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
Night Trains
Saturdays through Feb 22 (plus bonus 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.
GLOW Holiday Festival
Select dates November 20 - January 5 | 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.
European Christmas Market
November 29 - December 22, Weekends | Union Depot
This European-inspired, open-aired market and magical Christmas Village at Union Depot is the most authentic Christmas Market in Minnesota. More than just a market, you can hop on the holiday carousel, be in awe over the holiday train, and enjoy kids activities and 50 acts of live entertainment.
Sister Celeste's Sing-a-Long Event
November 29 | 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.
North Pole Express
December 6-8 & 12-15 | Union Depot
All aboard! The North Pole Express is chugging into Union Depot the first two weekends of December. Take a short train ride to the North Pole, meet Santa and his elves and enjoy meeting some entertaining characters along the way! Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Christmas in Germany
December 7-8 | 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.
Santa’s Workshop
December 15 | Landmark Center
Get a free photo with Santa, and stay for games, gift making for loved ones, JB Eckert reading classic children’s Christmas stories and a festive holiday setting at Landmark Center.
Rice Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 16 | 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.
Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
December 7 | Union Depot
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 2012 Union Depot building restoration, and the tree lighting includes a special celebration. The evening includes the unveiling of the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2024 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!
Holidays on the Hill Tours
November 30-January 5 | James J Hill House
Experience Christmas in 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill. Enjoy self-guided access to holiday-themed exhibits and a 60-minute guided tour highlighting holiday stories and memories from both the Hill family and their staff.
City of Saint Paul Holiday Events
Check out these free winter special events and holiday parties happening in the city of Saint Paul!
Holiday Markets
MN Christmas Market
November 16 | 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.
Palace Theatre Holiday Market
November 29-30 | Palace Theatre
Head to this historic theatre for a unique shopping experience featuring over 5-0 incredible local artists and vendors offering handcrafted goods and vintage items.
European Christmas Market
November 29 - December 22, Weekends | 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.
Landmark Center Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
December 6-8 | Landmark Center
In its 46th 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.
Summit Brewing Company's Evening Maker's Market
December 6 | Summit Brewing Company
It's time to sip and shop local while supporting local nonprofit, the Neighborhood House. Bring new and gently used coats, snowpants, boots, socks, and winter accessories to donate, as well as menstrual products.
After shopping the market, the Makery's table can teach you how to wrap your gifts artfully for your loved ones.
Grand Meander
December 7 | 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.
Cathedral Christmas Market
December 12-14 | Cathedral of Saint Paul
Get festive at this European-styled outdoor Christmas Market in the back Cathedral Courtyard. It will be festively decorated with plenty of delicious warm food, and cold and hot drinks, including mulled wine known as Gluehwein, a warming tent with music, and unique gifts for sale.
December Holiday Bazaar at The Black Market
December 14 | 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
December 14 | Union Depot
Take home treats from the top bakeries in the Twin Cities at the annual Holiday Bake Sale at Union Depot. Shop 30+ local bakeries and food vendors in a day filled with cookies, candy and fun! Enjoy live entertainment, meet local baking influencers and be the first 200 in line for a free gift bag!
Minnesota Maker's Market
December 14-15 & 21-22 | Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Enjoy a selection of makers, delicious food vendors, family fun, and more on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair.
Queer Holiday Market
December 18-19 | Summit Brewing Company
Head to Summit Brewing to celebrate the holidays at the Third Annual Queer Holiday Market! Over two dozen local queer vendors and small businesses will be selling their goods, each of them donating a portion of their sales to The Aliveness Project to help them furnish homes for newly housed individuals.
Holiday Theater
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
November 5 - January 5 | 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.
Spiked! Put Some Punch in Your Holidays!
November 29-December 2 | 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 Workshup alumni.
Black Nativity
December 5-22 | Penumbra Theatre
A beloved holiday tradition. Directed by Lou Bellamy, this homegrown Christmas show makes a triumphant return with familiar faces and new talent.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
December 6-22 | Park Square Theatre
In this hilarious Holiday classic, two dads struggle to put on a Christmas pageant at the local community center and are faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! This delightful show is adapted from the bestselling Young Adult book.
Nutcracker at Fitzgerald Theater
December 7-8 | Fitzgerald Theater
Don’t miss this holiday tradition! Metropolitan Ballet’s 18th 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!
It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play
December 13-24, Thursday-Sundays | 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.
Celtic Holiday Hooley
December 13-15 | 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.
The Ballet Minnesota Presents: The Classic Nutcracker
December 14-15 | The O'Shaughnessy
Experience a yearly spectacle, where the Nutcracker graces the stage of the O'Shaughnessy. The Ballet Minnesota's 36th annual "The Classic Nutcracker" will be a Christmas marvel, revealing an elegant and sophisticated show of this holiday tale.
Christmas with Cantus
December 20 | Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Revel in festive cheer with this spectacular Christmas show. Featuring performances by the Choir of King's College at the University of Cambridge, Christmas with Cantus unveils a combination of holiday-centered poetry and secular songs.
Victorian Music Hall Review (Ghosts in Greasepaint)
December 31-January 3 | 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.
Disney's The Little Mermaid
December 3-29 | Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Venture under the sea to enjoy Disney's magical musical based on the beloved film.
Winter Concerts
B2wins Present: "Sounds of the Season" with the Violin Twins
December 1 | The O'Shaughnessy
Make your way to this sensational Christmas concert with passionate violin-playing! Holiday tunes will be played with uplifting zest from the B2wins.
The String Queens: Our Favorite Things
December 7 | 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.
Luminare Christmas
December 11 | The Fitzgerald Theater
Groove to guitar-jangling tunes at this Christmas rock concert. The Luminare Christmas event will have you tapping your feet to infectious beats for this winter holiday!
Christmas Festival Concert, Christmas Together with Steven C.
December 12-14 | Cathedral of Saint Paul
Gather your friends and family for a festive evening of music and celebration at the Cathedral of Saint Paul! Multi-platinum recording artist and composer, Steven C, will perform his 8th annual Christmas Together concert the first two nights of the Cathedral Christmas Festival.
A Prairie Home Companion Christmas
December 13-14 | The Fitzgerald Theater
Explore this winter holiday rendition of the legendary live radio show. This special occasion is a can't-miss event that will delight audiences of all generations.
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Bach's “Brandenburg” Concertos
Dec 13 - 15 | 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.
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concerts: Handel’s “Messiah”
Dec 21 - 22 | 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”.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec 21 | Xcel Energy Center
Multi-platinum, progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra's highly-anticipated Winter Tour with a completely updated presentation of the unforgettable, multi-generational holiday tradition, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve".
More Event Information
December 21
Night Trains
December 21 to January 5, 2025
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
December 21 to January 5, 2025
GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
December 21
SISTER CELESTE’S SING-A-LONG EVENT
December 21 to December 24
It’s A Wonderful Life, Live Radio Play
December 21
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 22
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra: Holiday Concerts: Handel’s “Messiah”
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
Downtown, everything’s waiting for you (and yes, we included a skyway section).
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: 11 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.
