The Christmas holidays are here and it’s a great time to hang out with your favorite seniors, family, and friends! I’ve taken a fresh look at what’s new in the downtowns and across the north metro near our offices.
Anoka
Christmas Tree Lighting and Market
Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit for this fun and festive hometown event. On Saturday, Dec. 7th join in on the countdown to light up the official city Christmas tree. It takes place at Anoka City Hall River Plaza in historic downtown Anoka. Festivities are planned from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. with the lighting at 6 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn trolley rides along 2nd Avenue, merry holiday music, bonfires to keep you warm and toasty, listen for the Anoka High School Seventh Avenue Carolers strolling in the early evening, enjoy the beautiful holiday décor, and more. Food vendors will be selling warm beverages and tasty treats.
Capture photographs as your grandchildren share their holiday wish list during their free visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Plus, large wooden cutouts of nutcrackers and snowmen will be perfect backdrops for selfies and family photos. Merriment will abound to bring back memories of an old-fashioned Christmas.
Another event that is part of the weekend of fun, Friday and Saturday, is Artisan Delights Winter Market with local artisans showcasing their original hand-made designs, artwork, and baked goods. You will find accessories, clothing, fiber art, fishing lures, glass art, home decor, jewelry, soaps, candles, pottery, woodworking, and much more!
If you get hungry in Anoka just look in any direction and you are bound to find some great restaurants ready to serve you! I let the family shop last year while I stopped in at the local 10K craft brew and played cribbage. Our Comfort Keeper home care office is located in the same building–now that’s handy on Friday. The 10K has spacious restrooms and access from 2nd Ave. Say hi to Jesse and grab a beer!
St. Paul
European Christmas Market
Minnesota’s most authentic European Christmas market is back again at the Union Depot in St. Paul. This is the 10th anniversary of the market–a COVID survivor extraordinaire. The market opens on November 24th and continues on weekends through December 17th. There are over 50 live entertainers this year to enjoy. This is a free event that features many of the same goods you would find at an actual European Christmas market! On a cold day, you can head inside a tent to enjoy hot chocolate and food selections from a variety of local restaurants. There are a lot of European foods to enjoy at the market for both gratifying immediate consumption and to bring home to chow on later. This is also a place to find those unique gifts that make the holidays fun. These vendors have beautiful goods and foods from Europe that you’d be challenged to find anywhere else.
Because this is an outdoor event be sure to wear warm clothing and make sure seniors have appropriate footwear. The event is held at the Union Depot which is rich in history allowing you to relive the days when railroad travel was the dominant form of transportation. Stroll along looking at the artwork and beautiful wood throughout the depot. There were no loudspeakers in these buildings when they were built, so try yelling out “Casey Jones is now arriving on track 11” and notice how everyone in the building hears you. Now that’s great acoustics! Parking is ample around the area both free and paid.
Minneapolis
American Sweedish Institute–” Don’t you Know”
Not to be outdone on the European front the Minneapolis Sweedish Institute has their 73rd Annual Once Upon A Mansion through January 7th. Be sure to also stop by the Julmarknad on December 7th and 8th this Scandinavian Christmas Market takes place inside the institute and at the ASI courtyard during the weekend. Shop for handmade goods from more than 60 regional artists. Tickets are available for admission on Dec. 7th and 8th. Admission includes both the market and the museum. Check out the site for more details. The museum itself is a resource for learning about Sweden and Swedish-American culture and heritage, Scandinavian folk arts, and culture. It’s warm and toasty, they have a cafe and a mansion you can tour! You can even try some Lutefisk if it doesn't scare you too much! This might be a better option for seniors on a super cold or snowy day for a family outing.
Chisago Lakes Area
Chisago City's Lighting Festival will be held in Moberg Park on Sunday, December 8th! Hear the High School Choir at 4:30 sing acapella Holiday carols and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. There will be a petting zoo, carriage rides, toy donation area and of course, SANTA who will arrive at 5:10 pm right after we switch on the lights to make Moberg Park a wonderland! Pleasant Valley Cloggers will be performing at 5:15 pm--come join us! Don't forget to bring your letters for Santa, we will have a mailbox that leads directly to the elves at the North Pole if you would like to receive a letter back, be sure to put a self-addressed stamped envelope inside!
Join us in downtown Lindström's Memorial Park for the Lindström's Annual Tree Lighting Festival! December 7, from 4:30 pm - 6 pm 30525 Linden Street, Lindström, MN 55045. Be sure to visit downtown Lindström’s 1st annual God Jul Market Dec. 6th - 8th. Enjoy music, food, shopping, and kids crafts! Please visit the "Downtown Lindstrom" Facebook page for event details.
Need a break from the excitement, or the cold! Winehaven is open with warmth, restrooms, and plenty of seating. If you prefer a more of a German refreshment, the Uncommon Loon Brewing Company might be more your style.
Honk when you drive by our office in Chisago we opened last year to better serve our veterans and seniors who need in-home care in that neck of the woods.
White Bear Lake
Join the youngsters in your family on December 7th from 11 am to 3 pm at 4701 Hwy 61, White Bear Lake. Visit Santa, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, check out our ice sculptures, find unique gifts at our specialty shops, and enjoy a hearty meal or cocktail at any of our outstanding eateries.- Find Santa at Kellerman’s garden! Bring your cameras! (11-3 pm)
- Horse-Drawn Trolleys: Board the trolley at 4th and Cook. It’s completely free with cash/food donations for the WB Area Food Shelf. (11-3 pm)
- Elf Hunt: Pick up a passport at participating businesses, find the elves hidden in 12 or more of the stores, then turn in your passport for a chance to win a prize!
- Warm up at the WBLAHS Festival of Trees in the Armory!
Be sure to dress for the weather so you can make lasting memories with the entire family--including seniors able to join you!