County Waiving Permit Fees On Black Friday
Washington County Parks will be waiving vehicle permit fees at its parks on the Friday after Thanksgiving to encourage everyone in our community to enjoy more time outdoors. One nearby option is hiking at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, which includes 2,165 acres, at 1515 Keats Ave. N. Other county parks can be found here.
Holiday Toy Drive Continues Through Dec. 12
Toys for Tots, a program led by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has drop-off locations in Woodbury for new and unwrapped toys. Talamore Senior Living Woodbury and the American Legion Woodbury Post 501 have set up collection sites at the senior living facility as well as at the Valley Creek Mall near Keys Cafe. The toys are distributed as Christmas gifts to children in the Twin Cities. The drive continues through Dec. 12.
More Events of Note
Woodbury Wobble 5K, Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This Thanksgiving Day turkey trot takes place at Colby Lake Park: 9715 Valley Creek Rd. With your paid registration you will receive a swag bag with sponsored items, There will also be the turkey scavenger hunt along the course that kids can complete for a small prize.
Blood Drive | Friday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | M Health Fairview – Woodwinds Hospital Bloodmobile, 1925 Woodwinds Dr.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, starring 10th grader George Wellens of Woodbury as Rudolph, on stage through Dec. 28 at Stages Theater, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins.
Coca Cola Holiday Caravan, Sun., Dec. 1, from noon to 3 p.m. The Coca-Cola truck will be lit up for the holidays at the M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr. Stop by to see the truck and get a picture with Santa printed onto a postcard that you can mail to a loved one. Free, family friendly event; bring the kids and help kick off the holiday season! Outdoor rink will be open for skating, weather dependent. Skating is free, skate rental is $7/pair.
A Christmas Carol, Dec. 6-30, Open Window Theatre, 5300 S Robert Trail #400, Inver Grove Heights.
Cookies and Crafts with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 7, at Eagle Valley Golf Course. Five sessions planned. Registration required. Santa takes a break from making toys to join the youth of Woodbury in decorating cookies, making a fun holiday craft, and taking pictures.
Christkindlmarkt, Saturday, Dec. 7th, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m. at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave N, Stillwater. Specialty vendors and German foods as well as the Twin Cities Brass Band will be on hand.
Madeline’s Christmas, Dec. 7-15, Merrill Arts Center production, The Loft Stage, 4200 Pioneer Dr., Woodbury. This is musical, adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book, is a holiday treat for the whole family.
Holiday Lockdown, Dec. 7 and 14, at 7 p.m., A Big Blue Theatre and Merrill Arts Center production, at The Loft Stage, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury. A world premiere written by Thomas D. Nelson. It’s Christmas Eve, and Todd is working another long shift with his hard-nosed boss. A special delivery arrives, bringing with it an array of unique customers and the threat of a dangerous art thief. Once everyone is locked down in the tiny bookstore, Todd must work together with Officer Trixie to protect an extremely valuable artifact (along with themselves).
Jingle Bells Forever, East Metro Symphony Orchestra, Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2499 North Helen Street. North St. Paul.
Children’s Concert and Carnival, Woodbury High School Orchestra, Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2-4 p.m. at the high school. A short concert in the auditorium will feature music from “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Lion King,” and “Cars.” A carnival with games and prizes begins in the cafeteria after the performance. Audience members are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character. Admission is free, donations are welcome ($5 suggested per family).
Winter Clothing Drive by the Woodbury Community Foundation continues through December 20. New and gently used outerwear to help keep students warm in the South Washington County School District are being collected.
New Year’s Eve Winter Camp, Dec. 31, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Elmo Park Reserve. A winter adventure for kids ages 7-10 years old. Outdoor adventures including snowshoeing and/ or kick sleds, fire building, animal tracking as well as indoor crafts and games, hot chocolate, and s’mores. Space is limited.
