Best Places To Go Caroling In Minnesota
Caroling is a long-standing tradition around the holidays and is enjoyed by all. Traditionally, carolers wandered the community in an effort to bring the holiday spirit to every corner of the block. Today, carolers are more stagnant, going where they are invited to entertain and inspire. Bring your caroling group to any of these venues in Minnesota for a warm welcoming.
Minnesota Veterans Hospital
1 Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 725-2000
www.minneapolis.va.gov
Housing primary care, a rehab facility and a long-term care wing, the Veterans Hospital welcomes carolers throughout the holiday season. Bring cheer to disabled vets and their families and show appreciation for their years of service by visiting the VA during the holidays and brightening up their day. Contribute to the angel tree charity and bring a new toy or gift for a child of a low income family while you are there as well. Located near a popular park and walking trail, there will be outside opportunities to entertain after your visit.
Mall Of America
60 E. Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 883-8800
www.mallofamerica.com
Spread some holiday cheer to the center of holiday shopping at the Mall of America. With all of the aggravation that comes from fighting crowds to get your shopping done, a reminder of why we celebrate the season can bring some serenity to the hearts of shoppers. A holiday music festival is scheduled every year that offers an opportunity for vocal groups and music performers to share their talents in the Rotunda of the Mall. Sign up to be a part of the festival and join in a celebration in the midst of one of America's top tourist attractions.
Catholic Charities Opportunity Center
740 17th St. E.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 204-8300
www.cctwincities.org
Catholic Charities supports several locations throughout the state that provide daily meals and assistance for the homeless and low income population of Minnesota. Aside from meal service, job assistance, showers, lockers and a mailing address are also offered to those in need. Enjoy caroling at the opportunity center during meal service to help spread holiday cheer. The opportunity center is also open for full meal service on Christmas Day. Consider caroling at this time and spend your holiday with those in need.
Related: Best Unique Holiday Experiences For Kids In Minnesota
Nicollet Mall
Downtown Minneapolis
Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN
www.downtownminneapolis.com
Nicollet Mall, located at the heart of downtown Minneapolis, is visited by thousands of Minnesotans daily. As the site of the famous Holidazzle Parade throughout the holiday season and a transportation and shopping hub, carolers will find a vast audience to entertain and delight. Find a corner of the 12-block stretch to perform a pop-up concert or make use of a walk-and-sing strategy along the mall. Coffee shops and dining establishments along the mall may even welcome carolers or provide your vocal chords with a warm beverage.
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-2881
www.sites.mnhs.org
Aside from being an election year and a time for many issues to be put through the state legislature, this important building is both a landmark and a treasure to Minnesotans. While individual politics do not always agree, a desire to feel harmony and peace through the holiday season is pretty much universal. Bring some cheer to this architectural icon by caroling on the Capitol Mall and greeting locals and government officials as they go through their day of business.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
