Holiday revelers looking for something to do this weekend will find activities and events that everyone in the family can enjoy. Check out our list of suggestions, from exploring state parks and touring exhibits to taking in a holiday show or marveling at lights displays.
Here are 10 options:
American Swedish Institute
Feast your eyes on the “Tomte Tales: Legends of Winter” exhibit where the Turnblad Mansion is transformed into a winter wonderland and Tomte and his friends discover holiday characters. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 4. $12-$20. 2600 Park Av., Minneapolis; asimn.org.
Cirque Du Soleil
Enjoy Soleil’s first holiday show, ‘Twas the Night Before..., an acrobatic adaptation of the poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas.” 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Fri.; noon, 3 and 6 p.m. Sun. Continues through Dec. 7. $53-$140.80. Northrop auditorium, 84 SE. Church St., Minneapolis; northrop.umn.edu.
Gingerbread Wonderland
Enjoy a sweet treat and explore the baked goodies in this annual gingerbread village. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Continues through Jan. 3. $5-$10. Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Av., Minneapolis; norwayhouse.org.
Historic Mayowood Christmas Tour
Costumed interpreters will take visitors back to 1951 to explore the history of the Mayo family’s Christmas celebration. 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $45. 3720 Mayowood Road, Rochester; olmstedhistory.com.
Magic of Lights
Load up your car and enjoy a drive-thru of colorful LED lights illuminating traditional and trending holiday characters and more at Viking Lakes. 5:30-10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Continues through Jan. 3. $37-$80 per car. Viking Lakes, 668 O’Neill Dr., Eagan; magicoflights.com.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Guests will enjoy a special treat with free admission to the exhibit, “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine.” Families can also enjoy storytelling, early-morning prizes and more. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri. Also at MIA, enjoy the free film, “Smoke Signals,” a story of Native American friends who take a trip from Idaho to Arizona together and what they discover about their friendship and their culture. 2 p.m. Sat. 2400 3rd Av. S., Minneapolis; artsmia.org.