Celebrating the Holidays, Twin Cities-style

It isn’t just about shopping and family get-togethers. The holidays are also full of special events—some of which have become traditions in their own right—for Twin Cities area residents.

Here are some of the local favorites:

Holidazzle Parade

The Holidazzle Parade is in its 20th year and has become a Minneapolis institution. Sponsored by Target, the Holidazzle was originally created to encourage downtown shopping.

The 2011 parade runs Thursdays through Sundays, from Nov. 25 through Dec. 18. The parade runs down Nicollet Mall from 12th to 4th Street and begins at 6:30 p.m. each night.

Macy’s Eighth Floor Holiday Display

2011 marks the 49th year kids and their families have been treated to a Christmas extravaganza on the eighth floor of Macy’s, the former Dayton’s Department Store, at 700 Nicollet in Minneapolis.

Visitors can get an inside look at “A Day in the Life of an Elf.” Afterwards, a visit with Santa or a trip through the Santa’s Toy Shop is in store. The display is open every day through Dec. 31, except Christmas Day. A complete schedule is available on Macy's website.

Como Zoo & Conservatory Holiday Flower Show

The 86th Annual Holiday Flower Show in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory began on Dec. 3 and, this year, features an ice and frost theme; it will include five brand new poinsettia cultivars. The show runs through Jan. 22

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy

Now in its 48th year, the Nutcracker has been a must-see holiday event for generations of Minnesotans and, this year, the venue is the recently completed Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts.

Performance dates are from Dec. 23 through Dec. 31, except Christmas Day. All tickets are $36.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is a 37-year Guthrie Theater tradition that keeps reinventing itself.

According to Guthrie director of communications Quintin Skinner, this will be the second year the company will be performing a new adaptation by playwright Crispin Whittell and also the second year artistic director Joe Dowling will be directing the show.

For the first time, actor JC Cutler will take the stage as Scrooge. There also are new scenic elements this year and the costumes are in the midst of a multi-year replacement project.

Skinner thinks the play has become a local tradition because it is a very big and warmhearted show that is also wildly entertaining, and affirms people’s capacity for redemption and transformation.

The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from "Bah Humbug" to "Merry Christmas" runs from Nov. 19 through Dec. 30 on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.

Ticket prices range from $34 to $73 depending on day of the week and seat location.

James J. Hill House Hill House Holidays

A James J. Hill House staffer describes Hill House Holidays as an interactive play in which visitors follow costumed actors throughout the house to experience the excitement as servants prepare the home for a Christmas celebration.

In its 20th year, Hill House Holiday will have two more runs this year, on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. Prices range from $10 for adults to $6 for children 6-17. Tours begin every 30 minutes from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Other than the $2 Minnesota Historical Society member discount, no passes or discounts are allowed.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Back for a sixth year, "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" will once again be staged at the historic St. Paul Hotel and includes a three-course meal and optional social hour with a cash bar.

Performances for this adaptation of the Frank Capra 1946 classic begin Tuesday, Dec. 13 and run through Friday, Dec. 23. Ticket prices for the 2 p.m. luncheon matinee are $55; the 7 p.m. dinner show costs $75.

The hotel itself will be decked out in holiday splendor and the nearby Rice Park will be a winter wonderland of twinkling lights.

Check back next week for a look at some great holiday events right here in St. Louis Park.