Holiday Cheer Shines In St. Cloud With the Weekender & Festive Events

As there always is, just a few weeks before Christmas, the St. Cloud area is hopping with fun activities for the whole family.  The Naughty List is back at Gnarly Bard Theater, roller skating with the Grinch at the Skating Place, and various holiday-themed concerts are just some of the things going on. Don't let the predicted cold weather stop you from heading out to have some fun. Check out The Weekenders' picks for some excitement below.

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YOUTH CHOIR CONCERT - ST. CLOUD

A holiday favorite returns to St. Cloud on Sunday. Join the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota for their “All Is Well” concert. The show will feature three different high school ensembles accompanied by a string quartet. You will get to hear a variety of holiday favorites along with new seasonal music.  A great time for anyone looking for some musical holiday magic. There are two show times to pick from on Sunday: 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  The cost is $20 for adults, $18 for Seniors, and children are free.

Sunday:  4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

WINTER MARKETS - ST. CLOUD

You have two more chances to get in some one-of-a-kind gift shopping at winter markets. Head over to the Neese Collective on Saturday as local artisans and small businesses will invade their studio, and check out some outside in vendor tents as well. They will also have free coffee and hot chocolate, cookies, giveaways, and a toy donation drop-off. It is free to attend. If that is not enough shopping the River’s Edge Convention Center is hosting the Granite City Bizarre Bazaar’s (GCBB) Winter Market for two big days of shopping.  Find dozens of crafters displaying a wide variety of gifts and wares from clothing to accessories to art and more. The GCBB market is free to attend and runs on both Saturday and Sunday.

Neese Studio Market – Saturday:  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Granite City Bizarre Bazaar – Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BOOK OPENING - ST. CLOUD

True Crime mystery buffs can learn about a new book based on a real case from Detroit Lakes. Meet author Frank Weber and pick up a copy of his latest book, "Heartbreak Hollow." Weber will discuss how he profiled a case that lacked evidence and also provide a live demonstration of a lie detector test.  He will go over his writing of true crime mysteries, sign copies of the new book, and answer questions.  In addition, Pantown will be brewing a mystery beer for the event, and anyone who guesses the correct flavors in the beer will win a $10 Pantown gift card.  Free to attend, but there is a cost for the book and the mystery beer.

Friday:  5:00 – 8:30 p.m.

MEET SANTA - ST. CLOUD

It is not to late to get the kids out to meet Santa and give him their Christmas wishes. Kris Kringle will make two stops in St. Cloud this weekend.  He will be at the St. Cloud Financial Credit Union's Community Room in the morning. Kids can make their wish list and hand it directly to Santa, have their photo taken with him, and have a snack. St. Nick heads over to Crossroads Center in the afternoon for another meet and greet, where he will share stories and cookies with all the tots.

Saturday: 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union
Saturday:  2:00 p.m. at Crossroads Center (by Bath and Body Works)

BOARD GAME NIGHT - ST. CLOUD

Have a cozy evening of meeting new friends and playing games at the B-Side Indie Music Café in downtown St. Cloud.  They will have a featured game set up on three tables, and then a designated table for card games. They will also have other games available to play, or you can bring in your own to play with friends you haven’t met yet. Grab a coffee or drink while you are there. You are able to bring in takeout as well if you desire. They will have coupons for Arroy Thai & Filipino and Jett’s Pizza, too. The event is free to attend, and there is free parking available in the Courthouse Parking lot after 5:00 p.m.

Thursday:  5:30 – 7:45 p.m.

READ MORE FROM AUTHOR PAUL HABSTRITT