There’s snow on the ground, a nip in the air and Christmas is rapidly approaching. I love Christmas, but I also enjoy the lead up to Christmas more than the day itself. For that reason, I try to have as many ‘Christmasy’ experiences during the month of December as possible. Besides baking cookies, decorating your home and listening to holiday music, there are tons of fun things to do around the Twin Cities during the holidays. Here are four things to do before Christmas to get you in the holiday spirit.

Take a Tour

Places like the Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul and the Turnblad Mansion at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis host holiday tours complete with Christmas décor, tour guides dressed in period clothing and sometimes even a cup of hot cocoa.

See a Show

There are so many to choose from!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Children’s Theatre Company – Nov. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 201

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Steppingstone Theatre – Nov. 30-Dec. 22, 2018

Elf, The Musical – Ordway Theatre – Dec. 5-30, 2018

A Christmas Carol – The Guthrie – Nov. 14 – Dec. 30, 2017

Nutcracker Fantasy  – State Theatre – Dec. 14–23, 2018

Go To a Market

Check out local vendors, eat some good food and soak in the magic at one of several holiday markets happening around the Twin Cities.

Holidazzle – Loring Park, Minneapolis – Thursdays-Sundays, Nov. 23- Dec. 23, 2018

St. Paul European Christmas – Union Depot – Nov 30-Dec. 2 & Dec. 7-10, 2018

Grand Meander – Grand Ave, St. Paul – Dec. 1, 2018

Reindeer Day – Linden Hills, Minneapolis – Dec. 1, 2018

See The Lights

Head to The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska for all the Christmas lights you can handle. With more than 14 indoor and outdoor displays, there’s plenty to see. Plus you can purchase s’mores, spiked cider and cocoa or enjoy a wine tasting!