Saint Paulidays in Downtown!

Don't miss Anthony Scornavacco's annual Christmas Antique event! 

Perfect for the holidays is back on November 4th. Get there early as there is typically a line out the door. 

Open Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-5pm

The shop will be cleared out and hand made European ornaments are brought in for the holiday season starting November 4th. 

Be sure to grab a basket by the door to keep your purchases safe while shopping.

Due to the fragile nature of the shop, bringing children is not recommended. 

Celebrate the holiday season at The Saint Paul Hotel Holiday Market, a festive shopping experience that marks the start of the season and coincides with Minnesota’s beloved Deer Widows Weekend. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans and makers while savoring complimentary seasonal bites, festive cocktails, and the elegant holiday ambiance that makes The Saint Paul Hotel a cherished holiday destination.

Get ready for a little holiday magic at Merrily Indie After 2026, a festive, family-friendly book convention bringing authors, readers, and holiday cheer together under one roof!

Hosted by Twisted Tale Events, this one-of-a-kind celebration features more than 70 authors, vendors, narrators, and social media influencers from a variety of genres. Whether you’re searching for your next favorite read, a personalized signed book, or a unique holiday gift, you’ll find plenty of literary treasures waiting to be discovered!

Experience the joy of the Christmas season at The Salvation Army Tree of Lights display at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul.

The Tree of Lights is a 40-foot digital tree that features a new light show every week of the holiday season. Be dazzled as colorful lights dance to the rhythm of Christmas music, surrounded by the enchanting holiday ambiance of historic Rice Park.

The Tree of Lights (109 West 4th St.) is a destination attraction or the perfect accent to a fun-filled night on the town. Whether you are in St. Paul for a concert, sporting event, or dinner, the Tree of Lights is sure to add holiday magic to your outing.    

Join us for the annual Mears Park Winter Lighting Celebration on Thursday, November 19, from 4–6 p.m. Help kick off the season with twinkling lights, live music, games, hot cocoa & s'mores, and plenty of warm community connections!Gather with friends, family, and neighbors as Mears Park comes alive with the magic of thousands of sparkling lights. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the season and the community that makes this park so special.And when the celebration wraps up, keep the warm vibes going! Head to one of the neighborhood's great restaurants with your neighbors for dinner, drinks, and more good cheer.The event is free, but if you RSVP it helps us plan for supplies. (And we won't say no to a donation toward the cost of the lighting display!)

Featuring over a million lights, a NEW interactive experience Wand-er land, and plenty of new displays, GLOW’s seventh season is brighter than ever. Plus, fan favorites like Vixen’s Zip Line and Snowy Slide are back for another year of winter fun.

The elves have been busy sprucing things up with new exhibits and plenty of holiday magic. Come see what’s glowing on this year!

The European Christmas Market returns to Union Depot for FIVE festive Holiday weekends this year! Visit the largest authentic Christmas Market in Minnesota running through the advent season. The market opens on Friday, November 20 and runs through Sunday, December 20.

Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of an authentic European Christmas Market while supporting our local crafters and artisans selling unique, handmade holiday gifts and delicious European and festive foods!

Just $1 cash or Venmo to get in! The MN Christmas Market is an annual pop-up holiday market that showcases homegrown brands, artisans, creators and makers, with a twist.

We are celebrating 11 years in 2026! Since 2016, the MN Christmas Market has existed to be a platform for locals to support small businesses.

Join us for a FREE dance program in partnership with Ballet Co.Laboratory! Nutcracker in Wonderland returns to the stage for a kaleidoscopic meeting of magic & whimsy. The beloved Nutcracker music takes on new meaning as our holiday classic weaves together two timeless stories—The Nutcracker & Alice in Wonderland for the most curious adventure.

For more than five decades, Minnesota Hmong New Year has served as one of the largest cultural celebrations in the Hmong-American community, drawing over 28,000 attendees last year and welcoming hundreds of businesses at the event as vendors or sponsors. This event not only highlights the strong partnership with the City of Saint Paul in embracing early Hmong settlers, it also continues to feature a vibrant lineup that expresses culture through entertainment including Hmong Dance Competitions, Kwv Txhiaj (Traditional Hmong Singing), Hmong Singing Competitions, and the Hmong Minnesota Pageant.

The Perfect Christmas Songs of Andy Williams and Bing Crosby featuring Super Bowl Champion and U of M Alum, Ben Utecht, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inductee, Mick Sterling, top Twin Cities vocalist, Cate Fierro and The Elegance Orchestra.

Happy Holidays!  White Christmas!  Oh Holy Night!  Sleigh Ride!  Christmas In Killarney!  and more amazing classics we all know and love! 

From December 4-6, discover beautiful, handcrafted gifts created by some of the area’s finest artists and makers at the 48th annual Holiday Bazaar, held in the stunning and historic Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul.

Shoppers will find a wonderful selection of unique handmade treasures, including jewelry, woodwork, paintings, home décor, woven and wearable art, artisan foods, handmade lotions and soaps, and so much more. Festive live music and delicious treats add to the holiday atmosphere, making the Bazaar a wonderful way to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists! For a full list of vendors and musicians, visit the Holiday Bazaar webpage.

Pull out your sundresses and button up your Hawaiian shirts to jet off to Landmark Jewelers for our fourth annual Holiday Gala! Step into a tropical getaway of sun, sand, and beautiful jewelry while you enjoy island-inspired refreshments. We can’t wait to see you at our tropical escape!**this is a scent / fragrance-free event**

Marking its 33rd anniversary, the Saint Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show presented by Ice Castle Fish Houses is back December 4-6 at Saint Paul RiverCentre. The show features over 190 exhibitors, including 29 new exhibitors, showcasing an array of fish houses, augers, underwater cameras, shelter lights, battery bags, float suits, heaters, digital fish finders, rods and reels, tackle, plastic bait, apparel, and more. The event offers deals for every budget, making it easier for visitors to finish their holiday shopping. The show, which draws thousands of visitors every year, welcomes a new premier sponsor, Ice Castle Fish Houses, a family-owned company known for its Minnesota-made fish houses and seasonal outdoor retreats.

All aboard!

The North Pole Express is chugging into Union Depot the first two weekends of December. Take a short train ride to the North Pole, meet Santa and his elves and enjoy meeting some entertaining characters along the way!

The North Pole Express runs December 4-6 & 10-13, 2026
Thursdays & Fridays 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
Sundays 10:00 am to 4:30 pm

Following a celebrated inaugural run that captivated audiences across the country, Christmas Together, featuring three of Christian music’s most beloved and enduring voices, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans, returns this holiday season with an exciting new chapter. In response to overwhelming demand, the 2026 tour will expand into arenas nationwide, marking a significant step up in scale and reach for one of the season’s most cherished concert experiences.

A raucous yuletide extravaganza from Brooklyn's beloved jazz revivalists!

Jazz revivalists the Hot Sardines throw a raucous yuletide extravaganza inspired by classic holiday films (such as White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life) and timeless classics, with hat-tips to Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, Duke Ellington and beyond such as: “Mistletoe and Holly,” “Le Noël de la Rue,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Blue Christmas,” “Christmas Blues,” “White Christmas,” “Please Come Home for Christmas,” and more.

Emerging a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums that’s racked up more than 60 million streams, the Hot Sardines’ own “potent and assured” (The New York Times), “simply phenomenal” (The Times, London) brand of reinvigorated classic jazz landed them at the center of a whirlwind.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa from 9:00-11:00 am at The Saint Paul Hotel. Gather with family and friends for a festive morning filled with holiday cheer, a delicious breakfast buffet, and a memorable visit with Santa in the beautifully decorated surroundings of our historic hotel.

Join Union Depot in-person for the exciting annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Movie Night on Saturday, December 5!

Schedule of Events:
4:00 PM: St. Paul Winter Carnival 2027 Button Reveal
4:30 PM – Holiday performance
6:00 PM – Tree lighting ceremony
6:30 PM – Movie night

This is a free community event open to the public. No tickets are necessary.

Experience one of downtown St. Paul’s most cherished holiday traditions as festive carolers fill the historic lobby of The Saint Paul Hotel with the sounds of the season.

Throughout December, talented local choirs and vocal groups will perform beloved Christmas classics, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for hotel guests, restaurant patrons, and visitors enjoying the holiday season in Rice Park. Whether you’re gathering for dinner at The St. Paul Grill, attending a holiday celebration, or simply stopping in to admire the hotel’s festive décor, live holiday music adds another memorable touch to your visit.

Since 1980, the award winning Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs (ACYC) children’s music program has provided high quality choral music education with excellence in performance for young singers in the Twin Cities.

Join Us for Live Holiday Music on December 8 and 9

The holidays are sounding brighter! Securian Sound is returning to 401 Plaza for its annual Holiday Concerts, bringing festive music and plenty of seasonal cheer. Save the dates for two special lunchtime performances on Tuesday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 9, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM each day.

Enjoy a lively mix of classic holiday favorites and contemporary seasonal tunes performed by the talented musicians of Securian Sound. Whether you stop by for a midday break, sing along to a favorite, or simply soak up the holiday atmosphere, these free concerts are a wonderful way to celebrate the season together.

Join us December 8 at 7:00 PM for an evening of holiday music, harmonies, and the joyful sound of Moore by Four!

Featuring Sanford Moore, Ginger Commodore, Connie Evingson, Dennis Spears, and Ashley Commodore, Moore by Four brings its signature four-part harmonies and musicianship to an evening filled with holiday classics, seasonal favorites, and their signature mix of jazz, gospel, pop, and theatrical sounds that have made the group a Twin Cities institution for over four decades.

Celebrate the holidays with one of classical music’s most beloved traditions. Bring the whole family to our extremely popular annual performances of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah — an iconic masterpiece for orchestra and choir that has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. As the director of Dunedin Consort, Scotland’s Baroque Ensemble, John Butt brings a lifetime of expertise leading Messiah. It's an event like no other, complete with full orchestra, a roster of renowned vocal soloists, and the local choir The Singers. Experience the magic of Messiah this holiday season!

Metropolitan Ballet presents Nutcracker
The Fitzgerald Theater
All Ages shows

Saturday, December 12, 2026
12:00 PM VIP Party
1:00 PM Doors
2:00 PM Showtime

Saturday, December 12, 2026
5:00 PM VIP Party
6:00 PM Doors
7:00 PM Showtime

The Champagne Drops is a jazz duo made up of singers Leslie Vincent and Emily Dussault. These two celebrated vocalists have performed as The Champagne Drops since 2016. Their holiday show is full to the brim with jazzy classics, modern hidden gems, and their signature sparkle and wit. This is a dazzling duo you won’t want to miss.

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, decorate giftbags, and play games for an extra dose of holiday cheer.

First Avenue and Outback present Kristin Key: The Chosen Family Christmas
Featuring The Carlile Family Band
The Fitzgerald Theater
Monday, December 14, 2026
All Ages show
6:00 PM Doors
7:00 PM Showtime

Ring in the season with Kristin Key for a one-night-only holiday show! With special guests the Carlile Family Band, A Chosen Family Christmas will feature original holiday-themed comedy, music, and more!

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.