St. Anthony Park Garden Club

Brandon Miller, University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science and Extension specialist, presents “Lesser-Known Trees and Shrubs for Minnesota.”

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., with the program at 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Ave. Enter through the Luther Place door. To attend virtually, request a Zoom link at [email protected].

St. Paul Parks & Recreation

Registration for 2025–2026 rec center winter activities is now open. View details at stpaul.gov/news/winterspring-activity-registration.

Women’s Drum Center

Drum basic class from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, at 2242 University Ave. W. Jo Klein teaches easy hand and stick exercises. Drums provided. $15. Register at womensdrumcenter.org.

Community sing

Join musician Dan Chouinard and Ann Reed for a free community sing-along at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave.

Next Chapter Bookseller

Author readings at 1 p.m. on Saturdays at 38 Snelling Ave. S.

Stephanie Hansen, Nov. 29, “True North Cabin Cookbook Volume Two: Seasonal Recipes from a Cozy Kitchen.”

Anika Fajardo, Dec. 6, “The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore.”

Lori Sturdevant, Dec. 13, “Martin Sabo: The Making of the Modern Legislature.”

Drew M. Ross, Dec. 20, “Becoming the Twin Cities: Swindles, Schemes, and Enduring Rivalries.”

Seed Session at North Dale

The final Seed Session of the season will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at North Dale Recreation Center, 1414 St. Albans St. N. Enjoy a little garden joy and share seed know-how with the Como Community Seed Library. Youth ages 15 and under should register with an adult. Register at comoseedlibrary.org/events.

Bell Museum

2088 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights. See website for hours and registration: bellmuseum.umn.edu.

Heart and Solstice: Activities and exhibits from Wednesday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 4, highlight the shortest days of sunlight in our hemisphere.

Christmas bird count: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. Volunteers count birds on designated routes within St. Paul.

Solar observing for solstice: Noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. Solar telescopes at the Learning Landscape (outside the museum) will be available dependent upon weather and temperature.

Winter Camps: Snow Much Fun: Weather, Space, and Engineering (Grades 3-5): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, and Tuesday, Dec. 23. $170-$155. Limited space, registration required.

Biology, Adaptations, and Art (Grades 3-5): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday, Dec. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 31. $250.-$235. Limited space, registration required.

Art Show at St. Matthew’s

Realistic and abstract watercolors by Marie Panlener opens Sunday, Dec. 14, and runs through Feb. 13, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave., during office hours: 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive. Free. A voluntary donation of $4 per adult and $2 per child is appreciated.

Senior Strolls: 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Special time reserved for adults ages 55 and older.

“Wolves and Wild Lands,” the traveling exhibit from the International Wolf Center (Ely, Minnesota) continues through Jan. 4, 2026.

Gibbs Farm

Pathways to Dakota and Pioneer Life, 2097 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights: rchs.com/gibbs-farm.

Beeswax Candles with Pressed Flowers: Dip and decorate a beeswax candle on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Red Barn. Register online for a time slot: 11 a.m., noon, 2 or 3 p.m. $15-$17.

This project involves hot wax and timing: All children under 14 need to be accompanied by an adult and all kids under 7 will need one-on-one help from their grown-up.

Senior activities

St. Anthony Park Area Seniors offers a variety of activities. Unless another location is listed, activities take place at Centennial United Methodist Church, 2200 Hillside Ave. W. Unless specified, registration is not necessary. For more information, call 651‑642‑9052 or email [email protected].

SAIL: Stay Active and Independent for Life: A fitness class for balance, strength and flexibility. 10 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15, and on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Call the office or email to register.

Pound Fit: Full-body movements with drumsticks set to music. 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16. Limited class size. Call the office or email to register.

Viewers Like Us: Remember the Magic: Film and discussion. 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. Call the office or email to register.

Game Day: Coffee and board games. 10 to 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5

Card-making workshop: 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. Call the office or email to register.

Handiwork Group: 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Dec. 11, at St. Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave. Bring your own supplies.

Equal Portions: Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave. Catered luncheon and presentation, $15. Register by Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Poetry Group: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Virtual: Call the office or e-mail for Zoom link.

Chair yoga: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Virtual via Zoom. Contact office to register.

Lunch Bunch: Noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Socializing and BINGO. 

Kathy Henderson lives in St. Paul and is a freelance writer.