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Minneapolis makes holidays merry & bright

Top 10 spots to spend your holidays in the City by Nature

(Minneapolis) Dec. 11, 2014 Celebrate the season in a city where tradition, family fun and a modern, urban vibe mix and mingle for a delightful holiday trip. From delectable dining to heart-warming entertainment, Meet Minneapolis, Convention & Visitors Association, recommends 10 of the top places to make your winter merry and bright.

Nicollet Mall: Running through the heart of downtown sits the shopping center of the city, Nicollet Mall. From high-end boutiques to department stores, youll find the latest trends for all your fashion and gift-giving needs. Plus, Macys Santaland display has been entertaining families for generations and is a not-to-miss highlight at Nicollet & 7^th. In need of refreshment? Visit one of the delicious restaurants located in this vibrant avenue. There is a wide array of dining to satisfy your hunger after a day of shopping. Visit Ichiban Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar for $3 off sushi or Zelo for a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and great food. Make your holidays even nicer with a deal on Zelo gift cards, now through the rest of December.

http://www.minneapolis.org/shopping/nicollet-mall

Holidazzle Village and Minneapolis Holiday Market: Beyond the usual shopping, youll find even more holiday cheer on Nicollet Mall. This is the first year that Minneapolis is bringing a new twist to the seasonal spirit with Holidazzle Village and Minneapolis Holiday Market. Running now through Dec. 24, this new holiday event will feature ice skating, dog sledding, fireworks and more. Modeled after European Christmas markets, there will be vendors selling unique and handcrafted items and local and international food, from Minnesota Harvest apple strudel to German bratwurst and Glüwein. Dont miss the ultimate holiday celebration!

The Guthrie Theater: The season isnt quite complete without a peek into Minneapolis wonderful world of theater, and what could be more traditional than the Guthries annual rendition of A Christmas Carol that will warm your heart for the holidays. Tickets are on sale now through Dec. 28. Dont forget to treat yourself to delicious dinner and drinks at Sea Change Restaurant & Bar, located on the first level of Guthrie Theater, then stop at the Guthrie shop for more to stuff your stockings.

http://www.minneapolis.org/ven...

Mall of America: Where else would you find Santa but in his natural habitat: the Mall! Since the largest mall in the U.S. is right here, its the perfect place to build your list for the big guy. Bring the children for Photos with Santa where no appointment is necessary, now through Dec. 24. Check off your entire list in one spot with 520 stores under one roof.

http://www.minneapolis.org/ven...

Historic State Theatre: Nothing beats the classical beauty of the Historic State Theatre, one of the Hennepin Theatre Trusts jewels on Hennepin Avenue. Head out on the town for a night of classy delight for the 49^th anniversary of Loyce Houltons Nutcracker Fantasyplaying now through Dec. 23, this ballet will be sure to impress with beautiful costumes, music and dance. This show brings the magic to life with over 100 artists.

http://www.minneapolis.org/ven...

Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Timberwolves: For winter sports fans, join in the excitement of rooting on one of our favorite teams. The Minnesota Wild season is well-underway and is sure to deliver more exciting and fast-paced on-ice action at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. The Wolves heat up the crowds at Target Center.

http://www.minneapolis.org/professional-teams

The Depot Minneapolis Ice Rink: The Depot Minneapolis Ice Rink has been ranked one of the top places in North America to skate by Today.com, Fodors Travel, USA Today and MSNBC. In the historic Mill District, this rink in the historic Milwaukee Depot train shed provides indoor skating with floor-to-ceiling glass walls for a great view of the city. Come with a dateor come with a group. Bring your own skates or the Depot has them available for rental. And consider choosing the Depot Renaissance Hotel to spend your night and you can also bring your swim suit for some fun in their year-round indoor water park!

http://www.minneapolis.org/ven...

The Melting Pot of Minneapolis: What could be better during the cold winter months than warm fondue? The Melting Pot in downtown Minneapolis will deliver just the thing for anyone looking to warm their palettes with a variety of cheeses, sauces, and chocolate. Indulge in the social atmosphere of dipping and dining.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Love the outdoors? Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum just west of the city for an afternoon in a true winter wonderland. Presenting Making Spirits Bright, a season of live music, visits with Santa, a 20-ft. live Poinsettia Tree and other holiday trees decorated in natural ornaments, the festival runs through Jan. 4. Need another reason to visit? The Arboretum offers free gate admission every Thursday, November through March. The Arboretum will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

http://www.minneapolis.org/ven...

The Pourhouse: With the holidays comes the end of one year and the beginning of the next, and that calls for a party. Celebrate in Minneapolis style at The Pourhouse Minneapolis. Hosting a New Years Eve Cabaret event, this restaurant and bar invites you to get glammed up for a night to remember! Ring in the New Year with live music, DJs, champagne and lots of confetti. Tickets are $85 before Dec. 25 with premium open bar all night. Find this and other NYE events on our exclusive resource page.

http://www.minneapolis.org/best-new-years-eve-spots

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Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit of the greater Minneapolis area.

Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of the Destination Marketing Association International.

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