event is recommended for ages 8 and up. You have four different dates and several time slots to choose from. Advance tickets can be purchased here on the Minnesota Historical Society Website. Not sure if this will sell out but many holiday events this time of year do so keep that in mind.
Join the Ghost of Mill City Past for an intimate look at the 1920 Washburn Crosby holiday party in this unique play set in the museum’s Flour Tower elevator ride. Scenes unfold on different floors where the audience meets characters drawn from the pages of the company’s employee newspaper, the Eventually News.
Witness the rocky romance of Celia and Otto; meet marketing mastermind Benjamin S. Bull; experience the awesome sweeping power of Bill Smith and learn the secret origin of the Washburn Crosby marketing slogan, “Eventually—Why Not Now?” Performances are at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Ticket includes museum admission and refreshments after the play.
Once again this year, you can get a FREE $5 Davanni’s Reward Card for every $25 in gift cards that you buy. If you want, you can even order DAVANNI’S gift cards online. Note that you’ll need to use the $5 Reward Card between 1/1/19 and 3/31/19.
One of my favorite places to do some holiday shopping, is the Green Gifts Fair. I’ve purchased some great soaps, clothing and art at this sale. This year is the 13th annual event, taking place at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. It’s a one day event, Saturday November 17th, from 10-5pm. With over 80 different vendors, all caring about our environment and being green, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
• SHOP. 80+ eco-friendly vendors for holiday gifts
• EAT. Plan to eat lunch or dinner at the Midtown Global Market, offering over 30 global food options
• LEARN. Complete a passport for prizes with the whole family
• CELEBRATE. Music, live stage demonstrations, and a family exploration space
• VOLUNTEER. Help us make the event a success by volunteering and get a Do It Green! Minnesota recycled t-shirt and an eco-friendly appreciation gift by contacting crystal@doitgreen.org
• PROMOTE. Please invite your family, friends and co-workers through email, Facebook or Twitter hash tag #GreenGiftsFair!
