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The North High AlumniChoir, under the directionof Carl H. Lipke, presentsChristmas Favorites, a setof holiday concerts at FirstEvangelical Lutheran Church,located at 4000 Linden St. inWhite Bear Lake, Dec. 7 at

7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.These wi l l be the f ina l

concerts of the North HighAlumni Choir, which has beentogether for 20 years. Thechorus will be disbanding atthe end of the year.

See North choir,Lipke perform for last time

Ernie Haase & SignatureSound will perform a Christmasconcert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec.15 at Benson Great Hall at BethelUniversity. The quartet, whichhas released several albums andhas performed with the GaitherHomecoming tours, brings newenergy to traditional SouthernGospel standards, as well as

inspiring four-part arrangementsof new songs.

Aw a r d w i n n i n g s i n g e r sErnie Haase (formerly of TheCathedrals Quar te t ) , DougAnderson, Devin McGlamery andPaul Harkey make up this quartet.For more information call 651-638-6333.

Southern Gospel-stylequartet performs

New Brighton Christian Churchoffers a gift to the communitywith i t s 31st annual "TheChristmas Story...A 'Live' Drive-Through Presentation" Saturdayand Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15 in thechurch parking lot at 1500 29thAve. NW, New Brighton.

The presentation is open tovehicles from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Visitors will progress throughscenes telling the Christmas storywithout leaving the warmth andcomfort of their cars. A cast of

people in Biblical costumesportraying the familiar charactersplus live sheep, a camel and otheranimals, scenery and music willportray the events surrounding thebirth of Jesus.

Famil ies and f r iends areencouraged to make this oneof their family traditions atChristmas as many already have.

There is no charge.For directions to the church call

651-633-7152 or e-mail office@nbcc.cc.

Drive-through nativityoffered in New Brighton

Since Nov. 8, the Guidant John RoseOval has had extra illumination: 70 treessurrounding it have been sponsored anddecorated with colorfu lights to note boththe holiday season and the Oval's 20thanniversary. The trees will be lit nightly

through mid-February.Visit the grounds for free to walk among

the trees or skate for a nominal fee. Skaterental is also available.

Roseville's Oval will be illuminated nightly

The Lake Country Chorus andNorth Star Chorus will present

their 10th annual Christmasconcert, "Sing Noel," at 4 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 1 at RosevilleLutheran Church, 1215 RoselawnAve.

Sacred and secular music of

the season will be sung by thechoruses together and separately,

as well as by several quartets.Tickets are $10 general admissionand are available at the door orin advance by calling Kathie at651-777-9712 or emailing info@lakecountrychorus.org.

Chorus concert The Shoreview Northern

Lights Variety Band will presentits Winter Wonderland HolidayConcert on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7p.m. at Benson Great Hall, BethelUniversity. Carriage rides begin at6:15 p.m.

Ticke t s a re ava i l ab le a tShoreview City Hall for $10in advance, or $12 at the door.Call 651-488-4074 for moreinformation.

Northern Lights

St. Rose of Lima Music Ministry presents"A Celebration of Carols" by Joseph Martin,offering the timeless stories and treasuredsongs of the season.

"A Celebration of Carols" is a free, one-

hour cantata overflowing with beloved carol,seasonal songs and meaningful scripture, from"O Come All Ye Faithful" a to "A Prayer foradvent" and "Arise."

The cantata will be followed by a reception.

The event will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2p.m. at St. Rose of Lima, 2090 Hamline Ave.North, in Roseville.

Christmas carols at St. Rose

Como Park Zoo andConse rva to ry inv i t e sguests to a holiday tealike no other, with abehind-the-scenes tourin the Marjorie McNeelyConservatory. This long-standing tradition takesplace on December 12with tea at 11 a.m. and 2p.m.

Guests will enjoy athree-course tea servicein the ConservatorysNorth Garden a spacek n o w n f o r i t s l u s hcollection of exotic treesand plants including fig,papaya, pomegranate ,

and chocolate. The teaservice courses includesavory petite sandwiches,oven-hot scones, and anassortment of delectablesweets.

F o l l o w i n g t h e t e aservice guests will betreated to a rare behind-the-scenes tour of theConservatory, includingthe production greenhousespace and sunken garden.See thousands of plantsbeing cultivated for theupcoming Winter FlowerShow, as well as severaloff-exhibit collectionsof orchids, bromeliads,

bonsai, and ferns. Learnwhat goes into creatingthe five spectacular annualflower shows and how thegreenhouses nurture plantsfo r Como Educa t ionprograms, the EdibleGarden, and select gardensfor the City of St. Paul.

Tickets for the HolidayTe a & B e h i n d - t h eScenes tour cost $35 perperson if reserved beforeThanksgiving and $40 perperson after Thanksgiving.Space is l imi ted andreservations are requiredby calling 651-487-8250.

submitted photoTea among the greenery, then a 'behind-the-scenes' tour areoffered at the Como Conservatory.

Enjoy tea, 'backstage' tour at Conservatory

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Area group NextGen, a groupof about a dozen twenty- toforty-somethings interestedin enhancing community life,hopes to make downtown LakeElmo sparkle with the citys firstcommunity tree lighting event:Light Up Lake Elmo. Its the newgroups first initiative.

Businesses, organizationsand individuals are encouragedto sponsor and adorn a tree.Community members are invitedto bring an ornament for a centraltree during Light Up Lake Elmoat 4 p.m. on Dec. 7.

The trees will be lighted at 6p.m. in the vacant lot near theLake Elmo Inn on 34th StreetNorth, and then be turned onevery weekend through NewYears Day.

Krueger s Christmas TreeFarm is donating the communitytree, which will most likely be a12-foot Fraser fir, according to

Deb Krueger.Lake Elmo Inn will host

breakfast with Santa for anotheryear, the same day as the treelighting.

Those interested in sponsoringa tree or getting involved withNex tGen can ca l l A lyssaMacLeod at 651-747-3908.

Bring an ornament or

sponsor a tree itsLight Up Lake Elmo

submitted photoCan helping decorate a tree or sponsorone help boost holiday spirit? The orga-nizers of Light Up Lake Elmo invite thecommunity to take part in a first-of-its-kind event to find out.

Over 30 vendors will soon fillthe Oakdale Discovery Centerwith a wide variety of productsat the annual Indoor Market.The market offers foodstuffssuch as meats, baked goods,breads, syrups, jams and jellies,honey products, candies, spices,salsas and strudels as well asnon-food gifts for all ages. The

market will be open from 9 a.m.to 12 p.m. on the followingSaturdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 14 and28, Jan. 11 and 25, Feb. 8 and22, March 8 and 22, and April 5.The Discovery Center is locatedat 4444 Hadley Ave. For moreinformation, please call 651-747-3860.

Look to Discovery Center fordelicious treats and gifts

The North High Alumni Choir,under the direction of Carl H.Lipke, presents ChristmasFavorites, a set of holidayconcerts at First EvangelicalLutheran Church, located at4000 Linden St. in White BearLake, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and

Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.These wi l l be the f ina l

concerts of the North HighAlumni Choir, which has beentogether for 20 years. Thechorus will be disbanding at theend of the year.

See North choir,Lipke perform for last time

The St. Croix Chordsmen, alongwith the Vallee de Croix SweetAdelines and the Woodbury HighSchool Chamber Singers, is busypreparing for its annual Christmasshow, Holiday Memories, set forDec. 7.

Performances are at 2 p.m. atTrinity Lutheran Church, 115 Fourth

St. N. in Stillwater, and 7:30 p.m. atGuardian Angels Catholic Church,8260 Fourth St. N., in Oakdale.Tickets are $10 or $8 in advancefor groups of six or more. Childrenunder 12 are free. For ticketinformation, call 651-334-8006 orvisit www.stcroixvalleychapter.com

Croix Chordsmen, Woodburychamber singers perform

Santa Claus is planning aspecial, but brief, visit to Oakdaleon Monday, Dec. 9. Because hisreindeer are resting up and thesleigh is being polished, Santawill travel through town on adecorated Oakdale fire truck!Hell head south on HadleyAvenue, making his first stopat 41st Street around 6 p.m.,

then at Eberle Park, StillwaterBoulevard, City Hall, and, finally,arriving at Hadley Lane by 7:30p.m. To make Santas special visitextra special, please make plansto welcome him at one of theselocations. Bundle up and watchfor the Oakdale fire truck coveredin twinkling lights!

Look for Santa in

Oakdale on a fire truck

Join the City of South St. Paulon Sunday, Dec. 1 from 4 to 6p.m. for the annual tree-lightingeven that kicks off Holidazein South St. Paul. Have yourfree picture taken with Santa,

create holiday crafts with Mrs.Claus, send a card to the troopsand have treats with the elvesfollowed by the annual holidaytree lighting.

Holidaze in South St. Paulwill take place at CentralSquare Community Center,100 Seventh Ave. N., insideand out so dress accordingly.At 5:45 p.m., join the South St.Paul Choirs, Mayor Baumann,Frosty and Santa Claus asthey lead the procession to thecommunity Christmas tree forcaroling and lighting of the tree.

The South St. Paul Mayor'sYouth Task Force will becollecting hats and mittens

to decorate the tree. All hatsand mittens collected will bedonated to Neighbors, Inc.

To donate hats and or mittensafter Dec. 1, drop them off atSouth St. Paul City Hall, 125Third Ave. N.

For additional information,c o n t a c t D e b G r i f f i t h ,Community Affairs Liaison atdeb.griffith@southstpaul.org or651-554-3230.

It's 'Holidaze' inSouth St. Paul

submitted photoHead out to 'Holidaze' to take in thetree lighting Dec. 1.

From 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 14, see the official lightingof the tree, visit Santa andMrs. Claus, enjoy live musicfrom Brio Brass and takeadvantage of a wide varietyof kids' activities and a hostof refreshments (one free

meal ticket per person) at theVeterans' Memorial CommunityCenter gymnasium, located at80th Street and Barbara Avenue.

G o t o w w w .invergroveheights.org for moreinformation.

Holiday on Main Street set in IGH

A holiday lights tour, courtesyEclipse Global Transportation,will leave from the InverGrove Heights Veterans '

Memorial Community Centerat designated times from 6:30p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 through

the evening.The rides are free, but people

must have obtained tickets atthe VMCC or participating Ace

Hardware Friday, Dec. 6 (onlyfour tickets per person.)

See the lights inInver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Heights willhost a candy cane hunt forages 3-10 at South ValleyPark at 10 a.m. Saturday,Dec. 14. Organizers promise" t o n s " o f c a n d y c a n e salong the trails and a greatchance to get outside foran adventure for jus t $2per child. There's a "goldencandy cane" somewherein the park that nets the

finder a special prize! Enjoyrefreshments after the hunt.South Valley Park is locatedat 2810 70th St. in InverGrove Heights.

Registration deadline: Dec.12.

Go to www.funatthegrove.com or call 651-450-2480to r eg i s t e r o r fo r moreinformation.

Hunt for candy canes at park

Santa will be at the InverGrove Heights Veterans 'Memorial Community Centerice arena showing off hisskating prowess Sunday, Dec.15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. For $5

per person, join him on theblades and get some pricelessphotos. Those dressed in red orgreen will get a special holidayprize! Hot chocolate andcookies will be provided

The Inver Grove HeightsVeterans' Memorial CommunityCenter is located at 8055Barbara Ave., Inver GroveHeights.

Registration deadline: Dec.

12.Go to www.funatthegrove.com or call 651-450-2480to regis ter or for moreinformation.

Skate with Santa in IGH

Want to get rid of old lightstrings? Go to church

Old, broken, ready-for-the-trash holiday lights can be recycledat St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Roseville this season.Every part of the light strings will be recycled. The RecyclingAssociation of Minnesota encourages replacing the old with newenergy-efficient LED light strands.

Anyone from the community is welcome to drop off holidaylights Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sundaymornings till 1 p.m., at St. Christopher's (north door), 2300Hamline Ave. N. -- the church in the cloverleaf. For moreinformation, 651-633-4589.

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Now it's time for "SantaCon,"which is bas ical ly anotheroccasion for adul ts to doncostumes and bounce from barto bar. From 5:30 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 14 to whenever Sunday,the sixth annual LowertownS a n t a C o n i n v i t e s S a n t aimpostors, elves, reindeer, ugly-sweater recipients, dreidels orother holiday characters to takea break from holiday stress.

Cos tumes can be campyand creative, as participantsfill the streets and The BrassMessengers, a roving brassband, accompanies them to theirnext destination.

For participating locations anda look at past events, go to thehttp://lowertownsantacon.infosite.

The Black Dog Cafe willagain host an all-ages party,where children can meet Santasg a l o r e a n d " K r a m p u s , " amythical German creature whokeeps kids in line. Organizersnote that children who sti l lbelieve in one Santa may beconfused by the number theysee onsite, so a cover storymay be in order. "Our favoriteexplanation is cloning."

You've heard of the Zombie pub crawl...

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2013

The International Brotherhood of ElectricWorkers and King of Kings Church inWoodbury will once again put on the EastMetro's premier drive-through lighting eventat Phalen Park.

The event lights up Nov. 26, when PhalenPark is transformed into a fantasy of lightsand color. More than 50 larger-than-lifeholiday sculptures and animated displays willentertain holiday fans of all ages from 5:30to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1, includingholidays.

New features include holiday greetings

from Noahs Wild Ark, featuring a cast ofcolorful animals.

Admission is: $10 per vehicle $8 per vehicle Sundays through Thursdays

(discount not available on holidays) $15 per limo/passenger van/minibus $30 per coach busEnter the park at 1615 Phalen Drive E. in

St. Paul to take the tour.Proceeds from the tour support Second

Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission,St. Paul Parks Conservancy, the St. PaulPolice Foundation, and UnderConstruction,which introduces high-school students toconstruction trades.

Several years ago, organizers alsobrainstormed a soundtrack to accompany thevisual delights, and the 2013 Lights in thePark will again feature holiday arrangementsby Minnesota musicians, on a CD available atKowalski's stores and at the "Holiday LightsLIVE! Concert Event," at 6 p.m. Sunday,

Dec. 8. at the Historic Pantages Theatre inMinneapolis.

Again, all proceeds go to charity.Tickets to the concert are available at

ticketmaster.com.

For more information on the parklights tour or the concert, go to www.lightsinthepark.org.

Phalen Lights in the Park back to dazzle for another season

This church was one of many lighted structuresalong neighborhood-like lanes to delight viewers on

the drive-through tour of Phalen's annual Lights inthe Park.

The project, whose proceeds all go toward charity,always needs volunteers, and these young peoplehelped direct traffic at a past Lights in the Park. Getinvolved by going to www.lightsinthepark.org andchoosing your week and volunteer role.

Linda Baumeister/ReviewEvery year the IBEW and volunteers build new lighted shapes; this view shows a modern car approaching acouple of vintage ones in multicolor.

submitted photoThese Santas are not drinking cocoa: Lowertown SantaCon hits the streets for its

sixth year Dec. 14. Above, emcee Foxy Tann gets a hug from an elf full of cheer.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2013

The popular classic "TheBest Christmas Pageant Ever,"Barbara Robinson, based on herbook, will return for its 22nd timeon the SteppingStone Theatre

stage.Robinson's plot gathers inabout all the Yuletide chaos onecould hope to expect from anamateur, youthful production,especially when the Angel of theLord is Gladys Herdman, theyoungest, meanest and bitey-est of the whole Herdman crew.The baby angels, church ladies,firefighters and Herdmans andBradleys will once again engagein raucous hijinx, all on the wayto discovering the true meaningof Christmas.

SteppingStone offers two "PayWhat You Can Performances,"

at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Santawill visit following the 4 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 8 performance.

Regular evening performancesare at 7 p.m. Thursdays Dec. 12and 19, Fridays Dec. 6, 13 and 20and Monday, Dec. 23.

Afternoon performances areat 2 and 4 p.m. Saturdays andSundays Dec. 7-22.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12

for children or seniors and $10each for groups of 6-12. Call thetheater for ticket information forlarger groups.

G o t o w w w .steppingstonetheatre.org/shows tocheck schedules, reserve ticketsand find audio-described or ASL-

interpreted performance dates, orcall 651-225-9265.

'Best Christmas Pageant' onstage again for laughs

submitted photoThey're back! The 22nd annual SteppingStone Theatre production of 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' asks nothing morethan that its young actors give the comic plot their all -- and they do.

Back before television, aholiday season tradition inAmerica was listening to "AChristmas Carol" by CharlesDickens as performed on

radio by Lionel Barrymoreand narrated by Orson Welleswith the Mercury Theatregroup. Barrymore took onthe role in 1934, and as itspopularity grew it hit itspeak with a live performanceChristmas Eve 1939, withan all-star cast to supportBarrymore and musiccomposed and conductedby the legendary BernardHerrmann.

Listeners across the nation,from Christmas-card-settingMaine to balmy Californiatuned in, and for generations,those were the voices, the

lines and the music theyassociated with "A ChristmasCarol."

Now, local audiences canenjoy that tradition -- plus see

the split-second timing andvaried talent that went intopresenting a live radio show,with "A Christmas Carol --Radio Broadcast Show" at

the Historic Mounds Theatre,1029 Hudson Rd., St. Paul.

Shows run Fridays throughSundays starting Dec. 6through Dec. 22. Friday andSaturday shows are 7 to 9p.m.; Sunday

shows are 3 to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults,$10 for students and seniorsand $6 for children under 12.

Go to www.moundstheatre.org or call 651-772-2253for more information or topurchase tickets.

'Christmas Carol' radio broadcast delights new audiences

submitted photos'Watch' a radio broadcast? Why not? Today's audiences will bemesmerized by the energy of how a radio show is put togetherwith direction, actors and sound effects in a live broadcast.

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The Maplewood Area Historical Societyhas a day full of fun planned for Saturday,Dec. 7.

In the morning Start with Breakfast with Santa and

Friends, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. $10admission per person ($50 for a family withup to 6 and free for children 2 and under)gets a breakfast of pancakes, toast sticks,scrambled eggs, German sausage, bacon,fruit-and-yogurt parfaits, and a beverageof orange juice, hot chocolate or coffee.Seconds are free!

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and otherNorth Pole luminaries will be there to visitand pose for photos with their young fans,and the North High School Show Choirwill perform.

Folks can enjoy a free tractor hayridethrough the grounds -- dress warmly.

Afternoon events An afternoon open house is slated from

1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7, with a "Classic 1960sChristmas" set up in the farmhouse. (Amoment for those who didn't realize theirchildhoods are now "classic.") Take in thetinsel, the "ultra-modern" hues theremay even be an aluminum Christmas tree!

Admission to the open house is free and

there will be live holiday music.Lunch and refreshments will be availablefor sale: homemade chili, corn bread, hotdogs, Christmas cookies and hot cocoa,apple cider and coffee.

For $1 kids can make their own s'moresby the campfire.

Hay wagon rides will be offered for $1.The Maplewood Nature Center staff

will be on hand to demonstrate how to use

snowshoes, for those who'd like to learn anew outdoor skill

For more information on either event, goto www.maplewoodhistoricalsociety.org orcall Raydelle at 651-426-4718.

Linda Baumeister/ReviewOnce again, the Maplewood Area Historical Society's Open House will feature snowshoe demos toencourage people to enjoy the outdoors.

Breakfast with Santa,open house slated at farm

Linda Baumeister/Review A youngster enjoys making a homemade garlandat a past holiday open house at the Bruentrupfarm.

Lise t t e Amacher o f Maplewoodfound out online that not only she, butthree of her closest friends, had landedthe coveted role of Clara in BalletMinnesota ' s beloved Tchaikovskyholiday ballet, The Classic Nutcracker.I called all of them we talked abouthow excited we all are, said the12-year-old seventh grader at Math andScience Academy in Woodbury.

Because of the stamina needed for therole and the size of its student body,Ballet Minnesota 's Classical BalletAcademy has three or four girls dancethe role each season.

Amacher began dancing at CBA atage 7, drawn to ballet by watching hersisters Laura, now 18 and Janelle, 19,dance when they were youngsters. Inher first year at CBA she was an angelin 'The Nutcracker.' I knew then thatI wanted to be Clara when I got older,she said. A lot of former Claras arenow prima ballerinas, so it is excitingto follow in their footsteps." Besidesrehearsing at the studio six days a

week, Amacher also tries to practice anadditional hour each day on her own.

Performances are at the OShaughnessyat St . Cather ine Univers i ty, 2004Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, December20-22. Ticket prices range from $30to $44 for adults, $18 for children andstudents and $22 for seniors. Orderonline at http://oshag.stkate.edu/ or callthe box office at 651-690-6700.

Maplewood student stars in BalletMinnesota's 'Classic Nutcracker'

submitted photoLisette Amacher, Maplewood, will dance the roleof 'Clara' in Ballet Minnesota's 'Classic Nutcracker'performance.

Organist Barb Bangreturns to Roseville

for concert Renowned organist Barb Bang, whose

Memorial Day concerts draw loyal fans eachspring, will perform a Christmas concert ofseasonal favorites at a special open houseSaturday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at theRoselawn Cemetery Chapel.

Barb and her husband Terry have beenMinnesotans and musicians for years. Barbwas a classically-trained pianist who, in herown words, "got drafted" to play the organ atSt. Peter's Catholic Church when she was just asixth-grader; Terry is a guitarist. The pair joinedtheir skills as music ministers at St. Andrew'sCatholic Church for 15 years before movingaway from Minnesota in 2005.

Barb's love for liturgical music and her skillat the organ have made Memorial Day at theRoselawn chapel a destination for music loversfor years. She is happy to expand her scheduleto include performing during her return toMinnesota for the holidays.

The concert and open house are free; visitorscan enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and cookies aswell.

Roselawn is located at 803 LarpenteurAve. in Roseville; the chapel is to the rightas people enter the grounds. Go to www.roselawncemetery.com for directions or call651-489-1720 for more information.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2013

Gibbs hosts an 1800sMinnesota ChristmasCelebrate a 1800s Minnesota Christmas at

the Gibbs Museum on Saturday, Dec. 7 from10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors will experience a real pioneerChristmas, including a bonfire, making cornhusk angels, and visiting with the animals inthe white barn. Actors portray friends of theGibbs family in costumes of the era, and thebuildings will be decorated in authentic style.

The two-hour program includes bothindoors and outdoor activities, visitors areurged to dress warmly and appropriately forthe weather. See the 1849 sod house Janeand Heman Gibbs first lived in and imaginetheir Christmases there, and then visit thehome they built, from the 1859 original room-- home to the whole family -- to an 1869Victorian parlor and finally an 1879 well-equipped kitchen. Visit the barn to see theanimals and a vintage sleigh that representedabout the only form of transportation inwinter. Make a corn-husk angel in theschoolhouse to take home, and stop at theDakotah village, where the Gibbs' nativeneighbors kept warm around a bonfire.

Reservations are required; call 651-646-8629. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 forseniors and $7 for children. Ramsey CountyHistorical Society members receive a 10percent discount. Reservations are timed sothat small groups can experience the intimatefamily atmosphere, please reserve for aspecific time.

The Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and DakotahLife is located northwest of the corner ofLarpenteur and Cleveland avenues in FalconHeights. Free parking is located on ClevelandAvenue just north of the museum.

submitted photoThis photo of the parlor shows the modest decorations,yet the rich tradition that surrounded the Gibbs familyat Christmas.