Weekend Happenings: Christmas Fun Near and Far

Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony
7700 Market Boulevard
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Sat., December 1, 2012
5:00 pm
Cost:  Free

 

Don't miss this annual Chanhassen celebration! Come out and enjoy the lighting of the holiday tree, refreshments, live reindeer, gingerbread house displays, and of course a special visit from Santa Claus! This event is FREE and co-sponsored by the City of Chanhassen, Buy Chanhassen, and The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center.


Breakfast With Santa
Chanhassen Rec Center
Sun., December 1, 2012
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Cost:  $8 for adults, $4 for seniors and kids 12 and under. All profits go to support local charities.



Join us at the Chanhassen Rec Center for some family fun and flying flapjacks! Join Santa for breakfast and have your picture taken with a real reindeer!  For more information, contact Kris Dahl at 612-338-4538. This event is co-sponsored by the Chanhassen Rotary Club and the City of Chanhassen.



Plymouth - Old Fashioned Christmas
Plymouth Creek Park
3625 Fernbrook Ln
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Sun. December 2, 2012
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost:  Free to the public



Step back in time with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the holidays. Enjoy sleigh rides, musical perfomances and cookies. Co-Sponsored by the Plymouth Historical Society.


Target Holidazzle Parade
Nicollet Mall
700 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
every Thu., Fri., Sat., Sun. from November 23 until December 23
6:30 pm
Cost: Free; $9 hot seats



While New York City has its Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Minneapolis has the Target Holidazzle. Now in its 20th year, the parade draws crowds who happily stand on the sidewalks in the cold (or watch from nearby bars) as huge animated floats, local celebrities, and, of course, Santa Claus cruise down Nicollet Mall. This year should be no exception.  Looking to stay warm while watching the show? Check the event's website (www.holidazzle.com) to purchase hot seats before they sell out. (Photo by Patrick Kelley Worldwide Photography) — By Jessica Armbruster, City Pages 


Grand Meander
Grand Avenue
from Dale to Fairview
St. Paul, MN 55105
Sun., December 1, 2012
8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Cost:  Free



Grand Meander celebrates the holiday season with a full days worth of festivities for young and old alike, and has become known as one of the best Twin Cities holiday events. In the morning have breakfast with Santa, take a ride on a fire truck, and visit with Santa’s reindeer. In the afternoon enjoy the young art fair and Art at Ramsey, both displaying art by the students in and around the Grand Avenue area. You can also take part in trolley rides, soup tastings, and the community tree lighting! Don’t miss out on the best of the Twin Cities holiday events, Grand Meander!