Holiday Season 2014 - 25 Days Until Christmas

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market: Various Scenes

Again, it was FREEZING the morning of my second visit to the Minneapolis Holiday Market. Thankfully it was a glorious sunny day.

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market: Carousel

The carousel was having some trouble today. They filled it up with a bunch of kids but when they started it up it wouldn't go. 

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market: More Moravian Stars

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market: Moravian Stars

Since the last time we visited, most of the huts on the plaza have added these Moravian stars to their tops. Of course, one of the booths sells them too. I think they're quite pretty.

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market: Nutcracker

My next order of business was to purchase a new nutcracker. This is my first new one since, I think, 2004.

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market: Solomon's Bakery

The first thing I did upon arrival (aside from snapping pictures) was to get a chocolate croissant from Solomon's Bakery. Delicious.

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market

This was the perfect time to go. Hardly anyone was there. Lots of elbow room.

Holiday Season 2014 - Chilly Morning Downtown

Dale had a meeting after church so I took the opportunity to make another visit to the Minneapolis Holiday Market. It was a glorious winter day. I stopped to take this picture of the Foshay Tower on my way to Peavey Plaza.

1st Sunday of Advent 2014

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market: More Photos

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market

Holiday Season 2014 - Minneapolis Holiday Market

Last year was the last year of the Minneapolis Holidazzle Parade. This year in it's place there is something called the Holidazzle Christmas Market. 

The following is from Dale's blog:

"Joe is....a shopper which I most definitely am not. But I did go downtown with him today for the launch of the Minneapolis Marketplace, an outdoor, quasi-German themed Christmas market. It actually was pretty fun, and he could not get that silly grin off his face - he was so happy and in his element that I just had to capture it with a picture. For being so cold and having just finished snowing there were sure a lot of people there. The hot mulled wine was VERY popular. And seeing so many people we know and adore there made me happy and gave me a strong sense of connection to my community. And for all of this I am indeed thankful."

We had a blast walking around. We ran into Noel and her family. We also saw a few other old friends we hadn't seen in a while.

Holiday Season 2014

Noel and I also came upon an antique store window full of references to the movie A Christmas Story. You can see my reflection in the mirror between Ralphie's rabbit ears.

Holiday Season 2014 - Holiday Shopping In Afton

Noel and I did our annual holiday shopping run to Afton yesterday. Stopped in at Squire House to visit with Martin and the gang. Also had a chance to check in with Bosco.