Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night
2025-12-06 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Union Depot
December 6, 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Union Depot. Free

Join Union Depot in-person for the exciting annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Movie Night on Saturday, December 6! At 5:00 in the Waiting Room we will reveal the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2026 Button, followed by entertainment and holiday activities. Enjoy a holiday musical performance by The Mistletones, free hot chocolate, photo ops, craft stations and lightup giveaway for kids. At 7:00 PM guests will move outside to the North Plaza for the tree lighting celebration followed by a short but thrilling fireworks display and Holiday sing-a-long. At 7:30 PM warm up inside the Waiting Room with Movie Night featuring the holiday favorite, Elf! Concessions will be available for purchase including popcorn! Learn more at uniondepot.org/event/holiday-tree-lighting-movie-night.

St. Nicholas Eve Tree Lighting
2025-12-06 17:30 - 21:00 | Waldmann Brewing
December 6, 5:30 p.m. Waldmann Brewing. Free

St. Nicholas Eve Tree Lighting is Saturday, December 6th, starting at 5:30 pm! Featuring the untamed Krampus, hot mulled Glühwein, a fresh-release Hefeweizen, four flaming fire rings, a monsterous and lavishly decorated Christmas tree, holiday jingles and you and your coolest, ruddy-cheeked friends. The tree lights up at 6pm sharp! More info at waldmannbrewery.com.

Hamms Bear at Skinners
2025-12-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Skinner’s Pub
December 9, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Skinner’s Pub and Eatery.

HAMMS BEAR IS BACK! With Merch and Beer! Hang out with Skinner’s and the HAMM’s Bear handing out Hamm’s merch. PLUS $1 Hamm’s Beer during December! CLICK TO RSVP so you don’t miss out!

HAMMS BEAR IS BACK! With Merch and Beer!

The String Queens: Our Favorite Things
2025-12-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 6, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. $40-$65

The dynamic trio return to the Ordway Concert Hall by popular demand with their signature authentic, soulful, and orchestral renditions of holiday classics. Their performance will feature music from their hit holiday album “Our Favorite Things.” Praised for creating uplifting and magical musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences, The String Queens boast an impressive repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to jazz and today’s Billboard hits. Tickets and more info at ordway.org/events/string-queens.

A Prairie Home Companion Christmas
2025-12-06 19:30 - 2025-12-07 17:00 | Fitzgerald Theater
Dec 6 & 7. Fitzgerald Theater. $74-$99

Some people believe the Creator of the Universe sent His Son to Earth in the form of an infant born to a virgin woman and her faithful husband, Joseph. Other people don’t believe this but enjoy being with those who do — and enjoy a party (parties being more fun if there’s a reason and what better than a birth?). Join GK, Heather Masse, Christine DiGiallonardo, the Radio Acting Company, Fred Newman, Sue Scott, Tim Russell, Richard Dworsky and the Guy’s Shoe Band for the Adventures of Guy Noir, Duane & His Mom, the News from Lake Wobegon, A Christmas Carolette, and the audience singing beloved carols. Get tickets at thefitzgeraldtheatre.com.

Or Emet to Host Program on Listening House of St. Paul
2025-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Twin Cities German Immersion School
December 7, 10:00 a.m.-noon. Twin Cities German Immersion School. Free.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, Or Emet will host a program on Listening House of St. Paul, a day shelter and resource center that provides hospitality and practical assistance to adults experiencing homelessness, poverty and loneliness.
The program will run from 10 a.m.-noon at Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. in St. Paul. A social time will follow.
Andrea Hinderaker, the volunteer coordinator for Listening House, will share updates on the facility, including its recent transitions, and offer reflections on the current state of homelessness in the Twin Cities. She also will share perspectives on the culture of homelessness and the spirit in which Listening House offers its services.
Those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.

Jesus Christ Superstar
2025-12-09 19:00 - 2025-12-28 20:00 | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 9-28. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. $46.50-$143.50

You won’t want to miss this mesmerizing new production of the iconic musical phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Set against the backdrop of the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas, this rock opera masterpiece by legendary Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award-winning songwriters Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a uniquely fresh and inspiring theatrical world. Tickets and more at ordway.org/events/jesus-christ-superstar.

Coffee Chat: POW Camps in Minnesota
2025-12-11 13:30 - 14:30, 2025-12-13 13:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling
December 11 & 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Historic Fort Snelling. Free with admission
Join us for the next installment of our coffee chat lecture series: POW Camps in Minnesota. During World War II, the Army located prisoner of war camps throughout the United States, including in Minnesota. Learn about the labor program initiated by the government in response to the lost labor of the men conscripted into the US Armed Forces, look into the communities that were selected to have POW facilities, and hear the personal stories of two prisoners who escaped and tried to row a homemade boat from northern Minnesota to New Orleans. Learn more at mnhs.org/events.

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center
2025-12-11 16:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota History Center
Thursdays in December except Christmas and New Year’s Day. 4:00-8:00 p.m. Minnesota History Center. Free.

Visit the Minnesota History Center on a Thursday night from 4-8 p.m., and get free admission and parking! During Thursday visits, you can experience a variety of world-class exhibits, including Our Home: Native Minnesota, Reframing Our Stories, Minnesota’s Greatest Generation, Weather Permitting, and Then Now Wow. Additional information about free Thursday nights will be posted on mnhs.org/events.

Downtown Action Series
2025-12-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Union Depot
December 11, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Union Depot.

Join fellow neighbors for the launch of the Downtown Action Series, a new initiative led by Council President Rebecca Noecker to bring community members together around the future of downtown St. Paul.

This series of public meetings is designed to keep you informed and engaged in the progress of Saint Paul’s Downtown Investment Strategy. Whether you’re a downtown resident, business owner, employee, or simply care about downtown’s future—your engagement matters.

All meetings are held at Union Depot (214 4th Street East) from 4:30 – 6 PM.

Thursday, August 21
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, December 11

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/hpTbTkt92m?origin=lprLink

Together, we’ll share updates, collaborate across sectors, and build momentum toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown. Please feel free to share this invitation and bring others who care about downtown’s future. The more people at the table, the stronger our path forward.

Let’s shape the future of downtown—together, hope to see you there!

Holiday Campus Party + Santa Paws
2025-12-11 16:45 - 19:30 | Palace Community Center
December 11, 4:45-7:30 p.m. Palace Community Center. Free

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. Learn more at stpaul.gov/news/winter-special-events-holiday-parties.

Public Hearing: Proposed 2026-27 Ramsey County Budget and Tax Levy
2025-12-11 18:00 - 21:00 | St. Paul City Hall
December 11, 6:00 p.m. St. Paul City Hall.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in the Council Chambers, third floor of St. Paul City Hall–Ramsey County Courthouse. This will be the final public hearing prior to board action on the budget. This public hearing will be conducted in order to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed 2026–27 budget. Residents who wish to speak will have three minutes to give their testimony. More details about the proposed 2026–27 budget can be found on Ramsey County’s budget page at ramseycountymn.gov/events/2025-12-11/public-hearing-proposed-2026-27-county-budget-tax-levy.

Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos
2025-12-12 11:00 - 2025-12-14 16:00 | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
December 12-14. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. $0-$70

Continuing our annual holiday tradition, the SPCO presents Johann Sebastian Bach’s most cherished set of orchestral works, the Brandenburg Concertos. These masterpieces have stood the test of time since the composer first compiled them in 1721 — 300 years on, the “six concertos for several instruments” have earned a well-deserved reputation as hallmarks of the Baroque era. In our annual December performances of the Brandenburgs, SPCO musicians perform five of the six concertos, their immaculate and unrivaled virtuosity as chamber musicians on full display in performances at the Ordway. Approximate length 1:58. For tickets and more info, visit thespco.org.

Celtic Holiday Hooley
2025-12-12 13:00 - 2025-12-22 21:00 | Celtic Junction
December 12-22. Celtic Junction. Free – $30

Looking for a holiday show that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious? Look no further! The Celtic Holiday Hooley is back, and it’s the perfect blend of Irish charm, festive chaos, and jaw-dropping talent. Expect toe-tapping music, world-class step dancing, and a few surprise guests (Shh…Santa and The Grinch might make an appearance!). Hosted by the ultimate odd couple, Joshua Will and Natalie O’Shea, the Hooley is packed with side-splitting sketches, songs that hit you right in the feels, and Irish dancing that’ll leave you in awe. Come for the dancing, stay for the seriously stunning music, and leave with a heart full of holiday cheer and a belly that aches from laughing. The Celtic Holiday Hooley is festive, fun, and guaranteed to make your season bright! Tickets and more at celticjunction.org/event/celtic-holiday-hooley-2025-2.

Landmark Live! - Chastity Brown
2025-12-12 18:45 - 21:30 | Landmark Center
December 12, 6:45-9:30 p.m. Landmark Center. $25-30.
Landmark Center presents the 14th season of “Landmark Live” in the lovely F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium, featuring the best of Americana, indie rock, jazz and folk music, with support from KFAI Radio and the Pioneer Press. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are preceded by a cocktail hour at 6:45 pm, giving audiences an opportunity to enjoy complimentary refreshments and a cash bar.
2025 Landmark Live Lineup
Friday, October 10: Davina Sowers
Friday, November 14: Kiss the Tiger
Friday, December 12: Chastity Brown
Learn more and purchase tickets at landmarkcenter.org/landmark-live.

Sokol Minnesota Friendly Friday Evenings
2025-12-12 19:00 - 22:00 | C.S.P.S. Hall
December 12, 7:00-10:00 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall. Free.
Family friendly cards and board games, fun, food, and friends. No fee. Bring your own beverages and/or snack to share. More info at sokolmn.org/all-events.

It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play
2025-12-12 19:00 - 2025-12-24 16:00 | St. Paul Hotel
December 12 – December 24. The St. Paul Hotel. $120-$150

Join us for the 19th annual performance of this timeless holiday event in downtown Saint Paul. Experience the classic Christmas story as a 1940s-style live radio play, paired with a three-course holiday meal in our elegant ballroom.For tickets and more information, visit saintpaulhotel.com/events/its-a-wonderful-life-a-live-radio-play.

Sewing Tips with Saphira
2025-12-13 10:30 - 12:30 | George Latimer Central Library
December 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.George Latimer Central Library. Free.
A new sewing class is starting Saturday, 11/08 and continuing monthly on the second Saturday of the month. Our expert sewist Saphira will help you mend damaged items, or get you started with a new project! We have sewing machines available in the Innovation Lab, as well as some fabric, thread, buttons, etc., or you can bring your own. Registration is requested for
Sewing Tips with Saphira at sppl.org/events.

2025 Holiday Bake Sale
2025-12-13 11:00 - 19:00 | Union Depot
December 13, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Union Depot. Free

The annual Union Depot Holiday Bake Sale will once again host the top Twin Cities bakeries for a day of cookies, candy and holiday shopping on Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM to 7 PM in the Waiting Room at Union Depot.This is a FREE event and open to the public! Event activities include: shopping 40+ local bakery and food vendors, musical performances, free tote bag and baking item to the first 300 guests and more.More info at uniondepot.org/event/2025-holiday-bake-sale.

Holiday Gift Market: Made in Tanzania
2025-12-13 11:30 - 15:30
December 13, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 1725 Grand Ave.

Come celebrate and connect. Sample treats, cider, and Tanzanian coffee. Shop for art, jewelry, ornaments, baskets, paintings, Maasai blankets, accessories, Tanzanian coffee, and more! We invite you to contribute to our orchard tree fundraiser, which helps provide nutritious fruit for school meals; donors will have the chance to receive a special gift while supplies last. Enjoy the holidays while supporting an awesome mission. Learn more at projectzawadi.org and follow us on Facebook facebook.com/ProjectZawadi.

Magical Holiday Experience
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Highland Park Community Center
December 13, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Highland Park Community Center. Free

Come join us for a magical Holiday Experience. Come take a picture with Santa, visit the petting zoo, play games, eat lunch, and more. Learn more at stpaul.gov/news/winter-special-events-holiday-parties.

CPKC Holiday Train at Union Depot
2025-12-13 18:45 - 19:30 | Union Depot
December 13, 6:45-7:30 p.m. Union Depot. Free

The CPKC Holiday Train will stop at Union Depot on Saturday, December 13 for a FREE musical performance! CPKC is committed to raising awareness about filling community food shelves with heart-healthy foods. We strongly encourage bringing a non-perishable food or cash donation for a local, charity food shelf partner.The CPKC Holiday Train is North America’s longest rolling food bank fundraiser and since it started in 1999, the program has raised close to $15.8 million and 4.5 million pounds of food. Over the three weeks of the program, musicians will play more than 150 concerts from a boxcar turned into a traveling stage. Everyone’s contributions will directly assist those in need in our community. Learn more at uniondepot.org/event/cpkc-holiday-train-at-union-depot.

Breakfast with Santa
2025-12-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Shamrock’s Irish Nook
December 14, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Shamrock’s Irish Nook. $9.50-$15.95

The annual tradition returns – enjoy breakfast and a visit with Santa himself. Call for reservations, 651-228-9925. crshamrocks.com

Sundays at Landmark: Santa’s Workshop
2025-12-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center
December 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Landmark Center. Free

Come to the beautiful, historic Landmark Center for a festive afternoon the whole family will enjoy! Families are invited to take a free photo with Santa, then stay to explore a variety of fun holiday activities. Kids can make special gifts for loved ones, play games, and even visit with friendly animals for an extra dose of holiday cheer. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/event/sundays-at-landmark-santas-workshop-7

The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show
2025-12-14 19:00 - 22:00 | Fitzgerald Theater
December 14, 7 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater. $45-$336

The Current presents The Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show with Paul F. Tompkins, Nellie McKay and Josh Gondelman. Tickets and more information at thefitzgeraldtheatre.com.

Festival of Lights Family Chanukah Event
2025-12-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Capp Center
December 15 & 18, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Capp Center. Free

Join us for Community Lighting, Chanukah stories, fun crafts, Sufganiyot, Friends, and more! – Hanukkah PJ’s optional. Geared towards 0-8 year olds, we will light the candles, read books specially for Hannukah, have art projects, and eat sufganiyot (fried doughnuts)! RSVPS greatly appreciated, walk ins welcome as well. In partnership with St. Paul Jewish Federation and PJ Library. JCC Membership card or photo ID required. Register and more info at minnesotajcc.org/event/create-celebrate-festival-of-lights-family-chanukah-event.

Senior Holiday Party
2025-12-16 11:00 - 14:00 | El Rio Vista Recreation Center
December 16, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. El Rio Vista. $12

Seniors are invited to join us for a Holiday Time Luncheon. Get your festive attire on & come have lunch, play some bingo or other games & enjoy each other’s company. Maybe a visit by Santa too! Spread the word! Bring a friend!Fees $12.00. Learn more at stpaul.gov/news/winter-special-events-holiday-parties.

Minnesota JCC Symphony Orchestra Concert
2025-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Capp Center
December 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Capp Center. $15

Celebrate The Winter Season With The Minnesota Jcc Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert – A Joyful Program Sure To Lift Your Spirits! Tickets and more info at minnesotajcc.org/event/minnesota-jcc-symphony-orchestra-concert.

Star of the North Holiday Concert
2025-12-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Landmark Center
December 17, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Landmark Center. Free

Join us for a festive holiday concert at Landmark Center, featuring The Star of the North Concert Band. This non-profit organization, made up of over fifty talented musicians from the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities, has been enriching Minnesota’s musical tradition since 1994. The band provides a platform for local musicians to showcase their skills, grow their talents, and connect with performers from around the world through rehearsals, concerts, and tours. Don’t miss this wonderful celebration of music! This event is free and open to the public. Visit landmarkcenter.org/event/star-of-the-north-concert-band-3 for more information.
