Walking in a Ginger Wonderland

Trying to get into the holiday spirit? Check out the almost 70 frosting-festooned structures in the Gingerbread Wonderland display now through Jan. 6 at Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Av., Mpls. Along with classic cottages, there are Twin Cities landmarks such as the State Capitol, Mill City Museum and even U.S. Bank Stadium, by amateur and professional bakers. Winners in various categories will be announced Dec. 12, but you can cast a vote for "People's Choice." Norway House admission is $5 (free for ages 12 and under). For exhibit hours, check the website, norwayhouse.org, or call 612-871-2211.

Open mind, meet open mouth

Students in the University of Minnesota's College of Design are offering an "edible design tasting experience," collaborating with local chefs and food experts to explore basic design principles that can also be consumed. Attendees sample students' work and provide feedback. Past treats have included deep-fried holiday dinner on a stick, Brie ice cream and cake pop snowmen. It's a popular annual event, this year at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 in McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Av., St. Paul. Tickets are $25. To register, visit events.umn.edu/Online/seatSelect.asp.

Wassail in Waconia

The wineries of Waconia host their annual Winter Wassail Weekend on Dec. 17-18 from noon to 6 p.m., with festivities at Sovereign Estates Winery, ­sovereignestatewine.com, Parley Lake Winery, parleylakewinery.com, and Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery, schramvineyards.com. Tickets are $35, which gives you three sample-sized pours at each location in a souvenir glass from each winery. Different winter activities are held at each location, and will include holiday music and food. Tickets may be ordered through any of the wineries' websites, or at conta.cc/2fPjLLC

Union Depot Bake Sale

Union Depot in downtown St. Paul has opened its "Hub for the Holidays" festivities with the European Christmas market and North Pole Express train, which will be at the station through Dec. 11. The Canadian Pacific holiday train arrives on the evening of Dec. 9 for a musical performance. On the food front, look for the holiday bake sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 10, featuring popular Twin Cities bakeries offering cookies and candies for sale. Tickets will be available at the door and online at uniondepot.org/holiday. Admission is $5 for adults and includes a tote bag. VIP admission is $10 and includes a commemorative train-themed cookie-cutter gift set, tote bag and recipe cards from participating bakeries. There's free admission for ages 60 and older and ages 12 and under. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Merrick Community Services Food Shelf.

KIM ODE