Community Reporter

Svíčková Dinner
2025-01-25 16:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | C.S.P.S. Hall
January 25, doors open 4:30 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall. $30.
Beef in cream sauce with bread dumplings, coffee, and dessert. Bar: beer, wine, soft drinks. $30 per person. Pre-paid reservations by Friday, January 17th online or by texting or calling 651-210-0401, or by mailing a check (by January 3rd) to: 383 Michigan Street at West 7th, St. Paul, MN 55102
Register and learn more at sokolmn.org/all-events.

2025 Winter Flower Show at the Como Conservatory
2025-01-25 08:00 - 2025-03-16 17:00 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Through March 16, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Free (suggested donation).
Como’s five seasonal flower shows are always free to visitors, thanks to generous contributions to Como Friends. Following recent construction at the Sunken Garden, there are new accessible ramps available for public use!
The Winter Flower Show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 16. More at comozooconservatory.org/como/sunken-garden-2.

The Great Northern Ice Bar
2025-01-24 16:00 - 2025-02-01 21:00 | Union Depot
January 24-February 1. Union Depot. Free with drinks available for purchase.
The Great Northern and Minnesota Ice are teaming up to bring you a 50-foot bespoke ice bar. Steady Pour will curate a menu with specialty drinks from Minneapolis and St. Paul mixologists, breweries and distilleries. Located right outside Union Depot in downtown St. Paul, the Great Northern Ice Bar is your go-to spot this winter for gathering, mingling and trying some seriously unique cocktails (plus great nonalcoholic options!). Grab your friends, bundle up, and come experience the magic of Minnesota’s drink scene! Learn more at thegreatnorthernfestival.com/2025/ice-bar.

Vulcan Snow Park and the State Snow Sculpting Competition
2025-01-24 - 2025-02-02 | Minnesota State Fairgrounds
January 24–February 2. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Free.
Organized by the St. Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans, the State Fairgrounds will be full of family fun activities, including a snow maze. The Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition kicks off on Friday, Jan. 24 and sculpting culminates with the awards announcement on Vulcan Fun Day – Sunday, Jan. 26. More info at wintercarnival.com.

Music Under Glass
2025-01-22 16:30 - 18:30 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Select Sundays and Wednesdays, January 12-February 12, 4:30-6:30, Como Zoo Conservatory. Free.
Music Under Glass offers a unique experience of wandering through the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden, where, due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert. Beer and wine are available for purchase to enhance the evening experience.
Upcoming dates:
January 22 – Kashimana
January 29 – Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen
February 2 – Switchgrass
February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French
February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org/mug2025.

Music Under Glass
2025-01-19 16:30 - 18:30 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Select Sundays and Wednesdays, January 12-February 12, 4:30-6:30, Como Zoo Conservatory. Free.
Music Under Glass offers a unique experience of wandering through the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden, where, due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert. Beer and wine are available for purchase to enhance the evening experience.
Upcoming dates:
January 19 – Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton teams up with Pat Donohue and Richard Kriehn
January 22 – Kashimana
January 29 – Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen
February 2 – Switchgrass
February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French
February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org/mug2025.

Music Under Glass
2025-01-15 16:30 - 18:30 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Select Sundays and Wednesdays, January 12-February 12, 4:30-6:30, Como Zoo Conservatory. Free.
Music Under Glass offers a unique experience of wandering through the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden, where, due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert. Beer and wine are available for purchase to enhance the evening experience.
Upcoming dates:
January 15 – Duo CORDA
January 19 – Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton teams up with Pat Donohue and Richard Kriehn
January 22 – Kashimana
January 29 – Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen
February 2 – Switchgrass
February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French
February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org/mug2025.

Music Under Glass
2025-01-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Select Sundays and Wednesdays, January 12-February 12, 4:30-6:30, Como Zoo Conservatory. Free.
Music Under Glass offers a unique experience of wandering through the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden, where, due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert. Beer and wine are available for purchase to enhance the evening experience.
Upcoming dates:
January 12 – Curt Obeda with Brian Z – The Butanes
January 15 – Duo CORDA
January 19 – Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton teams up with Pat Donohue and Richard Kriehn
January 22 – Kashimana
January 29 – Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen
February 2 – Switchgrass
February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French
February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org/mug2025.

Sundays at Landmark – Urban Expedition: India
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center
January 12, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Landmark Center. Free.
Landmark Center’s beloved Urban Expedition program invites families to explore global cultures right in the heart of St. Paul. Celebrating its 21st season in 2025, Urban Expedition features five unique programs that showcase the rich music, dance, crafts, and traditions of various countries. We’re excited to kick off the season with India! Experience the vibrancy of authentic music, food, dance, and crafts in this immersive event. Don’t forget to grab your passport and collect a stamp at each Urban Expedition for a chance to win a prize!
Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/event/sundays-at-landmark-urban-expedition-india.

Ice Castles
2025-01-11 11:30 - 2025-02-17 22:00 | Minnesota State Fairgrounds
January 11 – February 17. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. $11.50-$24.00
Each year, Ice Castles brings fairy tales to life for hundreds of thousands of families across North America. Our primary goal at Ice Castles is to make people smile.
Since 2011, Ice Castles has been dedicated to creating an experience that will live on long after the ice melts. For all who enter through our icicle-adorned archways, we hope the time spent at Ice Castles is a source of joy and inspiration.
Learn more and purchase tickets at icecastles.com/minnesota.

Minnesota History Center Hosts Thought-Provoking Lecture Series
2025-01-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Minnesota History Center
January 11, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Minnesota History Center. $15-$20
This year’s line-up, running from November 2024 through April 2025, features a range of speakers who demonstrate excellence in historical scholarship and showcase the complexity, diversity, and power of our shared American story. This month’s lecture is:
This month’s discussion is The Girls Who Desegregated America’s Schools. Historian Rachel Devlin shows how young Black girls were at the center of the grassroots movement to desegregate America’s schools and fight racial inequity in public education. From filing desegregation lawsuits with their parents, to bravely enduring harassment and abuse while integrating formerly all-white schools, Black girls took on the difficult work of reaching across the color line in public schools. A revelatory history that recovers the underappreciated contributions of a generation of civil rights pioneers.
Events are offered virtually and in-person at the Minnesota History Center. Individual event tickets: In-person $20, Virtual $15. For series pricing available. MNHS members save 20% and free student rush tickets will be available day-of.
For more information, visit mnhs.org/events/2864.

MNHS Winter Free Admission Day
2025-01-11
January 11, Various Sites. Free.
Get free admission to select historic sites and museums on Winter Free Admission Day. Explore world-class exhibits, discover historic landmarks, and learn about the story of our state—all without having to worry about entry fees or tickets. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Please note that not all standard programming and tours will be available during free days. Funding for free admission is provided by the State of Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members.
Learn more at mnhs.org/events/2268.

Minnesota Boychoir Holiday Concerts
2025-01-05 13:00 - 17:00 | Landmark Center
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.

Painting Workshop
2025-01-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Landmark Center
February 2, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Landmark Center. $12.50.
Are you ready for spring? Join artist Gina Nicolae Johnson in a step-by-step painting workshop. The event starts at 1 pm sharp, please be on time. No previous experience or supplies needed; all ages are welcome. Join us in room 326, 3rd floor. Seats are limited, secure your ticket now at hora-mn.org/2024/12/12/painting-workshop-2.

Hershel & The Hanukkah Gobblins
2024-12-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Capp Center
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.

Holiday Concerts: Handel’s Messiah
2024-12-21 19:00 - 2024-12-22 22:00 | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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
2024-12-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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
2024-12-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Landmark Center
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.

Holiday Campus Party + Santa Paws
2024-12-19 16:45 - 19:30 | Palace Community Center
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.

Community Conversations with Rebecca Noecker
2024-12-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
December 17, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Virtual
Join Councilmember Noecker for a monthly conversation about what is impacting your community. Learn more at stpaul.gov/department/city-council/ward-2.

An Andy & Bing Christmas
2024-12-15 15:00 - 18:00 | St. Paul Event Center
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.

Santa’s Workshop
2024-12-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center
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
2024-12-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Shamrock’s Irish Nook
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.

Winter Vendor Market
2024-12-15 08:00 - 2024-12-16 17:00 | Wandering Leaf Brewing
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.

Holiday Bake Sale
2024-12-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Union Depot
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.

A Prairie Home Companion Christmas
2024-12-13 19:30 - 2024-12-14 22:00 | Fitzgerald Theater
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.

2024 It's A Wonderful Life, Live Radio Play
2024-12-13 19:00 - 2024-12-24 21:30 | St. Paul Hotel
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.

Cathedral Christmas Market & Concerts
2024-12-12 17:00 - 2024-12-14 21:00 | Cathedral of St. Paul
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.

Star of the North Concert Band Holiday Concert
2024-12-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Landmark Center
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.
