Holiday Festivities in Saint Paul
Winter 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, festive 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 Experiences
Saturdays, Nov. 7, 2026 - Feb. 27, 2026; Plus Nov. 27; Dec. 28, 21 and 28; and Jan. 1
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.
November 14, 2026
Rice Park
Enjoy live music, holiday photo ops and hot cocoa while you watch Rice Park transform into a twinkling wonderland, presented by the Salvation Army.
Select dates Nov. 19, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
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.
December 5, 2026
Union Depot
The evening includes the unveiling of the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2027 button followed by live entertainment from The Mistletones, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and a holiday movie. The tree will be lit through the remainder of December on the North Plaza, the perfect backdrop for family holiday photos!
December 13, 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
Weekends, November 20 - December 20, 2026
Union Depot
Shop for handmade European crafts or unique gifts from local vendors, drink Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), and taste European-inspired delicacies during five weekends in November and December at the most authentic Christmas Market in Minnesota.
November 21, 2026
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 21-22, 2026
Schmidt's Artist Lofts
Support local artists while finding one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones at this holiday market featuring over 60 artists from painters, potters, fiber artists, jewelers, candle makers & much more.
December 4-6, 2026
Landmark Center
In its 48th year, this holiday tradition is your go-to for finding unique and handcrafted gift items by over 70 of the area’s finest artists. Festive music and delicious treats add to the enjoyment of holiday shopping.
December 4-19, 2026
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 5, 2026
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 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2026
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
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.
December 12, 2026
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.
Festive Theatre Performances
November 4-13, 2026
Circus Juventas
Circus Juventas makes a triumphant return to the magical forest of their beloved yuletide hit, a Hygge Holiday!
November 15, 2026
The O'Shaughnessy
A rare behind-the-scenes look at a life shaped by deep love, commitment, and the courage to act; they reflect on their extraordinary 50-year partnership in life and work.
November 19-22, 2026
Grand Casino Arena
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for an adventure filled with tales of heroism from your favorite Disney stories in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero.
November 19 to December 20, 2026
History Theater
Follow Judy’s story from her early years in Minnesota to “beyond the rainbow.”
November 19 to December 5, 2026
Art House North
A rare behind-the-scenes look at a life shaped by deep love, commitment, and the courage to act; they reflect on their extraordinary 50-year partnership in life and work.
November 20 to December 5, 2026
The Hive Collaborative
Inspired by the prolific Minnesota created video game, The Trail to Oregon! is a hilarious, interactive musical by StarKid Productions that parodies the classic video game.
November 27-30, 2025
Celtic Junction Arts Center
Table Salt Productions’ perennial holiday favorite combines first-rate music and sketch comedy in a sparkling holiday punch: Saturday Night Live meets Mariah Carey…with cocktails!
December 8-27, 2025
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
An enchanting revival of the classic musical comedy, just in time for the holidays.
December 11-24, 2025
The Saint Paul Hotel
The Saint Paul Hotel presents playwright Joe Landry's acclaimed take on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, It's a Wonderful Life.
January 6-17, 2027
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
The record-breaking, historically-inaccurate Broadway smash everyone's talking—and laughing—about!
Captivating Winter Concerts
December 4, 2025
Grand Casino Arena
Following a celebrated inaugural run that captivated audiences across the country, Christmas Together returns this holiday season with an exciting new chapter.
December 4, 2025
Saint Thomas More Catholic Church
The renewed artistic partnership with VocalEssence brings together thrilling musicianship, exquisite choral artistry, and the vibrant should of the Bach Society of Minnesota Orchestra for a festive performance of extraordinary beauty.
December 4, 2025
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Jazz revivalists throw a raucous yuletide extravaganza inspired by classic holiday films (such as "White Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life") and timeless classics.
December 4-6, 2025
Amsterdam Bar & Hall
Experience this holiday crowd favorite: it’s cozy and affordable, you can enjoy a pint and a meal during the show, and it’s great festive fun for yuletide revelry-seekers of all backgrounds and ages.
December 6, 2025
The Wellstone Center
Family-friendly solo vocal performance Christmas concert, featuring traditional classics, contemporary seasonal favorites and originals performed by Miss Capital City, Michelle Rose Bergh, at The Neighborhood House Auditorium.
December 10, 2025
MetroNOME Brewery
32nd Street Jazz Presents Holiday Surprises brings together great beer, good food, and live jazz to support local music education. Put a little holiday jazz into your holiday shopping!
December 13, 2025
Union Depot
The CPKC Holiday Train will stop at Union Depot for a free musical performance!
December 16, 2025
Landmark Center
Stop by downtown Saint Paul for a festive holiday concert at the Landmark Center, featuring The Star of the North Concert Band.
December 17-20, 2025
Ordway Concert Hall
Celebrate the holidays with one of classical music’s most beloved traditions and join the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for their extremely popular annual performances of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah”.
December 19, 2025
Academia In Lak'ech
Navidad Nuestra is an annual celebration of Christmas and Advent choral music from Latin America, pairing Baroque works from the Colonial period with Ariel Ramírez’s 20th-century masterwork, Navidad Nuestra.
December 21, 2025
MetroNOME Brewery
Cozy on up to the Fingal’s Cave Christmas Tree and reminisce about that classic tale of A Charlie Brown Christmas!
Festive Food and Drinks
Discover where you can immerse yourself in holiday festivities. There's plenty of opportunities to sip your way through the season at cheer-filled pop-ups, exciting bus tours, and holiday-themed bars.
Nico's Navidad
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.
Apres Ski Chalet Holiday Pop-Up
The patio at Red Rabbit transforms into an over-the-top festive winter escape dripping in holiday magic, vintage ski-lodge charm, and just the right amount of madness.
Jingle Bar
Eagles Club
The St. Paul Eagles Club is decking the halls, stringing up the lights and transforming the beloved neighborhood dive bar into a festive, come-as-you-are holiday hangout with a heart of gold.
Jingle Bar Hop Holiday Bus Tour
Get ready to sing, sip, and sleigh your way through Saint Paul! This open-air holiday bus tour features holiday drinks, karaoke tunes, and plenty of festive sights!
Holiday Sweets Bus Tour
Starts at the Saint Paul Hotel
Let the holiday magic begin with this 3-hour tour filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and delicious treats, running Saturdays and Sundays between Christmas and Thanksgiving.
More Winter Fun
Your Stress-Free Thanksgiving Guide
Guide to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
New Year’s in Saint Paul
Best Places to See Holiday Lights in Saint Paul