This Week in Geek (12/15/2025–12/21/2025)

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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 15, to Sunday, December 21.

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 in Ochopee

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, December 21
Where: 825 Arts

New Native Theatre is bringing back their production of A Christmas in Ochopee, “a holiday play that speaks to the beauty and chaos of rez life.” The comedy centers on the Weetley family who are navigating love, family feuds, loud uncles, and some Florida flare in the form of chainsaws and a gator that might hold the spirit of a much-loved rez dog. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested amount of $40.

A Stocking Full of Awesome XIV: O Holy Knife

What: 
When: Now through Sunday, December 21
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 14th year; tickets are $42–$52.

St. Paul European Christmas Market

What: Arts, Community, Food & Drink
When: Weekends through Sunday, December 21
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.

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 $27–$38.

Illuminate Festival of Lights

What: Arts, Family
When: Now through Saturday, December 27
Where: Pan Asian Center (Maplewood Mall)

This festival features handcrafted lantern sculptures, Chinese acrobatic performances, and a red-lantern night market featuring local businesses. There are also photo stations that rotate themes throughout the festival’s run, including lanterns and legends, winter blooms, pop culture, anime, and boughs of holly. Individual tickets are $14.95–$25; season passes are available.

A Christmas Carol

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, December 28; 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. Tickets are $35–$148. (Read our 2021 review of A Christmas Carol.)

LUMINISCENCE

What: Music
When: Now through Wednesday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Where: The Basilica of St. Mary

The Basilica becomes a canvas for a combination light-and-music show like no other. “Experience a show where history, 360° video mapping, and music come together to reveal this jewel of Minnesota’s heritage as you have never seen it before.” Tickets start at $45.99.

Winter Lights 2025

What: Community, Arts
When: Now through Wednesday, December 31
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, and a giant cuetlaxóchitl (poinsettia). Other highlights include an indoor evergreen forest, live music on select nights, and the Warming House bar. Check out the event page for more information on hours, performers, and theme nights. Tickets are $25 with discounts available for members and Indigenous peoples; kids 15 and under are free on non-themed nights with a ticketed adult.

GLOW Holiday Festival 2025

What: Family, Arts
When: Now through Sunday, January 4
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

Norway House’s 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 $5–10; kids 5 and under are free.

Free Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, December 15, and Wednesday, December 17, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Union Depot

Get your yoga mat and water ready for a free yoga class at the beautiful Union Depot in St. Paul. This event is taught by Studio 9-to-5 in the Depot’s Waiting Room or in the East Plaza when the weather is nice. Monday’s class focuses on a total-body sculpt workout, while Wednesday’s class is less-intense general yoga for all levels. See the event page on the Union Depot website for more information.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, December 16, 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 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

Coins for a Cause

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

Support a local charity while enjoying a nostalgic night of arcade gaming! At this Coins for a Cause event, 100% of token sales between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. will be donated to Second Hand Harvest, a hunger-relief organization that “partners with over 1,000 food shelves and community programs to distribute millions of meals each year.”

Costumed Figure Drawing Co-Op

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: ALTR Gallery

Stretch those drawing muscles with other artsy folks at this costumed figure-drawing event. Models will be dressed in Renaissance festival garb or fantasy-inspired costumes and hold a variety of poses throughout the night. Attendees should plan on bringing their own supplies, and there is a list of suggested (and banned) items on the event page. Tickets are $20 or $15 for students; scholarships are available.

Walker Art Center Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 18, 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, make a one-page zine.

Lit & Libations Book Fair

What: Books
When: Thursday, December 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: King Coil Spirits

Find your next read at this monthly book fair! Expect a mix of local booksellers and authors, as well as drink specials.

Museum Nights: Lost in Space

What: Science & Tech, Nightlife
When: Thursday, December 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota

Embrace the season’s long, wintry nights with an adults-only celebration of the skies! Travel through the cosmos with the live digital telescope show Lost in Space: A Stellar Tours Adventure, take in the starry sights with high-powered telescopes, nosh on seasonal treats, catch live science performances, and explore the museum’s galleries. Tickets are $55.

The Bards Quartet

What: Music
When: Thursday, December 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Can Can Wonderland

Enjoy an afternoon of video-game music played by the Bards Quartet. And if the music puts you in the mood to play games, be sure to check out Can Can Wonderland’s arcade, which features over 150 machines set to free play. Admission is $15.

The Forbidden Bazaar Presents: Goth Christmas

What: Nightlife, Cosplay
When: Friday, December 19, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Ground Zero Nightclub

Flow-dancing geeks and goths will have more than their fill with this night of dance, costumes, and celebration. Dress up in your seasonal look, from ugly holiday sweaters to ice creatures or something in between, to join the fashion parade on stage. This will be a flow-friendly dance floor, so bring your flow props if you have them. In addition to the dancing, there will be aerial acrobatics, burlesque, local vendors, a photo booth, and more. Tickets for this 21+ event are $15.

Grinch Drag Brunch + Ugly Sweater Contest

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Saturday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 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, enjoy the silly side of the holidays with comedic performances inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas and an ugly sweater contest. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $22.60–$51.15, and attendees must purchase the brunch buffet during the event.

Science Saturday

What: Family, Science & Tech, Books
When: Saturday, December 20, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Thinking Spot (Wayzata)

Get your little ones excited about science through hands-on activities and a story time. This event is geared toward kids aged four to seven. Tickets are free, but donations to help cover the cost of materials are welcome.

Sounds of the Season: Relaxed Matinee with Organist Greg Zelek

What: Music
When: Saturday, December 20, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Northrop and Virtual via livestream

Hear a repertoire of beloved holiday music on the organ played by Greg Zelek. Songs include selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas, composer Richard Purvis, and the animated film The Snowman. This relaxed matinee will feature lowered sound levels, house lights at a glow, and warnings of any upcoming surprises, as well as welcoming attendees to come in and go out as needed. In-person tickets are pay-what-you-want starting at $5; livestream tickets are $14; University of Minnesota students are eligible for free tickets.

Welcoming a Darker Night

What: Theater & Comedy, Music
When: Saturday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: American School of Storytelling

Welcome the longest night of the year in traditional fashion with stories, poetry, and songs. The night will feature Leslie Ball, Ralph Tutola, and additional guests. Tickets are $15.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, December 21, 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!

Solar Observing for Solstice

What: Science & Tech
When: Sunday, December 21, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Bell Museum

Observe the sun at its lowest point in the sky through solar telescopes and learn all about why the amount of daylight we see changes throughout the year. This event is included with regular museum admission.

December ’25 Fight Scene Showcase

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, December 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Mounds Theatre

Art in Arms, a local stage combat-training organization, is presenting a showcase of fight scenes performed by their students and instructors. Expect a mix of classic and contemporary scenes from stage and screen, ranging across genres including drama, comedy, and action. This event is free to attend, but donations are welcomed to help cover the cost of the theater.

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Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, December 15, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

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

Virtual Makers Mornings

What: Community, Arts
When: Tuesday, December 16, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join fellow makers at this morning social hour hosted by the American Swedish Institute. This free event is open to all kind of crafts and is intended as a place to share projects, makes some progress, and socialize.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Houseplants: The Science Behind the Scenes

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, December 16, 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, horticulturist Virginia Velez Thaxton dives into the physiology of plants, how that information can be used by indoor gardeners to create optimal growing conditions, and some practical facts on common houseplants. General-admission tickets are $35, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming-series webpage for the many other upcoming events this week.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, December 17, 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. Join the server by visiting twincitiesgeek.com/discord.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

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

AirSpace Live! The Future of Cooking in Space

What: Science & Tech
When: Thursday, December 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

Explore the future of cooking in space during this live recording of the AirSpace podcast. Hosts Matt and Emily from the National Air and Space Museum will be joined by guests Jim Sears (inventor of the SATED Space Oven), Jennifer Levasseur (curator of space history), and Chef Charisse Grey (from the José Andrés Group). This event is free to attend.

Writer’s Roulette

What: Meetup
When: Thursday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Stretch those creative-writing muscles at Writer’s Roulette! Each event starts with a writing prompt and 20 minutes to write whatever comes to mind in any genre or style. Then participants are given the option to share their work. “Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practice, or just a creative jolt, Writer’s Roulette is your chance to see where the words take you.” Tickets are $7.

Sounds of the Season: Relaxed Matinee with Organist Greg Zelek

What: Music
When: Saturday, December 20, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Northrop and Virtual via livestream

Hear a repertoire of beloved holiday music on the organ played by Greg Zelek. Songs include selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas, composer Richard Purvis, and the animated film The Snowman. This relaxed matinee will feature lowered sound levels, house lights at a glow, and warnings of any upcoming surprises, as well as welcoming attendees to come in and go out as needed. In-person tickets are pay-what-you-want starting at $5; livestream tickets are $14; University of Minnesota students are eligible for free tickets.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Saturday, December 20, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

The popular Transmission dance night is hosting a virtual-music video stream every Friday. DJ Jake Rudh will be bringing New Wave, Alternative, and more ’80s-centric greats directly to your home. So, dance, dance, dance to the radio (or, in this case, Twitch stream).

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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!