(MINNEAPOLIS)Dec. 7, 2011 Lights are twinkling, shops are bustling and the cocoa is piping hot in Minneapolis. Whether you and your family have a set of traditions in place, or you are looking to create new ones, make memories in Minneapolis this holiday season. Indoors and out, from great shopping sales and vivid performances to themed parades and ice skating, as you plan your holiday checklist, take advantage of the activities, events and deals Minneapolis has laid out for you at minneapolis.org/visitor/promotions-deals/seasonal-promotions.

Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention + Visitors Association, invites you to explore the holiday charm of Minneapolis! Our helpful website www.minneapolis.org is your planning resource on all of the cant-miss festivities and spectacular deals that will turn your drab winter into a holiday extravaganza. Watch the holiday promotional video on the homepage for suggestions on how one can still connect with the nostalgia of past traditions in this vibrant city.

Minneapolis is the perfect holiday destination, whether for the family, couples or a close-knit group of friends. Children will gasp as their cartoon favorites pass by during Target Holidazzle Parade, a fun-filled evening parade with larger than life characters and Nicollet Mall sparkling with twinkle lights. When Jack Frost nips their nose, take them inside Macys Santaland, tour the elf workshop and have a chance to meet the jolly man himself.

Looking to enjoy the season on the high-brow side? The Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker at the Orpheum Theatre is a must-see spectacle, as well as the timeless story of A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater. We checked our list (we even checked it twice) and couldnt believe the kinds of deals places like Seven, Ichiban, Macys and The Depot Skating Rink are offering. Take advantage of these one-time deals when you visit Minneapolis.

Santa may be able to accomplish a lot in one night, but with all there is to see and do in Minneapolis take advantage of the spectacular hotel deals and stay the weekend. During the holidays, world-renowned hotels such as Marriott City Center, Ramada MOA and Ramada Plaza offer vacation packages, letting you book for less with these special holiday deals.

If you need a little help planning, check out the sites specialized itineraries for variety of ways to spend your time in Minneapolis. Dont forget to follow us on Facebook, where you can learn whats current and get other deals and share the photos from your trip! No matter your celebration with so much to offer, Minneapolis is the perfect destination for your traditions, the new and the timeless!

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit of the greater Minneapolis area.

Online: www.minneapolis.org

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meetminneapolis?ref=ts

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/meetminneapolis

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristen Montag, marketing communication manager, 612.767.8038, kristenm@minneapolis.org, Minneapolis_PR on Twitter