This Week in Geek (12/2/2024–12/8/2024)

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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 2, to Sunday, December 8.

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

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.)

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 a 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 to $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.

Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi

What: Music
When: Wednesday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Luminary Arts Center

Experience an atmospheric concert featuring the works of renowned composer Joe Hisaishi, who may be best known by Twin Cities geeks for his music in Studio Ghibli films. The program will feature songs from My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more. Tickets start at $56.50.

Comedy Night at the Mudd Room

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, December 4, 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 Connor Hangsleben. 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.

Bands for the Banned

What: Music
When: Thursday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 7th St. Entry

Support organizations fighting book bans while enjoying a night of local music presented by Minneapolis-based Lerner Publishing Group. There will be performances by Dad Bod, WBS, Chutes, and Yonder. Proceeds will go to EveryLibrary, We Are Stronger Than Censorship, and Unite Against Book Bans. Tickets are $15, and if you’re feeling moved to contribute more to the cause, there will also be opportunities to make donations to the organizations.

It’s an Honorable Life

What: Comedy & Theater
When: Friday, December 6 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. (Related: Don’t miss the free virtual Klingon language conference at the very bottom of this week’s column!)

The New Standards Holiday Show

What: Music
When: Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4; various times
Where: State Theatre

The New Standards are back at the State Theatre for three shows filled with music and holiday mischief. Members Chad Poling (of the Suburbs), John Munson (of Semisonic), and Steve Roehm (of Electopolis) will be performing their interpretation of wide-ranging classic songs with the help of some local and not-so-local special guests. Tickets are $30–$130.

Scream It Off Screen

What: Movies
When: Friday, December 6, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater

Scream It Off Screen is a short-film contest with an audience interaction element! Come together with other film nerds in one of the Twin Cities greatest revival theaters. Audiences will cry out “Gong!” or “Let it play!” in order to determine which films will be shown in full. Tickets are $13 in advance or $19 at the door. (Read: “With Scream It Off Screen at the Parkway Theater, Everyone’s a Critic”)

From Heart to Hand: Arts and Craft Benefit Market

What: Community, Music, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Minneapolis American Indian Center

Enjoy live music, food, dance performances, family activities, and a craft market featuring wares from local Indigenous artists. Admission is $2 or a nonperishable food donation, with proceeds benefitting the Minneapolis American Indian Center.

Free First Saturday at Walker Art Center

What: Arts
When: Saturday, December 7, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Walker Art Center

Head over to the Walker Art Center on the first Saturday of every month for an afternoon of free activities and gallery admission. This month explores the theme “rhythm and hues” with activities inspired by the Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon exhibition, including using live music to spark creativity.

First Science Saturday: Human Body

What: Educational, Science & Tech, Family
When: Saturday, December 7, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Metro State University

First Saturday Science, a monthly program at Metro State, seeks to improve accessibility to science with open programs that can lead folks toward scientific careers or just greater curiosity. This month, learn all about the human body. No RSVP required, though young people under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check out the event page for more details, as well as future topics and science resources that can be used at home.

Can Con Wonderland 2

What: Comics, Music, Community
When: Saturday, December 7, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Can Can Wonderland

Enjoy an afternoon of comic-con-inspired activities at Can Can Wonderland! There will be live art, video game music from DJ Theology, specialty drinks, and artists, comic vendors, and designers selling their wares. This event is included with regular Can Can Wonderland admission of $14.

The Mystery Café Presents I’ll Be Homicidal for Christmas

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, December 7, 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.

Home Alone Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, December 8, 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 pays tribute to Home Alone. 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 8, 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 2, 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 3, 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.

A Very Winchester Bedtime Story with Sam Smith

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Tuesday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Hear spooky holiday tales from actress Sam Smith, who played Mary Winchester in the Supernatural series. Expect stories featuring folktale creatures including Krampus, Belsnickel, and more. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $110 for admission with an after-event meet and greet, both of which come with a hot toddy kit.

Club Book: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

What: Books
When: Tuesday, December 3, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Join author Karla Cornejo Villavicencio for a discussion of her novel Catalina, which follows a young undocumented student as she is accepted into Harvard and navigates the academic and social complexities at a prestige school. Villavicencio’s previous writings include the viral essay “DREAM Act: I’m an Illegal Immigrant at Harvard” and the nonfiction book The Undocumented Americans, which profiled both her own experiences and those of undocumented Americans across the country. This free event is hosted by Club Book and the Hennepin County Library.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, December 4, 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 regis tering 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 5, 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 & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, December 5, 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.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series: Linear A & B: Keys to Mycenaean Greece

What: Educational
When: Thursday, December 5, at 5:30 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, learn about Linear A and Linear B, which are tablets featuring Mycenaean and Minoan writing, and what they can tell us about ancient Aegean life. 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.

Disney and the World’s Fairs Legacy, Part 1: 1893–1963

What: Educational
When: Friday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Learn about Walt Disney’s experiences attending and contributing to the World’s Fairs of 1893–1963 and how they sparked ideas that shaped Disneyland. This webinar will be led by Bill Cotter, who is an expert on World’s Fairs as well as a former Disney Studios employee and Imagineer. There will also be a Q&A session after the talk. Tickets are $12 and include replay access for one week.

qo’Hey qepHom Klingon Language Conference

What: Educational
When: Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual

tlhIngan Hol Dajatlh’a’? Whether you’re a master of Klingon or you’re just curious, you’re invited to this third annual free conference. Enjoy Zoom-based presentations, lessons, games, and chats, including a pre-con hangout beginning at 8:00 a.m. Central. Registration is required.

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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!