Compiled by Kathy Henderson

 ‘Tis the season to shop local, savor festive treats, enjoy holiday entertainment and appreciate the holidays with friends and family.

Music

Dec. 6

Holiday Concert

Centennial United Methodist Church, 2200 Hillside Ave.

This St. Anthony Park Seniors program of piano and flute music is also available for streaming at facebook.com/sapaseniors. Contact the SAP Seniors office 651-642-9052 for more information. Friday, 2 to 3 p.m. Free.

Dec. 11

Star of the North Concert Band Holiday Concert

Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W.

Festive holiday concert. Wednesday, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free.

Dec. 12

Songs of the Season

Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W.

Courtroom Concert with Minnesota-based Kaleidoscope Quartet celebrates Minnesota composers and poets. Thursday, noon to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Free.

Dec. 12-14

Christmas Together

Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave.

Steven C. Anderson’s annual concert as part of the Cathedral Christmas Festival.  Special guests: vocalists Jack Cassidy, Kathryn Budzien and Jillian Anderson, acoustic guitarist Pat Donohue and the Cathedral’s Sacred Music Director and organist Chris Ganza. Debut of Anderson’s newly commissioned piece, “Cathedral Fanfare for Piano and Organ.” Thursday-Saturday, 7 p.m. $12.

Dec. 12

Sing-A-Long with Dan Chouinard

St. Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave.

Sponsored by the St. Anthony Park Library Association, which also provides a Zoom link to the program (contact sapbla.org). Thursday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free.

Dec. 13

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 900 Summit Ave.

Orchestra of the Bach Society of Minnesota and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. Friday, 7:30 p.m. $45-$24.75. Tickets at minnesotaorchestra.org/.

Dec. 16

Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra Holiday Concert

St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Ave.

Community orchestra. Monday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free.

Dec. 16

Community Sing-A-Long with Dan Chouinard and Ann Reed

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave.

All voices welcome on the third Monday of the month for a sing-a-long in the parish hall. Monday, 7 p.m.  Free.

Dec. 18

Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service

St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Ave.

A time and place of solace during the often-frenetic days surrounding the celebration of Christmas. Wednesday, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Free.

Dec. 20

Solstice Circle

Women’s Drum Center,2242 University Ave. W.

Co-ed drum circle offers mellow, reflective drumming and poetry reading to celebrate winter and the holidays. Drums provided. No experience necessary. Ages 16 and older. Friday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register at womensdrumcenter.org. $15.

Jan. 5

Minnesota Boychoir Winter Concert

Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W.

Sunday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Free.

Markets

Dec. 3-28

Potters in the Loft: Holiday Gift Market

oreal Art Loft, 2276 Como Ave.

Six local potters — Ryan Ball (Ryan Ball Pottery), Kevin Caufield (Caufield Clayworks), Luci Haai (Adorae Artworks), Alana Hawley (Portray Clay), Haley Macklem (Haley Macklem Clay Art) and Mary Jo Schmith (Front Avenue Pottery) — joined by Lonnie Broden’s paintings and Peter Skupeko’s wood craft in the Art Loft during oreal’s regular business hours. Opening reception: 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6. Free.

Nov. 20-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-21

European Christmas Market

Union Depot, east plaza,240 Kellogg Blvd. E.

A festive open-air Christkindl Market with over 70 vendors, live entertainment, European style food, kids craft activities and festive performances.  Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free.

Dec. 6-7

Horse Crazy Holiday Market

Warner Coliseum, Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Equine-themed marketplace. Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Free; donations accepted.

Dec. 6-8

Landmark Center Holiday Bazaar

Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W.

Beautiful and unique handcrafted gift items by 80 of the area’s finest artists. Delicious treats, holiday décor and live holiday music add a festive ambiance to this beautiful, classic venue. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. $5 (cash or check only)/free ages 12 and younger.

Dec. 6-8

Blue House Boutique

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave.

Handmade items: jewelry, knitwear, home décor, gourmet goodies, artwork, stationery, Christmas décor, Ugandan crafts and more! As in past years, there will be a raffle and a to-go meal of Rosa’s fried rice. Proceeds benefit Blue House, a charity in Uganda. Friday, 4 to 6 p.m. (early bird ticketed event); free admission Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 7

Holiday Bazaar

St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Ave.

Handmade items, wreaths and gourmet baked items. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.

Dec. 7

Summit Avenue Artisan Festival

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 900 Summit Ave.

A Grand Meander event with handcrafted and food items from more than 40 local artists and artisans. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Free.

Dec. 7-8

Holiday Craft Fair

Roseville City Hall, 2660 Civic Center Drive

Handcrafted items for sale by over 50 crafters and artisans. Vendor fees support the Harriet Alexander Nature Center. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Free.

Dec. 12-14

Cathedral Christmas Festival

Cathedral of St. Paul, 230 Selby Ave.

Festive outdoor Christmas market with unique local vendors, food trucks, gluhwein, beer, hot cocoa. Thursday and Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Free.

Dec. 14-15 & 21-22

Minnesota Merry Market

North End Event Center, Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Over 70 local artists and vendors, food trucks and family fun. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5/free ages 2 and younger.

Museums & Traditions

Nov. 30 – Jan 5

Holidays on the Hill

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave.

Experience a 1910 Christmas in the Gilded Age mansion through a self-guided tour to holiday-themed exhibits and a 60-minute guided tour highlighting holiday stories and memories from the Hill family and their staff. Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tours start every half-hour based on availability. Reservations recommended at mnhs.org. $25-$16/free 4 and younger. Minnesota Historical Society members, 20% off.

Dec. 5- 6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27

Candlelight Christmas

Alexander Ramsey House, 265 Exchange St. S.

Adults, guided by candlelight through the decorated 1872 mansion, will learn about the bluer side of Christmas. Explore unique holiday artifacts and hear excerpts from the Ramsey family papers. Thursdays and Fridays, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Time slot reservations recommended at mnhs.org. $20-$16/free 4 and younger; Minnesota Historical Society members, 20% off.

Dec. 7 and 8

Christmas in Germany

Germanic-American Institute, 301 Summit Ave.

Experience the warmth and magic of a German Christmas. Food, drinks, music and sale of seasonal goods. German model train and toy exhibit, Christmas crafts, storytime and meet Sankt Nikolaus. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon; noon to 2 p.m.; and 2 to 4 p.m. Timed-entrance ticket required at gaimn.org. $10-$5/ children ages 3 and younger are free but still require a ticket for space-planning purposes.

Dec. 13-15

Celtic Holiday

Celtic Junction Arts Center, 836 Prior Ave.

A party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling and more. Friday, 7 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. $30-$25; limited free youth tickets. Pre-purchase tickets recommended at celticjunction.org.

Dec. 21

The Harp and Holly

Celtic Junction Arts Center, 836 Prior Ave.

Hannah Flowers presents an evening of favorite and lesser-known Christmas carols and songs from Ireland as played on an Irish harp. Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. $30-$25; limited free youth tickets. Pre-purchase tickets recommended at celticjunction.org.

Various dates

Through Jan. 26, 2025

American Swedish Institute

2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis

Holiday Exhibit: Tomte: The Gnome, the Myth, the Legend.

Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $13-$6/free for children ages 5 and younger. Museum admission includes self-guided access to all exhibitions and the historic Turnblad Mansion. Details at asimn.org.

Nov. 30

Julglädje: Family Holiday Concert

Swedish and Swedish-American holiday tunes performed by Ross Sutter accompanied by Marya Hart on piano and Cheryl Paschke on nyckelharpa. Interactive storytelling with Rose Arrowsmith (Tomte Kajsa) invites children to step into the role of tomtar (Christmas elves). Joyful songs and lively dances around the Christmas tree. Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m. $20-$8/free age 5 and younger;includes museum admission.

Dec. 6-8

Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival

One of the region’s largest handcraft markets and holiday festivals includes pop-up musical performances, family crafts, story time, festive foods and holiday market.

Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $22-$8. Register for time slot admission atasimn.org.

Dec. 20

Winter Solstice

Arts and crafts, music, and reindeer! FIKA Café offers a special festival menu with small plates and warm glögg (Swedish mulled wine). Friday, 5 to 9 p.m. $22-$8/free ages 5 and younger. Timed entry event tickets at asimn.org.

And Much More

Dec. 7

Cookies & Cocoa with Kris Kringle

Cedarholm Community Building, 2323 Hamline Ave N., Roseville

Bring a camera and capture a photo of the kids (ages 2-11) with Santa. Enjoy hot cocoa and create your own holiday cookies and crafts. Parents must accompany children throughout the event. Saturday, 9 to 10:15 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. to noon.

Limited space; pre-register for time slot online at cityofroseville.com; phone 651-792-7110; or in person at Roseville Parks Dept., 2660 Civic Center Drive. $12.

Dec. 18

Winter Wonderland

North Dale Rec Center, 1414 St. Albans St. N.

Festive and wintery activities for ages 12 and younger: games, crafts, food and perhaps even a visit from a certain jolly old elf. Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. Free.

Dec. 31

Ring in the New Year on Ice

Guidant John Rose Minnesota OVAL, 2661 Civic Center Drive.

Skating or open hockey on the outdoor OVAL, indoor arena skating, magician and more. Tuesday, 2 to 9 p.m. Admission $10; skate rental $5.

Through Feb. 2025

Night Trains

Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Road

A holiday tradition of uniquely decorated model trains that run on the layouts and special holiday-only layouts will also be on display. Saturdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Santa makes an appearance on Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21. $15/free ages 4 and younger. Tickets sold for two-hour time blocks at tcmrm.org/special-events/night-trains/.

Christmas Trees

Nov. 29 until sold out

Falcon Heights-Lauderdale Lions Club

Falcon Heights Community Park, Cleveland and Roselawn avenues.

Mondays-Fridays, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.

Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1; Dec. 6-8 and 13-15

Hansen Tree Farm

7440 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey

Cut your own tree or assistance available. Activities, refreshments. Wreaths will also be available. Saw, map and instructions provided. Assistants shake, bale and tie trees to vehicles. Fridays-Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details and map at https://hansentreefarm.com/

Kathy Henderson lives in St. Paul and is a freelance writer for the Bugle.