This Week in Geek (12/29/2025–1/4/2025)

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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 29, to Sunday, January 4.

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

Pan-African KWANZAA: Remembering 2025

What: Community, Music, Food & Drink, Family
When: Now through Wednesday, December 31, at 12:00 p.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.

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 Thursday, January 8
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 29, 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 (and cancelled for 12/23 and 12/31). 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 30, 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.

Sparklerama: A New Year Celebration

What: Family
When: Tuesday, December 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum

Little ones and their families can get in on the New Year’s Eve excitement a day early at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. The celebration kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with live music, crafts, and other activities. General admission tickets are $25, or $10 for members, which includes museum admission.

Mini Rave: New Year’s Eve Day Rave

What: Music, Family
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Green Room

The whole family can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a dance party and bed time-friendly countdown. Expect “high-energy DJs spinning your kids’ favorite songs remixed with old-school bangers that’ll transport parents straight back to their pre-kid dance floor days.” There will also be face painting, inflatables, and entertainers. It all culminates with a 3:00 p.m. countdown. Tickets are $18.01 and there is a $40 parent package available that includes both tickets to the day rave and the 10:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Hamsterdance.

No Cover New Year’s Eve Party

What: Nightlife, Gaming
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Up-Down

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with retro games, prizes, and a midnight balloon drop at Up-Down. This 21+ event will feature happy hour specials, hourly prize drawings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and a free midnight champagne toast with balloon drop.

New Year’s Eve Party

What: Nightlife, Music
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Can Can Wonderland

Say goodbye to 2025 with a “night of magic, music, and mayhem” at Can Can Wonderland! This 21+ party will feature a face-bedazzling glitter bar, tarot readings, Queer Circus, a photo booth, and more, as well as music from DJs Last Chance for Love, Ethereal Rose, Theology, Purple Queen Zen, and Night Ryder. Entry is $25.

The Winstead Files: The 2025 Year in Review

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater

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 2025 and bring some well-needed laughter to help get through the dark times. Tickets start at $50.

A Night at the Roadhouse: A Twin Peaks New Year’s Eve

What: Night Life, Music
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Turf Club

Have yourself a surreal New Year’s Eve at this Twin Peaks-themed event. The night will feature music from LXD, which features Twin Peaks music editor Lori Eschler, as well as drey dk and The Arm. There will also be drag and burlesque performances from the cast of PEEPHOLE! including Mink Hole, Auntie, Beelzebro, Blair Kitsch, and more. Tickets are $20.62.

0% Alcohol–100% Fun! New Year’s Eve Game Night

What: Nightlife, Gaming
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Roxy’s Cabaret

Ring in the New Year with an alcohol-free night of gaming. Expect a selection of classic tabletop games, interactive challenges, and Mario Kart up on the big LED video wall. Attendees are also welcome to bring along their favorite games to share. There will also be dancing, a sparkling bubbly toast at midnight, and mocktail specials. Tickets are $19.93.

Transmission Presents: A Totally Rad New Year’s Eve

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue Mainroom

Come on down and see why Jake Rudh is one of the most enduring and well-known DJs in the Twin Cities at this New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be an ’80s and ’90s theme, so feel free to style it up in your best/worst throwback looks, or just come as you are. For those unfamiliar with the Transmission dance night, expect a focus on new-wave, post-punk, punk, and indie jams, mixed in with top hits. Tickets are $27.06.

Shrek Year’s Eve: New Year’s Eve in the Swamp

What: Nightlife, Cosplay
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Amsterdam Bar & Hall

Head to Amsterdam Bar & Hall for a New Year’s Eve full of dancing, drag performances, and Shrek-themed shenanigans. Performers include Hunky Dory, Myster’eo Cassadine, Rose Nylon, and Starrdust. There will also be a costume contest and VIP meet and greet with Kori King as Shrek. Tickets are $22.75–48.75.

Vilification Tennis: F*ck 2025!

What: Theater & Comedy, Nightlife
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Historic Mounds Theatre

Give 2025 the sendoff it deserves with irreverent comedy from Vilification Tennis. This show will give the year the comedic eulogy that it has more than earned. After the show, stick around to hang out with the cast and countdown to midnight. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Game-A-Thon 2025

What: Gaming, Family
When: Thursday, January 1, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Buffalo Community Center

The Wright County Geeks, a geeky Minnesota organization that focuses on RPGs and science fiction, returns with its traditional New Year’s Day family-friendly gaming day. Play board games, tabletop role-playing games, miniatures games, card games, computer games, and more. There will also be a movie lounge playing sci-fi and fantasy titles throughout the day and attendees are welcome to bring along a pillow and blanket to get cozy in the glow of the screen. The weather might be cold, but a room full of friendly geeks with games and door prizes could warm anyone up. This event is free.

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science: The Trial of Star Wars

What: Comedy & Theater, Educational
When: Thursday, January 1, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Bryant Lake Bowl

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science, a recurring comedic-lecture series with a focus on monsters, returns this month to look at the Star Wars franchise (and its fans) with special guest Michael Rogers. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. (Read: “Matt Kessen Wants to Make You Laugh about Monsters“.)

F1rst Wrestling Presents: Wremix

What: Sports & Fitness, Music
When: Friday, January 2, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 3, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue

Pro wrestling is back at First Avenue with two back-to-back nights of Wremix! Expect plenty of action in the ring, live performances, and more. Tickets are $45.90.

Scream It Off Screen

What: Movies
When: Friday, January 2, 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”)

Dance Dance Resolution at RaptureMN

What: Nightlife, Cosplay
When: Friday, January 2, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Ground Zero

“Make your 2026 resolution to get out and dance more” with this New Year’s party hosted by RaptureMN. Featured DJs include Tee So, DJ Trashley, Hello there it’s TRIPTEASE, and EmDaddy. In addition to the dancing, there will be projected visuals, aerial acrobatics, fire performances, burlesque, and vendors. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Tickets for this 21-and-over event are $15.

Geek Partnership Society 2026 Kick Off Gathering

What: Community, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, January 3, at 11:30 a.m.
Where: WareSpace

Kick off the new year with good company at a potluck gathering. The Geek Partnership Society will be providing drinks and taco salad fixings. Attendees are welcome to bring any extras they’d like to add to their plate or a dish to share with the community. RSVP is required by Tuesday, December 30.

Anishinaabe Music & Arts Celebration

What: Music, Arts
When: Saturday, January 3, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Fine Line

The Anishinaabe Music and Arts Celebration is back for its third year! Expect live music, hoop dancing, a fashion show, and more. Featured performers include Keith Secola, Annie Humphrey, Jada Brown, and Chase Manhattan. This event is free and open to the public.

Let’s Talk Winter Tree ID

What: Educational, Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, January 3, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Fort Snelling State Park 

Learn about the wide variety of tree species at Fort Snelling State Park and how to identify them in the winter without their leaves while on a scenic one-mile hike. This event is free and attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and slippery winter conditions. Check out the Department of Natural Resources events calendar for more great activities happening this week in parks across the state.

Schitt’s Creek Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, January 4, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 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 Alexis (and David, and Moira, and Johnny) at this tribute to Schitt’s Creek. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $20.28, and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, January 4, 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

Sounds of the Season: Relaxed Matinee with Organist Greg Zelek

What: Music
When: On demand through Wednesday, December 31
Where: 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. Tickets are $14.

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, December 29, 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 30, 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, make some progress, and socialize. Registration is required.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

What: Nightlife, Music
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via ABC broadcast channel, ABC website, and iHeart Radio app

This long-standing New Year’s Eve event is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will feature live broadcasts from celebrations in Times Square and around the country. Featured musical performers include Chappell Roan, Pitbull, Mariah Carey, AJR, The All-American Rejects, the voices behind HUNTR/X (a.k.a. Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), and many more. This free event can be watched on broadcast channel ABC or through a livestream on ABC’s website, as well as listened to through the iHeart Radio app.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash

What: Nightlife, Music
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via CBS broadcast channel and Paramount+

Country music fans can ring in the new year with live performances and the big music-note drop at midnight. This celebration is hosted in Nashville, which is in the central time zone, so the countdown will line up with Minnesota local time. Expect performances from Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, and many more. The event can be watched on broadcast channel CBS or through a Paramount+ subscription.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, December 31, 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 31, 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.

New Year’s Eve with Davina & The Vagabonds

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Wednesday, December 31, at 10:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Livestream

Davina & The Vagabonds ring in the new year with a night of wit and soulful Americana music for their 16th year on the Dakota stage. Livestream tickets are $18.90; in-person tickets are sold out.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Saturday, January 3, 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!