Free entertainment for holiday fun

There are plenty of free options for family holiday fun. Here is a sampling of activities in the metro area.

By Star Tribune staff

Last update: December 30, 2009 - 6:16 PM

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The elves are back at work at the annual Macy's eighth floor Christmas display. Back by popular demand, "A Day in the Life of an Elf" allows visitors to peer into the lives of Santa's litle helpers as they prepare for Christmas. Watch as elves go to "school" to learn tricks of the trade, open mail, teach reindeer how to fly and more. Open store hours Nov. 21-Dec. 31. Free. Macy's, 700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.

MIA: Holiday Traditions

"Holiday Traditions" at the Minneapolis Institute of arts dresses up the period rooms are decorated to reflect 17th-to 19th-century holiday traditions. Free. Museum hours through Jan. 3. 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. 612-870-3131.

Como Park: Holiday flower show

Orange, pink and yellow begonias fill the Sunken Garden. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through January 18. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park., 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul. 651-487-8200.

Linder's outdoor display

Linder's main garden center has a 150,000-light outdoor display and they also are accepting new, unwrapped toys for the "Toys for Tots' program. 270 West Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul. 651-488-1927. Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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