Good news to the world
How would you announce the birth of your child—a fancy post on social media? Photos and interviews on a major news channel? How about an angelic choir of rappers and an astronomical phenomenon specially prepared just for the event? This is how the God and Father of all Creation let the world know his son was born and the birth of the Christ Child has been the most celebrated holiday in the world ever since.
December is the month to celebrate the Advent of Jesus Christ and celebrate we do. This year the community I Cantanti Chamber Choir of Northfield will present its Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols recounting the Biblical Christmas story at Carleton College on November 26 and at St. Luke’s Church in Faribault on December 3. The nationally recognized St. Olaf Christmas Festival continues its traditional musical celebration of Christmas November 30-December 3 at St. Olaf College. One of the oldest Christmas music festivals in the country, it boasts five choral ensembles and the St. Olaf orchestra. See their websites for ticket information.
For a taste of an old-fashioned pioneer Christmas, plan a visit to Dakota City Heritage Village for “Christmas in the Village” weekends December 2-10. Take the family to experience life circa 1900 with horse-drawn trolley rides through the village. Watch demonstrations of woodworking and carpentry, printing, cooking, blacksmithing, and caroling through the streets. Look for appearances by St. Nicholas and enjoy the Children’s Castle Theater presentation of “A Christmas Carol.”
For something closer to home, look for St. Nick at Northfield’s Winter Walk on Thursday, December 7 from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm. Shop for presents, sample local baked goods with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee or enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through town. Sing along with strolling musical ensembles. Take a selfie with your favorite costumed character in town just for the event. Visit the train exhibit at the library or sit in on a special performance by Northfield’s Troubadours Men’s Chorus performing at the Arts Guild Dance Studio at 5:30 pm or the NAGCracker following at 7:00 pm. Too much to do in one evening so plan to come again to catch what you missed the first time around.
So many ways to celebrate Christmas and we’re just getting started.
CREDIT:
Visitingnorthfield.com