December 2019 Events & Activities Calendar
Click here to submit your event to the calendar!
Santa Photos at Cabela’s
Every day through Dec. 24 (times vary) | Cabela’s, Rogers
Enjoy the Santa Wonderland Christmas experience and get a FREE photo with Santa! Free crafts and activities will also be offered. Arrive early to reserve your spot.
More info: facebook.com/events/1679177592219526
Wright County Festival of Trees
Every day Sunday–Friday (times vary) | Wright County Historical Society, Buffalo
Visit an indoor, winter wonderland with more than 50 uniquely decorated Christmas trees highlighting Wright County businesses, families, and organizations. Enjoy a Santa letter-writing station, animated characters, and more.
facebook.com/events/439991980230377
Rogers Lions Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 1 8am–1pm | Rogers Community Center
The Rogers Lions will be serving up pancakes & French toast with all the fixings. Kids can bring in a non-perishable food donation for CROSS and receive a free picture with Santa. (Cost: Free-will donation to benefit CROSS Services)
More info: facebook.com/events/2560693820869550
Visit Santa at Tile Outlet
December 1 12–3pm | Tile Outlet, Rogers
Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus along with their reindeer. Everyone is welcome, including pets. There will also be snacks, gifts for the kids, and an area to write down notes for Santa.
More info: facebook.com/events/460957104511891
Albertville Christmas in the Park
Sunday, December 1 2–6pm | Albertville Central Park
Celebrate the season with your community! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the park depot, enjoy s’mores and hot beverages around the fire, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and more. Santa & Mrs. Claus will arrive at 3pm, and the tree will be lit at 5pm.
More info: facebook.com/events/2421761684743274
Library Storytime
Monday, December 2 Toddlers 10am / Preschool 11am | St. Michael Library
More info: griver.org/events
Library Make & Take
Monday, December 2 during open hours | St. Michael Library
Kids ages 5–12 are invited to celebrate the season by making a holiday ornament to hang on the library’s tree or to take home (while supplies last).
More info: griver.org/event/saint-michael/december-make-take-/2019-12-02/54359
St. Michael Holiday Tree Lighting
Monday, December 2 6–8pm | St. Michael City Hall
Free photos with Santa, plus caroling, crafts, snowman search, and more. Enjoy free food and beverages while supplies last. Please bring a toy or children’s book for the Hanover Food Shelf.
More info: facebook.com/events/1007742416229753
Advent Family Night
Tuesday, December 3 6:30–8pm | Word of Peace Lutheran Church, Rogers
All aboard for Christmas! Families with children birth through 5th grade are invited to this evening filled with activities to teach children and their families about the meaning of Advent. No registration necessary; all are welcome.
More info: facebook.com/events/519484862236916
Light the Grove
Thursday, December 5 5–7pm | Maple Grove Hospital
Enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores, caroling, horse-drawn trolley rides, and a visit with Santa and his reindeer, and more. This event is outdoors; please dress accordingly.
More info: facebook.com/events/545240609589111
FYCC Santa Family Bingo
Thursday, December 5 6–7:30pm | Albertville City Hall
Spend time as a family, and win some great prizes. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting at 6 pm. Bingo begins at 6:30. Pre-registration recommended as space is limited! (Cost: $10/family online or $15 at the door)
Register: myfycc.com/event-registration/?ee=417
Library Teen Night
Thursday, December 5 6:30–8pm | St. Michael Public Library
Teens ages 11–18 can join their friends at the library for fun night together. Snacks provided. Bring a friend!
More info: griver.org/event/saint-michael/teen-night/2019-12-05/54363
MDC Parent’s Night Out
Friday, December 6 5–8pm | Millennium Dance Company, Albertville
Are you looking for a night to get your holiday shopping and wrapping done without the kids? Bring them to the dance studio for an evening of fun including a craft and movie. Ages 3–9 (Cost: $30 first child, $15 per add’l child)
Info & Register: facebook.com/events/722427051589556
Family Dome Night
Friday, December 6 6–7:15pm | STMA High School All-Purpose Facility
Join ECFE for a night out at the STMA Dome! Half of the field will be available for families to play games, throw balls, jump, and run. This event is designed for children under 10. (Cost: $5/family, Register online)
Info & Register: stma.ce.eleyo.com/course/ecfe/4263/2019-fall-ecfe/family-dome-night
Caroling at the Historic Hanover Bridge
Friday, December 6 6–8pm | Hanover Bridge
Join the Hanover Historical Society, along with area church and school choirs for musical performances and caroling. Capture a photo of your kids in an authentic one-horse open sleigh with Old St. Nick. Hot cider and cookies will be provided.
More info: facebook.com/events/427154688021766
Cookies with Santa at YMCA
Friday, December 6 6–7:30pm | Elk River YMCA
Decorate cookies, participate in holiday themed crafts, write letters to Santa, and then take a picture with him. This event is free and open to the community.
More info: ymcamn.org/kid__teen_activities/family_fun__fitness/holiday_events_at_the_y
FPMT Presents: Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.
Friday, December 6 7pm and Saturday, December 7 1pm & 5pm| Rogers HS Performing Arts Center
See Front Porch Musical Theatre’s talented cast perform in the story you know and love about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within! (Tickets: Adults $14, Children $9, under 3 Free)
Info & Tickets: frontporchmusicaltheatre.com/upcoming-showsbuy-tickets.html
Meet Santa at the St. Michael Fire Station
Saturday, December 7 8am–10am | St. Michael Fire Dept.
Stop by to visit with Santa, enjoy a Christmas cookie, and drop off a toy for the local drive, Caring for Kids.
More info: facebook.com/events/517742618955789
Breakfast in Bethlehem
Saturday, December 7 9am–12pm | Lord of Glory Lutheran Church, Elk River
Bring your kids to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas. This free family event includes breakfast, ornament craft, nativity gallery, storytelling, bake sale, and a boutique where low cost gift items can be purchased & help in the creation of tie blankets.
More info: facebook.com/events/516852379130126
Children’s Holiday Shopping Mall
Saturday, December 7 9am–1pm | STMA Middle School West
Children old enough to walk through 5th grade can shop for inexpensive gifts (escorted by a Girl Scout) and have them gift-wrapped to bring home. Santa will also be available for kids to visit with.
More info: facebook.com/events/2489758571344981
St. Michael Catholic School Christmas Market
Saturday, December 7 9am–2pm | St. Michael Catholic School
Shop from a variety of vendors and take the kids to meet Santa Claus.
More info: facebook.com/events/890968551303410
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Saturday, December 7 9am–12pm | Home Depot (Monticello, Elk River, Maple Grove)
Create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers.
Info & Register: homedepot.com/workshops
Santa & Reindeer at Albertville Outlets
Sunday, December 7 10am–12pm | Albertville Premium Outlets
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their live reindeer will be visiting the outlet mall! Stop by the area near Starbucks to take your own holiday photos.
More info: facebook.com/events/419966198680547
Santa Day at Prairie Center
Saturday, December 7 10am–1pm | Otsego Prairie Center
Santa Claus is coming to town! Kids can visit with Santa, snack on cookies and hot chocolate, and enjoy a story by Mrs. Claus. Quality Photo will also be present to take pictures with Santa for purchase, or you may bring a camera and take your own. (Free, please bring a non-perishable food donation for CAER)
More info: facebook.com/events/419746698705473
Gingerbread House Decorating
Saturday, December 7 10:30am–12pm | St. Michael Library
Join the library’s annual family tradition and create your own gingerbread house using frosting, candy, and graham crackers. Supplies provided by the Friends of the Library.
Info & Register: griver.org/event/saint-michael/gingerbread-house-decorating-/2019-12-07/54372
Visit Santa at Monticello Library
Saturday, December 7 11am–1pm | Monticello Public Library
Visit the library to talk with Santa and take a photo. Stay for cookies and cider, and check out a great book!
More info: griver.org/event/monticello/saturday-with-santa/2019-12-07/54559
Children’s Christmas Party
Saturday, December 7 11am–2pm | Liberty Restaurant, St. Michael
Bring your Christmas present list and your camera and see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids will enjoy stories, crafts, letters to Santa, bean bag toss and face painting.
More info: facebook.com/195535497158130/photos/a.195564423821904/2922025161175803
Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 7 1–4pm | Jete Dance Centre, Rogers
Tell Santa your wishes, take a photo with him, eat a cookie, and try out a free dance class. Please consider bringing a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
More info: facebook.com/events/496106781247801
Arbor Lakes Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 7 1–4pm | The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove
Kids can visit with Santa Claus, play holiday bingo, and do a craft in the store space between Forever 21 and Biaggi’s. Don’t forget to say “hi” to Santa’s reindeer in the courtyard outside.
More info: facebook.com/events/438834130149253
Santa Visits 101 Market
Saturday, December 7 1–5pm | 101 Market, Otsego
Children will receive an ornament (while supplies last) and get their photo taken with Santa. Refreshments provided for kids and adults. (Cost: $5, Online reservations required for all except the last hour)
More info: nathes101market.com/how-much
Elk River Santa in the Park
Saturday, December 7 2–5pm | Rivers Edge Commons Park, Elk River
Children and families can have their photograph taken with Santa, visit the petting zoo, and take home a goodie bag. Tree will be lit at 5pm. Please bring a toy for the fire department’s annual toy drive.
More info: facebook.com/events/2504799026222903
Deck the Halls in Buffalo
Saturday, December 7 3–5pm | Sturges Park, Buffalo
Visit with Santa, hop on a horse-drawn wagon ride, and enjoy hot chocolate, a bonfire, and more. Santa arrives by fire truck at 3:00. Bring a food item or toy donation for local families in need.
More info: facebook.com/events/1031146510558885
Arbor Lakes Hometown Holiday
Saturday, December 7 3:30–6:30pm | Main Street, Maple Grove
Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides, visit with Santa, and enjoy free entertainment. The parade begins at 5:00 and concludes with a tree lighting on Main Street.
More info: arborlakes.net/whats-going-on/hometown-holiday-celebration
Night in Bethlehem
Saturday, December 7 4–7pm | Central Lutheran Church, Elk River
Travel back in time to see what it was like in Bethlehem in the days when Jesus was born. There will be crafts, snacks, and even live animals.
More info: facebook.com/events/411532663104057
Santa at BK Tap Haus
Sunday, December 8 8–11am | BK Tap Haus, St. Michael
Bring the kids to enjoy some holiday photos with Santa, plus hot cocoa and cookies.
More info: facebook.com/BKTAPHAUS/posts/725516294599008
Live Nativity Performance
Sunday, December 8 2–3pm | St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Buffalo
All are invited to attend a live nativity performance at the church performed by the StFX children.
More info: facebook.com/events/559727628184206
Library Storytime
Monday, December 9 Toddlers 10am / Preschool 11am | St. Michael Library
More info: griver.org/events
ECFE at the Library
Thursday, December 12 10:30–11am | St. Michael Library
A special storytime led by staff from STMA’s early-childhood program, featuring crafts, games, songs, and of course—stories! (Ages 0–6)
More info: griver.org/events
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Thursday, December 12 4:15–9pm
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be stopping to entertain audiences in Loretto and Buffalo as it makes its way across the country collecting donations for food banks. The train will be in Loretto 4:15–5 and Buffalo 5:45–6:30.
More info: facebook.com/events/404798840168276
Meet Santa at Jump City
Friday, December 13 4–7pm | Jump City, Otsego
Spend an evening bouncing around and visiting with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. This event includes free food and gifts for the kids. Regular open jump rates apply.
More info: facebook.com/inflatablebouncehouse/posts/3269960716407364
MDC Parent’s Night Out
Friday, December 13 5–8pm | Millennium Dance Company, Albertville
Are you looking for a night to get your holiday shopping and wrapping done without the kids? Bring them to the dance studio for an evening of fun including a craft and movie. Ages 3–9 (Cost: $30 first child, $15 per add’l child)
Info & Register: facebook.com/events/1394970980662688
FPMT Presents: Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.
Friday, December 13 7pm and Saturday, December 14 1pm & 5pm| Rogers HS Performing Arts Center
See Front Porch Musical Theatre’s talented cast perform in the story you know and love about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within! (Tickets: Adults $14, Children $9, under 3 Free)
Info & Tickets: frontporchmusicaltheatre.com/upcoming-showsbuy-tickets.html
Santa & Reindeer at Albertville Outlets
Saturday, December 14 10am–12pm | Albertville Premium Outlets
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their live reindeer will be visiting the outlet mall! Stop by the area near Starbucks to take your own holiday photos.
More info: facebook.com/events/419966198680547
Santa’s Workshop
Saturday, December 14 10am–2:30pm | Kaleidoscope Charter School, Otsego
Visit Santa’s gift shop featuring local vendors and a holiday shop made just for kids, plus have your Santa photo taken for $20 to benefit the KPTO. You’ll also find fun activities for kids and concessions available for purchase.
More info: facebook.com/events/2145372782432681
Christmas on the Farm Tour
December 14 & 15 Times vary | Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River
Experience 19th-century preparations for a simple holiday celebration like Oliver Kelley and his family had. On this 90-minute guided tour, visitors will discover how farm families and their animals coped with the shorter days and colder temperatures, and enjoy snippets of period literature while helping prepare for the upcoming holiday. Refreshments and holiday treats from different eras will be served. (Tickets: $15, age 4 & under Free)
Info & Tickets: mnhs.org/kelleyfarm/activities/calendar
Santa at St. Michael Cinema
Saturday, December 14 3:30–6:30pm | St. Michael Cinema
Stop by to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at your hometown theater.
More info: facebook.com/StMichaelCinema15
Maple Grove “Skate with Santa”
Saturday, December 14 4:30–8pm | Central Park of Maple Grove
Join Santa and his helpers for a fun evening of skating and holiday music at Central Park. Families can bring their own cameras for photos with Santa. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to CROSS and receive a free hot chocolate. (Cost: Free admission, skate rental $6)
More info: facebook.com/events/538925660256631
Santa Claus at Kremer’s Toy & Hobby
Sunday, December 15 11am–3pm | Kremer’s Toy & Hobby, Albertville
Bring your camera to capture a photo of your kids with Santa. No lines! Grab a number and be notified when it’s your turn. Kids can enjoy the play area and train set while you wait.
More info: facebook.com/kremerstoyandhobby/posts/1770073663125500
Rogers “Skate with Santa”
Sunday, December 15 4–5:15pm | Rogers Ice Arena
Enjoy an open skating time and free hot chocolate with each paid admission. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa. (Cost: $4/skater, Free for ages 5 & under, Skate rental $2/pair)
More info: facebook.com/events/2456432157973391
Ho Ho Holiday Storytime
Monday, December 16 10:30–11:15am | St. Michael Library
Little ones ages 0–6 can enjoy some fun stories, songs, and a craft.
More info: griver.org/events
Toddler Tuesday at Color Me Mine
Tuesday, December 17 10am–3pm (time slots vary) | Color Me Mine, Maple Grove
Spring is here! Bring your 2–5 year old to Color Me Mine to paint a one-of-a-kind keepsake project. This month’s project is a mini holiday tree. (Registration required, Cost: $10—includes figurine, paints, glazing, and firing)
Info & Register: maplegrove.colormemine.com/toddler-tuesday-dec-17th
Glow-N-Skate
Wednesday, December 18 6–7:15pm | Rogers Ice Arena
Enjoy an evening of skating the coolest venue in town! (Cost: $5 per skater, includes a glow necklace, Skate rental $2/pair)
More info: facebook.com/events/441824093136092
Decorate Cookies with Mrs. Claus
December 19–21 (times vary) | Tile Outlet, Rogers
Bring your kids to visit Mrs. Claus and help decorate freshly baked cookies! Everything will be provided along with a plate signed by Mrs. Claus for your family to take home. Time slots vary and are available by RSVP only at 612-867-1905. (Cost: $10/family, proceeds to benefit homeless)
More info: facebook.com/events/565357594197022
Saturday Cinema
Saturday, December 21 10:15am–12pm | Monticello Library
Bring a pillow and blanket, they’ll provide the popcorn and a family-friendly movie! (Call the library to find out which movie will be playing.)
More info: griver.org/event/monticello/saturday-cinema/2019-12-21/54513
Santa Claus at Kremer’s Toy & Hobby
December 21 & 22 11am–3pm | Kremer’s Toy & Hobby, Albertville
Bring your camera to capture a photo of your kids with Santa. No lines! Grab a number and be notified when it’s your turn. Kids can enjoy the play area and train set while you wait.
More info: facebook.com/kremerstoyandhobby/posts/1770073663125500
Ongoing Activities
Holiday hours may affect these activities. Please check links for details!
ECFE Drop In & Play
Mondays & Fridays 8:30–10am | ECFE (Community Ed Center)
Stay the entire time, or come as your schedule allows! ECFE staff will be present with craft projects and a brief circle time with songs. Kids will also have a chance to play in the gym. (Cost: $2/family, Pay cash at the door)
More info: stma.ce.eleyo.com
ECFE Dome Days open Dec. 11–20 only
Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30–11am | STMA All-Purpose Facility
Kids 5 & under can run, jump, and play on age-appropriate game equipment, inflatables, and more. ECFE staff will be on hand to join in the fun. (Cost: $2/child or $5/family, Pay cash at the door)
More info: stmamom.com/stma-dome-days-nights
Otsego’s “Fun & Active Playtime”
Wednesdays 9:45–10:45am | Prairie Center, Otsego
Kids up to five years are invited to enjoy games, toys, and crafts each Wednesday morning at Prairie Center. (Cost: $2/child)
More info: facebook.com/events/442210039758470
Monticello CC “Wiggle Giggle Gym”
Wednesdays 10am–12pm | Monticello Community Center
Open gym time for preschoolers and their parents to use the parachute, balls, floor hockey equipment, scooters, and other gym toys.
Daily pass rates apply (more info) / Free for MCC members
More info: monticellocommunitycenter.com/youth-programs.html
Preschool Open Gymnastics (Rates vary, see gym websites)
Jon Anstett Gymnastics St. Michael • Tuesdays 9–10am
Gym Nation Buffalo • Wednesdays & Fridays 11:20am–12:20pm
More info, including rates: stmamom.com/preschool-open-gym