The turkey leftovers are almost gone, and the football games are very much over. So, you Christmas and holiday fanatics – it’s your time to SHINE.
The Christmas season kicks off this weekend around St. Michael and Albertville with a host of holiday themed events.
Here’s a list:
Now through Dec. 15
Albertville Toy Drive
Albertville City Hall will again be participating in the Caring for Kids local toy drive. This toy drive has been taking place for nearly 30 years thanks to Hanover Area Food Shelf and other community volunteers. Caring for Kids serves between 500-800 children from birth to age 18 that live in St. Michael, Albertville, Hanover, Loretto and Corcoran. Adopt-A-Family program and the toy drive. Local parents who are struggling to meet their family’s basic needs are invited to register their families at Hanover Area Food Shelf and then will be able to make an appointment to shop the donations in mid-December.
Donations can be left at various local businesses including Albertville City Hall. Financial donations can be made by calling Hanover Food Shelf at 763-498-8311.
Donations will be collected through December 15.
Dec. 1
Jingle Jam
6:15 p.m. at STMA Middle School West
Head over to Middle School West to join Westbridge Community Church for a celebration of the season that’s big enough for the entire family!
Live music performances. Cookie and card making. Family photo stations. And an opportunity to give back to your community.
Tickets at westbridge.ccbchurch.com.
Saturday Dec. 2
Children’s Holiday Shopping Mall
9 a.. to 1 p.m. at STMA Middle School West
Hosted by the Crow River Girl Scouts, this is an opportunity to pick up some cool, local gifts for the kids to pick out.
Parent-free from 9 a.m. to noon. Just bring a donation for the Hanover Food Shelf when you arrive at Middle School West.
Adults welcome from noon to 1 p.m.
StMCS Christmas Market
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic School
Save the date for this years’s Christmas Market, formerly known as the Holiday Boutique.
Plan to shop from a variety of vendors/crafters for
all your Christmas needs!
Children can visit Santa and there will be temporary
daycare available while you shop!
This is a Catholic United Matching Grant Fundraiser that benefits all students at the St. Michael Catholic School.
Santa at the St. Michael Fire Station
Join the St. Michael Fire Explorers as they welcome that Jolly Old Elf himself at the St. Michael Fire Department, located just south of downtown on County 19/Main Street in St. Michael.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring a (wrapped) toy to donate to Caring for Kids!
Special Moments with Santa Claus
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 101 Market, Otsego
Join 101 Market in Otsego, where special moments will be created when Santa visits with your child. Santa will narrate ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ at 3:00 pm. Each child will be gifted an ornament and milk/cookies will be served, along with hot cider for Mom and Dad. Complimentary photos will be taken by Mariah from Mariahmac Studios in Elk River. (purchase of photos are optional)
Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3
SOAR Holiday Concert Series
Join SOAR for their biggest fundraiser of the year, which doubles as one of the biggest area vocal events of the year!
Students from St. Michael, Otsego, Albertville and Rogers will take the stage at Middle School West (Saturday) and Word Of Peace Lutheran Church (Sunday) for their sixth annual show, featuring members of the SOAR board, TAG, musical casts and much more.
It’s a can’t miss event for the holidays.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Sunday Dec. 3
Christmas in the Park – Albertville Lions Park and City of Albertville
Merry Christmas from the Albertville Lions!
Enjoy a fun and free family event in Albertville City Park from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 3.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving by reindeer sleigh around 3 p.m. and the tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m.
Enjoy a hot beverage and smores by the fire while listening to STMA Choir students singing.
Albertville Royalty, Albertville Cub Scouts and FYCC will be on hand with other activities as well.
Monday, Dec. 4
Annual St. Michael Holiday Tree Lighting
Sponsored by Shop STMA and STMA Rotary from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Michael City Hall.
Join us for a festive evening where our hometown Holiday Cheermeister will light the St. Michael Holiday Tree. Activities will include caroling and music, free photos with Santa, courtesy of Zahler Photography, crafts sponsored by Family Youth Community Connections (FYCC), Ugly Sweater Contest, Poinsettia Sale, Santa Search with $20 cash prize, Pajama Drive ages 5-17 years old- New items and more!
Enjoy free sandwiches, chips, cookies and beverages while supplies last.
Brighten a child’s holiday by bringing a new unwrapped toy or children’s book for the Hanover Area Food Shelf.