It's called "captive music." But it's not the music that's being held hostage, it's the listeners. This time of year, it almost always involves Christmas music. It's inevitable, but not inescapable. Here are a dozen places you can visit to get a respite from holiday jingles:
Como Park Conservatory: For those who believe that the holidays should be seen but not heard, there's no yuletide music but there is the Holiday Flower Show.
Science Museum of Minnesota: After sitting through "Tornado Alley" in the Omnitheater, you might crave some soothing carols but you'll have to leave the building to find them.
Minneapolis Central Library: Play holiday music there and you'll get the book thrown at you.
St. Paul Cathedral: Irony aside, there's no Christmas music -- or music of any kind -- piped into the place that stands as a symbol of faith.
Timberwolves game: Yes, there's a lot of loud music, but it's not seasonal music.
Mystic Lake Casino: The last thing a casino wants is to strike a mood that would make you want to spend the holidays with your family -- unless your family is playing the progressive slots.
Minnesota Zoo: The gift shop plays Christmas tunes, but animal sounds provide the background accompaniment elsewhere.
