SANTA TAKES THE STAGE

Santa and his trusted sidekick Albert the Elf arrive in style next week via a reindeer-drawn sleigh. Welcomed by music from the Southwest High School Marching Band, families are invited to sample gourmet goodies, participate in activities and see the reindeer up close. A short production, "The North Pole Goes Green," tells about an elf who misunderstands Santa's initiative to make the North Pole ecologically friendly. There will also be caroling and photos with Santa. (10:30 a.m. Sat. Play performances at 11 a.m., 12:20 & 2 p.m. Sat.-next Sun. Free. Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. 612-861-7600. bachmans.com.)

A YANKEE THANKSGIVING

Before settling in Minnesota, Yankee Oliver H. Kelley lived in Boston. See how the Kelley family celebrated the harvest and prepared for winter. Explore the barn and root cellar, meet the animals and enjoy the aromas of a hearty Thanksgiving meal. (2 p.m. next Sun. $6. Oliver Kelley Farm, 15788 Kelley Farm Rd., Elk River. 651-259-3000. www.mnhs.org.)

MELISSA WALKER