KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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On Sunday, December 28, 2025, First Avenue will come alive with The Current Presents: KOO KOO — Silly Shindig, a lively local showcase packed with high-energy performances and family-friendly fun. The event features an exciting lineup including Peelander Z, Mega Ran, Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship, Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band, and Derry & The Dirty Dishes. Doors open at 11:00 AM, with shows kicking off at 11:30 AM in the 7th St Entry and 11:50 AM on the main stage at First Avenue. Open to all ages, this festive gathering promises a day of music, laughter, and community spirit. Admission to the 7th St Entry will be based on capacity, so early arrival is encouraged for the best experience. More info: https://first-avenue.com/event/2025-12-koo-koo/ Ticket link: https://www.axs.com/events/1116585/koo-koo-tickets?skin=firstavenue
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Families, get ready to jingle all the way to Pinstripes for the most festive brunch of the season! Santa's making his list and checking it twice, and your family's invited to join him for our spectacular Santa Brunch. Every Saturday & Sunday from 11/29 - 12/21, the big man himself is trading his sleigh for a seat at our table. Join us for a holiday buffet packed with action stations, classic breakfast selections, and an amazing chocolate fountain that's sure to delight! Plus, kids 5 & under eat FREE! Gather your merry little band and make this season unforgettable. Spots fill faster than Santa's sleigh, so book today!
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Deck the halls with tons of COLOR! From Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, come enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way! Complete a seasonal scavenger hunt, pose in holiday photo-ops, and make handmade gifts from the heart as you create a Pop-Up Greeting Card for someone special, paint one-of-a-kind Holiday Ornaments to add some festive flair to your home, mold a Penguin Friend with Model Magic to bring holiday cheer, and write a Letter to Santa with all the nice things you’ve done this year. All included with general admission.
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Immerse yourself in a magical Glow Party, a glow-in-the-dark adventure where children can explore an array of delightful sensory experiences! This exciting event features multiple glow-in-the-dark sensory stations. From vibrant glow-in-the-dark activities to interactive sensory stations that spark creativity and wonder, the Glow Party promises an unforgettable journey filled with laughter and joy. Join us for a mesmerizing, glowy good time!
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Three days of holiday shopping, live music, and festive treats in the beautiful and historic Landmark Center!
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FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! A whimsical reinvention of Dickens' most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with -- if he ever had his way with the story..
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Children and trains go together during the Holiday Season like colorful lights, brightly iced cookies, festively wrapped gifts, family and friends. Please join the nonprofit Friends of the 261 for our annual North Pole Express journey! The North Pole Express is our group’s largest yearly fundraiser, helping us continue to operate and maintain our collection of beautifully restored historic rail cars. Step aboard and experience the magic of the holidays in vintage style as you ride the rails to meet Santa and his cheerful elves. Our excited all-volunteer crew, along with Santa and his helpers, promise to make this a memorable holiday tradition for your whole family.
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Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto transports families into the realms of two of Disney’s most popular films. Watch as Anna, Elsa, and Olaf tell the extraordinary story of sisterhood in Frozen (Act One) before Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, and Bruno take center stage in Encanto (Act Two). The entire show features high-flying acrobatics and stunning special effects. Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Frozen & Encanto showcases world-class ice skaters and elaborate costuming that brings two of Disney’s most beloved stories to life.
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Join Union Depot in-person for the exciting annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Movie Night on Saturday, December 6!
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Kick Off the Holidays with Shopping, Santa, Sparkle and Joy! Bundle Up the Kids and Bring the Whole Family to Get into the Spirit of the Season. Join us to celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon filled with carolers, wagon rides, kids’ activities, a Christmas market, food, shopping, lots of lights and, of course, Santa roaming the property for visits! Plus, don’t miss Secret Santa Deals. Just scan one of the special QR Code signs around The Shoppes to see what’s on sale during the event.
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Join us for some holiday family fun at 50th & France and meet Holiday Llamas, Sparky the Candy Cane Unicorn, and Santa!
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Santa’s Train Shop at the Minnesota Transportation Museum! All aboard for a holiday adventure your family won’t forget! Join us weekends in December for Santa’s Train Shop, a magical celebration of trains, Christmas, and community spirit.
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Step into a winter wonderland on a horse drawn sleigh ride at the Forest History Center.
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An upbeat, whimsical tale about a troupe of elves who help restore a poor cobbler to prosperity by making a pair of the most fantastic and magical shoes ever seen. This heart-warming adaptation tells of midnight enchantment and of virtue and generosity rewarded. It’s the perfect holiday story and great fun for all ages.
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Looking for a holiday tradition the whole family will love? Our massive 2,500,000+ holiday light display dances in time to the best songs of the season, and with festive food & drink vendors, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be merry. So go ahead, pile into the car—this is one show everyone will want to see.
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Caring Santa® is a special, sensory-friendly experience - exclusively for children with special needs and their families.
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The Minneapolis-St. Paul area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and
engaging in festive activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout big list of 2025 holiday events list for the Minneapolis - St. Paul area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- European Christmas Market at Union Depot - Union Depot, 214 4th St E, Saint Paul, MN 55101, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
- Bentleyville Tour of Lights 2025 - 4313 Haines Road, Hermantown, MN, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, Sunday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
- Santa's Arrival at Maplewood
Mall - 3001 White Bear Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, 11 AM
- Free mini
photo session with Shoott! - MSP - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, December 5, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, See link for times
- Mill City Farmers Market - Mill City Farmers Market, 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10am-1pm
- Saturday Vibe: Rex and Mr. Fox Show Storytime - Saint Paul Public Library - George Latimer Central Library, 90 West 4th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:00am-12:00pm
- Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night - Union Depot, 214 4th St. E., St. Paul, MN 55101, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5:00pm to 9:00pm
- Santa at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes - The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 1752 Carriage Drive, Victoria, MN 55386, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2-6PM
- 3rd Annual Ham Lake Hometown Holiday
event! - Ham Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, 15544 Central Ave NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 3 - 6 pm
- Holiday Photo Ops at 50th & France: Llamas, Santa, and Unicorns! - 50th & France, 3925 W 50th St, Minneapolis, MN
55424, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12 - 2 pm
- 50th & France Gingerbread Contest - 50th & France, 3925 W 50th St, Minneapolis, MN 55424, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11 am - 4 pm
- University of Minnesota Men's Gymnastics Maroon & Gold Intrasquad - Foundation Gymnastics, Fairview Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12:00 - 2;30 PM
- Family Playtime at The Grove - The Grove United Methodist Church, 8600 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, Friday, December 5, 2025, 10- 11 am
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator,
and Top STEM Educator!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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