Winter Events
Holiday Events
Looking for some fresh winter 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
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.
November 7 through December 31
Pan Asian Center
Step into a world of wonder at this indoor lantern experience filled with magic, color, and joy for the whole family! Explore hundreds of glowing lanterns, Chinese acrobats, breathtaking photo zones, and unique themed weekends that celebrate imagination and togetherness.
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.
Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
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!
December 6
Waldmann Brewery
Featuring a lavishly decorated Christmas tree, hot mulled Glühwein, a fresh-release Hefeweizen, four flaming fire rings, a herd of Krampuses (Krampi?) and St. Nicholas himself (with candy, not coal).
Santa’s Workshop
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.
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.
Schmidt Holiday Market
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.
Grand Meander
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.
Tilsner Market
December 12-14 & 19-21
Tilsner Artist Lofts
Grab yourself, your family, friends, and neighbors and come on down to the Lowertown district, meet some of the most talented artists around one on one, and browse through an enormous variety of unique and special gifts!
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.
Holiday Bake Sale at Union Depot
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.
The Notebook
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.
R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium
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!
Rollicking! A Winter Carnival Musical
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.
Spiked! Put Some Punch in Your Holidays!
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.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas
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.
Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
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.
Circus Juventas Holiday Showcase: Solstice
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’.
Jesus Christ Superstar
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.
Celtic Holiday Hooley
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
Pentatonix
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.
CPKC Holiday Train at Union Depot
December 13, 2025 Union Depot
Arrive early and explore 40+ local bakeries at the Holiday Bake Sale from 11 AM to 7 PM in the Waiting Room, then watch a FREE musical performance when the CPKC Holiday Train stops at Union Depot.
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”.
Victorian Music Hall Review (Ghosts in Greasepaint)
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
Discover where you can immerse yourself in holiday cheer. Savor delicious flavors at these local eateries or visit one of the restaurants decked out in festive decor that are serving up seasonal sips and delicious bites to excite your tastebuds this holiday season.
Nico's Navidad
Nico's Taco & Tequila Bar
Happy Nico Navidad! Whisk yourself away to a tropical holiday escape featuring seasonal island-themed agave-centric drinks, twinkling lights, and plenty of tinsel to go around.
Miracle on 7th Street Christmas Lounge
Casper & Runyon's Shamrocks
This iconic neighborhood burger joint, and sports hub welcomes a new seasonal concept that will serve as the perfect place to chill out at this holiday season
Jingle Bar
Eagles Club
The Eagles Club bar is decked out in our holiday best. Enjoy the festive ambiance and signature cocktails. Open to the public - no reservations or tickets needed!
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Lowertown Eats
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More Winter Fun
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.
