Unique Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season

Looking for some out-of-the-giftbox ways to celebrate the holiday? See who made the nice list below.

GingerBread Wonderland

Great Family Bonding 

Why not build a Gingerbread house? Norway House is hosting a bake off for the most dashing building. And to top it off, this cookie city is open to the public for voting. Gather the family to glue together walls with icing or pick whichever looks like the sweetest home. A staple tradition from Norway, towns from far and wide get the community in one place to show off their creations. 

Grand opening is November 23. Go check out frosty trees, cookie brick walls, and sweet candy cane doors to make this holiday feel more like home.

Address: 913 East Franklin Avenue Minneapolis, MN, 55404 

The Black Market

Shop. Vibe. Connect.

Find merry, bright and tasty goodies for yourself or someone on your nice list. The second Saturday of every month the Black Market opens pop up shops to highlight black-owned businesses. And, this December? Find scented candles, jewelry, art, live music, concessions and more. Don’t worry, be jolly when you check off holiday gifting early. What are you waiting for? You'll find some perfect gifts and maybe even something for yourself.

Address: 767 North Eustis Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114, United States

Reindeer Run

Ready, set, trot.

Can you run faster than Santa’s sleigh? Race (or walk) to  Lake Harriet for the 35th Annual Reindeer Run. A great way to get the family together and cheer each other on, you can join the costumed herd of runners dashing the 5K, 10K or 15K. Prancer and Vixen?  We think you can beat ‘em. But, you better sign up before race day on Dec. 10.

P.S. Leave room for goodies and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the finish line!  (79)

Pop Up Studio

Drink Beer, Make Crafts

Welcome to Santa’s Shop, with all types of crafts allowed, including Beer and Pottery. The Uncommon Loon Brewing Co. is hosting a Pop Up Studio to get you into an elf-ish spirit on Dec. 8. Choose your ceramic piece, then pick from 20 spectacular glaze colors to make it beautifully decorated. Give pottery as a gift or deck your own halls. Tis’ the season to sip, be merry, and get to arts n’crafting.

Snow Tubing: Winter Break

Let it snow. Let it slide. 

What to do when winter break is 2-weeks long? Surprise your kids with a trip to Buckhill. There really are not any better memories than taking a snow day and the thrill of sliding down a steep mountain. Make it a gift! While you sip hot chocolate in the lodge, your kid will warmly welcome hanging out with friends and making memories. Fun is in the air, sign up for the event on Dec. 28, ages 12- 18 years welcome. 

Wintergreens and Wreath Workshops

Pine-ing to get crafty this holiday? Heidi’s Growhaus and Gardens is hosting workshops every Saturday until Nov. 26. Give visitors a warm welcome at your door with decorated wreaths or make centerpieces for get-togethers around the table. We recommend grabbing your friends to make it a date night. There is nothing better than getting together, crafting, and catching up with those who warm our hearts.