This Week in Geek (12/9/2024–12/15/2024)

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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 9, to Sunday, December 15.

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 1 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.

Dragons, Dungeons & Drinks Fantasy Prom

What: Community
When: Wednesday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Brühaven Craft Co.

Adventurers are invited to Brühaven brewery for a fantasy prom that celebrates the community and making new friends with kindred spirits. There will be live bard performances, artisanal vendors, a treasure-filled silent auction, community awards, and more. Dressing up is encouraged but not required. Tickets are pay what you can, with a suggested contribution of $20 to $40.

Nerd Nite

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Black Hart of St. Paul

The organizers of Nerd Nite invite you out for a night of “nice drink, good company, and some cold. hard. facts.” Those facts come in the form of “nerdy TED talks” where community members dive into a topic they are passionate about. December’s event has presentations on anarchy in chess, cheaters in motorsports, and sowing wild oats in wintertime.

TC Trek Trivia: Trek the Halls

What: Trivia
When: Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Driftwood Char Bar

Hosted by Master Trekkie, TC Trek Trivia consists of five rounds: General Trek (questions covering all things Star Trek); Identify the Image; Ships, Technology, and Cultures; Complete the Quote; and a “Wild Card” round. Questions for each of these five rounds are drawn from all Star Trek television series and all 13 films. According to Master Trekkie himself, TC Trek Trivia is “all ages, no cover, food, drinks, and a whole lot of Trek!” This month’s theme celebrates the holidays.

Walker Art Center’s Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 12, 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 “Mystery Color Theory,” which is inspired by the vibrant exhibition Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon.

Anime Night at Up-Down

What: Gaming, Movies
When: Thursday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Up-Down

Break out your anime cosplay and enjoy a night of gaming at Up-Down Arcade Bar. Anime Night will feature themed drinks, anime-inspired TV programming, and a curated playlist as well as Thursday’s usual special of 10-cent game tokens.

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

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15; 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.

LGBTQ Board Game and Trivia Night

What: Gaming, Trivia
When: Friday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Greyduck Collective

Play games and trivia in a welcoming environment at Greyduck Collective. There will be snacks available as well as an onsite taco truck. This free event is held in partnership with the Twin Cities Cardboard Crew and King’s Corner.

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin

What: Music
When: Friday, December 13, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Skyway Theatre

Horror geeks will know Goblin from the iconic soundtracks of horror films like Suspiria and Dawn of the Dead. At this concert, the band will perform a mix of classic tracks and new interpretations. This is a great chance to experience the music of one of the most influential horror composers on a spooky Friday the 13th night. Tickets are $40.

The Mystery Café Presents I’ll Be Homicidal for Christmas

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drink
When: Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, 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.

Droid December

What: Arts, Educational, Science & Tech
When: Saturday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: The Bakken Museum

Droid enthusiasts are in luck with this event at the Bakken, celebrating robots and tech inspired by sci-fi! This is a great chance to partake in a number of droid-focused activities, including building robots, taking photos with the Stormtroopers of the 501st Legion Central Garrison, and doing robotic activities with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Sphero, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. This event is included with general admission tickets to the museum, which range from free to $13 depending on age.

Holiday Special K-Pop Event

What: Community
When: Saturday, December 14, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport

Join MNKpopConnect to celebrate the holidays K-pop style, with performances, random play, freebies, and a dance party. There will also be giveaways and an indoor snowball fight competition. Check out the event page for the full schedule and the dance challenge song list. This event is free.

The Grinch Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, December 15, at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Where: Quincy Hall

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week, celebrate the holidays with an homage to The Grinch with special guest Tiffany “New York” Pollard. Costumes, ugly sweaters, and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $20 to $45, and attendees must purchase the brunch buffet during the event.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays the Music of Taylor Swift

What: Music, Family
When: Sunday, December 15, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: First Avenue

The Rock and Roll Playhouse is a concert series designed for families that encourages young kids to dance, play, sing, and be inspired by songs created by iconic musicians. This concert will feature the music of Taylor Swift. Tickets are $18 and admission is free for children under 1.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, December 15, 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

The Library of Alexandria

What: Educational
When: Monday, December 9, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Take a deep dive into the history, impact, and lasting legacy of the iconic Library of Alexandria. This free talk from the National Hellenic Museum will explore the library’s role as a hub of culture and knowledge in ancient Egypt and examine the circumstances around its growth and ultimate destruction, as well as key historical figures tied to the library and their contributions to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and literature.

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, December 9, 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 10, 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.

Knowledge in Flames: Book Burning Throughout History

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Explore the impact of and motives behind book burning throughout history. This webinar will look at historical and modern examples, fire symbolism, and the distinction between censorship, destruction, and book burning. Tickets are $12 and include one week of playback access.

Zoom Discussion of Bang Bang Bodhisatvva by Aubrey Wood

What: Books
When: Tuesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

The North Country Gaylaxians book club (a local group that reads and discusses science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other speculative fiction with LGBTQ+ or similar content by LGBTQ+ authors) will be hosting a discussion of the book Bang Bang Bodhisatvva by Aubrey Wood.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, December 11, 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 11, 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 11, 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.

The Game Awards with 2D Con

What: Gaming, Community
When: Thursday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Watch the Game Awards live with the 2D Con community. The 2D crew will be sharing their predictions, live reactions, commentary, and excitement around new game announcements. Attendees can also enter to win a pair of tickets to 2D Con 2025 by submitting their own predictions.

How Did This Get Made? Holiday Show

What: Movies, Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, December 12, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via VEEPS

How Did This Get Made? is a podcast that celebrates, dissects, and roasts bad movies. In this live holiday show, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas will be joined by special guest Jessica St. Clair. Tickets are $14.99.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series: The Secrets of Père Lachaise Cemetery

What: Educational
When: Friday, December 13, at 11:00 a.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, explore the history and cultural significance of the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery and learn about some of its residents, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Marcel Proust, and more. 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.

Hyperspace Holiday Cookies and Cocktails with Katee Sackhoff

What: Food & Drink
When: Saturday, December 14, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join actress Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian, Battlestar Galactica) for an afternoon of Star Wars–themed holiday activities, including baking and decorating Grogu cookies and mixing a “Punch (Bowl) It, Chewy!” drink. Tickets are $30 for general admission or $300 for admission plus a meet-and-greet. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

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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!