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Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights and get on your fat bike and ride. 


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


Check out not one, not two, but 200-plus Nativity scenes — including a live one — at 

 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rochester, Minn. 


Some are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand while others have figures that are 14 inches tall. 


The Dakota language is the first language of Minnesota, but few Minnesotans know the meaning of the name of their state. 


Learn about Mnísota and other indigenous place names throughout the state, try local indigenous foods, learn to prepare a traditional Dakota berry pudding and more at 

 on Saturday at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis.


The event is free, but reservations are required.  

For adults: Yippee ki-yay, Father Christmas! 


Head on over to the Bryant-Lake Bowl in Minneapolis for opening weekend of 


The plot line will be familiar to fans of the film ("High above the city of L.A., a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages and declared war. One man has managed to escape. An off-duty cop is hiding somewhere inside. He's alone, tired ... and he doesn't like Christmas") but features a few noteworthy differences like singing and dancing. 


The show runs through Dec. 19, with performances starting at 10 p.m. 


Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door. 

Indoors: Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights


Hanukkah, the eight-day commemoration of the Maccabees' rededication of the Temple after their victory over the Syrians, begins this weekend.

Hanukkah 101

 from the Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company, which is back, beginning this weekend, at the Highland Park Community Center in St. Paul. 


The play tells the story of Bubba Brayna, renowned in her village for her potato latkes, as she preps for the first night of Hanukkah. A knock at the door reveals an unexpected — and very hungry — visitor. 

 On Dec. 12, the Jewish Community Center of the Greater St. Paul Area is hosting 

"Light up the Night: A Special Hanukah Celebration."

 The free event will feature a glow-in-the-dark dance, light-up activities and a community candle lighting. There's even a 


Test your speed and skill on a 10.5-mile loop through trees and snow in the 

Fat bikes get 78 miles of new state trails


Six races will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays between now and Feb. 27, 2016, alternating between the Elm Creek and Murphy-Hanrehan park reserves in the metro area. 


Weekly competitors add their top three finishes for a chance at being crowned the Frozen Frolic champion.


Cost is $12 for preregistration or $15 on the day of the race. Or, pay $60 for all six races at both parks.

Pedal to the metal and Happy Hanukkah: Your weekend planning guide

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