December festivals around Minnesota, part 4

And final. We're coming down the home stretch, but there's still plenty to do.

St. Paul

The Homecoming: A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House
Wed.-Sun. through Dec. 30
How did the Ramseys celebrate Christmas? This is the time to find out. And hey—your tour includes cookies baked in the home’s wood-fired stove.

Bloomington

Ice Castles
Late December (check website for specifics—rumored to be Dec. 20)
The Mall of America (of course) will be home to a 40-foot ice castle with more than 50 towers, spanning more than an acre, and a children’s snow park area.

Minneapolis

Holidazzle
Dec. 20-23
Truly a parade of lights, with life-size fairy tale characters decked out in splendid lit-up costumes. Allow extra time for traffic and parking, and if you’re planning on dining before or after, make reservations.

Scandia

Annie’s Swedish Jul Coffee Party
Dec. 22
A three-course Swedish coffee party, with the opportunity to learn about Swedish Christmas traditions, at the Gammelgarden Museum.

St. Paul

Hill House Holidays
Dec. 22-23
Costumed actors portray servants at the lavish James J. Hill House, giving living history tours from both “upstairs/downstairs” perspectives. The house alone is well worth a visit, but when you add in holiday ambience, you’ve got an extra special tour.

Winona

Trester Trolley Christmas Lights Tour
Dec. 22-23
This one-hour tour will guide you to the best lights displays around the beautiful historic town of Winona. Reservations required.

Richfield

Cooking for the Birds
Dec. 30
Visit Wood Lake Nature Center to make and bake birdseed cookies, and learn more about attracting backyard birds.

East Grand Forks

Celebrate the Night
Dec. 31
East Grand Forks annual family friendly, alcohol-free celebration includes games, activities, live music, and food.