Over the river and through the woods and off to Uncle Larry's house you go. AAA is predicting a big upswing in the number of Americans that will travel at least 50 miles for the Christmas holiday. 109 million will go by road or sky in 2021, an increase of a-third compared to pandemic-affected 2020 numbers, according to a survey by AAA.

"American who canceled their vacations in 2020 want to gather with family and friends for the holidays this year, although they will still need to be mindful of the pandemic," says Debbie Haas, Vice President of AAA - The Auto Club Group. "With vaccines widely available, conditions are much different and many people feel a greater level of comfort with travel this year."

"Travelers should pay careful attention to COVID travel requirements, particularly those journeying outside of the United States, Haas continued. "Also, Americans should be aware that new rules require them to provide a negative COVID test within a day before reentering the U.S."

More than 90-percent of those travelers will load up the family wagon and put the rubber to the road. AAA reports the best travel time for those going through major metros on December 23 is after 7 pm and before 1 pm on December 24. Anytime before 12 pm is the preferred time for the week between Christmas and New Year's.

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12 Places to Find Real Christmas Trees in Southeast Minnesota

If finding the perfect Christmas tree is on your list of things to-do this holiday season, below are 12 places in Southeast Minnesota that might be worth a visit. Some are Christmas tree farms that have trees already cut and a few locations where you can cut your own tree. Also on the list are some local stores and nurseries in the Rochester, Minnesota area that have the perfect tree waiting for you as well.

Beautiful and Festive! See Glensheen Mansion Decorated Inside and Out For Christmas

Glensheen Mansion in Duluth is always a beautiful, historic place to visit. However, once the Christmas season arrives, it really becomes a magical place both inside and out.

Glensheen's Spirit Of Lights is back in 2021, launches on Friday, November 26 and is then available every Friday and Saturday through January 1, 2022. As a bonus, you can visit Sunday through Thursday during the week leading up to Christmas.

Make it a point to head to Glensheen for the popular self-guided Evening Candlelight Tour and the amazing outdoor light display. Your whole family will love exploring the illuminated grounds through the Spirit of the Lights display. There are 25 Christmas trees illuminated at night!

When you visit, you can also I-spy the 25+ hidden elves in the mansion. There are 25 nice elves hidden in locations that guests can find by following along in the Elf Book which is available for purchase in the Ticket House and Gift Shop.

Going there is definitely the absolute best way to experience this, but the pictures below will give you a little taste of what awaits you at Glensheen Mansion.

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