December Events Calendar
Click here to submit your event to the calendar!
Caroling at the Historic Bridge
Friday, December 1 6–8pm | Hanover Historic Bridge
See Old St. Nick and enjoy both sweet treats and the sweet sounds of area choirs.
More info: facebook.com/CityofHanover/posts/10159857078220571
Westbridge Community Church “Jingle Jam”
Friday, December 1 6:15–8pm | STMA Middle School West
A party for the whole family—live performance, cookie decorating, family photo station, and more! Learn about opportunities to give back during the Christmas season.
More info & RSVP: facebook.com/events/136444297007842
Children’s Holiday Shopping Mall
Saturday, December 2 9am–1pm | STMA Middle School West
Children up through 5th grade can shop for inexpensive gifts (escorted by a Girl Scout) and have them gift-wrapped to bring home.
More info: facebook.com/events/1734011473328790
St. Michael Catholic School Christmas Market
Saturday, December 2 9am–2pm | St. Michael Catholic School
Shop from a variety of vendors (child care provided while you shop), and take the kids to meet Santa Claus.
More info: facebook.com/events/1665000603570936
Snowflake Storytime & Craft
Saturday, December 2 10:30–11:30 | St. Michael Library
Hear The Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story and make a beautiful piece of snowflake art to take home.
Register: griver.org/events
Meet Santa at the Fire Station
Saturday, December 2 10am–1pm | St. Michael Fire Dept.
Stop by to visit with Santa and to drop off a toy for the local drive, Caring for Kids.
More info: facebook.com/events/378913659189124
Santa’s Workshop & Holiday Market
Saturday, December 2 10am–3pm | Kaleidoscope Charter School
Fill the stockings of everyone on your nice list at Santa’s gift shop featuring local vendors. Coloring, activities, Christmas movies, concessions available for purchase. Santa photos $20 benefiting the KPTO
More info: facebook.com/events/1524583727626731
Coborn’s Kid’s Day
Saturday, December 2 11–2pm | Coborn’s, Albertville
Fun for kids including games, sampling, and nutrition resources
More info: stmamom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CobornsKidsDay-Dec2017.pdf
Santa Photos at Cabela’s
December 2, 9, & 16 11am–3pm | Cabela’s, Rogers
Free photos with Santa on select dates. Don’t forget your Christmas list!
More info: facebook.com/events/288826344939490
Special Moments with Santa
Saturday, December 2 1:30–4:30pm | 101 Market, Otsego
Children will receive an ornament and get their photo with Santa. Refreshments provided for kids and adults. Santa will narrate The Night before Christmas at 3:00.
More info: facebook.com/events/544748569200038
Deck the Halls
Saturday, December 2 3–5pm | Sturges Park, Buffalo
Visit with Santa, hop on a horse-drawn wagon ride, and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, carolers, and more. Santa arrives at 3:00, Tree lighting at 5:00. Bring a donation for Toys for Tots or the Buffalo Food Shelf.
More info: facebook.com/events/1813866578904647
Hometown Holiday on Main Street
Saturday, December 2 3–7pm | Main Street, Maple Grove
Hot cocoa, caroling, free carriage rides, visit with Santa (parade at 5:00, see below)
More info: arborlakes.net
Sleigh Bells & Sparkle Parade
Saturday, December 2 5–5:30pm | Main Street, Maple Grove
See Main Street come alive with lights, music, holiday characters, and more. Followed by tree lighting by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
More info: mgco.org/events/sleigh-bells-and-sparkle-parade
Downtown Elk River Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2 5–6pm | Rivers Edge Commons Park
Join Elk River residents for hot chocolate, caroling, and more! The fire department will be hosting a toy drive.
More info: facebook.com/events/1482940771792345
SOAR Holiday Concert
December 2 7–9pm | STMA Middle School West
& December 3 4–6pm | Word of Peace Lutheran Church
Celebrate the season by supporting the arts in our community!
More info and tickets: facebook.com/events/881047022063316
Winter Forts at Eastman Nature Center
Sunday, December 3 1–3pm | Eastman Nature Center
Learn the secret to winter survival and build a survival shelter! Free, open to all ages
More info: web2.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?display=detail&FMID=18518351
Albertville Christmas in the Park
Sunday, December 3 2–6pm | Albertville Central Park
Enjoy s’mores and hot beverages around the fire. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive with reindeer around 3:00. Tree will be lit at 5:00.
More info: facebook.com/events/160099348058717
Library Make & Take
Monday, December 4 | St. Michael Library
Make an ornament for the library tree or to take home (while supplies last).
More info: griver.org/events
St. Michael Holiday Tree Lighting
Monday, December 4 6–8pm | St. Michael City Hall
Festive evening for the whole family including caroling, crafts, free photos with Santa, ugly sweater contest, and more! Enjoy free food and beverages while supplies last. Bring a new toy or children’s book for the Hanover Food Shelf.
More info: facebook.com/events/340305043108857
ECFE Build a Book Buddy
Monday, December 4 6:30–7:30 | Community Ed Center
It’s a “Build a Bear” workshop right at school! Your child will love Little Fox—a new stuffed friend that you make together.
Cost: $20 (Children will receive a book and a stuffed animal)
Register: stma.ce.eleyo.com/course/ecfe/3057/fall-2017%E2%80%942/build-a-book-buddy
FYCC Family Bingo
Thursday, December 7 6–7:30pm | Albertville City Hall
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting at 6 pm. Bingo will begin at 6:30.
$10/family if you pre-register online ($15 at the door, space limited)
Register: myfycc.com/event-registration/?ee=291
Holiday Open House and Gingerbread Make & Take
Friday, December 8 1–2pm | Life in Christ Preschool
Children ages 3–5 are invited to visit the preschool and create a gingerbread craft to take home.
Register: lifeinchristpreschool.com/get_involved
Jump with Santa
Friday, December 8 4–7pm | Jump City, Otsego
Open jump (regular rates apply) with cookies and a free gift for kids. Don’t forget your camera!
More info: facebook.com/events/135892177116096
ECFE Open Gym
Friday, December 8 6:30–7:30pm | Community Ed Gym
Meet local families while the kids burn off some energy! FREE, but please pre-register
Register: stma.ce.eleyo.com/course/ecfe/3053/fall-2017%E2%80%942/open-gym
Santa & Mrs. Claus at St. Michael Cinema
Saturday, December 9 10am–1pm | St. Michael Cinema
Grab a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and stay for a $5 movie! (currently showing 3 family-friendly Christmas movies)
More info: facebook.com/events/225013591372639
Santa Day
Saturday, December 9 10am–1pm | Otsego Prairie Center
Visit with Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Bring a food donation for CAER.
More info: facebook.com/events/1971113069767854
Nature Hike with Santa
Saturday, December 9 10am–12pm & 1–3pm | Eastman Nature Center
Help Santa look for magical reindeer food, create ornaments, and decorate a letter to Santa.
Cost: $7/child $3/adult Refreshments provided
Register by Dec. 6: web2.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=AR&primarycode=1ENC0300
Santa in the Park
Saturday, December 9 12–3pm | Rivers Edge Commons Park, Elk River
Children and families can have their photograph taken with Santa and enjoy the holiday-themed park.
More info: facebook.com/events/2010697052482532
Girl Scouts’ Kids Only Sale
Saturday, December 9 2–4pm | Buffalo Community Middle School
Kids can shop for gifts alone with the help of a Girl Scout. Bake sale, Santa photos, and more!
More info: facebook.com/events/1543875145695250
Santa at What’s the Scoop
Saturday, December 9 3–5pm | What’s the Scoop, Buffalo
Visit with Santa at What’s the Scoop? ice cream shop and enjoy some fun activities for kids.
More info: facebook.com/events/129079247785381
Meet Santa Donation Event
Sunday, December 10 10am–2pm | Buffalo Community Center
Have your Santa photo taken by Perfect Pearl Photography. Proceeds will benefit a family in need. Pets welcome, too!
More info: facebook.com/events/336636416806991
Holiday Train in Buffalo
Monday, December 11 5:45–6:30pm | Buffalo, MN
See the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train as it passes through Buffalo! Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Buffalo Food Shelf.
More info: facebook.com/BuffaloMN/photos/a.218373404724.131735.196255279724/10155854275954725
Light the Grove
Thursday, December 14 5–7pm | Maple Grove Hospital
Enjoy hot cocoa and holiday treats, caroling, horse-drawn trolley rides, and pictures with Santa and his reindeer.
More info: facebook.com/events/131541114285767
Pictures with Santa Fundraiser
Thursday, December 14 5–8pm | Trott Brook Barn, Elk River
Photos with Santa (bring your camera!), snacks, cider, and a Christmas craft
Cost: $5/family (fundraiser for MOMS Club of Elk River/Otsego)
More info: facebook.com/events/147498272553439
Christmas & Cars Kids Night
Friday, December 15 4–7pm | Rigs to Rods, Albertville
Toy car decorating, movie, snacks, drinks, and a tour of the repair shop. Free event, donations for veterans appreciated
More info: facebook.com/events/296862394163931
Rogers Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 15 5–7pm | Downtown Rogers Veterans Memorial
Hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies provided by the Lions. Have your photo taken with Santa or of just your family. Tree will be lit at 6:00.
More info: facebook.com/events/517770115282530
ECFE Family Movie Night: “Trolls”
Friday, December 15 6–8pm | Community Ed Gym
Bring a blanket, wear your favorite PJs, and munch on popcorn in our own “movie theatre!”
Cost: $5/family
Register: stma.ce.eleyo.com/course/ecfe/3058/fall-2017%E2%80%942/ecfe-family-movie-night
Santa Claus at Kremer’s Toy & Hobby
December 16 & 17 11am–3pm | Kremer’s Toy & Hobby, Albertville
Bring your camera to capture a photo of your kids with Santa. No waiting! Grab a number and be notified when it’s your turn.
More info: facebook.com/kremerstoyandhobby
R.E.A.D. to Taurus
Saturday, December 16 11am–1pm | St. Michael Library
Shy or unsure readers in grades K–3 can spend 30 minutes reading with our favorite dog, Taurus.
More info: griver.org/events
**Visit/call the library front desk for signup times
The Living Nativity
December 16 & 17 5–7pm | Buffalo Covenant Church
Interactive, walk-through event with live characters—Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and more—plus a stable filled with live animals!
More info: facebook.com/events/171289186799948
Visit Santa & his Reindeer
Sunday, December 17 1–3pm | Albertville Premium Outlets
Santa will ride into Plaza B (near UGGS) at 1:00 for your chance to take photos with him and his reindeer.
More info: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/albertville/news-and-events
Skate with Santa
Sunday, December 17 4–5:15pm | Rogers Ice Arena
Hot chocolate provided with open skate admission. Remember your camera to take pictures with Santa!
Cost: $4/skater (ages 5 & under are free) Skate rental: $2
More info: facebook.com/events/2070032813225777
Ho-Ho-Holiday Storytime
Monday, December 18 10:30–11:15am | St. Michael Library
Kids ages 18mos–6 years will love this holiday-themed storytime!
Register: griver.org/events
Dinner with Santa
Monday, December 18 5:30–7:30pm | Broadway Pizza, Rogers
Enjoy a dinner buffet (kids 10 & younger eat FREE) and get your picture taken with Santa! Santa photos are free with a non-perishable food donation going to The Food Group.
More info: facebook.com/events/370899093360641
A Night in Bethlehem
December 19 & 21 5:30–7:30pm | Christ Church, Otsego
Your family will be transported through time to experience Bethlehem as its residents celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Suggested donation of $5 per child
Register: facebook.com/events/910804019069817
Children’s Christmas Eve Mass
Sunday, December 24 4–5pm | St. Michael Catholic Church
More info: facebook.com/events/122594815139877
Live Outdoor Nativity
Tuesday, December 26 5–7pm | Church of St. Albert
See a live nativity outside of St. Albert’s Parish Center, then go inside to enjoy food and activities for kids.
More info: churchofstalbert.org (PDF flyer)
Glow ‘N Skate
Wednesday, December 27 6–7:15pm | Rogers Ice Arena
Skate with the lights turned low and the music turned up! Cost: $5, includes glow necklace
More info: facebook.com/events/1731797630458858
Ongoing Activities
ECFE Drop In & Play
December 6, 8, 13 & 15 8:30–10am
Enjoy crafts, stories, songs, and gym time Cost: $4 per visit
More info: stma.ce.eleyo.com/course/ecfe/3043/fall-2017%E2%80%942/drop-in-and-play
Preschool Open Gyms
Jon Anstett Gymastics St. Michael • Tuesdays 9–10am (link)
Shooting Stars Gymnastics Albertville • Wednesdays 10–11:30am (link)
Gym Nation Buffalo • Tuesdays 12:15–1:15pm, Fridays 12:15-1:15pm, Saturdays 1-2pm (link)