Our Holiday Event Picks
Guide to the Holidays in Saint Paul
Looking for some fresh winter holiday traditions to brighten up the season? Saint Paul is ready to help you celebrate.
Whether you’re looking for holiday events, where to shop for the perfect gift, a night out at the theatre, Christmas concerts, the best light displays, or take-home holiday meals, we’ve got a full list of ways to make the season bright.
Magical Holiday Events
Saturdays, Nov. 8, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 (Plus dates around Christmas/New Year's)
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
For more than 80 years, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum has created to-scale displays of trains and depots. The annual Night Trains events illuminate these tracks at this great family outing. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Select dates Nov. 20, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
CHS Field
Stroll through a dozen seasonal scenes featuring over a million holiday lights, sELFie Plaza, Enchanted Forest, Bright Bikes, Tremendous Tree, and so much more! Plan a stop by the GLOW Gift Shop to stock up on unique gifts from local artisans. This brilliant event is fun for the whole family.
Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 29 - Dec. 21, 2025
Hotel Celeste
Join the local community in Christmas carols and bingo! Participate in festive bingo and receive a chance to win a glow-in-the-dark rosary. Don't forget to nurture your voice with a delectable drink.
December 6-7, 2025
Germanic-American Institute
Experience German holiday traditions during his two-day event featuring authentic food and drink, local vendors and fun activities for all ages. An outdoor food market will have beer, hot mulled wine, bratwurst and German cake.
December 14, 2025
Landmark Center
Get a free photo with Santa, and stay for games, gift making for loved ones, time with friendly animals, and a festive holiday setting at Landmark Center.
November 15, 2025
Rice Park
Live music, holiday photo ops and hot cocoa will lead up to the flipping of the giant switch turning downtown Rice Park into a twinkling winter wonderland, featuring a 40' fully lit, decorated tree. Presented by the Salvation Army.
December 6, 2025
Union Depot
The evening includes the unveiling of the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2026 button followed by live entertainment from The Mistletones and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Finish the evening with the classic holiday movie, Elf. The tree will be lit through the remainder of December on the North Plaza, the perfect backdrop for family holiday photos!
Holiday Markets
November 22, 2025
Union Depot
The MN Christmas Market is an annual pop-up holiday market that showcases homegrown brands, artisans, creators and makers, with a charitable twist.
November 22-23, 2025
Schmidt Artist Lofts
Support local artists while finding one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones at this holiday market featuring over 50 artists from painters, potter's, fiber artists, jewelers, candle makers & much more.
November 28-29, 2025
Palace Theatre
Head to this historic theatre for a unique shopping experience featuring over 50 incredible local artists and vendors offering handcrafted goods and vintage items.
Weekends, November 28 - December 21, 2025
Union Depot
This European-inspired, open-aired market and magical Christmas Village at Union Depot is the most authentic Christmas Market in Minnesota. Shop for handmade European crafts or unique gifts from local vendors, drink Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), and taste European-inspired delicacies during four weekends in November and December.
December 5-7, 2025
Landmark Center
In its 47th year, this holiday tradition is your go-to for finding unique and handcrafted gift items by the area’s finest artists. Festive music and delicious treats add to the enjoyment of holiday shopping.
December 6, 2025
Grand Avenue
Shop local and meander along Grand Avenue while enjoying holiday treats and entertainment. Special visits from Santa and great deals to complete your holiday gift list.
December 13, 2025
The Case Building
The Black Market invites you to start, or finish, your holiday shopping buying from local, black-owned businesses in the Twin Cities. Shop a multitude of vendors providing services, home goods, personal care items, books, art, gifts and more - many of which will be offering special deals and sales for the holiday season.
December 13, 2025
Union Depot
Get your fill of cookies and sweet treats from the Twin Cities best bakeries and food vendors, while enjoying festive musical performances and holiday shopping.
Holiday Theater
November 4 - January 4, 2025
Children's Theatre Company
Bask in this classic holiday delight and watch Christmas joy will soar like a kite! Watch this beloved Dr. Seuss story on a whimsical stage as the mean ol' Grinch learns the importance of holiday cheer.
November 18-30, 2025
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, The Notebook tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart.
November 21 - December 14, 2025
Park Square Theater
A spooktacular adventure featuring catchy songs, unexpected twists, and a heartfelt story about bravery and friendship, Goosebumps invites audiences of all ages to join in the fun...if they dare!
November 20-December 21, 2025
History Theatre
Discover the strange, wonderful heart of a tradition built on resilience, imagination, and the enduring spirit of our snowy state.
November 28-December 1, 2025
Celtic Junction Arts Center
Work off the Thanksgiving turkey dinner with a belly of laughs and rockin' good holiday tunes at this music sketch comedy performance featuring local music headliners, Hooley veterans, and Brave New Workshop alumni.
December 2-24, 2025
Penumbra Theatre
A beloved holiday tradition. Directed by Lou Bellamy, this homegrown Christmas show makes a triumphant return with familiar faces and new talent.
December 4, 2025
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Revel in festive cheer with this spectacular Christmas show. Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, their family, and their world-class band will guide you through the Christmas season with exciting new versions of all your classic Christmas favorites.
December 4-7, 2025
Grand Casino Arena
Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, invite your family and friends to sing along to your favorite songs and celebrate the power of love and courage at Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto.
December 5-14, 2025
Circus Juventas
This December, flip, tumble, and careen through glittering woods and snow-dappled clearings on a holiday adventure to save the seasons as Circus Juventas presents the spectacular holiday production ‘Solstice’.
December 9-28, 2025
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Follow Judas through an extraordinary series of events unfolding during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ in this award-winning rock opera.
December 12-22, 2025
Celtic Junction Arts Center
This hosted variety show is a party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling, and more. Expect wacky good fun with brief guest appearances from holiday characters including The Grinch, and yes, even Santa Claus! Presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers with a world-class band.
Thursday-Sundays, December 12-24, 2025
The Saint Paul Hotel
Reconnect with the magic of the holiday season and step back in time with this live radio play. See this classic story brought to life through a live performance as a WCCO radio drama at The Saint Paul Hotel. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of this timeless tale with your family and friends. Tickets include dinner and the show.
December 18-19, 2025
Fitzgerald Theater
Don’t miss this holiday tradition! Metropolitan Ballet’s 19th annual Nutcracker! The classic story comes to life with fresh choreography and a cast of talented artists under the direction of Erik Sanborn of the Metropolitan Ballet. A family favorite that’s delightful for all ages!
Winter Concerts
November 20, 2025
Grand Casino Arena
Pentatonix is once again bringing holiday magic to the stage with their highly anticipated annual tour, a nationwide phenomenon that sells out arenas year after year.
December 6, 2025
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Uncover a soulful spin on orchestral tunes as The String Queens showcase a rich depth to familiar Christmas songs. This iconic trio will astound your ear buds with a diverse range of jazz and classical classics.
Dec 12 - 14, 2025
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Get in the holiday spirit with Bach's brilliant masterpieces, including performances by talented musicians during several concertos. Listen to the vibrant compositions of each concerto, where colorful melodies come together.
Dec 18 - 21, 2025
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Celebrate the holidays with one of classical music’s most beloved traditions and join the SPCO for our extremely popular annual performances of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah”.
January 2-4, 2026
Celtic Junction Arts Center
Travel back in time to London's famous Strand and meet larger than life performers who became legends and enjoy songs that have withstood the test of time. This interactive experience also invites guests to dress in your finest period costumes and sing along to the beloved tunes featured in these captivating performances.
Holiday Eats at Saint Paul Restaurants
Planning a holiday gathering with friends and family? Here are 10 spots with space for groups that are sure to please your family and friends.
Check out our lists of Saint Paul restaurants that are ready to help you create a festive and stress-free holiday dinner with take-out options. Some restaurants may sell-out, so we recommend planning ahead and checking to confirm availability.
Best New Restaurants in Saint Paul
Make sure you’re on top of all the newest restaurant openings in the Capital City.*
Saint Paul Restaurants That Have Stood the Test of Time
Iconic restaurants serving up a taste of the city.
Where to Eat in Downtown Saint Paul
Discover where to dine in bustling downtown from noble hotel dining experiences and lively music halls to skyway eats.
Explore the Incredible Restaurants Along Selby Avenue
From French pastries to Southern classics, this street has become a popular stretch for incredible restaurants.
Cathedral Hill Dining: Places to Eat on the Hill
Saint Paul's most historically charming neighborhood also happens to serve up some of the city's best food.
10 Restaurants to Explore in Saint Paul’s Highland Park Neighborhood
Where to find fresh pasta, refined French techniques and legendary burgers in Highland Park.
There’s plenty of holiday cheer to share in Saint Paul—we'll let you know what’s coming next on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL.
