Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland Scheduled through December, Cabela’s, 8400 Hudson Rd. Free photo with Santa. Must schedule in advance on-line.

Santa Saturdays December 6-20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valley Creek Mall, 1750 Weir Drive. Visit the Jolly Old Elf. Free.

Free entry to Washington County Parks Tuesday, December 2. Celebrate the first Tuesday with some time in the great outdoors.

Performance in the Park Woodbury High School Choir,Thursday, December 4, 11 a.m., Central Park Amphitheater, 8595 Central Park Place.

Hometown Holiday in Cottage Grove Thursday, December 4, 5-7 p.m.,12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove. Holiday cheer with wagon rides, reindeer, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, bonfires, treats and even Mayor Bailey. Free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday, December 4, 6 p.m., Woodbury Central Park,  8595 Central Park Place, Join the City in the newly remodeled park for holiday festivities including seasonal music from Open Door Theatre and hot cocoa. Warm the holidays for our struggling neighbors by bringing non-perishable food for those served by Open Cupboard.

Annie December 4-6 and 11-14, Lakeshore Players, Hanifl Performing Arts Center,4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, Tickets to see this optimistic musical are going quickly.

Hometown for the Holidays Weekends December 4-21, Downtown Stillwater. Many activities including luminary walks, gingerbread house decorating, and a pet parade focus on the shops in Stillwater’s charming downtown. Bring a new toy to donate to brighten a child’s holiday.

Frozen Jr Friday, December 5 -Sunday, December 7, 7 p.m., Weekend matinees at 2 p.m., Woodbury Middle School, 1425 School Drive, Features all the songs from the original animation plus five more. Elsa and Olaf fans welcome. Advance purchase tickets $10. Children under 5 are free.

Holiday Afternoon Tea December 6-7, 12-14, and 19-21 at 2-4 p.m., Confluence Hotel, 200 2nd Street W., Hastings. A cozy afternoon of tea sandwiches, appetizers and holiday treats. Reservations please. $42.

North St Paul Holiday Hop Saturday, December 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7th Avenue East, North St Paul, Small businesses celebrate the holidays with Santa, trolley rides, and giveaways.

Holiday Makers Market Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.-noon, Sila Wellness, 3100 Woodbury Dr., Suite 200. This event is all about community, creativity and cozy holiday vibes with local makers, artists and small business owners invited to showcase their unique goods.

King of Kings Holiday Boutique Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,1583 Radio Dr. Over 60 vendors and refreshments to benefit church youth trips.

Christmas Boutique Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Guardian Angels Church, 8260, 4th Street N., featuring Santa Shop for little ones to buy for others, Cookie & Candy Sale, White elephants, and lunch with Santa.

Pancakes, PJ’s & Pins with Santa, Saturday, December 6, 9-11:30 a.m.,  PINZ, 7520 32nd Street North, Oakdale,Wear your holiday pajamas for a pancake breakfast after greeting Santa, your group switches shoes for bowling fun. Advance tickets for groups up to 6 people $130.61.

Survivor Kids: Outdoor Adventure Skills Saturday, December 6, 10-11:30 a.m., Shepard Farm, 8946 70th Street S., Cottage Grove. Kids 7-12 Learn the basics of staying safe outdoors. Build shelters, find and filter water, and practice signaling for help. Registration requested. $8/child.

Holiday Craft & Gift Market Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Cottage Grove Middle School, 9775 Indian Boulevard S., Cottage Grove, for a family-friendly market.

Train To Be an Elf, Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., The Grove Church, 7465 Steepleview Rd. Do you have what it takes to be one of Santa’s Helpers? Report at 11 a.m. for training in ornament making, gift stacking, cookie decorating and a photo with Santa. Lunch of Tinsel Turkey Sandwiches will be served ($4/person, trainees under 4 years old free). From 11-11:30 a.m. will be sensory friendly with a quieter atmosphere. Please bring a non-perishable donation for Open Cupboard.

Santa’s Wonderland Saturday, December 6, noon to 2 p.m., Woodbury Lakes, 9020 Hudson Rd. Selfies with Santa, live entertainment and kids activities. Free.

Christkindlmarkt Gausthaus Bavarian Hunter, Saturday, December 6, noon-4 p.m., 8300 Lofton, Stillwater. Enjoy gluhwein, German food, vendors, music and even a Hammer-Schlagen nailing opportunity.

Madeline’s Christmas December 6-7 and 13-14 at 2 p.m., presented by Merrill Arts at the Loft Stage at East Ridge. A holiday musical set in the old house in Paris with the little girls in two straight lines. Tickets priced by age. Madeline’s Costume Tea Parties from 12:30 to 1:30 before Saturday matinees of Madeline’s Christmas. Tickets sold separately for princesses and their consorts to dress up, nibble on bundtinis and meet Miss Clavell and the cast.

Gumtree’s A Christmas Carol A Holiday Comedy written by Thomas D. Nelson, December 6-7 and 12-13 at 7 p.m Merrill Arts Center, 380 Rivertown Dr., #200.  Billson Gumtree shares the meaning of the season from ghosts to galas all the way back to family, friendship, feasts and dynamite. Presented by the Big Blue Theatre. $15

Let’s Make Lefse December 6, 9, and 12, 6-8 p.m., Sara’s Bake Shop, 823 4th St. S., Stillwater. Make, eat, and bring home this holiday treat. Registration required. $65.

Elf December 6, 7, and 10 multiple showings, Woodbury10 Theatre, 1470 Queens Drive, Eat popcorn while watching Buddy the Elf.Ticket prices vary by day and age.

Santa’s Train Shop and Caboose Rides Weekends December 6-21,10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ticketed caboose rides on the half hour, Jackson Street Roundhouse: 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, The train museum is transformed into the north pole. Pictures with Santa, treats, Lego village, and storytime. Advance tickets $10-$25 by age.

Cookies and Crafts with Santa Sunday, December 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Eagle Valley Golf Course, 2600 Double Eagle Lane. Join Santa and his helpers to decorate cookies, make a craft, and pose for pictures with your family camera. Sessions are an hour long and begin on the hour. Registration essential. $15.

Photos with Santa and Mrs Claus  Sunday, December 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pet Evolution, 429, Commerce Dr.  Bring your pets and even your people to benefit the Woodbury Police K9 Fund. Register in advance and skip the waiting line. $20 donation.

Very Merry and Bright East Metro Symphony Orchestra Concert Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m.,North High School, 2416 11th Avenue, North St. Paul, Come hear your talented neighbors perform music of Winter, Hanukkah, and Christmas. The audience even has an opportunity to sing carols with the orchestra. Free, but donations are welcome.

Holiday Swing Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m., Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, with the   Red Rock Swing Band. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and he’s bringing this 17-member swing band and lots of seasonal music. Free.

Photos with Santa Sunday, December 7, 3:30-5:30 p.m., 3rd Act Brewery, 4120 Radio Dr.  Bring your own camera and staff will snap photos. No elves but Soccer Shots will be there for kid fun.

Memory Cafe Tuesday, December 9, 1-2 p.m., hosted by Family Means, R.H Stafford Library. A welcoming place for those with memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and their caregivers. Register by calling Jenny West at Family Means, 651-789-4015.

Moms Demand Action Woodbury/Stillwater PotluckThursday, December 11, 6 p.m., Legacy at North Star community room, 10901 39th St N, Lake Ellmo, Meet fellow members and plan ahead. Feel free to bring an appetizer, dessert, or drink. Please RSVP.

SoWashCo Hmong New Year Friday, December 12, 6-9 p.m., Woodbury High School, 2665 Woodlane Dr. Celebrate with the Hmong community with food, performances, a fashion show, games and crafts. Free. 

JoyAnn Parker Duo presented by Musicians Corner House Concerts Friday, December 12, 6 p.m., 1550 Wild Ridge Ct North, Newport, Potluck dinner at the home of Kathy and Dan Mathews. Holiday evening with an ugly sweater contest and a “special” guest followed by a passionate singer and a talented guitarist. RSVP appreciated. Basket passed for musicians.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas December 12-18 multiple showings, Woodbury10 Theatre, 1470 Queens Drive, Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jim Carrey’s version of the Grinch on the big screen.Ticket prices vary by day and age.

Bird Hike at Pine Point Regional Park Saturday, December 13, 9 a.m., 11900 Norell Avenue North,Stillwater, Put on your winter hiking boots, meet at the trailhead kiosk, and prepare to be a citizen scientist by participating in a bird count. Free, but bring your own binoculars.

Union Depot Holiday Bake Sale Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 240 Kellogg Boulevard East, St. Paul. Shop 40+ local bakeries and food vendors while listening to live music. Free.

Sparklin’ Dazzlin’ Holiday Spectacular Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Aspire Music Academy performs at Woodbury Middle School, 1425 School Drive, Family friendly holiday show with dessert, hot chocolate, and coffee. Advance tickets $12. Children under 5 free.

Santa at Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Saturday, December 13, 3-5 p.m., 2110 Eagle Creek Lane. Bring your own camera for photos. No purchase necessary. 

Performance in the Park Nancy Olson Sunday, December 14, 2 p.m., Central Park Amphitheater, 8595 Central Park Place. Nancy sings and plays guitar, dulcimer, autoharp, and uke. Her song choice is eclectic including traditional and modern folk and blues,along with standards. Free.

Love Has Come Spirit Song Choir Concert Sunday, December 14, 4-5:30, Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road, A Christmas concert including community caroling. Free admission with free will offering to help our food insecure neighbors through Open Cupboard.

A Stillwater Christmas Carol, December 17-20 and 22-23. Evening shows at 7 p.m., Saturday matinee at 1:30 p.m.  The Grand Banquet Hall, 301 2nd St. S., Stillwater. Zephyr Theatre presents the story of Scrooge with a Stillwater twist. Doors open 90 minutes early so patrons can order food and drink from Grand Pizza. Tickets $35 with a discount for kids under 10.

Solstice Under the Stars Friday,December 19, 6-8 p.m., Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Nordic Center, 1515 Keats Avenue North, Lake Elmo, Enjoy a short, family-friendly hike, warm up by the bonfire, create nature crafts, and take time to set intentions for the winter ahead. Free but vehicle permit required. 

Winter Wonderland Saturday, December 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale. Celebrate winter with horse-drawn hayrides, bonfire, petting zoo, Santa and more. Free.

Ugly Sweater Skate, Saturday, December 20, 10:10 a.m.-11:10 a.m., St Croix Valley Recreation Center, 1675 Market Drive, Stillwater, Skate to holiday music in your ugly sweater. $8;rental skates $5.

Performance in the Park Good News Swing Band Sunday, December 21, 2 p.m., Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Celebrate the Holidays in style with this Christian ensemble, The Good News Big Band, bringing sizzling horns, lush harmonies, and toe-tapping tunes with a fresh burst of Holiday cheer. Free.

The Big Stillwater Holiday Sing Sunday, December 21, 3-4:30 p.m., Grand Banquet Hall, 301 2nd St. S., Stillwater. Sing-along master Dan Chouinard leads from the piano. Free.

It’s a Wonderful Life December 21 and 24, multiple showings, Woodbury10 Theatre, 1470 Queens Drive, See the holiday classic on the big screen.Ticket prices vary by day and age.

Winter Camp Adventure at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Tuesday December 30, 1-4 p.m., Nordic Center,Third to fifth graders will learn winter skills like shelter and fire building, explore the outdoors, and play fun winter games. Pre-registration required. $35.

Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party Wednesday, December 31, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library. Special countdown at noon. Geared to kids 2-6 but all with early bedtimes are welcome. Free.

New Year’s Eve Matinee Wednesday, December 31,2:30-4:30 p.m., M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive, Kids from 2-8 countdown to 2026 at 4:15 after playing in inflatables, obstacle course, and picture BINGO. Kids advanced tickets $15, $17 at the door. Adults are free.

New Year’s Family Celebration Wednesday, December 31,6-9 p.m., M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive, Families with kids under 12 countdown to 2026 at 8:45 after an evening of ice skating, jumping in inflatables, obstacle course, moonwalks and BINGO. Advanced tickets $15, $17 at the door. Usually sells out.

Midnight In Paris: New Year’s Eve Celebration Wednesday, December 31, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Confluence Hotel, 200 2nd St. W., Hastings, A cocktail chic celebration to see in the new year with live music,dancing and Parisian flair. Advance tickets $75.