The holidays are a great time to get out and explore your community. There are many fun activities and events going on that your whole family will love. From visits to see Santa Claus to craft events and from theaters to shopping, you’re bound to find something fun to do that all ages will enjoy. Following are some activities specific to the South Metro communities of Minnesota where the All Stars Montessori families live, but communities everywhere have events and activities planned, so check around for the fun near where you live.

If you can make it downtown to Lakeville on Saturday, December 1st, you’ll find a whole day of fun. Stop by Holidays at Heritage Center (20110 Holyoke Ave) so your kids can shop for the adults in their life at Santa’s Secret Store while mom and dad wait in the coffee shop. Then head over to Holiday on Main to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and one of the reindeer. There will also be face-painters, musical performances, trolley rides, treats and more. For more information visit the website. (www.visitlakeville.org)

At the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington, you can take a trip back in time at Christmas in the Village. Ride a horse-drawn trolley through the streets of a 1900s village that is glowing with holiday lights. (The trolley operates from 2:00pm to close if weather permits.) You can see blacksmiths, carpenters and printers of old demonstrating their crafts. Stop by the church to hear holiday music and be sure to visit Saint Nicholas at the depot. The Village is open the first two weekends of December. Cost is $4 for ages 3-12 and $7 for 13 and older. Visit the website for hours of operation and more information.  (www.dakotacity.org)

The Apple Valley Sports Arena (14452 Hayes Road) is hosting a Skating with Santa opportunity for families on Sunday, December 16^th from 3:30-5pm.  Besides the fun of skating to holiday music (indoors!), there will also be apple cider, treats, face painting and more. Cost is $5/person (at the door) and skate rental is available for $3.

And of course, there’s nothing quite like seeing a holiday movie on the big screen! The movie theater in Rosemount is showing holiday classics for only $5/ticket from November 30^th through December 13^th.  Check out their website for more show times.  (www.marcustheatres.com)

Whether it’s one of these activities or a special family night spent at home, be sure to find ways to set aside some quality time with your family during the hectic holiday season!

(For details on more holiday happenings in Dakota County, visit the Sun This Week online holiday event calendar.)