Patch Picks: 5 Area Holiday Events

With a Twin Cities holiday calendar as plump as Santa's bag this year, we did our best to give you some off-the-radar entertainment options for the weekend. Everyone knows about "A Christmas Carol" at the Guthrie. Or Brave New Workshop's annual holiday revue. Or, well, many other things. This week, Patch offers up five area holiday events worth checking out over the weekend:

1) Holiday Movies at Riverview Theater: If you've never been, Riverview Theater in South Minneapolis is a step back in time. You'll drive through residential neighborhood after residential neighborhood looking for the movie house, convinced that Google Maps has led you astray. All of a sudden a beautifully lit marquee and a 1950s-style theater pops up out of the middle of nowhere. On Friday, check out Riverview's special one-time screenings of the holiday classics "A Christmas Story" (6:30 p.m.) and "It's A Wonderful Life" (8:30 p.m.). Tip: Don't pass on the popcorn—they use real butter (instead of "real" butter). 

2) Local Watering Holes Toast To The Season: If you'd like to have a couple glasses of nog, winter ale or any other drink this weekend, you've got options. Head down to the and pick up a beer menorah (not kidding). Or belly up to on Christmas Eve where you never know what will happen—last year the place broke into Christmas song after free holiday drinks were doled out. And don't forget , which will still be open for any family who makes it a tradition to go bowling each December 25th. 

3) Comics Come Home: On Friday, Uptown's Huge Theater, a fledgling improv comedy haven not even two years old, will host "Comics Come Home For The Holidays." This rare occasion will showcase native Minnesotan stand-up and improv comedians who are returning to our fair state for the holiday weekend from their comedy careers in NY and LA. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are a mere $10. 

4) Church Services: It's tough to keep tabs on everything going on this weekend, but we do have some tips. If you're a member of a church or synagogue, chances are your congregation will be celebrating with festive songs and readings this weekend. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (11 p.m.) is always great. The will also have two masses on Christmas Eve (4 p.m. and 9 p.m.) and Christmas (9 a.m. and 11 a.m.). We haven't even scratched the surface—check your church's newsletter for more information.

5) A DIY Holiday Event: Maybe comedy shows or drink specials or holiday movies aren't for you. Maybe they are, but you've got more time on your hands than we think. Here's an idea: Don't look for a Christmas event—make one! Get some friends together, warm up your vocal cords and do some old-fashioned door-to-door caroling in your neighborhood, perhaps dressed as Santas. Have some relatives over and bake cookies while Christmas songs play in the background. Did someone say "bad Christmas comedy movie marathon?" C'mon, think about it.

Whatever you decide to do this holiday season, have fun, be merry and be safe. Happy Holidays from the St. Louis Park Patch crew!