Community Reporter

Disney’s The Little Mermaid
2024-12-03 19:30 - 2024-12-29 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.

Candlelight Christmas Tours
2024-12-05 17:00 - 2024-12-27 20:00 | Alexander Ramsey House
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.

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center
2024-12-05 17:30 - 19:30
Thursdays, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Minnesota History Center. Free
Visit the Minnesota History Center for FREE! Stop in the Minnesota History Center on a Thursday night from 4:00-8:00 pm, and get free admission and parking! During Thursday visits, you can experience a variety of world-class exhibits, including Girlhood (It’s complicated), Our Home: Native Minnesota, Reframing Our Stories, Minnesota’s Greatest Generation, Weather Permitting, and Then Now Wow. Additional information about free Thursday nights is posted on mnhs.org/events.
Zines Workshop with the Curiosity Studio
Thursday, December 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm
Learn more at mnhs.org/events/1585.

46th Annual Holiday Bazaar
2024-12-06 10:00 - 2024-12-08 17:00 | Landmark Center
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.

North Pole Express
2024-12-06 10:00 - 2024-12-15 13:30 | Union Depot
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.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
2024-12-06 19:00 - 2024-12-22 21:30 | Park Square Theater
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 parksquaretheatre.org.

Art at Hidden River
2024-12-07 09:00 - 16:30 | Highland Middle School
December 7, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Highland Park Middle School
Highland Park Middle School Hosts Art At Hidden River: A Juried Holiday Art Fair of quality art and fine craft. This event is sponsored by St. Paul Public Schools Community Education in cooperation with Artists’ Circle, a non-profit art organization promoting fine crafts. This is the art fair’s twenty-ninth anniversary show. Free Event. Sale of quality work by 80 juried local artists from the upper Midwest who create art and fine crafts. The sale features a wide selection including holiday ornaments, leather and fabric handbags, acrylic and oil paintings, photographs, silver and gold jewelry, woven scarves, art dolls, blown glass, linocut prints, unique hand-dyed silk apparel, hand-carved wood, hand-woven rugs, original cards, functional and sculptural ceramics.
For online info, including list of juried artists: www.artistscircle.org.

Christmas in Germany
2024-12-07 10:00 - 2024-12-08 16:00 | Germanic-American Institute
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.

Coffee Chat: Examine Minnesota’s Secret Language School
2024-12-07 10:30 - 13:30 | Fort Snelling
December 7, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Historic Fort Snelling. Free with admission.
Historic Fort Snelling invites guests to learn how a group of Japanese Americans served at the site during World War II. Part of Minnesota’s Secret Language School, the work of these men and women is considered to have shortened the war by years. During World War II, the US military recruited imprisoned Japanese Americans from west coast concentration camps to be a part of the Military Intelligence Service Language School. This initiative trained soldiers as Japanese linguists, with participants serving while their family members remained incarcerated in many instances.
This event is part of Historic Fort Snelling’s Coffee Chat series, and will take place at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm on December 7. It will take place in the Plank Museum & Visitor Center, the same building that served as a barracks for some members of the Military Intelligence Service Language School. The cost is included in regular site admission.
More information is available at mnhs.org/fortsnelling.

Minnesota History Center Hosts Thought-Provoking Lecture Series
2024-12-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Minnesota History Center
December 7, 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:
Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad. Matthew Delmont tells the stories of Black military heroes and civil rights icons that fought for a Double Victory: against facism abroad and against racism at home.
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/2863.
Additional topics in the series include:
The Girls Who Desegregated America’s Schools
January 11, 2025 with Rachel Devlin
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. In her award-winning book A Girl Stands at the Door, Devlin takes us beyond the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision and refocuses our attention on the remarkable stories of the young Black girls who led the fight. 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.
Citizens of a Stolen Land: A Conversation of Ho-Chunk History & Survivance
February 15, 2025 with Stephen Kantrowitz & Josie Lee
Join historian Stephen Kantrowitz and Josie Lee, Director of the Ho-Chunk Nation Museum & Cultural Center, for a conversation on Ho-Chunk history, land, and contemporary life. Together, they will speak about Kantrowitz’s new book Citizens of a Stolen Land: A Ho-Chunk History of Nineteenth-Century United States and Lee’s work in promoting, sheltering, and preserving past, present, and future Ho-Chunk ways of life. Kantrowitz’s book reconsiders the Civil War and Reconstruction eras by centering the Ho-Chunk and their strategic navigation of colonization, citizenship, and race to remain in their homelands and protect their sovereignty.
Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America
March 15, 2025 with Rebecca L. Davis
In her new book Fierce Desires, Rebecca L. Davis charts the shifting and multiple roles that sex and sexuality have played in our societies and identities over more than 400 years. Drawing on a wealth of sources, Davis’s rigorous research and wide scope provides the oft-missing historical depth needed to understand how and why sexuality and gender have taken center stage in some of today’s most polarizing debates. Featuring stories across a wide spectrum of the United States, Davis demonstrates how fiercely we have valued our desires, and how far we are willing to go to defend them.
Asian American Histories of the United States
April 12, 2025 with Catherine Ceniza Choy
Award-winning historian Catherine Ceniza Choy’s Asian American Histories of the United States is a nearly 200-year history of Asian migration, labor, and community formation in the US. Reckoning with the surge in anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, Choy presents an urgent social history of the fastest growing group of Americans. The book features the lived experiences and diverse voices of immigrants, refugees, US-born Asian Americans, multiracial Americans, and workers from industries spanning agriculture to healthcare. Despite significant Asian American breakthroughs in American politics, arts, and popular culture in the 21st century, a profound lack of understanding of Asian American history permeates American culture. This ambitious book is fundamental to understanding the American experience and its existential crises of the early 21st century.

Grand Meander
2024-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Grand Avenue
Grand Meander
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
2024-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Tula Yoga and Wellness
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.

Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
2024-12-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Union Depot
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.

The Nutcracker
2024-12-07 19:30 - 2024-12-08 21:30 | Fitzgerald Theater
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.

Next Chapter for Women to Meet in December
2024-12-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-08 10:00 - 23:30 | Jewish Family Services
December 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Jewish Family Services. Free.
Jewish Family Service of St. Paul’s (JFS) invites all who identify as women and are navigating the mid-life journey to join the popular Next Chapter for Women on Sunday, December 8 from 10:00-11:30AM at JFS at 1633 W. 7th Street in St Paul. The series is designed to help women re-imagine new possibilities for the future and take the first steps in moving forward.
The topic for the December meeting will be “Time Travel: Exploring Your Younger and Future Self.” The group will explore what their younger and future selves would have to say as they navigate midlife. These parts of us often carry lots of wisdom and helpful information for us in life. Participants will learn how to access these parts and have a lively and supportive discussion about what they discover. RSVP your attendance to JFS Community Engagement Coordinator Jodi Saltzman at jsaltzman@jfssp.org or call (651) 983-0965.

Merry Mari Market
2024-12-08 11:00 - 16:00 | Gatherings at Station 10
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.

Drag Queen Charity Bingo
2024-12-08 12:30 - 14:30 | Wandering Leaf Brewing
Dec. 8, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wandering Leaf Brewing Co. $5 suggested donation.
Join us for Drag Queen Charity Bingo! Each month, we select a different 501(c)3 charity to highlight. This month is Avenues for Youth. Each bingo card is a suggested $5 cash donation per card and 100% goes to the organization.
Bring your family and friends and join us for Sunday morning fun!
Learn more at wanderingleafbrewing.com/events.

Giving Voice Chorus of St. Paul – Holiday Concert “Road Trip”
2024-12-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Capp Center
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.

Webinar: Reporters With Courage – Freedom of the Press Under Attack
2024-12-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
December 10, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Online. $5-$25
What is the cost of reporting? Too often it is a cost that media journalists pay with their lives. Reporters are harassed, attacked, imprisoned, and even murdered for attempting to bring truth to the public. This event highlights ten courageous reporters from around the world and includes comments from reporters, editors, and others in Minnesota, including: Mike Burbach, Editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Reid Forgrave and Gail Rosenblum (ret.), award-winning reporters, Minnesota Star Tribune and Sen. Sandy Pappas.
This webinar is open to the public. $10 general public, $5 seniors and students (over age 13, please), $25 for 1.5 Continuing Legal Education credits for Minnesota lawyers. Continuing education and ‘clock hours’ available for Minnesota teachers, social workers, and nurses. Mitchell Hamline students free – diversity credits available. Mentor externship credit available for University of St. Thomas Law students.
Registration is required by Tuesday, December 10, 5:00 pm CT worldwithoutgenocide.org/press

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
