There may not be much snow on the ground, but that festive time of the year is finally here. There are plenty of holiday displays and other events happening around Minnesota to check out this year. Check out the list from MPR News to find one near you.
Enjoy seasonal favorites and a variety of Christmas and Hanukkah programs from YourClassical. Check out their day-by-day guide to special holiday programming for the 2023 season, all the way through New Year’s Eve.
Shoppers at the Mall of America this weekend were urged to avert their eyes from the stores, the rides and the Christmas decorations. “Look Up, Minnesotans!” read a sign posted in one of the mall’s rotundas. And there, floating in the mall’s sky, were six candidates to be Minnesota’s next state flag. The State Emblems Redesign Committee recently sifted through more than 2,100 submissions before choosing six finalists. And now the finalists were ready for impromptu and informal public comments.
Hosted by Mindy Ratner, Candles Burning Brightly is a delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights! There is lots of music from Jewish communities worldwide, a hilarious lesson on preparing a classic Hanukkah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home.
What book did you read this year that you immediately recommended to all your friends? That was the topic MPR News host Kerri Miller tackled for a special live edition of her regular Friday show, Big Books and Bold Ideas. Instead of chatting with an author, Miller took calls and chatted with Glory Edim, the founder of Well-Read Black Girl, and Julie Buckles, the owner of Honest Dog Books in Bayfield, Wis. Listen now!
The year has flown by, but before it ends, let’s look back on the year in music with the Top 89 of 2023. Vote for your 10 favorite songs of the year at The Current. The Current will tally the votes and count them down on New Year’s Eve. Which artists topped your list this year? Was it Mitski? Or maybe Killer Mike? Boygenius? The Arcs? When you vote, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Foo Fighters Prize Pack – two pairs of premium seats to their show at Target Field on July 28 and cool swag. Cast your ballot in the Top 89 of 2023 before the poll closes on Monday, Dec. 18.
The silver menorah has been in Reb Noson's family for 400 years, and it’s probably even older than that. But this Hanukkah, it’s gone missing! Find out what happens next in The Lost Menorah, the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime — featuring a story by Howard Schwartz, narration by Theodore Bikel and music by the Eaken Piano Trio. This story is excerpted from American Public Media’s Hanukkah special, Candles Burning Brightly, hosted and produced by Mindy Ratner. The program offers a delightful hour for everyone to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, including lots of music from Jewish communities worldwide and a hilarious lesson on preparing a classic Hanukkah dish. Listen now! YourClassical Storytime is supported by All Energy Solar
Minnesota’s first game will be at home at the Xcel Energy Center on Jan. 6 against Montreal. Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. Photo courtesy of the Professional Women's Hockey League
“Financially Inclined From Marketplace” is a show about the money lessons we wish we learned earlier — the ones that can help us live life on our own terms. Host and financial literacy advocate Yanely Espinal is back for Season 2 to talk with some really smart people — influencers, college students and experts. This season will run the gamut from how to pay for college to savings strategies and cryptocurrencies, all the way to entering the workforce and paying taxes. We’ve got money lessons you won’t want to miss.
Traditionally meant to celebrate the end of harvest in southeast Asia, Hmong New Year is now a way to celebrate Hmong heritage and uplift new generations. People of all ages came dressed in traditional clothing for the festivities, which included food, various competitions and a range of Hmong vendors.