What about a little culture with your eggnog? In theater crazy cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota, theater is as much a holiday tradition as Santa Claus.

Nationally renowned Guthrie Theater takes a break from Shakespeare and Tom Stoppard for the annual performance of Dickens's Christmas Carol. Tickets for this show will set you back $20-40.

If Dickens doesn't excite you, you're in luck. There are larger theaters like the Orpheum which host traveling performances. The Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker will be visiting in early December. Lorie Line performs her blend of classical and pop music every holiday season. This December is no different. The Orpheum is located downtown, next to shopping and eateries on pedestrian friendly Nicollet Mall.

Theater buffs are most excited by the Twin Cities' smaller theaters. The Children's Theater is one of the country's best performance companies for younger audiences. They will be performing their version of The Wind in the Willows. More avant guarde performances can be found at Theatre de la Jeune Lune.