This Week in Geek (12/16/2024–12/22/2024)

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In-Person Events
Virtual Events

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, December 16, to Sunday, December 22.

Although inclusion in This Week in Geek is not an official endorsement of any event or organizer, we do our best to feature events that appear safe, responsible, and consistent with our mission and values. If you feel that one of the events below is incompatible with Twin Cities Geek as an organization, we encourage you to contact us at info@twincitiesgeek.com with your concerns.

In-Person Events

It’s an Honorable Life

What: Comedy & Theater
When: Now through Sunday, December 22
Where: Mounds Theatre

This Star Trek fan production reinterprets the beloved Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life through a Klingon lens. The production is performed in Klingon and English, with English supertitles for those who are not fluent in the language. Patrons are invited to cosplay as Klingons or other (probably less honorable) Trek characters. Tickets are $37.50 or $27.50.

St. Paul European Christmas Market

What: Arts, Community, Food & Drink
When: Weekends through Sunday, December 22
Where: Union Depot

Enjoy the warmth of your community at this open-air, European-style Christmas market in St. Paul, with handmade local gifts and decor, European-inspired food and delicacies, and, of course, Glühwein (spiced mulled wine). These markets are popular in Germany and Austria during the advent season and bring warmth and cheer in spite of looming winter. Check out Union Depot’s Holiday Hub webpage for more seasonal events and free Metro Transit ride passes.

A Christmas Carol

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, December 29; various times
Where: Guthrie Theater

The classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol is back at the Guthrie Theater with their fun adaptation that debuted in 2021. This production stays true to the familiar story of Scrooge and his visits with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future, while bringing a fresh perspective and injecting humor from the Dickens original. This year the Guthrie is also celebrating 50 years of this holiday stage tradition with special festivities. Tickets are $29–$139. (Read our 2021 review of A Christmas Carol.)

The Little Mermaid

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, December 29; various times
Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Go on an adventure under the sea with this live musical adaptation of the beloved Disney film The Little Mermaid. Young theatergoers can also enjoy additional activities before the December 12 show through the Kids’ Night on Broadway program. Tickets start at $47.

GLOW Holiday Festival 2024

What: Family, Arts
When: Now through Sunday, January 1
Where: CHS Field

Enjoy a fun holiday experience at CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints. GLOW is a holiday spectacle featuring over one-million holiday lights, illuminated trees, playful activities, and art installations. Tickets are $12.75 for children and $21.75 for adults.

Gingerbread Wonderland

What: Arts, Community
When: Now through Saturday, January 5
Where: Norway House

The 10th annual Gingerbread Wonderland is a gallery collection featuring cookie recreations of famous locations in Minnesota, fairy tales, and more by local bakers of all ages and skill levels. Tickets are $15; kids 5 and under are free.

Holidays on the Hill

What: Educational
When: Now through Sunday, January 5
Where: James J. Hill House

Experience a Gilded Age Christmas at the James J. Hill House. Admission includes a 60-minute guided tour of the railroad titan’s mansion that highlights holiday stories from the family and their staff as well as self-guided access to holiday-themed exhibits. Tickets are $25, and there are discounts available for seniors, children, military, and college students.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

What: Theater & Comedy, Family
When: Now, through Saturday, January 5
Where: Children’s Theatre Company

Dr. Seuss’s classic Christmas tale about the holiday-hating Grinch comes to life on stage at the Children’s Theatre. This is CTC’s 12th production of the show, but our reviewer reports that this performance stays fresh with a new director and impressive visual design. Tickets are $15–98. Select performances include preshow adventures led by the theater’s teaching artists. (Read our 2024 review of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.)

Winter Lights 2024

What: Community, Arts
When: Now through Sunday, January 5
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)

Take a stroll through the illuminated gardens at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. These outdoor light displays highlight the beauty of nature, including flowers, trees, a giant tribute apple, and a weeping willow. Other activities include a color-changing tunnel, live music on select nights, and marshmallow roasting in the S’mores Village. Check out the event page for more information on hours, performers, and theme nights. Tickets are $30 with discounts available for members and Indigenous peoples; kids 15 and under are free on nonthemed nights with a ticketed adult.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Virtual Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, December 17, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Take a specially curated tour through the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collection as inspired by books. Each month’s tour will focus on a different book for inspiration, with December exploring Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor. Check the event page for additional dates throughout the month and future book selections.

Coins for a Cause

What: Gaming, Community
When: Tuesday, December 17, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Up-Down

Support a local charity while enjoying a nostalgic night of arcade gaming at Up-Down’s monthly Coins for a Cause event. This month, 100% of token sales between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. will be donated to Art Buddies, an organization that “empowers children from underserved communities by pairing them with creative mentors.”

Holidazzle

What: Nightlife, Arts, Family
When: Wednesday, December 18, through Sunday, December 22
Where: Nicollet Mall

The Holidazzle is back for another year of holiday celebrations, but at a new location on Nicollet Mall. Shop local-craft vendors, enjoy live music and food, walk through interactive light displays, roller-skate inside City Center, and more. Holidazzle is open Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with free admission. A full schedule of events, access to free transit ride passes, and additional information can be found on the Holidazzle website.

Comedy Night at the Mudd Room

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Mudd Room

Enjoy a night of laughs every week at the Mudd Room’s local comedy showcase. This week features Tommy Ryman. This event is 21+ and cover charge is $10, which gets added to your bill. There are no seat reservations or advanced ticketing, so be sure to get there early to grab a prime spot and some tasty bites.

Trash Film Debauchery: Elf Bowling the Movie: The Great North Pole Elf Strike

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema

Long-running local cult-cinema group Trash Film Debauchery returns to the Trylon for a screening of Elf Bowling the Movie: The Great North Pole Elf Strike based on the popular video game. The film features the voice acting of Tom Kenny, Joe Alaskey, and Jill Talley. Tickets are $10.

Pundamonium: The Minneapolis Pun Slam

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Club Underground at the Spring Street Tavern

Pundamonium is a pun slam—a competition of wordplay with 10 contestants, each given two minutes to make puns based on prompts they are given ahead of time. A few lucky audience members act as judges for the night, with their top four pun slingers going head to head in a final pun off. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Walker Art Center’s Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 19, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center

Get creative at the Walker Art Center’s weekly Art Club during the museum’s free Thursday nights. Explore different mediums and ideas through themed activities designed to be accessible for all ages and levels of experience. Materials are free while supplies last. This week’s theme is “Punk Patches.”

A Charlie Brown Christmas ft. Blue Ox Trio

What: Music
When: Thursday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Turf Club

Let the Blue Ox Trio take you on an energetic and spirited ride through a holiday classic at this concert event. The Charlie Brown Christmas songs, originally from Vince Guaraldi, are classics and should put anyone in the mood for holiday cheer. Individual tickets are $15, or $40 for a 4-ticket reserved table.

The Danger Committee Presents A Stocking Full of Awesome XIII: Naughty or Knife

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, December 19, through Sunday, December 22; various times
Where: Luminary Arts Center

The Danger Committee presents a night of holiday-themed comedy full of sharp wit. Expect a mix of humor, dangerous stunts, and holiday mirth. This event is returning for its 13th year; tickets are $42 to $52.

The Mystery Café Presents I’ll Be Homicidal for Christmas

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drink
When: Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Sheraton Bloomington

Fading star Albee Humphrey is hoping to make a comeback with a comedic holiday variety show, but when a murderer strikes, “he’ll either make it back on top or die trying.” During this interactive murder mystery, the audience will try to solve the crime while enjoying a three-course meal. Prizes will be awarded to one “Super Sleuth,” as well as to those with the most creative answers. Tickets are $69.50.

Sinderella’s Twisted Ball

What: Nightlife, Cosplay
When: Friday, December 20, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Ground Zero

Disney and flow-dancing geeks will have more than their fill with this night of dance, costumes, and celebration. Dress up as your favorite twisted Disney character to join the fashion parade on stage. This will be a flow-friendly dance floor, so make sure to bring your flow props if you have them. In addition to the dancing, there will be aerial acrobatics, fire magic, live art, local vendors, a photo booth, and more. Tickets for this 21 and over event are $15.

Twin Cities Board Game Marathon

What: Gaming
When: Saturday, December 21, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: 2D Con HQ

Join the 2D Con community for an all-day gaming marathon. Bring your favorite games along to share or try something new from 2D Con’s gaming library. Tickets are $5.

Once Upon a Villain

What: Food & Drink, Music, Cosplay, Trivia
When: Saturday, December 21, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Inbound BrewCo

Celebrate the magic and mischief of Disney Villains on the darkest day of the year at Inbound BrewCo. The all-day event will feature Disney karaoke, themed drinks, trivia, a costume contest, and local vendors. There will also be a Toy Story Drive collecting toy donations and 101 Non-Dalmatian Adoption to find your new furry friend with Inspire & Flourish.

The Mad Hatter’s Fundraiser

What: Community
When: Saturday, December 22, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Lionsgate Academy (Shoreview)

Lionsgate Academy is raising funds for their upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland with a Mad Hatter Tea Party. The afternoon will include card games, tea party treats, local vendors, and a raffle to win tickets to the future show. Entry is $5 and proceeds will go towards the production’s set, props, and costumes.

Michael Kosta

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Cedar Cultural Center

Michael Kosta, Emmy Award-winning co-host and senior correspondent on The Daily Show, will be bringing a night of comedy to the Cedar Cultural Center. Kosta is also the host of the podcast Tennis Anyone and author of the forthcoming memoir Lucky Loser. Also performing will be Aiden McCluskey. Tickets start at $35.

Whitney Houston Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, December 22, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Union Rooftop

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week is the annual tribute to Whitney Houston and Christmas starring Cee Cee Russell. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $18, and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, December 22, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Source Comics and Games

Shieldmaiden Sundays are a dedicated space for female-identifying (including trans women/femme) and nonbinary nerds and geeks at Source Comics and Games. This is a recurring weekly event providing a space for women to play games, chat about comics, cosplay, or just enjoy the company of other geeks. Be sure to check out the Source calendar for additional events!

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Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Get your trivia on from the comfort of home with Geeks Who Drink’s free online trivia night. Prove your mettle, and maybe learn a little something!

Free Virtual Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Tuesday, December 17, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Get your yoga mat and water ready for a free yoga class streamed from the beautiful Union Depot in St. Paul. This event is taught by Studio 9-to-5. See the event page on the Union Depot website for more info, as well as additional in-person yoga events.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–High School Classics Revisited: Othello

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, December 17, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

The Smithsonian Institution, home to famed museums and world-class research centers, is bringing educational programs and art courses online for all to enjoy. At this event, take a deep literary dive into the Shakespearean classic Othello, including explorations of its poetic language and representation of the era’s anxiety around “otherness.” General-admission tickets are $25, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, December 18, at 7:45 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Start your morning with yoga at the zoo! Each week, the instructor teaches a yoga routine live from exhibits around the zoo. These classes are appropriate for both beginners and experienced yogis. Classes are $15 each for nonmembers, with reduced rates available for zoo members or when registering for multiple classes at the same time. Sessions are recorded and available to view during the week for those who are unable to tune in live.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

The Twin Cities Geek art club meets every Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the Twin Cities Geeks Discord. Hop on voice or video and chat while you create art, then share your finished pieces on the #art-club channel! This event is open to all. You can join by visiting twincitiesgeek.com/discord.

Weird and Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Vimeo

Enjoy a free screening of an obscure film with Miss Emmy Martian and other cinephiles on the Dumb Industries website every Wednesday night.

Excavating Egypt: The Beginnings of Archeological Discoveries

What: Educational
When: Thursday, December 19, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Learn about the long history of Archaeology in Egypt, from its early days in antiquity through modern-day explorations. This talk will be led by archeologist and Egyptologist Stacey Anne Bagdi, who will touch on points throughout history including the Rosetta Stone, Victorian travel groups, famous trailblazing Egyptologists, her personal experiences on modern excavations, and more. Tickets are $12.

Virtual Planetarium Show

What: Science & Tech, Educational
When: Saturday, December 21, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Explore the stars, planets, and objects that are visible from Earth without a telescope during this interactive show from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Astronomy educators and experts will also be answering questions. This event is free, but advance registration is required. There will also be live ASL interpretation.

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So, which of these events will you be attending? What events would you like to see featured in the future? Let us know in the comments section below or contact us via email. And don’t forget to add your events to the Twin Cities Geek Community Calendar!