Ilays Exhibition by Hafza Studio
Soomaal House of Art
Through December 16th
2200 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
Experience a vibrant journey into the captivating world of Somali textiles! London-based designer Hafza Studio is coming to Minnesota for a one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring her new collection, Ilays, which beautifully translates to light in Somali. Hafza draws on her Somali heritage to create unique textile designs and prints that harmonize tradition and modernity, creating visually striking and culturally significant artwork. Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 11am – 5pm.
Aabijijiwan / Ukeyat yanalleh
Through January 13
All My Relations Arts
1414 E Franklin Avenue
Free
All My Relations Arts presents Aabijijiwan / Ukeyat yanalleh, a collaborative multimedia exhibition reflecting on the Misi-zibi (Big River, Ojibwe) by artists Karen Goulet and Monique Verdin. Gallery hours at allmyrelationsarts.org.
Creative Expression Sessions:
Theater Workshops Tailored for Unhoused Individuals
Tuesdays
Through December 19
Downtown Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Free
zAmya Theater Project announces its fall session of weekly drop-in theater workshops for individuals looking to learn about performance, working together, and creative play. People who have experienced housing instability are especially encouraged to attend.
Workshops are free and open to anyone, and zAmya provides coffee, snacks, and bus tokens. No experience is required, and participants may attend just one or come to all!
Gingerbread Wonderland
Through January 7
Norway House
913 E Franklin Avenue
Adults: $15
12 and under: Free
Gingerbread is a quintessential feature of the Norwegian holiday season. Since its launch the Norway House Gingerbread Wonderland has grown to more than 250 structures created by our community, including familiar buildings and landmarks by professional bakers and gingerbread enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. For information and hours go to norwayhouse.org.
Scrooge In Rouge: An English Music Hall Christmas Carol
Through December 30
Open Eye Theatre
506 E 24th Street
$30 ($24 Seniors, $18 Students, $10 Economic Accessibility)
The Royal Music Hall Variety Players’ production of A Christmas Carol is in a pickle after seventeen members of the company suddenly fall ill. With cheeky puns and bawdy songs, this quick-change version of the Christmas tale is a hilarious holiday treat! Age recommendation: 14 and up. Showtimes and tickets at openeyetheatre.org.
Neurodiverse Books Author Reading and Book Release
Tuesday, December 5
5 – 7 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Come on out to hear authors with intellectual/developmental disabilities from Transition Plus and Minnesota Independence College and Community read their latest and greatest published works! New books available for sale and signing. Sponsored by Cow Tipping Press.
Community Resource Event
Friday December 8
12 – 3 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
You’re invited to Midtown Global Market’s monthly resource event. Stop by Midtown Global to learn about local community resources.
Cooking class with Tamuno Imbu: Let’s make Nigerian Stew!
Saturday December 9
11 AM – 12 PM
Online
Free
Join us for this month’s Minneapolis Edible Boulevards cooking class with Compassionate Action for Animals’ Community Organizer, Tamuno Imbu. Have fun and learn to cook healthy delicious food, while being in community. Check or Facebook page for upcoming zoom registration.
Community Connect: Winter Warmth
Friday, December 15
6 – 7:30 PM
East Phillips Park
2399 17th Avenue S
Free
Warm up this winter at East Phillips! Let’s start the school break with an evening of warmth. We will be keeping warm by creating a TikTok dance video, enjoying hot beverages and warm foods together, and doing a craft together.
Winter Break Ultimate Sports Sampler!
Wednesday, December 20
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Phillips Community Center
2323 11th Avenue S
Free
Youth 12 to 18, come join your friends for pizza and try a new (or not so new) game during winter break! We will try out different sports and games such as football, kickball, badminton, enjoy some treats and have fun!
Community Connect: Winter Solstice
Thursday, December 21
6 – 7:30 PM
East Phillips Park
2399 17th Avenue S
Free
Come and join us for this celebration at East Phillips Community Center, in observance of the quiet and dark of winter, the solstice. Crafts, activities, stories, refreshments and time to enjoy and respect this season with friends.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Tuesday, December 26
12 – 4 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Join friends, family and community at the Midtown Global Market for a community Kwanzaa celebration. Check back at the MGM facebook page for more details to come!
Community Connect: New Year Eve-Eve
Thursday December 28
4 – 7:30 PM
East Phillips Park
2399 17th Avenue S
Free
Come and join us for this end of the year celebration at East Phillips Community Center. Crafts, activities, stories, refreshments, and time to enjoy and honor this season with friends.