Minnesota Orchestra
Downtown Minneapolis Plays Big Part in Regional Traditions
Minneapolis (Vocus) November 23, 2009 -- While spending time with family and friends around the holidays tops the charts for most Minnesotans, taking in the holiday lights and coming to downtown Minneapolis to experience the holiday events round out the yuletide festivities. In fact, according to a November 2009 Meet Minneapolis survey, when it comes to the holidays, respondents head to the heart of the city for dinner (31 percent) and holiday events (41 percent).
Festive & Fun
Without a doubt, Minneapolis prides itself on unique experiences that will warm people up on even the coldest of nights. For instance, more than 50 percent of respondents ranked the Macy’s 8th floor auditorium display as their most cherished downtown Minneapolis holiday tradition, followed by the Target Holidazzle Parade (46 percent) and shopping (42 percent).
Surprisingly, only one quarter of respondents have not yet experienced one or all of the revered downtown Minneapolis holiday attractions. However, there are plenty more festivities beyond the most common that visitors have yet to experience, including ice skating at The Depot (http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/icerink/) (60 percent), A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie (41 percent) and the new Gaviidae Market (http://gaviidaecommon.com/) taking place on Fridays Nov. 20 – Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Stealing the Show
Downtown Minneapolis truly has something to offer everyone, every age and even the finickiest of holiday goers. Other seasonal festivities to consider include:
• Guthrie Theater’s (http://www.guthrietheater.org/) A Christmas Carol, Nov. 19 to Dec. 31
• Hennepin Stages (http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/): A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol, Nov. 27 to Jan. 1
• Jingle Bell Doc (http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/season/event_detail.cfm?id_event=910031) with Doc Sevrinson at Orchestra Hall, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.
and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.
• Macy’s (http://www.macys.com/) Holiday Santa Land Auditorium Show, Nov. 21 to Dec. 3
• Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears, Nov. 29, kick off at noon
• Historic State Theater: Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, Dec. 18 to Dec. 20, www.hennepintheatretrust.org
• Target Holidazzle Parade (http://www.holidazzle.com/), Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 28 to Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
• Walker Art Center: British Advertising Awards (http://calendar.walkerart.org/event.wac?id=5347), Dec. 4 to Jan. 2, walkerart.org
“Some of the most treasured festivities of the season don’t cost a penny,” said Melvin Tennant, CEO and president of Meet Minneapolis. “Downtown Minneapolis has numerous free events and activities, so it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to start a new holiday tradition with your family and friends.”
Save Time & Money: Shop Downtown
For some shoppers, saving time is as important as saving money. When deciding where to shop for the holidays, the majority of respondents (56 percent) still base their decision on how much ground they can cover in the shortest amount of time. Another 44 percent rely on free parking; however, ambiance and experience cannot be overlooked. More than 42 percent of respondents choose a shopping destination where they can experience more than just shopping.
While most Americans are still being cautious about the economy and watchful of spending, Minnesotans are no different. Nearly half of the respondents (49 percent) plan on spending more than $500 this holiday season on celebrations and gift buying. In addition, almost half (48 percent) are spending about the same as they did in years past.
Also, the survey indicated that people often make shopping decisions based on parking.
“We’d like to negate the myth that free parking isn’t available downtown,” said Tennant. “The City of Minneapolis spent significant dollars to re-design and implement a road and parking system that is conducive to moving in, around and out of the downtown area. There is an abundance of free parking, and even more-so around the holidays.”
Information about holiday-specific free or reduced rate parking locations can be found at dothetown.com.
Stay & Play
For some, holiday travel extends beyond town, as 39 percent of respondents cross state lines during the holidays, while 61 percent stay close to home. For those planning an outing to Minneapolis and want to make a night of it, Minneapolis offers an array of hotels to suit every taste, need, style and budget. When booking, inquire about the hot holiday rates.
Neighborhood Nooks & Dining Districts
While it is just one city, Minneapolis is a place of distinct districts and neighborhood personalities that make it the whole package. An eclectic array of restaurants has opened in Minneapolis in the last year. Il Gato will open in the former Figlio space in Uptown this week. Already open are Om Contemporary Indian Cuisine (http://www.omminneapolis.com/_blog/Blog/post/Contemporary_Indian_Cuisine) (Warehouse district), Northeast Social Club (Northeast), Bar La Grassa (in the former Babalu location in Northeast) and Black Sheep Pizza (North Loop).
For video and a complete listing by neighborhood of restaurants, nightlife and events, visit dothetown.com.
“We believe downtown Minneapolis is unmatched when it comes to unique dining and shopping destinations and all the wonders the season has to offer,” said Tennant. “We invite you to get out and enjoy the city.
Web site resources
• Dothetown.com
• Minneapolis.org
• Gaviidaecommon.com
• Holidazzle.com
• Metrotransit.org
Survey methodology
The results contained in this report are based on the Meet Minneapolis online survey, which was conducted with Minneapolis.org readers/subscribers using Zoomerang from Oct. 21 - Nov. 3, 2009. The total sample size was 1,498. The margin of error is +/- 3 percent. For complete survey results and downloadable PDF/Widget graphs, go to www.mspnewsroom.com.
About Meet Minneapolis
Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes the Minneapolis area as a venue for conventions and meetings and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to bring a positive economic impact to the greater Minneapolis area.
For up-to-the-minute-info on happenings, attractions and events, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter/meetminneapolis.com/ and search meetminneapolis on Facebook.
Media contacts
Connie Stelter, Meet Minneapolis, 612.767.8042 or 651.278.8078
Mollie Wulff for Meet Minneapolis, 612.281.6122
###
Comment on "Downtown Minneapolis Plays Big Part in Regional Traditions"
