Your Guide to November 2026 in the Twin Cities

Holiday Shop Now (Before It’s Too Late)

File this under “easier said than done,” but you’ll be happier if you knock out a bunch of your holiday shopping long before Thanksgiving hits. We asked an unscientific collection of 10 of our friends where they get the majority of their gifts and there were some clear winners named by nearly every person, plus a couple sleeper hits worthy of checking out. –Sean

Craft Your Stress Away

Crafting enthusiast here with an important message: Making art is good for your well-being. Even the Mayo Clinic says so. If you struggle with perfectionism, try crafting with actual garbage, as I did through an amazing alternative fiber arts class offered through Hennepin County Library. I had a blast, came home with a respectable basket, and now see fresh possibilities in every discarded plastic bag. Feeling like crafts are a waste of time? I cannot relate, but Seed Stitch Studio has you covered with classes that extend the life of your clothes, including the intriguing What the heck is Sashiko?. Other fun craft options in November: Woodland Whimsy Botanical Wreath workshop from Tangletown Gardens, Korean Style Floral Bouquet workshop through St. Paul Public Schools, and Embroidered Dala Horse Ornament Class from Ingebretsen's Scandinavian Gifts & Foods. I wanted to recommend a felting class, where you create beautiful effects while you stab the hell out of some wool. But I didn’t find any online. It’s always the stabbiest classes that sell out the fastest. I’m no Mayo Clinic, but I suspect we could all use some crafting for stress relief and fun. –Molly

Go to the Museum

Need indoor plans? Dress up in your finest and browse Paris Couture on display at the Mia. Explore design through a spiritual lens at the Walker Design Triennial. View the archives of local creative force Seitu K. Jones at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. See portraits that document a changing Minnesota at the Minnesota History Center. Marvel at intricately painted porcelain at The Museum of Russian Art. If you want to make your own art, check out Twin Cities Maker’s workshops. –Tiffany

Ride Your Bike Before it's Too Cold

Some people might say it's already too cold, but at City Cast Twin Cities, we're not some people. The website msp.bike does a phenomenal job rounding up cycling events in the Twin Cities, and here are a few that you should check out if you're interested in meeting more two-wheeled friends this month: