it’s holiday season
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it’s holiday season
From live music performances and Broadway musicals to holiday festivals, markets, and so much more, there’s something for everyone downtown this holiday season. Scroll down to dive into the seasonal festivities downtown has to offer to you and your family this winter. The best part is you.
Plus, to check out everything that’s happening in downtown, explore our full events calendar:
Celebrate the Holidays on Nicollet this holiday season! Take in the magic of the holidays downtown by browsing and shopping at locally-owned small businesses, and while you’re there take in 10 window storefronts transformed into holiday displays created by Minneapolis-based artists.
Locations for the Holidays on Nicollet storefront window displays include: 60 South 6th Street, City Center (2 locations), Gaviidae Common, IDS Center, Meet Minneapolis Visitor Information, The Dayton’s Project, U.S. Bancorp Center, and Young Quinlan (Strive Bookstore). Click here to view the map of locations.
Holiday shopping locations include pop-up shops at 50 South 6th Street, City Center, IDS Center and U.S. Bancorp Center. Approximately 70 vendors offering a variety of products including clothing, jewelry, gift shopping and more will be open beginning November 24. Plus, browse and shop at all of the Chameleon Shoppes locations.
Holiday Festivities at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Celebrate winter with the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis through a variety of curated experiences found only in the Twin Cities. Explore Nordic Village at Riva Terrace. Embark on a culinary journey with globally influenced dishes blended with the best locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy guided sauna experiences and seasonal shopping all while staying in the heart of downtown.
- Nordic Village: A Minnesota Cabin experience that is open for dinners, private events and buyouts Wednesdays – Sundays from November 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024. Learn more here.
- Seasonal Shopping: On November 2023 – January 2024 weekends from 12pm – 4pm shop the Nordic Village Market inside the cabins featuring local artists, makers and creators. Open to residents, guests and community members. Learn more here.
- Mara: The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will host several holiday events including Brunch with Santa on December 3rd, and meals and events on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Learn more here.
Minni Dazzle
Minni Dazzle is a holiday hub that will serve as a way for eager Holidazzle goers to still get their fill of special events that make downtown Minneapolis a unique and festive winter experience. Join Fulton Beer at their taproom in their North Loop Taproom on December 14th – 17th for an all-ages, family-friendly, atmosphere that will welcome an assortment of familiar Holidazzle artists, artisans, entertainers, and memory makers. Check out the full schedule of events here.
Winter Maker’s Market at The Dayton’s Project
The Winter Maker’s Market returns for a third year this holiday season at The Dayton’s Project! Opening November 16th – December 30th, the market will feature 78 independent vendors and include the return of The Dayton’s Santa Bear. The market is open 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sundays.
Handmade Holiday Market
Find handmade and unique gifts for your loved ones this holiday season by shopping local at Lakes & Legends Brewing Company. On select Saturdays and Sundays in November and December, shop from amazing Mpls Craft Market vendors right in the taproom from 12pm – 5pm. Check out dates and times here.
North Loop Winter Market
Enjoy a wide selection of vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious treats at the North Loop Winter Market on December 16th from 10am – 4pm. Shop local businesses and discover hidden gems while supporting the local community this holiday season. Learn more here.
Winter Wonderland – Windows at Marquette
Windows at Marquette invites you to enjoy stunning views of downtown with a pop up lounge on December 7th & 14th from 4pm – 7pm showcasing holiday themed cocktails and small bites for purchase to cheers into the holiday season! Learn more here.
Grinch’s Lair at Hotel Emery
Enjoy Grinch’s Lair, a whimsical pop-up bar located inside Hotel Emery that’s bound to steal your heart and make your holiday season merry and bright. With Grinchy cocktails, whimsical ornaments, twinkling lights, and tons of tinsel, this is the ultimate experience for holiday cheer. Learn more here.
2nd Annual Tree Lighting at Nordic Plaza
Get ready to count down with elves, live music, and prize giveaways as the 2nd annual Nordic Tree Lighting ceremony is set for Wednesday, December 6th from 5:30-7:30pm. Learn more here.
Festival of the Trees with Sip’N Bloom
Join Sip ‘N Bloom at their enchanting “Festival of the Trees” event on November 24th – 26th! They will transform North Loop Galley’s patio area into a magical Christmas tree lot, brimming with locally growing holiday trees. To learn more about this three day event and to purchase tickets, click here.
weekday holiday happenings
Get in the holiday spirit during the work day by checking out some great weekday happenings in downtown buildings. Enjoy live music, holiday décor, and more all in your city’s core.
IDS Center and Crystal Court
Check out special holiday décor and live music in the Crystal Court of the IDS Center this holiday season! The annual Holiday Under Glass Concert Series will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm – 1pm starting November 28th through December 21st in the Crystal Court. The popular music series will feature various Twin Cities musicians. While you’re there, check out the Holiday Pop-Up shops on the first floor!
Holiday Under Glass Schedule:
- November 28 – Curtis + Loretta
- November 29 – Sonic Dream
- November 30 – Vietnamese Traditional Music of MN
- December 5 – Katy Vernon
- December 6 – Minnesota Chorale
- December 7 – David Harland
- December 12 – Ben Cook-Feltz
- December 13 – The Target Spots
- December 14 – Sarah Morris
- December 19 – Matthew Schmitz
- December 20 – Heilicher Jewish Day School
- December 21 – Larry McDonough
U.S. Bank Plaza
Check out special holiday live music in U.S. Bank Plaza this holiday season! The music series will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11am – 1pm starting November 28th through December 21st. The popular music series will feature various Twin Cities musicians.
Music Schedule:
- November 28 – Joe Elliot: Guitarist
- November 29 – Vibraphone
- November 30 – Adam Daniels: Pianist
- December 5 – Flutespiration Quartet
- December 6 – Elvis
- December 7 – Tommy Barbella: Pianist
- December 12 – Adam Daniels: Pianist
- December 13 – Justin & Elisa: Viola Duo
- December 14 – Harp & Flute Duo
- December 19 – Adam Daniels: Pianist
- December 20 – Joe Elliot: Guitarist
- December 21 – Dickens Carolers
Capella Tower
Enjoy holiday music throughout the week at Capella Tower during the holiday season in downtown. Stop by the Capella Tower Commons Monday through Friday to take in holiday cheer and live performances by local musicians. Daily concerts are scheduled for 7:30am – 9:00am, 11:30am – 1:00pm, and 4:00pm – 5:30pm.
City Center
Enjoy holiday music and décor in City Center this season! The Holiday Music Series will take place throughout December and feature holiday favorites and more!
Music Schedule:
- December 6: Target Choir – 12pm – 1pm
- December 7: B2WINS – 11:30am – 12:30pm
- December 14: Billy McLaughlin – 11:30am – 12:30pm
- December 19: Kat Perkins – 11:30am – 12:30pm
witness a live show
Head out to a show this holiday season. The performance venues in downtown offer a wide variety of holiday experiences for all ages. From breathtaking musicals, to familiar plays and everything in between – there is something for everyone to love.
Hennepin Theatre Trust
Hennepin Theatre Trust has your holiday entertainment covered in downtown. Between their historic theatres on Hennepin Avenue – Orpheum, Pantages and State – there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the incredible Broadway shows coming to downtown during the holiday season; Disney’s Aladdin from December 5-10 and Mrs. Doubtfire from December 19-24.
Other HTT holiday performances to check out:
Hip Hop Nutcracker presented by Tobin Entertainment – November 24
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet presented by Talmi Entertainment – November 30 – December 2
The Blenders Holiday Soul Tour – December 8-10
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas – December 15
Michael W. Smith Christmas presented by Martin Media – December 16
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy presented by Minnesota Dance Theatre – December 16 – 23
Shake up your holiday traditions with a laugh! This holiday season, catch a live performance by Brave New Workshop in their All I Want for Christmas is You…to Elf Off production. This show is for all the people who love the holidays, but wish that just one night could be a little more silent. Check out the dates/times and purchase tickets here.
Experience the holiday tradition of the Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol this season. The amazing production is running from November 11th – December 30th. Check out the dates/times and grab your tickets here.
The Cowles Center
Celebrate the holiday season with dance at The Cowles Center. They are bringing the year’s biggest holiday party to life with the Who Brought the Humbug? By Rhythm Street Movement production. Check out performance dates/times here.
enjoy musical performances
The concert venues in downtown Minneapolis are the perfect place to catch all of your favorite artists and performers live during the holidays. Attend a concert, sing along to your favorite holiday tunes, and more all in downtown.
Orchestra Hall
Orchestra Hall is a great place to celebrate the holiday season! Read up on the holiday performances and grab your tickets here!
Home Alone in Concert – November 25th and November 26th
Merry & Bright with Charles Lazarus – December 10th
Frozen in Concert – December 15th, 16th, and 17th
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio – December 15th and 16th
A Holiday Evening with Kristin Chenoweth – December 18th
Sing! An Irish Christmas – December 19th
New Year’s Celebration with Thomas Sondergard and Stephen Hough – December 31st and January 1st
Dakota
The Dakota Jazz Club is a staple on Nicollet year-round, and that certainly holds true for their holiday season performances. Click here to browse their full schedule, which features performances almost every night now throughout November and December.
Some holiday shows include:
Travis Anderson Trio’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” – December 4th
Jake Shimabukuro – Holidays in Hawai’i – December 5th
Merry Christmas from Jose James feat. Christian Sands – December 12th and 13th
The Peterson Family – Twas the Jam Before Christmas – December 18th and 19th
A Swingin’ Christmas w/ The Andrew Walesch Big Band – December 23rd
Find more here
The Fillmore
Catch a show in the North Loop neighborhood of your downtown this season. Check out the upcoming performances at The Fillmore Minneapolis here.
First Avenue
Enjoy a live performance at one of the most iconic and historic venues in all of downtown Minneapolis this holiday season. Check out the upcoming performances here.
The Armory
Catch your favorite artists right in the East Town neighborhood of your downtown. The Armory offers incredible shows in it’s historic venue. Take a look at upcoming shows during the holiday season here.
catch a game
Cheer on the Vikings and the Timberwolves downtown this holiday season at U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Center. Make sure to grab a bite to eat before or after the game and check out other downtown happenings to make it a day or even a weekend!
Cheer on the Minnesota Vikings from U.S. Bank Stadium this holiday season:
November 27th at 7:15 p.m. vs Chicago Bears
December 24th at 12 p.m. vs Detroit Lions
December 31st at 7:20 p.m. vs Green Bay Packers
Cheer on the Minnesota Timberwolves from Target Center this holiday season:
November 24th at 7 p.m. vs Sacramento Kings
November 28th at 7 p.m. vs Oklahoma City Thunder
November 30th at 7 p.m. vs Utah Jazz
December 16th at 7 p.m. vs Indiana Pacers
December 21st at 8 p.m. vs Los Angeles Lakers
December 28th at 7 p.m. vs Dallas Mavericks
December 30th at 7 p.m. vs Los Angeles Lakers