1. Open season: Christmas trees

Move over, Thanksgiving — hello, Christmas. The Evergreens tree farm is wasting no time getting in the festive spirit. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bundle up for horse- and tractor-drawn rides, cookies, hot cider, coffee from the Interchange and photo ops. The Evergreens can also help you deck your halls with pre-cut or cut-your-own Christmas trees.

 

2. Festival of Trees

If you need inspiration for your own tree — or just love to look at a festive fir — The Albert Lea Art Center has over two dozen for you to enjoy. This year, the event’s theme is Christmas on Broadway to reflect The Albert Lea Art Center’s move. The Festival of Trees free open house is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

 

3. Melting the Ice

For the Freeborn County Arts Initiative’s sixth and final show of the year, member artists present their take on the theme “Melting the Ice.” The approximately 20-piece mixed media show includes both literal and figurative takes on the theme, many of which themed themselves around water, Freeborn County Arts Initiative President Elisha Andrew Marin said. The open house for “Melting the Ice” is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

 

4. Mark Smeby

Local-born but gone since, singer and performer Mark Smeby has returned to Minnesota — and with that, is returning to Albert Lea. Smeby’s show, “The Hope of Christmas” celebrates the upcoming holiday with classic Christmas favorites as well as original songs, some from his third and newest Christmas album, “JOY!” which the artist self-describes as the lovechild of Willy Wonka and Mannheim Steamroller. Smeby said his show is is intended to be an interactive and emotional experience for audience members. “The Hope of Christmas” begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

 

5. Shop Local

Area businesses are asking you to save some of your shopping for Small Business Saturday this year as part of Albert Lea Economic Development Agency’s Shop Local campaign. Those who enter participating businesses — located downtown as well as throughout the city and county — can have their event passports stamped. Passports can be picked up at the Freeborn County Arts Initiative Saturday and turned in at the Dec. 13 Holiday Bazaar.