Twin Cities and Thanksgiving

November 25, 2010 is Thanksgiving and, in the Twin Cities, here's the rundown of food events, shopping, activities, volunteering and more to help you plan your holiday.

Turkeys

It may take a little more time to find a Minnesota-raised turkey, a free range turkey or an organic turkey, but you can find one in the Twin Cities.

Thanksgiving Day:  Things to Do

• Most places are closed on Thanksgiving, but the Como Zoo and Conservatory are open on this day and every day. 
• The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open every day of the year, also.  For the ideal iconic photo opportunity, snap a pic in front of the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. 
• Downtown Minneapolis hosts The Depot and opens their skating rink the day before.
• St. Paul's Phalen Park has over a million lights and animated displays to see every night from the 23rd until New Year's Eve.  Admission fees go to local charities.

Thanksgiving Weekend:  Things to Do

• The Holidazzle parade begins the Friday after Thanksgiving.  On Saturday, downtown St. Paul's Rice Park Ice Rink will be opened at the lighting of the Christmas Tree in the afternoon.
• Macy's annual Santaland holiday display will be open on Friday downtown St. Paul at the Alexander Ramsey House with tours, music and refreshments at the historic home.  The house will also be opened for several dates through December 26th.

Getting Active and Outside:  Things to Do

• By late November, there will be several downhill ski and snowboarding areas open and there should be plenty of snow.
• Sledding, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and all kinds of snow and ice activities are a great way to burn off the turkey or work up an appetite for it.
• The Lifetime Fitness Turkey Day 5K Run begins at Target Center and takes the run through downtown Minneapolis.  The Gobble Gait in Hastings races are on Thanksgiving morning and include 8K and 2K races.
• The annual Walk to End Hunger 5K Race is hosted by the Mall of America.  Please bring food for the food drive or call in a phone-a-thon donation to help local food banks.

This sums up our Thanksgiving Day and weekend in the fabulous Twin Cities.  Please come out and enjoy.

Kristina Heili, your source for Twin Cities real estate