The Twin Cities Have a Wide Variety of Fun Events for the Whole Family This Holiday Season!

The twin cities offer a variety of fun events this holiday season. There are plenty of theater, dance, music, culture, and shopping adventures to be had in Minneapolis.

The theater is hosting several wonderful performances this year. Ballet of the Dolls will be held at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts through December 31.

Celebrate Christmas-20th Annual Holiday Revue will also be taking place through December 31 at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Chanhassen offers a full service meal with the performance and will certainly be a night to remember. The show features Christmas in the Big Apple and lasts approximately 1.5 hours with intermission. Tickets range from a price of $38 up to $52. This event begins November 17 .

For more information on this event, or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.chanhassentheatres.com/ticket_info/#24
Another theatrical event is the performance of Martini & Olive: Hooked on a Fruitcake at Hennepin Stages. This event will be playing through December 31. This performance includes music of the 70's holiday show and is a great comedy that has been known to keep audiences laughing for years to come. This event is available for a price of $28.50, group rates are also available. You are guaranteed to get a good laugh out of this musical, for more information or to purchase tickets please visit: http://www.hennepintheatredistrict.org/eventdescription.asp?theshow=Martini06.

Another fantastic show is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes at Orpheum Theatre. A family four-pack of tickets costs $99 which means savings of up to $13.25 a ticket.

A performance playing through January 1 entitled Christmas of Swing involves an Andrews Sisters Holiday Musical located at Great American History Theatre.

Another performance lasting through January 6 is Disney's Aladdin Jr. being held at Minneapolis Children's Theatre. This performance will begin November 15 and last through January 6. It takes place on the Main Stage and is sure to be enjoyed by all ages. For more information and reviews on this event as well as a family guide and student/teacher study guide, please visit: http://www.childrenstheatre.org/2006/aladdin.html

There are also plenty of exciting musical events taking place in the twin cities this holiday season. On December 3, there is a FREE family concert sponsored by Target. This event will take place in the Orchestra Hall at 2pm and 4pm and is entitled A Spirit for the Holidays. The classic Handel's Messiah will be held December 6, 7, and 10 at the Basilica of Saint Mary (Dec 6), the Cathedral of Saint Paul (Dec 7) and the Orchestra Hall (Dec 10). Tickets range from $19.25-48.25 each day of the performance.

The Condordia College Christmas Concert will also be held at the Orchestra Hall on December 7 at 6:30pm. The weekend of December 8-9 includes the orchestra performance of Hansel and Gretel beginning at 7:30pm.

On December 22, George Winston will perform in The Winter Concert at Orchestra Hall beginning at 8pm. On December 23, the Orchestra Hall will host Paragon Ragtime Orchestra in their "Round the Christmas Tree with Special guest Butch Thompson beginning at 8pm. For more information on any of the events taking place at the Orchestra Hall in the month of December, please visit: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/season/index.cfm.

There will also be a Holiday Music Festival through December 23 taking place at the Mall of America. This event begins Friday, November 24 and involves community, professional, and school groups. This event also still has room if you are interested in performing! Please visit http://www.mallofamerica.com/adults_events_detail_objectname_Holiday_music_festial.aspx for more information on this event.

There are also several arts & cultural events taking place throughout the holiday season in Minneapolis. Holiday Traditions will be on display in the Period Rooms at Minneapolis Institute of Arts through December 31.

Another artistic exhibit is entitled Folkways of the Holidays and is located at Historic Murphy's Landing. This display will be showcased through January 1. For more information on this event please visit: http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/outdoor-ed/murphys_landing/folkways.cfm

One final artistic event is the Scandinavian Christmas taking place at the American Swedish Institute. The Swedish Institute has several different events available throughout the holiday season including Christmas Fairs on November 4 and 18. You can also make and take your own gingerbread house on Sunday November 26 at the Swedish Institute from 2-3:30pm. For more information on any of the Holiday events being held at the Institute, please call 612 871 4907, or visit their website: http://www.americanswedishinst.org/special.htm

Whether you are a musical, drama, or visual art fan, you are sure to find something exciting in Minneapolis this holiday season!