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Roundabout: Out & About
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Theo Franz
November 25, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
December always moves fast — okay maybe not as fast as this November — and this week does not hold back with the holiday activities: a cool stretch of tree lightings, holiday markets, Santa stops and local theater. Plus, the Woodbury Wobble 5K on Thursday for anyone hoping to earn their pie the hard way.
From family festivals to concerts and craft fairs, there’s plenty on the plate to help you settle into the season. Let’s get to it!
Editor: Theo Franz
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Top Story
All ages and experience levels are welcome to participate, according to East Side Chess Club founder Ron Israelson. (Credit/Theo Franz)
East Side Chess Club Brings Casual Play to Woodbury
Wednesday’s @ 6:30-9 p.m. | Third Act Brewing
By: Theo Franz
The low hum of conversation mixes with the shuffle of chess pieces at 3rd Act Brewery, where the East Side Chess Club has made its home every Wednesday night for the past year and a half.
The club began when Lake Elmo resident Ron Israelson noticed a gap on the map.
“Someone had asked our group if there was a chess club east of the Twin Cities,” he said.
Israelson and fellow player Jason Barrett — both of whom were members of the Twin Cities Chess Club — saw an opportunity to create something local and more convenient for those on this side of the metro.
Highlighted Event
 | Tree Lighting CeremonyThursday, December 4, 6 p.m. | Woodbury Central Park, 8595 Central Park PlaceJoin the City in the newly remodeled park for holiday festivities including seasonal music from Open Door Theatre and hot cocoa. Bring non-perishable food for Open Cupboard. |
Events Calendar
Hometown Holiday in Cottage Grove
Thursday, December 4, 5–7 p.m. | 12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove
Holiday cheer with wagon rides, reindeer, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, bonfires, treats and even Mayor Bailey. Free.
Frozen Jr.
Friday–Sunday, December 5–7, 7 p.m. | Weekend matinees at 2 p.m.
Woodbury Middle School, 1425 School Drive
Musical featuring all the songs from the original film plus five more. Advance tickets $10; children under 5 free.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
December 6–7, 12–14 and 19–21, 2–4 p.m. | Confluence Hotel, 200 2nd Street W., Hastings
A cozy afternoon tea with sandwiches, appetizers and holiday treats. Reservations requested. $42.
Holiday Makers Market
Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.–noon | Sila Wellness, 3100 Woodbury Dr., Suite 200
A community-focused market featuring local makers, artists and small businesses.
King of Kings Holiday Boutique
Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | 1583 Radio Dr.
More than 60 vendors with proceeds benefiting church youth trips.
Christmas Boutique
Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Guardian Angels Church, 8260 4th Street N.
Includes Santa Shop, cookie and candy sale, white elephants and lunch with Santa.
Survivor Kids: Outdoor Adventure Skills
Saturday, December 6, 10–11:30 a.m. | Shepard Farm, 8946 70th Street S., Cottage Grove
Kids ages 7–12 learn outdoor safety fundamentals through hands-on activities. $8; registration requested.
Holiday Craft & Gift Market
Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Cottage Grove Middle School, 9775 Indian Boulevard S.
A family-friendly holiday market.
Train To Be an Elf
Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | The Grove Church, 7465 Steepleview Rd.
Kids train for elf duties with ornament making, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. Sensory-friendly session 11–11:30 a.m. Lunch $4; children under 4 free. Donations for Open Cupboard encouraged.
Fun & Games
Fun Fact
It is likely that pie a la mode was invented in Duluth.
Although some claim it came into existence in New York, the St. Paul Pioneer Press published on May 23, 1936that the dessert was in fact invented by John Gieriet inside a Superior Street restaurant in Duluth, Minnesota, in the 1880s. The St. Paul newspaper indicated the Duluth restaurant specifically served ice cream with blueberry pie.
Gieriet, the owner and chef of Hotel la Perl, was born in Switzerland and moved to France. In 1850 he emigrated to the U.S. and served as White House chef for two administrations before moving to Duluth.
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