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Celebrate 40 years of the Hmong in Minnesota and hit the park — not the mall — on Black Friday. 


From free events to family fun to adults-only, here's a roundup of events to get you out of the house — or not. 


Big changes are again in store for the Holidazzle festival this year: Expect more fireworks and free admission, 

 opening Friday, will be held at Loring Park in Minneapolis instead of Nicollet Mall because of the remodeling project downtown. It will run Thursdays through Sundays, concluding Dec. 20. 


This year's events include a skating rink, weekly movies featuring holiday classics, vendors selling food and craft items and musical performances. 

For families: Santa drops the sleigh for a streetcar


Santa Claus is comin' to town via the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line in Minneapolis this weekend. 

. The historic car will be decked out for the holidays. 


The ride lasts about 15 minutes. No advance tickets or reservations are required. The Como-Harriet's Holly Trolley returns next weekend as well. 

For adults: Let the kids hang out with giraffes and gorillas


Parents who need to cross off a few items on their to-do lists should take note of the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory's "Drop and Shop."


Parents can drop off their children — between the ages of 4 and 12 — for four hours on Saturday. During that time, kids will tackle a scavenger hunt through the zoo and conservatory, meet special animal visitors and participate in games, crafts and other zoo-themed activities. 


Cost is $35 per child. Pre-registration is required: Call 651-487-8272. A family discount is available.


Parents may pack a lunch for their child or order a box lunch for $7. 

Hmong in Minnesota

Today, the state has the second-largest Hmong population in the country (California is first). And the Twin Cities is home to the largest urban concentration of Hmong in the United States.


Celebrate the milestone, along with the coming year, at the 

 happening Friday through Sunday at the St. Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. 

10 things about Hmong culture

Hmong New Year celebrates beauty, culture


The program includes singers, dancers and a pageant. Vendors selling crafts and food will also be hand. 


Burn off that third helping of turkey and pumpkin pie by hitting the great outdoors — not the mall. 


Minnesota officials say entrance fees to all 76 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas 


A daily state parks parking generally costs $5.


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says almost every Minnesotan lives within 30 miles of a state park.

Lifestyle

Nancy Yang

Author

Celebrate 40 years of the Hmong in Minnesota and hit the park — not the mall — on Black Friday.

Take a hike -- and happy Hmong New Year!: Your weekend planning guide

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