Arts briefs: Santa to visit Victorian Christmas in Stillwater

Santa Claus will show up early for visitors to the 20th annual Victorian Christmas at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater on Nov. 17-18.

Costumed volunteers, live music and festive holiday decorations will be capped off by the visit from Santa from noon to 4 on Saturday and from noon to 3 on Sunday. Santa will greet guests and visit with boys and girls to hear their holiday wishes.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3.

A preview event is scheduled for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, with appetizers, desserts, champagne, craft beer and sparkling cider donated by area businesses. Cost is $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Masquers Theatre sets holiday scheduleMasquers Theatre Company will present "Winter Wonderettes," a "taste of Broadway on West Broadway," this holiday season. The show is at American Legion Post 225, 355 W. Broadway in Forest Lake.

Tickets are on sale for performances at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-15, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.

Performances will be presented in a dinner-theater style, with choice of two menu items -- pork tenderloin or roast chicken. Seating will begin at 6 p.m. for evening shows and at 12:30 p.m. for matinees.

History society plans day of scrapbookingThe White Bear Lake Historical Society is planning a scrapbooking event from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.

Enjoy a day with friends scrapbooking or another craft. Cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members and includes donuts and coffee, lunch, dinner and a sundae bar.

All proceeds benefit the historical society. Pre-register at www.whitebearhistory.org/scrapbooking.html or call 651-407-5327.

Century students to study at GuthrieCentury College students will have a chance to enroll in an evening English class that meets several times at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

"This is an opportunity that gets students revved up about Shakespeare," Century English professor Julie Daniels said in a press release. "When students are learning about Shakespeare as literature, seeing a performance by the country's top Shakespearean theater brings the literature to life."

The students will hear from actors and directors. They also will be exposed to theater professionals and experts on Shakespearean history and language, props, costumes, lighting, set design and other stagecraft.

Holiday trunk sale now underwayThe Stillwater Art Guild is holding a Holiday Trunk Sale through Nov. 28 at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, 402 N. Main St. in Stillwater.

It's a studio inventory clearance featuring hand- made crafts and unique bargains. Go to www.artguild gallery.com or call 651-689-0149 for more information.