Last Updated: 11/22/2022

The holiday theater scene in Minneapolis is bustling with classics like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, but also those unique gems you may not find elsewhere. Think Elf in Concert or It’s A Wonderful Life radio play (this show sells out by the way). From shows that push the limits to family-friendly traditions, theater and musical performances are all the rage in Minneapolis during the holidays. Check out the must-see shows of the season.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

When: November 8, 2022 - January 8, 2023

Where: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Cost: $15 - $89

A miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the Whos with disdain, from a distance, for decades. Enough! In this favorite holiday story, filled with music and Seussian rhymes, he conceives a dastardly plot to destroy the holiday they love. It’s the smallest of the Whos, tiny Cindy Lou, who extends a
hand. Through the combination of kindness and community, we witness not only a change in the course of Who-History, but the size and capacity of the cantankerous Grinch’s heart.

The Best Christmas Show in Three Years

When: November 11, 2022 - January 28, 2023

Where: Brave New Workshop Theatre, 824 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $20 - $45

The Brave New Workshop has three years’ worth of pent-up holiday cheer, and this year is going to be one to remember! The Twin Cities’ funniest holiday tradition returns for the first time since 2019 with The Best Christmas Show in Three Years, a hilarious collection of sketches and songs that promise to fit three Christmases into one stocking. If the last two years left you feeling like something was missing from your holidays, the Brave New Workshop is back and ready to fill the void!

A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater

When: November 12 – December 31, 2022

Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Cost: $20 - $134

A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with “Bah! Humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. In Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, the three spirits show Scrooge happy memories from his past, difficult realities from the present and a grim future should he continue his closed-hearted ways. This world-premiere adaptation stays faithful to the text and invites audiences to experience the wonder of the holiday season through all-new scenery, costumes, props, lighting and sound.

Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberly

When: November 19 - December 23, 2022

Where: Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Cost: $45

The cherished characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice return for a third and final installment of this heartwarming story.The youngest Darcy and Bennet sisters have become fast friends and eagerly await the arrival of Georgiana’s secret correspondent. Mix-ups of manners and overprotective big brother Mr. Darcy keep romance from unfolding easily. But music, ambition, friendship, and sisterhood lead to happiness and a love that endures.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

When: November 25 - 26, 2022

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $33 - $103

Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. With an original music score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and with new sets, scenery, and storylines, this ultimate holiday gift for the entire family is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!

A Three Tenors Christmas

When: November 25 - 27, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

Back by popular demand, A Three Tenors Christmas is an absolute must for those that know quality vocal talent when they hear it. If you had to choose one show this Christmas, A Three Tenors Christmas will deliver everything you know you want and more! This holiday performance by the NorrSound Tenors is inspired by “The Three Tenors” – leaving your heart full and your face smiling under that mask. Original arrangements of powerful Christmas favorites like “O Holy Night” are paired with with epic opera ballads like “Nessun Dorma” for a perfect evening – where style, opera, and holiday spirit collide.

The Happy Holiday Fun Time Variety Show Extravaganza

When: Fridays, November 25 - December 30.

Where: HUGE Theater, 3037 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Cost: $12

Dean Martin has nothing on these holiday crooners! Join the cast of The Holiday Happy Fun Time Variety Show Extravaganza as they delight you with improvised holiday tunes, sketches, commercials, and more. A true celebration of holiday spirit and mid-centure commercialism, come enjoy a studio audience experience you won't soon forget!

Family Dinner

When: Fridays & Saturdays, November 25 - December 31, 2022

Where: HUGE Theater, 3037 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Cost: $16

The improvised holiday show you can relate to returns! A family coming home for the holidays, each with a secret you suggest...It's just like your family, if your family were played by some of the funniest improvisers in the Twin Cities!

Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret — Mistletoe Mischief

When: November 26 - December 31, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $23 - $46

The funny folks at Stevie Ray’s Improv Comedy have created a new show for the holidays. Featuring comedy sketches, music, and improv – celebrate the season with laughter! You toss out suggestions & they create comedy on the spot!

A Very Die Hard Christmas

When: Various Dates. Starts November 27, 2022

Where: Bryant Lake Bowl Cabaret Theater, 810 W Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408

Cost: $25

“Yippee Ki Yay, Father Christmas!" Back again, comes the holiday treat with all the trimmings: singing, dancing, and bloodshed! Don't miss this yuletide tradition combining the action and suspense of Die Hard with the sentiment of everyone's favorite TV Christmas specials loaded with music, magic, and mayhem!

George Maurer Group Annual Holiday Show

When: November 28, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $20 - $30

This merry band of “genre-bending eclectics” (Jazz 88-FM) has been entertaining sold-out houses at the Dakota with their annual holiday show since 2000. Taking the stage by storm with their irreverent style and sly musical humor, the George Maurer Group will bring you an evening filled with witty stage banter, clever musicianship, and surprising twists on holiday classic—think Thelonious Monk meets “Sleigh Ride,” the Beatles’ “Drive My Sleigh,” Herbie Hancock’s “Driftin’” ala “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and more!

Christmas at The Local

When: November 29, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Where: Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Cost: $35 - $75

On a cold winter’s night, a group of locals gather to raise a glass and play a tune, calling forth the spirit of the holidays through story and song. Voices blend, memories are rekindled, and a bit of mystery hangs in the air. Theater Latté Da stages the world premiere of this rollicking new celebration of the season.

Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre

When: November 29 – December 24, 2022

Where: Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St, St. Paul, MN 55102

Cost: $20 - $45

Remembrance and renewal.
A beloved holiday tradition is born anew. Hughes’ masterwork returns to our stage featuring familiar faces and new talent, including new lead vocals and choreography, backed by the Kingdom Life Church Choir. Gather with us to remember those we lost this year and welcome those who will carry the torch.

The Holidays at Crooners

When: November 30 - December 26, 2022

Where: Crooners Supper Club

Cost: $20 - $45

Celebrate the season with over 50 amazing shows at the Crooners Supper Club, including A Vintage Christmas with The Riverside Swing Band, Erin and Jay Cabaret’s Naughty and Nice Holiday Extravaganza, Christmas with the Champagne Drops, Maud Hixson Presents: Happy Holiday, A Joyful Night of Christmas with Gwen Matthews and Robert Robinson, Christmas at Downton Abbey with Maria Jette and Philip Brunelle, Mick Sterling Presents / A Grand Ole Opry Christmas.

Tales From the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log

When: November 30, 2022

Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Cost: $28

Kevin Kling returns to the Guthrie in his celebrated one-man show Tales From the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log. Best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s “All
Things Considered” and his storytelling stage shows, Kling delivers hilarious, often tender stories that have delighted audiences around the country. With Yule Log, Kling spins hilarious yarns of family traditions and holiday merriment. Wry tales of Midwestern Americana, both old and new, take surprising turns from the bizarre to the insightful.

Big Band Holidays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

When: November 30, 2022

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $55 - $143

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) spreads holiday cheer on its annual Big Band Holidays tour. Five-time Grammy winning vocalist Dianne Reeves and emerging 22-year-old vocalist Samara Joy, winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, join the JLCO as special guests bringing Yuletide swing to dozens of cities across the country. The evening will feature soulful renditions of holiday classics, playful improvisation, and entertaining storytelling. Please note: Wynton Marsalis will not appear with the JLCO on this performance, and the concert does not feature the Minnesota Orchestra.

Holiday Blues Show Cornbread & Friends

When: December 1, 2022

Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN 55406

Cost: $15 - $20

The Hook and Ladder Theater is proud to again host this very special, intimate Holiday Blues Show with the one and only Cornbread Harris and Friends. Please join us as we celebrate the holidays with a 94 year old living legend, James Samuel ‘Cornbread’ Harris, Sr.

Rock & Roll XMAS Spectacular

When: December 1 - 11, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

Get ready to crank your holiday spirit all the way up! Returning for the fourth time to our holiday series is this hugely popular rockin’ event. This production will surprise and thoroughly delight, and don’t be deceived; this isn’t a send-up to the '50s and '60s, but rather it’s a multi-media, musical extravaganza mixing rock hits of the '70s to today with hilarious stories and parodies favorite yuletide songs as you’ve never heard them before. Join an 8-piece all-star cast of musicians as they uniquely rock their way through Christmas classics in the most imaginative way possible delivering as much fun as Santa himself! For example, hear the blending of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” set to Peter Frampton’s “Show Me The Way!” Each song is funnier and yes, even more cleverly done than the one before it.

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

When: December 1 – December 23, 2022

Where: The Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, MN 55102

Cost: $89 - $125

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, performed at The Saint Paul Hotel, presents playwright Joe Landry’s acclaimed take on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life. The shows are accompanied by a three-course luncheon for afternoon performances and a three-course dinner for evening performances.

The New Standards Holiday Show

When: December 2 - 3, 2022

Where: State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Cost: $29 - $134

The New Standards, the minimalist jazz trio formed in Minneapolis in 2005 and composed of Chan Poling (of The Suburbs), John Munson (of the Twilight Hours, Semisonic, Trip Shakespeare and The Flops) and Steve Roehm (of Electopolis, Rhombus and Billy Goat) are returning to the State Theatre for three performances on December 2 and 3, 2022. With Poling on piano, Munson on bass and Roehm on vibraphone, the band reinterprets songs from a wide variety of genres, from classics like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things” to “London Calling” by The Clash.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

When: December 2 - 3, 2022

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $33 - $113

This Christmas bring the whole family back to a simpler time with Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! The internationally acclaimed Christmas tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes

The Snow Queen

When: December 2 - 4, 2022

Where: Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $38

Travel to magical lands through this sparkling holiday production that will warm you from the inside out. From the screen to the stage, Ballet Co.Laboratory’s original 2020 ballet made for film will be transformed for the theater with newly expanded scenes and choreography. Follow Gerda, a little girl filled with moxie on a quest to rescue her brother, whose heart has been frozen by an icy fragment from the Snow Queen's enchanted mirror. Get entangled in the Rose Queen’s lush garden and encounter magical reindeer as Gerda learns about the power of love and discovers her own inner strength.

Impaler presents: Merry Krampus 2022

When: December 3, 2022

Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN 55406

Cost: $10 - $15

Krampus is a creature, larger than a man, covered in fur, has large exotic horns (sometimes as many as four or six), and hunts the mountain passes in the eastern alpine realm (in modern-day Austria)…Impaler is a Minnesota Shock Rock / Speed Metal band formed in the spring of 1983, the band is known for their over-the-top lyrics and horror-based theatrical live shows.

Holiday Swingin’! A Kat Edmonson Christmas

When: December 4, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $35 - $40

Kat Edmonson is an award-winning songwriter and singer “with an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret and vintage cosmopolitanism pop” (The New York Times). Kat will perform swingin’ Yuletide favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “O Christmas Tree,” and “Let It Snow” as part of her festive show, Holiday Swingin’! A Kat Edmonson Christmas.

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays

When: December 4, 2022

Where: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake, MN 55372

Cost: Starting at $25

The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe, dazzling audiences with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This year’s show promises even more illusions, close-up magic, mentalism and technological spectacle performed by master entertainers who’ve captivated audiences worldwide.

A St. Thomas Christmas: Dawning Light

When: December 4, 2022

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $36

The 35th annual St. Thomas Christmas unfurls with "Dawning Light." The concert honors the persistent hope and resilience of our community with over 200 student performers in Chamber Singers, Donne Unite, Concert Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and String Orchestra. Jazz Singers will provide entertainment in the lobby, and a prelude by Brass Choir and Guitar Ensemble will be given on stage prior to the concert. All proceeds support students' international learning and performing opportunities in the arts.

Concordia College Christmas Concert: Star of Bethlehem, Lead Us to Peace

When: December 8, 2022

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: TBD

Join us for the 96th annual Concordia Christmas celebration featuring more than 300 student musicians, four ensembles and orchestra.

Trailer Trash's "Trashy Little Xmas Show"

When: December 9, 2022

Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN 55406

Cost: $25

Honky-tonk legends Trailer Trash kick-off the holiday season with their very popular Trashy Little XMAS Show with a 2-night stand (Dec. 10 & 11) at The Hook. For decades, Trailer Trash’s Trashy Little Xmas Show has been a seasonal stand-out, selling out venues around the state and providing the perfect accompaniment to the holiday hoopla with a cheerful blend of irreverent holiday music.

Merry Christmas from José James

When: December 9 & 10, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $40-50

Have yourself a soulful little Christmas with smooth-as-silk crooner José James, the crown prince of new-jack jazz. An R&B-steeped singer who’s as effective evoking Billie Holiday as Bill Withers, José James returns with his first holiday project that imbues classic songs of the season with the warmth of a roaring fireplace in winter, captured on his new album Merry Christmas From José James.

Rhythm Street Movement: Who Brought the Humbug?

When: Weekends December 9 - 18, 2022

Where: Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $35-$75

Ricci Milan and the artists of Rhythm Street Movement return to The Cowles Center with Who Brought the Humbug? this holiday season!

Join us for a fun, funky, funny holiday show that the whole family can enjoy. Live music paired with amazing tap dance and a unique mix of comedy, drama, and mystery is sure to make an ­­­evening to remember.

El Mesías (The Messiah)

When: December 9 - 10, 2022

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $12 - $104

Border CrosSing, led by artistic director Ahmed Anzaldúa, joins the Minnesota Orchestra with El Mesías, a bilingual Spanish-English cross-cultural combination of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah and Navidad Nuestra, a Christmas cantata by Argentinian composer Ariel Ramírez. Together with the vocal soloists and choir, the unique combination of Andean instruments and the Baroque orchestra blur the lines between Western classical and South American folk traditions.

The Blenders: Holiday Soul Tour 2022

When: December 9 - 11, 2022

Where: Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Cost: $48

Originally from Fargo, North Dakota; The Blenders relocated in 1994 and are proud to call Minneapolis their home ever since. They have been touring the U.S. for over 30 years with their unique style of vocal, harmony-based music. They have appeared with such acts as Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Savage Garden, Blues Traveler, Chicago, The Righteous Brothers, Lou Rawls, Chuck Berry and many more. They have appeared on a variety of national and regional television shows including The Arsenio Hall Show (FOX), The Today Show on NBC, Crook and Chase (TNN) and WGN. Radio performances have included WGN and National Public Radio, to name afew.

Merry and Bright with Charles Lazarus

When: December 11, 2022

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $12 - $78

Give your holidays a boost of big, brassy joy in a performance by Minnesota Orchestra trumpeter Charles Lazarus and his dazzling ensemble, including the fabulous Lazarus Brass. A holiday tradition created by our own trumpeter extraordinaire Charles Lazarus, this concert brings the exuberance of brass to swing arrangements of carols, soulful gospel tunes and boppy pop favorites. Joined by powerhouse vocalists and his high-energy ensemble, Lazarus brings renewed brilliance to beloved classics. (Note: the Minnesota Orchestra does not perform on this program.)

The Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp

When: December 12, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $35 - $45

These mischief-makers of hot jazz have been described as “potent and assured” (The New York Times) and “simply phenomenal” (The Times, London), with more than a year on the Billboard Jazz chart and 20+ million streams on Spotify (over 90 countries). 2019’s Welcome Home, Bon Voyage includes a modern twist on the syncopated, soaring “Everybody Loves My Baby,” an irresistibly dissonant take on Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol’s “Caravan,” as well as the hushed, playful “Exactly Like You” and an interpretation of “Some of These Days,” that turns Sophie Tucker’s 1910 trademark into a boisterous beguine. Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, The Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again and prove that joyful music can bring people together in a disconnected world.

Christmas in the City: Jim Brickman and John Trones

When: December 12, 2022

Where: Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Cost: $39 - $79

Jim Brickman and John Trones return to the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis for Christmas in the City with all of your favorite holiday tunes plus the Grammy-nominated Brickman hits. This one night only holiday concert event, presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust, celebrates the life and memory of pianist and recording artist Mary Beth Carlson while raising funds for multiple myeloma research at the International Myeloma Foundation.

A Merry Little Cabaret

When: December 12, 2022

Where: Bryant Lake Bowl Cabaret Theater, 810 W Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408

Cost: $20

Generosity, Joy, & Jingle Bells? Yep! Cozy up with a hot beverage and your favorite holiday tunes in Ben Lohrberg & Annie Schiferl’s “A Merry Little Cabaret.” Half of your ticket will be donated to People Serving People, a Minneapolis non-profit whose mission is to provide emergency shelter and family services to Minnesotans experiencing homelessness. Featuring the local musical talents of Annie Schiferl, Ben Lohrberg, Katherine Fried, Alessandra Bongiardina, Franco Holder, & Corey Farrell.

Christmas With a Whole Lotta of Soul

When: December 14, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

Ginger Commodore and friends brings you a program of Christmas classics and originals, remixed and reframed as R&B, soul, funk and gospel – Christmas…With a Whole Lot of Soul! Classic holiday tunes like “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “My Favorite Things,” “This Christmas,” “Mary, Did You Know?,” “Let It Snow” and more! Plus some band originals laced with R&B stylings, jazz riffs and gospel harmonies.

A Snow Kiss: An Improvised Holiday Romance Movie

When: December 15, 2022

Where: Strike Theater, 824 18th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Costs: $15

Turn on that fireplace, hang that mistletoe, and enjoy all the fake soap snowflakes of the season at Strike Theater this December as jorts! and friends take on the timeless tradition of holiday romance movies as seen on the Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and Netflix - and improvises a brand new one right in front of your eyes! You’ll see it all - a chill in the air! An old flame! Unsolicited advice from a bell ringer! A baking competition where the stakes are HIGH! A fake European country that ends with “aria”! A long lost identical cousin! That hunky firefighter/small business owner/single dad from your hometown who you just happen to run into while you’re FRAZZLED! And, of course, a man with a big white beard who may or may not be Santa!

North Country Christmas Featuring Kat Perkins

When: December 15 - 17, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

Christmas is Kat Perkins' favorite time of year! A Kat Perkins Christmas is an incredible blend of traditional Christmas songs with Kat's modern spin. She incorporates her audience in fun crowd participation holiday songs and even features an up and coming young star at each venue. Together she has created a fun, rockin show to celebrate the holidays filled with great music, laughter and even her own original Christmas songs! It's a must see all ages opportunity to bring the entire family!

Christmas with Cantus

When: December 16, 2022

Where: Ordway Theater, 345 Washington St, St Paul, MN 55102

Cost: $25-$48

Christmas with Cantus: Into the Light draws inspiration from Lessons and Carols, offering a contemporary take on a beloved British tradition elevated by the Choir of King’s College at the University of Cambridge. Cantus updates the format of the Nine Lessons and Carols to center on nine themes both intimate and universal, using poetry that speaks to a modern audience and repertoire that reflects a range of contexts and cultures. In a program that echoes the ensemble’s newest Christmas album (Fall 2022), Cantus offers a thoughtful, intricately crafted holiday program that honors tradition and speaks to the moment.

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy

When: December 16 – 23, 2022

Where: State Theater, 805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Cost: $19 - $129

Minnesota Dance Theatre’s beloved holiday tradition returns to the State Theatre with Loyce Houlton’s imaginative choreography, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and the thrilling dancers of the MDT company and school. Featuring the 44-piece Nutcracker Orchestra conducted by Philip Brunelle, this spectacular dream fantasy creates magical memories for generations to share.

The Belfast Cowboys' Musical Musical Mistletoe

When: December 17, 2022

Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN 55406

Cost: $15 - $20

Join us for a special holiday show with The Belfast Cowboys, one of Minnesota’s (and The Hook & Ladder’s) most popular bands. The Belfast Cowboys are a nine-piece band that specializes in the music of Van Morrison. The band features several veterans of the Minneapolis music scene, including singer Terry Walsh and sax man Vic Volare. The Belfast Cowboys will be incorporating rockin’ holiday tunes into the mix along with a wide-array of popular Van Morrison songs.

Bruce Henry: I’ll Be Home For Christmas

When: December 17, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $30-35

Bruce A. Henry’s newest recording I’ll Be Home For Christmas captures the quiet intimacy of Christmas Eve and the joy of Christmas morning! This recording features jazz, Gospel and soul classics beautifully arranged by pianist Sean Turner.

Elf in Concert

When: December 17 - 18, 2022

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $50 - $107

Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, and raised among Santa’s elves. This holiday season Buddy travels to New York—with the Minnesota Orchestra! Experience John Debney’s wonderful score as the full film plays on the big screen.

A Holiday Evening With Kristin Chenoweth

When: December 18, 2022

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $52 - $130

She’s funny, engaging, and as vibrant as they come. Broadway darling Kristin Chenoweth’s talents are seemingly unending: Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer, star of stage and screen, comedienne extraordinaire, consummate performer. With so much pizzazz, it’s easy to see why she’s as immensely “Popular” as one of her trademark songs. Chenoweth returns to Orchestra Hall in this glittering night of entertainment featuring new arrangements of holiday favorites.

The Peterson Family - Twas the Jam Before Christmas

When: December 18 & 19, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $30-40

Often referred to as Minnesota’s First Family of Music, The Peterson Family are musicians and singers, and have been performing locally, nationally, and internationally for many years; playing with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Dylan, Prince, and Kenny Loggins. They were inducted into the Midwest Music Hall of Fame and collectively have 100 gold and platinum records.

Celtic Holiday Hooley

When: December 18 - 20, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

Returning by popular demand is Celtic Holiday Hooley! Come for some holiday family fun! This hosted variety show is a party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling and more. Beyond that, it’s wacky good fun for everyone with brief guest appearances from well-known holiday characters including The Grinch and yes, even Santa Claus! Presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers (who appeared at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in sold-out performances of Kickin’ It Irish.) Choreography and music by original Riverdancer, Cormac O’Sé, of Dublin.

JazzMN Orchestra Presents: Swinging in the Season

When: December 20, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $30 - $45

The JazzMN Orchestra, Minnesota’s premier big band, will be back at the Dakota for an unforgettable night of holiday music to welcome the season. Led by reedman Peter Whitman, the band will present an assortment of classic and contemporary arrangements and will feature special guest vocalists Jearlyn Steele, Andrew Walesch and Ginger Commodore.

A Boy Band Christmas

When: December 21, 2022

Where: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake, MN 55372

Cost: Starting at $39

Join some of your favorite boy band members for a special evening of classic holiday songs and unforgettable hits. The band consists of Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre (98 Degrees), Jamie Jones (All-4-One), Erik Michael Estrada (O-Town) and Ryan Cabrera. The concert will feature hit songs by each artist along with some special holiday surprises. With over 80 million albums sold, a billion online streams and countless awards between them, A Boy Band Christmas is a can’t-miss evening of pop music and good cheer.

Travis Anderson Trio's "Charlie Brown Christmas"

When: December 21, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $15 - $20

This blazingly energetic trio takes on Vince Guaraldi‘s holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Follow the story of these musicians who, in the middle of the night, are told they must go on a fantastical adventure to bring the holiday spirit to the world by playing the music of Vince Guaraldi including “Christmas Time Is Here“ and “Linus and Lucy.”

Christmas on the Prairie

When: December 21 - 23, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

Back for their fifth year, some of your favorite Minnesota musicians get together for a very special holiday collaboration. It’s a not-to-be-missed cornucopia of Christmas conviviality, the familiar and the fresh, the fond and the frivolous. Featuring singers extraordinaire Mary Jane Alm, Aimée Lee and Boyd Lee, Prairie Home Companion regulars Richard Kriehn, Gary Raynor, Joe Savage and Peter Johnson, plus special guest, Grammy Award-winning singer/guitarist Pat Donohue.

Nicholas David’s Annual St Nick’s Day Show

When: December 23, 2022

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $25 - $35

We’re keeping the tradition alive with a Special Solo Performance. That’s right folks, Nicholas David and a Grand Piano. There probably will be a couple of scarfs, two pairs of glasses, a bunch of necklaces, multiple feathers in a hat, a few stories in between songs, Nicholas Davidesque interpretations of some classic tunes that take you to a different time and place, and a whole heck of a lot of soul!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

When: December 23, 2022

Where: Xcel Energy Center, 199 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102

Cost: $49.50 - $99.50

Multi-platinum, progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has announced the dates for its highly anticipated 2022 winter tour, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More" presented by Hallmark Channel. After its first year off the road in more than two decades, TSO made a triumphant return to touring in 2021 with a 25th anniversary celebration of Christmas Eve and Other Stories. For 2022, TSO brings a completely updated presentation of the unforgettable, multi-generational holiday tradition, "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," to 60 cities across the nation.

An Andy and Bing Christmas

When: December 26 - 30, 2022

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

When people are asked what their favorite Christmas albums are, the vast majority of people mention two albums: The classic "Andy Williams Christmas Album" and Bing Crosby's "Merry Christmas" album. The songs are timeless and the treatments are a perfect reflection of the holiday season.