Top local dancers featured in ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’
The Nutcracker is playing on many stages across the Twin Cities from professional productions to studio shows, but only one has been on stage for 60 years. ‘Nutcracker Fantasy’ was choreographed by renowned Minnesota choreographer and founder of Minnesota Dance Theatre, Loyce Houlton. This year, the production features more than 100 dancers from several studios paired with professional dancers. They are accompanied by a 44-piece orchestra. The show runs from December 14th through the 22nd at State Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the State Theatre box office.
Shakopee light display draws thousands of visitors
Come for the lights, stay for the crafts! Roger Schmidt grew up loving his neighbors light display. They even handed out candy. And that inspired him to do something similar. His light display started coming together in 1998. Now it fills the entire front and back yard and he has plans to spill over into two neighbors yards, who have given him permission. He created a walk-through experience that includes a stop in the garage where there are several tables set up with crafting supplies for kids, plus cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee. It is free to visit. Lights turn on at 5pm nightly through the 31st and crafts begin at 5:30pm. Some nights Santa appears in the Santa hut they built off the front porch. The home is located at 921 Shakopee Avenue East and there’s a Facebook page called ‘Shakopee Winter Wonderland.’
FOX 9 Morning News: Dec. 13, 2024
FOX 9 Morning News on Dec. 13, 2024.
Sauna cabanas open on Pryes Brewing patio
Sauna season is in full effect, and there’s some unlikely spots to get a steam session in. Pryes Brewing has opened sauna cabanas on their patio, with four Nordic saunas from Superior Sauna & Steam that are available to rent for private parties as well as community steam experiences. The cabanas also include cold showers and private bonfire lounges, while an "event sauna" can also hold 20 people. To pair with the steam, Pryes has created a sauna beer called Kallio and a hydrating NA option called Hop Water.
FOX 9 Morning News: Dec. 11, 2024
FOX 9 Morning News on Dec. 11, 2024.
Caring for your holiday plants
Garden Guy Dale K. offers his easy advice to care for your seasonal holiday plants.
Dirty soda shop Sota opens in Maple Grove
A dirty soda shop Sota opens in Maple Grove after seeing success as a food truck. FOX 9's Hannah Flood stops by to check it out.
FOX 9 Morning News: Dec. 10, 2024
FOX 9 Morning News on Dec. 10, 2024
FOX 9 Morning News: Dec. 9, 2024
Live & breaking news for the entire Twin Cities area.
Como Zoo polar bears celebrate monumental birthdays
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is home to the oldest male polar bear in North America. In fact, Neil is celebrating his 29th birthday Dec. 9. It’s a two-fer because his companion Nan is also another year older turning 30. She’s now in a three-way tie for oldest female polar bear in North America. The celebration included cupcakes on top of decorated barrels. Their roommate Kulu also got to enjoy the party and had the most fun. At just 5- years old, he continued to play with the barrels long after the cupcakes were gone. The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2024 British Arrow Awards at the Walker Art Center
For nearly 40 years, the best TV advertisements in the United Kingdom have been shown at the Walker Art Center in downtown Minneapolis. And these screenings always draw big crowds. The British Arrows, one of the oldest awards shows in the UK, begin screening at the Walker Art Cinema on December 6th and will play through January 4th, Thursday through Saturday. Tickets start at $18 and includes gallery admission. The show runs 73 minutes.
Latest jobs report better than expected
U.S. job growth rebounded in November with strong payroll gains after the lackluster October jobs report reflected labor disruptions due to hurricanes and union strikes. Patrick Rehkamp, a senior financial writer from 1834, A Division of Old National Bank, joined the FOX 9 Morning News to talk about the numbers and what to look for in 2025.
Rare, vintage holiday finds at Junk Bonanza
A very vintage Christmas market is underway this weekend at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Junk Bonanza has several events throughout the year but the holiday market runs from December 5th to the 7th. It is the longest-running and largest antique and vintage market in the Midwest.
FOX 9 Morning News: Dec. 5, 2024
FOX 9 Morning News on Dec. 5, 2024.
Frigid temperatures continue in Minnesota Thursday
Minnesota is getting its first taste of winter this season as bitterly cold temperatures and subzero wind chills persist Thursday morning. FOX 9's Bill Keller has more on what to expect and how people are handling the cold.
Pneumonia cases rising among children
Health officials are reporting an increase in pneumonia cases among children, including a rise in walking pneumonia cases in Minnesota. FOX 9's Se Kwon has more on the story.
Woodbury house lit up for the holidays
A Woodbury homeowner has flipped the switch on his holiday light display at 8846 Glacier Road. Mike Pageler says he’s been putting up a light display synchronized to music on FM 97.9 for several years and adds new elements each season. The lights will be on nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1.
Tips for caring for your Christmas Tree
Garden Guy Dale K. shares his tips and tricks for keeping your real Christmas Tree looking its best through the end of December.
A festive show for the grown-ups brings humor to the holidays
For more than 50 years, the Brave New Workshop crew has been creating a sketch comedy show where they deck the halls with abandon. This year’s show is called ‘Big Christmas Energy.’ It’s geared toward an older audience, 14 and up. ‘Big Christmas Energy’ runs through January 31, 2025 at Dudley Riggs Theatre at 824 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
Holiday Ideas House returns inside historic home on Lyndale
A holiday tradition is back. Bachman’s is reopening the decked out historic home on Lyndale for the first time since the pandemic and they’re honoring another historic Minnesota company with the theme. The Ideas House will be open Thursdays through Sundays From Nov. 29 to Sunday Dec. 15. It also happens to be the 40th anniversary of Department 56, which specializes in small ceramic holiday villages so they’ve displayed several villages inside the home. Tickets are $5 each and must be reserved ahead of time.