Now that we have Thanksgiving squared away, many of us are ready to focus our attention on the festivities that December and January will bring! Luckily, our community is already in the celebrating mood! Get in the holiday spirit with one of these local area events:Wells Fargo Winter Skate: Open from 11:00AM daily, the Wells Fargo Winter Skate will be taking place at the Landmark Plaza in Downtown St. Paul. Burn off some extra holiday calories with a zip around the rink. Forgot your skates? They can be rented for just $2.00. After skating, head across the street to Rice Park for a walk through a winter wonderland – the beautifully lit park itself!Holidazzle Parade: Head to Nicollet Park in Downtown Minneapolis for this annual Christmas tradition. Enjoy a parade of illuminated floats, capped off with one carrying Santa Claus himself! Taking place at 6:30PM every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 23 until December 23, this free event is a proven family favorite.Macy’s Santaland Display: Before watching the Holidazzle parade, check out the Santaland display at Macy’s flagship store on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. At this free event you can walk through a story told through more than a dozen beautifully animated scenes. Finish your visit by sitting on Santa’s lap and visiting Mrs. Claus’s bakeshop.Mall of America Ice Castles: Looking for a truly unique holiday experience? Visit Mall of America to see a custom made ice castle designed by Ice Castles, LLC – a creation that will stand more than 40 feet tall at its peak and span more than one acre. Enjoy a children’s snow park, complete with a 40 foot snow pile. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. Mall of America will also be hosting Santa throughout the holiday season – don’t forget to stop by and tell him what is on your Christmas wish list!