(Please note: This list is updated as events become known. Be sure to check with the event host/venue in advance as there may be changes or cancellations at any time.)
Have an event to add to this list? Please email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com. Submissions are not guaranteed – if you would like guaranteed placement, paid advertising packages start at $200. Thanks!
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
- Regular admission is $13.00 per person, but you can get admission for $11.00 per person with my special code! (Children 2 and under are free.) For $2 Off Admission: Use code TCFMB$2OFF in the “promo code” field on the shopping cart page. (Not valid for special events) Purchase via THIS LINK.
- Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
- 50% off admission for limited income families through their Gateway program
EVERY DAY: Get Minnesota Children’s Museum Discount Tickets!
EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul with my special code TCFM! Save $3 per admission!
- Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $3 per admission on tickets both online and in person. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership either in-person or online.
- There’s so much to do at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Check out my review here.
Also, be sure to check my Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families for how to save (and get FREE admission!) at places all around the Twin Cities! (Note that many locations are closed right now.)
And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota! Note: Check before you go as many have updated their offerings since COVID began.
December
Ongoing Events
The Rock and Rock Playhouse: Concerts for Kids!. First Avenue & 7th St Entry, Minneapolis
Game On! at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Through January 4, 2026. Save $3 per ticket with my code TCFM.
We Are Water MN. Bloomington. October 9 – December 1. Free.
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas is back at Children’s Theatre Company. Now through January 4.
Illuminate: Festival of Lights. Friday, November 7 through January 1. 3001 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN.
European Christmas Market. Union Depot, St. Paul. The market opens on Friday, November 28 and runs through Sunday, December 21.
Save 50% on tickets at Zero Gravity! Mounds View.
December 2025
Events by Date
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
FREE First Tuesday at Washington County Parks. On the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday), visit any Washington County Park FREE. No Vehicle Permit required.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
Tots & Trains. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. First and third Wednesdays. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for ages 3-6. Check their website for pricing bundles and more info.
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
Mini Mia. 10:15am and 12:15pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
Christmas Wonderland. 6:00 – 8:00pm. Connections Church, 6000 167th Ave NW, Anoka, MN.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
Free Pictures with Santa at Fleet Farm. December 5-7. Fleet Farm locations. Times vary by location.
Mini Mia. 10:15am and 12:15pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Mini Mia features a gallery tour specially designed for caregivers and little ones (ages 0–5), a movement class with Young Dance, and a cozy story time. Make new friends and introduce your child to the wonders of art in a comfortable, kid-friendly setting. Free registration is required. First Wednesday of the month and first Friday of the month.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Free Pictures with Santa at Fleet Farm. December 5-7. Fleet Farm locations. Times vary by location.
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. December 6-7. First weekend of each month.
FREE Kids Workshop. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Home Depot locations. This month: Holiday Cocoa Mug.
Twin Cities Grad Fair. 9:00am – 3:00pm. Minnetonka High School, 18301 Minnesota 7, Minnetonka.
FREE Community Showing of Dr Seuss: The Grinch (animated). 10:00am. Odyssey Century 9 Theatre, Hutchinson.
Frozen Experience. 10:00am – 1:00pm. The Shops at West End, 1628 West End Blvd, Minneapolis.
– Miss Minnesota Appearance
– Pet a Snow Dog
– Letters To Santa
– Meet Live Reindeer
– Tattoo Station
– Face Painter (For An Extra Fee)
– DJ, Music, and Games with the Twin Cities Road Crew!
Art Play. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.
Free First Saturday: Show & Tell. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Free First Saturday also features free gallery admission on the first Saturday of every month. Gallery admission tickets are available online in advance and on-site on the event day from the Main Lobby desk.
Summit Avenue Artisan Festival. 10:00am – 4:00pm. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (900 Summit Avenue). Now in its 16th year, this festive winter market draws more than 1,000 visitors to experience a vibrant mix of local artisans, food, music, and holiday cheer as part of the St. Paul Grand Meander celebration.
Open House – Pictures with Santa! 10:00am – 4:00pm. Minnesota Exteriors, 8600 Jefferson Hwy, Osseo, MN.
Pictures with Santa – capture the magic of the holidays!
Food Trucks: Enjoy your favorites from Tater Tot Food Truck & Misfit Coffee Co.
Giveaway Prizes & Holiday Raffles
Tour Santa’s Workshop and explore our showroom displays
Meet Our Team – ask about winter projects & home upgrades
Santa’s Christmas for a Cause. 10:00am – 9:00pm. Santa, Shopping, and Live Music! Some events are free, some at cost.
Princess Day. 11:00am – 2:00pm. InBound Brew Co, 701 N 5th St, Minneapolis.
Santa Reggie at Midtown Global Market. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Free Pictures with Santa at Fleet Farm. December 5-7. Fleet Farm locations. Times vary by location.
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. December 6-7. First weekend of each month.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution. 4:30pm. Bring $26 and 2 large totes for an ABUNDANCE of food. No income or residency required. ALL WELCOME! Doors open at 4:30. Read about my experience here!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
Free Public Tours. 1:00 – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
JBF Holiday & Winter Kids Sale. Dec 11-14. 3001 White Bear Ave Suite 2035, Maplewood, MN.
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
JBF Holiday & Winter Kids Sale. Dec 11-14. 3001 White Bear Ave Suite 2035, Maplewood, MN.
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
Minnesota Montessori’s Fall Festival. 12:00 – 4:00pm. 3150 Eagle Creek Blvd, Shakopee, MN.
First Friday – Gift Wrap Origami! 5:30 – 7:00pm. Eagan Art House. This month’s activity will be gift wrap origami! No need to register: just drop in!
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
JBF Holiday & Winter Kids Sale. Dec 11-14. 3001 White Bear Ave Suite 2035, Maplewood, MN.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
CPKC Holiday Train at Union Depot. 6:45 – 7:30pm. Union Depot, St. Paul.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
JBF Holiday & Winter Kids Sale. Dec 11-14. 3001 White Bear Ave Suite 2035, Maplewood, MN.
Family Day. 10:00am – 5:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Join us for our free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. On the second Sunday of every month, the museum is filled with hands-on art activities, live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, family tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
Art Play. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
Community Pet Clinic. 9:00am – 2:00pm. 2825 2nd St N, Minneapolis, MN.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Meet Santa Sid at Zero Gravity. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Bring the whole family for festive photos, joyful smiles, and holiday cheer in a magical atmosphere filled with adventure and excitement. Whether you’re snapping pics with Santa or enjoying all the park fun, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE DAY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
Friday Morning Story Time with Engineer Paul. 10:15am. Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul. Included with admission. The admission is: $10 for kids 1-10 yrs and $2 for adults. Twins are always BOGO!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
Free Days at the Weisman Art Museum. 11:00am – 5:00pm. Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Night Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays from November 8th through February 28th.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
MONDAY, MAY 18
The Hobbit Pay-What-You-Can Night at Theatre in the Round. 7:30pm. Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
EVERY THURSDAY
Walker Art Museum – Gallery Admission is free from 5:00-9:00pm.
EVERY SATURDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.
SELECT SATURDAYS
Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.