This Week in Geek (12/23/2024–12/29/2024)

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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 23, to Sunday, December 29.

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

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.

Festivus

What: Community, Food & Drink
When: Monday, December 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Fair State Brewing Cooperative

It’s a Festivus for the rest of us! Celebrate this secular holiday originating from Seinfeld with the traditional airing of grievances and the Festivus pole. There will also be feats of strength in the form of rock-paper-scissors and pole-aroid photos with the pole. Participants who sign up early will receive a complimentary beer, and a panel of judges will be awarding prizes.

Sounds of Blackness The Night Before Christmas

What: Music, Theater & Comedy
When: Monday, December 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Pantages Theatre

Grammy Award–winning musical group Sounds of Blackness is back with their annual holiday concert of The Night Before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy. This contemporary reimagining of the classic story features Rappin’ Reindeer, Singing Sox, Dancin’ Chitlins, Soulful Santa, Mrs. Claus, and more performed by 25 cast members and a 10-piece orchestra. Tickets start at $49.50.

Geek Potluck Social

What: Community, Gaming, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, December 25, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Geek Partnership Society (new location at WareSpace St. Paul)

Bring something to share and join the Geek Partnership Society for food, board games, and socializing. GPS is now located at 801 Transfer Road in St. Paul; see the event page for entry details.

Violent Night

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, December 25 and Thursday, December 26 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema

Catch a holiday screening of Violent Night, the 2022 action-comedy flick in which a disgruntled Santa becomes a surprise combatant against mercenaries who’ve taken a dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve. The movie stars David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Beverly D’Angelo, and Alex Hassell. The Christmas Day screenings will feature introductions by screenwriters (and Minnesotans) Josh Miller and Pat Casey. Tickets are $8.

Pan-African Kwanzaa Celebration

What: Community, Music, Food & Drink, Family
When: Thursday, December 26 through Tuesday, December 31, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market

Celebrate Kwanzaa with the community at Midtown Global Market! Each day will recognize a different principle of Kwanzaa, host a variety of activities, and begin with an opening ceremony that honors ancestors. Activities include storytelling, live music, art showcases, performances, a fashion show, youth-led activities, and more. This celebration is hosted by the Cultural Wellness Center.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Virtual Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 26, at 6:30 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.

Nutcracker Noir: A Burlesque Parody Ballet

What: Community, Music, Food & Drink, Family
When: Thursday, December 26 through Saturday, December 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Theater

“Twelve years have passed and Clara has long forgotten her childhood visit to the Land of the Sweets. On Christmas Eve, as the clock strikes midnight, our beloved heroine wishes for her adult fantasies to come true.” NerdDoms Universe and Triple Threat Entertainment present a grown-up twist on a holiday classic featuring ballet, burlesque, comedy, drag, jazz, and more. Tickets are $29 for general admission and $39 for VIP; attendees must be 18 or older.

Akeome Con

What: Convention
When: Friday, December 27 through Sunday, December 29
Where: Sheraton Minneapolis West (Minnetonka)

Akeome Con (formerly Ahegao Con) is an adults-only celebration of anime, self-identified weeb culture, and ringing in the new year The convention will include panels, a cosplay pool party, late-night gatherings, karaoke, vendors, and more. There will also be performances and DJ sets by Theology, Midnight Minxes, Ghost Data, Sabi 623, MangaBookGuy, and Diamond Zenos. Weekend badges start at $65. and there are day passes available. Please be aware that this convention is for attendees aged 21 and older only.

Vilification Tennis Presents F*ck 2024!

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, December 27, and Saturday, December 28, at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch and Facebook

Give 2024 the sendoff it deserves with irreverent comedy from Vilification Tennis. Shoot a flaming arrow into this dumpster of a year as you send it off on an ice floe. This show will give the year the comedic eulogy that it has more than earned. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Noon Year’s Eve Stories

What: Family
When: Saturday, December 28, at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Hennepin County Library—East Lake

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your little ones a few days early and at a much more bedtime-friendly hour during this special library story time. Expect books, rhymes, playtime, and a dance party.

Lizz Winstead in Project 2024: This Super Weird Year in Review

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 28, and Tuesday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Parkway

Lizz Winstead is back with her annual year-end comedy retrospective. The co-creator and former head writer of The Daily Show will point her political satirist sights on everything 2024 and bring some well-needed laughter to help get through the dark times. Tickets start at $50.

The Mystery Café Presents I’ll Be Homicidal for Christmas

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, December 28, 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.

Hotdish Hotline: A Comedy Potluck

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 28, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater

The Hotdish Hotline is “a night of satire, drag and follies” to raise funds for RECLAIM, an organization that provides mental health care to queer and trans youth. The evening is hosted by Sarah McPeck and Aron Woldeslassie, with performances by Miz Diagnosis, Pistachio Cream-Pie, Bailey Murphy, Shyloh Blake, Lauren Hughes, Tam Smith, Sk8lin, and more. And if the theme sparked a craving, then you’re in luck! There will be a special chef-inspired hotdish available for the night. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

Sunday’s for the Birds

What: Educational, Sports & Fitness
When: Sunday, December 29, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Fort Snelling State Park

Head to Fort Snelling State Park for a morning of birding. This free event is for all levels, from beginners to pros, and is a great opportunity to practice your bird identification skills while on a 1- to 2-mile walk through the beautiful park. Binoculars and bird guides will be provided. Registration is required and closes at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28.

Schitt’s Creek Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, December 29, 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, get a little bit of Alexis (and David, and Moira, and Johnny) at this tribute to Schitt’s Creek. 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 29, 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 23, 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 24, 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.

Dial-A-Story for Adults

What: Books
When: Wednesday, December 25
Where: Virtual via phone call

Hear a different short story read by Hennepin County Library staff every Wednesday. The story recording is available all day. Check out the event listing for the phone number to call, as well as a link to a list of past featured stories and their books (also available for checkout).

Weird and Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, December 25, 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.

Champagne! A Sparkling History of French Bubbly

What: Educational
When: Friday, December 27, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

During this season of celebrations, learn about the popular beverage that fills many a raised glass. This talk will dive into the origins of Champagne, its association with royalty, how it’s made (and what makes it different from other sparkling wine), publicity art from the Belle Époque era, and more. The event will end with a Q&A session with the speaker Edith de Belleville, who is a French tour guide, author, and attorney.

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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!