'Tis the Season! Here are some fun things to do this weekend to get you in the Christmas Spirit!

There is one more shopping weekend before Christmas so we are guessing that you might just have a few last minute stocking stuffers to pick up. And to you we say “best of luck to you in the mall parking lots.” However, if you are one of the prepared few and have literally wrapped up your holiday shopping, here are some festive, family friendly events worth checking out!

A Christmas Carol
Guthrie Theatre
818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
November 12 - December 27, 2015
Cost: Tickets range from $40-100 with special pricing for children, students, and seniors 

Click here to check ticket availability

The Guthrie's production of "A Christmas Carol." (photo credit: Michael Brosilow)

This year marks the 40th annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the perennial favorite that received a new adaptation by Crispin Whittell in 2010 and continues the Guthrie’s holiday tradition for families across the region. Now is the time to experience this cherished production with your loved ones!

A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and the grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways.

In keeping with the spirit of sharing in A Christmas Carol, the Guthrie invites you to bring a non-perishable donation of food or household products to be collected by The Food Group (formerly Emergency FoodShelf Network), a partnership they have held since 1982.

Wells Fargo WinterSkate
109 4th St. W., Saint Paul, MN 55102
Open November 21, 2015 – February 7, 2016
Open Skate Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free! see below for skate rentals

photo source: visitsaintpaul.com

Skaters are invited to experience the unique urban setting of downtown Saint Paul. Located in the heart of the city, Wells Fargo WinterSkate creates a fun, winter experience for visitors of all ages. The historic Landmark Center creates a beautiful backdrop for the outdoor rink, showcasing Saint Paul’s charming European architecture and old-world ambiance.

Dust off your skates and head to downtown Saint Paul. The outdoor rink will be filled with noontime skaters, after school groups, youth hockey scrimmages and practices, broomball teams, corporate events, and family open skating.

New this Season ~ Cub Foods Learn to Skate Events in Downtown Saint Paul
December 5, 12, 19 and January 9, 16 and 23
Professional figure skating coaches will be on hand to help you learn some new moves or brush up on your basics. Free and open to the public.

Don’t have your own skates? Never fear! Skate rental is $4 per person. Receive free skate rental by showing your Wells Fargo debit card or credit card (one card=one skate rental). (Other Wells Fargo accounts, documentation, or correspondence are not accepted for free skate rental.) Figure skates and hockey skates are available from little tyke up to adults’ size 13.

Small Town Charm in Historic Excelsior
Water Street Excelsior, MN
339 Third Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
Cost: Free

photo credit: Al Whitaker

Do you still need some last minute gifts? Consider spending a few hours in charming downtown Excelsior! With all kinds of trendy new shops popping up, Excelsior has been likened to the North Loop neighborhood. Offering everything from infused olive oils and active wear to antiques and bicycles, this historic little town has something for everyone. Come for lunch or dinner at one of the new restaurants or grab a pizza for takeout and head over to the Excelsior Brewery for some live music.

For a full list of shops and dining options, check out the Excelsior- Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce’s website!