Holiday Events

Macy's Santaland
November-December, All Day
Macy's - Downtown Minneapolis
Across the country, families travel to the Macy's Santaland® attractions. Millions of people visit each year to have Santa hear their holiday wishes and have their picture taken with the man himself. Macy's Santaland® experiences include two enchanting tales with Dickens Village in Philadelphia and the Holiday Auditorium in Minneapolis, and special puppet theater shows. These magical holiday wonderlands are designed to delight children of all ages.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
November 6- December 30
Children’s Theatre
This year, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is bringing back the holiday classic Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This is the story about a mischievous and grumpy Grinch, played by CTC Company member Reed Sigmund, who hates Christmas so much that he has decided to steal it from his neighbors, the Christmas-loving Whos down in Whoville.

Fifty Shades of White: A Minnesota XXXmas
November 8-January 12
Brave New Workshop
"Fifty Shades of White: A Minnesota XXXmas" marks the 278th comedy revue by the BNW and promises to hilariously mix a little bit of naughty with some seasonal Minnesota Nice. Don't miss this annual holiday tradition!

A Christmas Carol
November 13-December 29
Guthrie Theater
For more than 35 years audiences have treasured the Guthrie's A Christmas Carol, making it a tradition not to be missed. Last season the Guthrie debuted a fresh take on Dickens' ghost story, featuring a new adaptation by British playwright Crispin Whittell, a dazzling set and costumes, beautiful music, and fantastical aerial effects. The Star Tribune raved "I welcome the new energy and sharpness that Dowling, Whittell and the fine cast have brought to this Carol. They have vividly remade a classic."

The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza
November 17
Orpheum Theatre
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Setzer has smash hits as founder/leader of the rollicking Stray Cats, his 18-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra and as a solo artist. His November concert will showcase Setzer’s legendary guitar magic on hits such as “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” and “Jump, Jive and Wail” and lots more, as well as his re-imagined and energetic take on acclaimed holiday classics. 

Christmas Impossible
November 23- December 9
Bryant Lake Bowl
When a sinister global conspiracy of puppets threaten to steal all the world’s toys, only one man can stop them: Secret Agent Santa! The creators of the holiday hit The Harty Boys Save Christmas return with a brand new comedy for the whole family!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
November 23
Orpheum Theatre
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday celebration for over 25 years. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history!

A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol
November 23- December 31
State Theatre
With 17 original songs including “Gunner Fell Into an Ice Hole” and “The Wheel is Turnin’ but the Hamster is Dead,” A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol returns to Minneapolis by popular demand after selling out every show the last five Decembers. On Christmas Eve in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota, Sven Yorgensen takes cantankerous bar owner Gunner Johnson on a journey similar to that in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” only very different.  

Holidazzle
November 25-December 18
Nicollet Mall
Every year since 1992, when the first parade marched down Nicollet Mall, over 300,000 spectators converge on downtown Minneapolis to join the sparkling fun. Thrilling the crowds on Nicollet Mall from 12th Street to 4th Street, Target Holidazzle continues Thursdays through Sundays until December 18. Brave the wind chill and watch streetside, or keep warm in the "Hot Seats" or downtown skyways.

The Nutcracker: According to Mother Goose
December 8-9
Cowles Center
This unique and highly entertaining version of The Nutcracker features Mother Goose along with Jack and Jill, Wee Willi Winkie, Little Bo Peep, Mary and her lamb and other delightful nursery rhyme characters set to the captivating music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.

Twelve Bars of Christmas
Minneapolis Bars
December 14
Join the 12 Foundation this year for the 7th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas on Friday, December 9th! As always, the plans include galavanting around downtown Minneapolis, spreading some holiday cheer and probably having a cocktail or two....all in the name of do-gooding!

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy
December 14-24
Cowles Center
After 40 years and 1.2 million audience members, Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy continues to enchant audiences of all ages. Loyce’s beautifully crafted choreography, danced to the brilliant music of Tchaikovsky, remains one of Minnesota’s most treasured holiday traditions.

20th Annual Women's Art Festival
December 15
Midtown YMCA
The mission of the Women’s Art Festival is to provide a welcoming place for women artists to show and sell their creations and to provide a fun and festive atmosphere for guest to shop, gather and enjoy community. Supporting local women artists of all experience levels, from first time exhibitors to experienced professionals, they are a non-juried show with the expectation that all goods are of excellent quality, made and sold by local women.

Of Monsters and Men
Dec 18-19
First Ave
Of Monsters and Men is an amiable group of day dreamers who craft folkie pop songs. But last year, the normally mild-mannered six pack -- who released their EP, Into the Woods, on December 20, 2011 -- transformed into total rock stars after stomping out their competition during Musiktilraunir, a yearly battle of the bands in their native Iceland.