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.