Jewish Minnesotans celebrated the start of Hanukkah this weekend, and Christian Minnesotans continued Christmas preparations Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18.

Watch the videos embedded throughout the article below to check out what local businesses and charities were up to over the weekend.

Around the metro

KSTP photographers Erik Rognerud, Shayne Nelson and Tim Zelenak have your Twin Cities weekend highlights.

The Saloon in Minneapolis held a benefit for the survivors of the Club Q shooting, including employees of the Colorado nightclub.

Wreaths were placed across the nation on the graves of veterans who have passed away, including those resting at Fort Snelling.

Blankets piled up for those in need this weekend, one week after KSTP welcomed Bring a Blanket for Bridging organizers to the studio to talk about the event.

Catholic Charities offered shoppers an opportunity to help community members during its 30th annual Giving Tree event at Mall of America.

Viewers from the Twin Cities and beyond sent us winter wonderland pictures after a week of snow across the upper Midwest.

From the studio

KSTP anchor Alex Jokich has your weekend interviews.

Christopher Pope, the senior area director of philanthropy for World Vision U.S., joined us to explain how the World Vision Gift Catalog works and how it can help people living in some of the poorest places in the world.

Beth Benson, who started a special holiday tradition in Hopkins with her husband, told us about the meaning behind the project.

Last but not least, Dr. Haitham Hussein from the University of Minnesota and American Heart Association joined us to provide expert health advice this holiday season.

Read KSTP’s weekend roundup after our weekend newscasts wrap up to see what’s been happening in your neighborhood.

Miss last weekend’s roundup? Check it out here.