A Very West End Holiday
This holiday season, there is lots to see and do in the area: from artisan craft markets to Broadway theatrical productions, and everything in between, there is something for everyone (and every price range) in the West End and surrounding neighborhoods.
We’ve put together a list of some of the highlights in and around West 7th this holiday season for where to get the perfect gift, where to spend some quality family time and some of the special shows and events around time to help celebrate the season
Check out all of our events for December online at communityreporter.org/events.
Have a happy, healthy holidays!
~ The Community Reporter
Holiday shopping
Weekends November 29-December 22. Union Depot.
The European Christmas Market returns for its 11th year at Union Depot, spanning four consecutive three-day weekends starting November 29, 2024. Featuring more than 70 wooden kiosks to explore, gift shoppers can expect a broad mix of items like cozy woolen goods, handmade toys and plushies for children, locally made pottery and more. Vendors will be offering a curated selection of European-inspired flavors, including crowd favorites like authentic German Brats and Polish Pierogi. Each weekend will feature festive entertainment, including dance groups, live music and visits from Santa himself. For hours, vendors and more, visit stpaulchristmasmarket.org.
Christmas Breads Baking Fundraiser
Order by December 2. C.S.P.S. Hall.
Christmas breads will ONLY be available for pickup at the C.S.P.S. Hall during the Sokol Children’s Holiday Party on Friday December 6th between 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. or during the Škola holiday party on Saturday December 7th between 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Please refrain from placing an order if these pickup times will not work for you. Vánočka (braided Christmas bread) $15 per loaf, Makovka (poppy seed filled rolled bread) $18 per loaf. Pre-Order Christmas Bread at sokolmn.org/christmas-bread.
December 6-8. Landmark Center. $5
We’ve updated our 46th annual Holiday Bazaar to bring exciting, modern twists without losing the charm that makes this event so special. The Holiday Bazaar provides the perfect opportunity to support 80 local artisans, each offering beautiful and unique handmade items. With a thoughtfully curated and diverse range of vendors, there’s something for everyone—from Boomers to Gen Alpha. Shoppers can find the perfect gift for everyone on their list, all while supporting the community! For more details, visit landmarkcenter.org/holiday-bazaar.
December 7, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 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. Learn more at grandave.com/events/grandmeander.
Holiday Gift Market – Made in Tanzania
December 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tula Yoga and Wellness.
Come check out and shop unique Tanzanian art and gifts. All sales will benefit Project Zawadi.Stop by anytime and browse paintings, jewelry, ornaments, hand woven baskets, fabric, Masai wool blankets, single source Tanzanian coffee, and more! Get some holiday shopping done and feel good about supporting an awesome mission.We are a small organization with a big impact. To learn more about us, visit: projectzawadi.org
December 8, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Gatherings at Station 10
Join us for a Merry Mari Market and shop for holiday gifts, art, candles, apparel, accessories, cards, home decor, and other homemade goodies! Vote on the best decorated booth, and grab food from A-Side Public House below Station 10! Learn more at facebook.com/events/gatherings-at-station-10/merry-mari-market/1714391822708075.
Cathedral Christmas Market & Concerts
December 12-14. Cathedral of St. Paul. $12 for concert seating.
Save the dates and make plans to join us for a European-style outdoor Christmas Market in the back courtyard of the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul. We’ll have arts and crafts vendors, Gluhwein, hot cocoa and beer, food trucks, costumed carolers, a frame-worthy backdrop for family or friends’ group photos, games (BINGO on Saturday!), fire pits, a warming tent with music, and a chance to win fabulous prizes in our raffle!! Then we hope you cap off your visit by heading inside the Cathedral, gorgeously lit for the 8th Christmas Together with Steven C & Friends concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and an 11 a.m. matinee on Saturday. Learn more and purchase tickets at cathedralheritagefoundation.org/events/cathedral-christmas-market-2024.
December 14, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Union Depot.
The winter festivities continue with the top bakeries in the Twin Cities at the annual Holiday Bake Sale.. Shop 45 local bakeries and food vendors in a day filled with cookies, candy and fun! Enjoy live entertainment, meet local bakers and influencers and be the first 300 in line for a free gift bag! Learn more at uniondepot.org/holiday.
December 15 – 16. Wandering Leaf Brewing Company.
It’s that time of year again! Join us for our second Indoor Winter Vendor Market this season! This is an open-house style event featuring several local small businesses. Enjoy a beverage while you peruse the vendor tables for gifts and goodies! For vendors and times, visit wanderingleafbrewing.com/events.
Family Fun
November 21- January 5. CHS Field. Free-$21.75.
Featuring over a million lights, the Enchanted Forest, Vixen’s Zip Line, and Giant Slide, GLOW is a must-see experience. The elves have been busy gussying up the place with new exhibits to make sure your holidays are shiny & bright. Adult General Admission is: $21.75, children (ages 3-12): $12.75, children ages 2 & Under are free. Tickets and more at glowholiday.com/st-paul.
November 30 – January 5. James J Hill House. $16-$25.
Step back in time to Christmas in 1910 at the elegant James J. Hill House. Experience the magic of the season as you explore this festively decorated Gilded Age mansion. Enjoy self-guided access to holiday exhibits and a 60-minute guided tour with lavish sights and heartwarming stories from the Hill family and their staff. Self-guided tickets are available at the door daily; pre-purchasing guided tour tickets is strongly recommended. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, college students, and military, and $16 for children 5-17. Children under 4 are free, and MNHS members save 20%. For tickets and more visit mnhs.org/events.
Thursdays and Fridays, December 5-27. Alexander Ramsey House. $16-$20.
Discover the melancholy side of Christmas at the Alexander Ramsey House. Guided by candlelight, you’ll explore the beautifully decorated 1872 mansion, viewing unique holiday artifacts and hearing moving excerpts from the Ramsey family papers that capture the season’s more bittersweet sentiments. Your 45-minute guided tour begins in the Carriage House, where a charming Christmas market will be open from 5 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for seniors, college students, and military members. Due to melancholy content, this event is recommended for ages 18 and older. MNHS members enjoy a 20% discount. Learn more and tickets at mnhs.org/events.
December 6-8 & 12-15. Union Depot.
Children and trains go together during the Holiday Season like colorful lights, brightly iced cookies, festively wrapped gifts, family and friends. Please join the nonprofit Friends of the 261 annual journey on the North Pole Express. Experience a ride in one of our historic rail cars pulled by classic center pieces of engineering. Our show is brought to you by our excited ALL volunteer crew, Santa and his elves that promises to make this a memorable Holiday Tradition. Climb aboard this holiday train from the past that includes the North Pole and a visit from Santa himself! Avoid the trouble of setting up your old train set around the tree this year and let us provide you with a REAL steam train for the holidays. Tickets at 261.com/npe.
Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
December 7, 5:00 p.m. Union Depot. Free.
The crowd favorite kickoff to the season is returning with plenty of holiday magic. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with the unveiling of the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2025 button. The Mistletones will take the stage from 5:30-6:30 PM, then make your way to the North Plaza for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. Finish the evening with the showing of 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! More info at uniondepot.org/holiday.
December 7-8. Germanic-American institute. $5-$10.
The Germanic-American Institute rings in the holiday season with Christmas In Germany, a celebration of German traditions In The Twin Cities. Highlights of the holiday season include authentic German food, beer, haus-brewed Glühwein (mulled wine), imported German gifts, German model trains & toy exhibit, Christmas crafting, holiday stories, an opportunity to meet Sankt Nikolaus and more! To purchase tickets or find more information, visit gaimn.org/calendar/christmas-2024.
December 15, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Landmark Center. Free.
Bring the whole family to Santa’s Workshop for an afternoon of holiday magic! Enjoy a free photo with Santa, create personalized gifts for loved ones, and experience festive animal encounters. This event is part of the Sundays at Landmark series, making it a perfect Sunday activity for all ages. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/event/sundays-at-landmark-santas-workshop-6.
Shamrock’s Breakfast with Santa
December 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Shamrock’s Irish Nook. Free-$15.95.
It’s that time of year and a big guy will be here at Shams, Dec. 15. Reservations fill up fast so be sure to get yours in! Adults $15.95, kids $8.95, kids 5 & under eat free. Reservations recommended. We will be collecting items for Toys for Tots. Free mimosa or Baileys & coffee if you bring an item. More info at crshamrocks.com or call 651-228-9925 for reservations.
Holiday Campus Party + Santa Paws
December 19. 4:45-7:30 p.m. Palace Rec Center.
Join us as we celebrate Christmas, Hannukah & Kwanzaa with carnival games, crafts, music, food & a visit from Santa. Santa Paws is back! Santa is coming to Palace to take pictures with your 4-legged pets. Come take your own pictures. Please bring your dogs on leashes & cats or others in carriers. Owners will be responsible for any clean up needed for accidents.
Santa Schedule: 4:45-5:15 p.m. is geared for cats & other small or quieter animals. 5:15-5:45 p.m. is open to all animals. 6-7:30 p.m. – kids/family pictures. Kids Holiday Party will be 6-7:30 p.m. stpaul.gov/winter-events.
Holiday shows and events
December 3-29. Ordway Center for the Arts. $46.50-$145.50
The Little Mermaid tells the story of young mermaid Ariel who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. With music by eight-time Academy® Award winner Alan Menken, it features irresistible songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” The musical, based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, will run at the Ordway in downtown St. Paul from Dec. 3-29. Tickets are on sale at Ordway.org.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 6-22. Park Square Theater. $24-$60.
The Herdmans are coming, and they’re bringing holiday mayhem! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! is a delightful, laugh-out-loud comedy based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved novel. When two dads are asked to put together a local pageant, they never expect the Herdman kids—the most unruly family in town—to land the starring roles! But amid their chaotic antics, unexpected moments of warmth reveal the true spirit of the season. Perfect for all ages, this show is a treat for families and groups. Tickets and more info at park squaretheatre.org.
December 7-8. Fitzgerald Theater. $49.50+
Don’t miss this holiday tradition! Metropolitan Ballet’s 17th 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! Purchasing $95 VIP tickets grants you access to the best seat(s) in the house, as well as a show poster and a pre-show party featuring a signature cocktail available at the bar. Limited tickets available. Tickets at first-avenue.com/performer/metropolitan-ballet-presents-nutcracker.
Giving Voice Chorus of St. Paul – Holiday Concert “Road Trip”
December 8, 1:00 pm – 2:00 p.m. Capp Center. St. Paul. $12.
Join the St. Paul choir as they take you on a tour of the US with their “Road Trip” Holiday Concert! Delight in the sounds of your favorite road trippin’ songs this Holiday season. COST: $12, kids 5 years of age or younger are free. Tickets and more at minnesotajcc.org/event/giving-voice-chorus-fall-concert.
Star of the North Concert Band Holiday Concert
December 11, 7:30 p.m. Landmark Center. Free.
The Star of the North Concert Band invites all ages to enjoy their annual holiday concert, a perfect outing for families. The performance will include a mix of classic holiday tunes and new favorites, offering a heartwarming experience for everyone. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/event/star-of-the-north-concert-band-2.
2024 It’s A Wonderful Life, Live Radio Play
December 13-24.St. Paul Hotel. $115-$125
Celebrating our 18th season, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play returns this December! The St. Paul Hotel presents playwright Joe Landry’s acclaimed take on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life. The shows are accompanied by a three-course luncheon for afternoon performances and a three-course dinner for evening performances. For tickets and more information, visit saintpaulhotel.com/happenings.
Holiday Hot Chocolate
December 13-15. Park Square Theater. $15-$50.
Nothing says cozy like live music and warm holiday vibes! Returning for a second year after popular demand, Holiday Hot Chocolate brings the talented Thomasina Petrus, our beloved hostess, along with pianist Dan Chouinard. Their festive repertoire, filled with holiday classics and soulful favorites, will warm your heart and lift your spirits. Bring a friend, grab a beverage, and let the music of the season wrap you in joy. Purchase tickets at parksquaretheatre.org.
A Prairie Home Companion Christmas
December 13-14. The Fitzgerald Theater $59.50-$225
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. Tickets and more at first-avenue.com/home/2024-12-a-prairie-home-companion-christmas.
December 15, 3:00-6:00 p.m. St. Paul Event Center. $75+
Presenting a concert of holiday classics that’s also a fundraiser for two great causes: “An Andy & Bing Christmas.” This 75-minute show faithfully recreates the beloved Christmas songs recorded by Andy Williams and Bing Crosby, complete with a 19-piece band. This fun-for-the-whole-family event will benefit the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation (the producers of the St. Paul Winter Carnival) and The 30-Days Foundation. A variety of ticket packages are available starting at $75. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wintercarnival.com/event/saint-paul-christmas-cheer.
Holiday Concerts: Handel’s Messiah
Dec. 19-22 Ordway Center for the Arts. $5-$66.
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. The SPCO will be joined by an all-star roster of vocal soloists and renowned vocal ensemble The Singers in what is sure to be a wonderful musical experience for the whole family this holiday season. Approximate length 3:20. Tickets and more info at content.thespco.org/events/holiday-concerts-handels-messiah-2425.
Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time
December 20, 7:30 p.m. Ordway Center for the Arts. $34-$65.
Christmas with Cantus: Lessons and Carols for Our Time offers a modern reinterpretation of a timeless tradition. Blending poetry with sacred and secular song, Cantus reimagines the beloved format of Nine Lessons and Carols made famous by the Choir of King’s College at the University of Cambridge. With characteristic warmth and virtuosity, the low-voice ensemble weaves together Christmas favorites such as “Es ist ein Ros entsprungen” and Saunder Choi’s incomparable setting of “Angels We Have Heard on High” alongside signature arrangements of Sara Bareilles’ gently lilting “Love Is Christmas” and Pentatonix’s “Light in the Hallway.” Join Cantus for the can’t-miss concert of the holiday season! Tickets and more info at ordway.org/events/christmas-with-cantus.
Landmark Live: Annie Mack – Holiday Performance
December 20, 7:30 p.m. Landmark Center. $20-$25.
Kick off the holiday weekend with a special Landmark Live performance by Annie Mack. Enjoy a cocktail hour at 6:45 p.m. with a cash bar, followed by an incredible live music experience at 7:30 p.m. in Landmark Center’s beautiful F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at landmarkcenter.ticketleap.com.
Hershel & The Hanukkah Gobblins
December 26, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Capp Center. $5-$15.
An original, family-friendly, contemporary & Yiddish dance production based on the children’s book by Eric Kimmel, and Trina Schart Hyman. A wandering trickster named Hershel saves a village in Ukraine from a pack of goblins who have taken over their synagogue and are preventing them from celebrating the holiday of Hanukkah. This production will run approximately 40 minutes. Tickets and more info at minnesotajcc.org/event/performance-hershel-the-hanukkah-gobblins-3.
Minnesota Boychoir Holiday Concerts
January 5, 1:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Landmark Center.
End your holiday season on a high note with the Minnesota Boychoir’s Annual Winter Concerts. This beloved tradition features two performances at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., showcasing the talented young singers in an unforgettable musical experience. For more information, visit landmarkcenter.org/event/sundays-at-landmark-minnesota-boychoir-concert-3.
