Matrilineal Memory
Through December 13
All My Relations Arts
1414 E Franklin Avenue
Free
A solo exhibition of artist Mikaela Shafer (Hopi), Matrilineal Memory explores memory, emotion, and cultural preservation through paintings, poetry, and installation. Shafer intertwines her practice and her culture, drawing inspiration from her Hopi heritage with a unique approach that incorporates unconventional tools. It is a practice of facing memories head on in order to process, grieve, and ultimately heal. For gallery hours and additional programming, visit allmyrelationsarts.org.
Emerging Portraits
Through December 31
Two Rivers Gallery
Minneapolis American Indian Center
1530 E Franklin Avenue
Free
In this exhibit, Oglala Lakota and Oneida artist Scott Kutney presents a series of photographic explorations that draw upon the textures and patterns of the natural world, creating works that explore the many ways portraits can appear — whether through people, objects, or unexpected forms in nature. Gallery hours: Tuesday – Friday 10am – 4pm
Gingerbread Wonderland
Through January 3
Norway House
913 East Franklin Avenue
$10 (Youth $5, Under 5 Free)
Norway House invites you to celebrate 10 years of their beloved community-curated gingerbread town. Inspired by the world’s largest gingerbread village — “Pepperkakebyen” in Bergen, Norway — Norway House’s Gingerbread Wonderland has been delighting the Twin Cities annually since 2015. Get tickets at norwayhouse.org/gingerbread-wonderland.
Winston: A Woman’s Fight for Freedom in Minnesota
Through October 2027
Hennepin History Museum
2303 3rd Avenue S
Pay what you can
Hennepin History Museum’s newest exhibit tells the story of Eliza Winston, the first and only enslaved person to successfully fight for their freedom in a Minnesota courtroom. Featuring artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection as well as newly commissioned artwork depicting Eliza, the exhibit is based on the scholarship of co-curator Dr. Christopher P. Lehman, author and professor of the Department of Social Sciences at St. Cloud State University. For museum hours and visitor information, visit hennepinhistory.org.
Better Things 5×5 Reading and Open Mic
Tuesday December 2
7 – 8 PM
Moon Palace Books
3032 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
For December’s 5X5 reading, hosts Davi Gray and Michael Kleber-Diggs introduce writers Tyra Payer, Jen Bowen, Fong L., Sun Yung Shin, and Bao Phi. The reading will be followed by a community open mic, and both segments will feature ASL interpretation.
Better Things is sponsored by ReEntry Lab, a program working to connect writers and other artists leaving incarceration to a community that’s ready to receive them. Note that masks are required at Moon Palace Books.
Santa Reggie at Midtown Global Market
Saturday, December 6
12 – 3 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
December is here, and that means only one thing: Santa Reggie is coming to Midtown Global Market! This year he will be making his special stop in the Central Court on Saturday, December 6 at noon. Bring your kids, your cameras, and your holiday spirit to meet Santa, share your Christmas wishes, and capture festive photos!
From Heart to Hands Benefit Arts & Crafts Fair
December 6 – 7
10 AM – 4 PM
Minneapolis American Indian Center
1530 E Franklin Avenue
$2 or a nonperishable food donation
The From Heart to Hands Benefit Arts & Crafts Fair uplifts indigenous artists, makers, and culture bearers whose work reflects creativity, tradition, and community connection. The fair provides a platform for artists to share their work, engage with community members, and support a thriving local arts economy rooted in the American Indian Cultural Corridor.
No Coast Craft-o-Rama
December 6 – 7
10 AM – 4 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Join Midtown Global Market for the 20th year of this popular South Minneapolis holiday craft market. Grab a friend and your family and get out for some great shopping from favorite local makers, and some delicious food at Midtown Global Market.
A Gilded Midwinter Body Positive Holiday Market
Sunday, December 7
11 AM – 4 PM
2626 28th Ave S
Free
A Gilded Midwinter invites you to celebrate yourself and your loved ones with something that is far too rare: a body positive holiday shopping experience. Step into a shimmering midwinter dream — where gold meets frost, velvet meets glitter, and every body is divine. Shop XL+ fashion, art, jewelry, and gifts from 40+ makers who celebrate abundance, beauty, and warmth in every form.
Street parking is available, and the south side entrance is ADA accessible. Note that masks are required; a limited number will be available at the door.
Words for My Mother: A Poetry Reading and Pandemic Grief Discussion with Monica K. Allen
Saturday, December 13
3 – 5 PM
Quatrefoil Library
1220 E Lake Street
Free
This December marks the 5th anniversary of poet Monica Allen losing her mom, Kathleen Sloan, to Covid-19. Monica will read from her chapbook, Words for My Mother, and share pandemic and cancer poetry from her upcoming full-length poetry collections. Afterwards, she will facilitate a community discussion on pandemic grief. Participation is optional, but presence for the entire event is requested for everyone attending to listen and learn more from the people most impacted during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. N95/KF94/KN95 masks are required at the event, and masks will be available on-site for those who need one. A One Medify Air Purifier will also be used.
Pan-African Kwanzaa
Celebration
December 26 – 31
12 – 3 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Rooted in elder knowledge and cultural tradition, the Cultural Wellness Center’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration weaves together storytelling, intergenerational activities, African performances, art, food, music, and more. Each day’s activities begins with the powerful Call of the Drums and uplifts one of the Kwanzaa principles—Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, and others. Cherished elders and the entire community are warmly invited!
