Guided Tour at James J. Hill House
Visit a famous Summit Avenue mansion with a 60-minute guided tour hosted by the Minnesota Historical Society. The historic home of James J. Hill comes to life as guides share early 1900s stories and memories on family holiday traditions. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, 1-3:30 p.m. @ James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, mnhs.org
ASI’s Winter Solstice Celebration
Celebrate the longest night and shortest day of the year with after-dark exhibits, gift shopping, delicious Swedish mulled wine, and a magical winter courtyard—complete with a blazing bonfire and live reindeer. Friday, 5-9 p.m. @ American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, asimn.org
Making Spirits Bright
Explore 14 outdoor, festive light displays at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s annual Making Spirits Bright—a festive event that shines bright on different locations, sculptures, and gardens across the grounds. Be sure to warm up at S’more Village, a new (and delicious) pitstop located in the Margot Picnic Shelter area. Friday through Sunday, 5-9 p.m. @ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, facebook.com
Gallery Reception with Christopher Sorenson
Meet the artist, enjoy refreshments, and take in the tremendous talent of artist Christopher Sorenson. His showcase, “Tradition Reinterpreted,” draws on the Nordic Yuletide tradition of paper cutting and explores old folk techniques of tapestry, weaving, and rosemaling. Friday, 6-8 p.m. @ Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, facebook.com
Make Your Own Cutting Board
Design your own custom cutting board from walnut, maple, and cherry woods (you can even add marble if you want) in varying widths. Perfect for serving, and even better for gifting. Registration closes 48 hours prior to event. Saturday, 3-5 p.m. @ Projects in Person, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, projectsinperson.com
Finish up your last-minute holiday shopping at one of these merry markets:
Handmade Holiday Bazaar || Shop affordable textiles, paintings, CDs, jewelry, clothing, and more from local artists and musicians, then stick around for a live performance from Elyse Jones and Rachel Roberts. Thursday, 3-9 p.m. @ Southdale Center, 10 Southdale Center, Edina, facebook.com
The Great Northeast Make Merry || Pull out your old-fashioned English and make merry. Shop handcrafted, local goods from vendors like Dottir and Eli & Ink with a cider in hand. Thursday, 5-9 p.m.@ Sociable Cider Werks, 1500 Filmore St. N.E., Minneapolis, facebook.com
Procraftinate: A Handmade Holiday Market for Last-Minute Shoppers || The countdown to the holidays is on! If you’re not ready, no problem. This close-out market is designed for last-minute Lucy’s just like you. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. @ Lakes & Legends Brewing Co., 1368 LaSalle Ave., Minneapolis, facebook.com
Linden Hills Holiday Market || Grab your last-chance look from more than 60 vendors at the final market of this eight-week shopping series. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Sunnyside Gardens, 3723 44th St. W., Minneapolis, facebook.com
