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.
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.
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.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas December 12-18 multiple showings, Woodbury 10 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.
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.
Sensory Friendly Winter Wonderland Experience!, Saturday, December 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Family Achievement Center, 2101 Wooddale Drive, Walk through winter wonderland,option to take a family picture with Santa and/or Olaf in a quiet and relaxed environment, crafts and other activities available. Free but registration for time slot essential.
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.
Hot Chocolate Bar with Santa Saturday, December 20, 10:30 a.m-4:30 p.m., Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, 1505 Queens Drive. Bring your camera or phone to snap memories with Santa or your child getting a haircut with tinsel highlights.
Winter Wonderland Workshop, Sunday, December 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tamarack Tap Room, 8418 Tamarack Village, Handprint & swirl ornaments, paper snowflakes, cocoa bar and cookie decorating, Purchase of a kid’s meal required.
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.
STEAM Lab: Flexagons Tuesday December 23, 2-4 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library, Kids and their grown-ups can drop by to make Flexagon, paper toys that turn inside out. No registration needed.
Proof Alliance at Ninja Gym Monday December 29, 9:45 a.m. to noon, Conquer Ninja Gym, 707 Commerce Dr #120, For youth 5-18 with known or suspected FASD with energy to spare. Registration essential.
Winter Craft Workshop Monday December 29, 2-4 p.m., Woodlands Room on the main floor, Woodbury Central Park, Kids 5 and up with a grown-up and R.H. Stafford Library staff can make kindness boxes, make-believe sparklers, and beaded snowflakes. No registration needed.
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.
Book Tasting Party, Tuesday, December 30, 3-3:45 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library, Readers ages 8 and up will have a chance to sample books in a game with a librarian. No registration needed.
50th Anniversary Woodbury Area Hockey Club Tuesday, December 30, 4-7 p.m., M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive, Free.
Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party Wednesday, December 31, 11:30 a.m.-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.
Full Moon Hike Friday, January 2, 6-8 p.m.,Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Avenue North, Lake Elmo, Meet at Eagle Point Trailhead, 3 mile route over uneven, icy terrain. Trail is unlit so participants need to bring headlamp or flashlight. Vehicle permit fee.
Performance in the Park Songs from Matilda Saturday, January 10, 2 p.m., Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, Open Door Community Theater. Preview from the up-coming musical based on Roald Dahl’s story of an amazing girl. Free
Performance in the Park ForEver Young Sunday, January 11, 2 p.m., Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, A musical duo playing a mix of swing, pop, classic rock, country, and smooth jazz. Free.
Write in Our Midst: Tasha Coryell Saturday January 17, 11 a.m.-noon, Central Park Prairie Room (upper level), Beginning of R.H. Stafford series with local authors. Coryell will discuss her novels, including Love Letters to a Serial Killer and Matchmaking for Psychopaths. Free but registration encouraged.
Finding Your Ancestors: Internet Genealogy 101 Friday, January 23, 2-4 p.m., R.H. Stafford Library. Introduction to effective on-line genealogy research. Registration required.
Performance in the Park – Matt Hannah Sunday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m., Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place Matt Hannah is a Minneapolis-based folk Americana singer-songwriter with a Dylan-esque voice and skills on the dobro and the steel pedal guitar. Free.
Special election State Representative District 47A Tuesday, Jan. 27 with early voting January 7-26.
Woodbury Community Academy Thursdays, January 29-March 19, 6-8 p.m. Sessions educate about the city, build connections and encourage more involvement covering topics including history and demographics of Woodbury, government, and community organizations. $40.
Smartphone Security Friday, January 30, 2-4 p.m., R. H. Stafford Library. Learn how to configure and check security settings that will work for you. Registration required.
Monarca Upstander Training Saturday January 31, 9:30 a.m. Location provided after registration. Upstander, constitutional observer training to learn how to respond, document what’s happening, and how to step up as a leader.
