1. Phantom of the Opera

Now - December 7

The Phantom of the Opera is back at the Orpheum Theatre to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, which was rapturously received by London critics when it reopened in 2021.

2. LUMINISCENCE

Now - January 31

After captivating more than one million guests across the world, LUMINISCENCE continues its tour and settles in the heart of Minneapolis for a series at The Basilica of Saint Mary. For the first time, experience a show where history, 360° video mapping, and music come together to reveal this jewel of Minnesota's heritage as you have never seen it before.

3. Winter Warm-up

December 2 - January 22, Tuesday & Thursday nights

Winter Warm-Up, a recreational program featuring inline skating and indoor running, returns to U.S. Bank Stadium this December. Thirteeen Winter Warm-Up sessions will be offered this season beginning on Tuesday, December 2 and ending on Thursday, January 22. Winter Warm-Up is open to all ages and will take place on the stadium’s main and upper concourses from 5 – 9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

4. Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert with the Minnesota Orchestra

December 12 & 13

The Minnesota Orchestra presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film, with the score performed live-to-picture. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), and many more of your favorite Muppet characters. This special holiday event is fun for the whole family!

5. Jordan Klepper

December 14

Jordan Klepper, a comedian and former member of The Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade, is back on the road! Join Jordan and special guest Langhorne Slim for this new stand up tour that involves his tales from the road.

6. The Wiz

December 16 - 21

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Come see The Wiz at the Orpheum Theatre, running for 7 nights only!

7. World Junior Hockey Championships

December 26 - January 5

The International Hockey Federation World Junior Hockey Championship is coming to Minneapolis and St. Paul in 2026! Get ready to witness an epic 10-nation tournament with some of the best men's players under 20 years old in the world. Grab your tickets now and start planning your trip to Minneapolis.

8. Trans-Siberian Orchestra

December 28

This winter, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is hitting the road with the fan-favourite show The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More! Check them out this month for two shows at Target Center.

9. Attend a Minnesota Vikings Game

December 7 & 25

Get tickets to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium! The Vikings host the Washington Commanders on December 7 and the Detroit Lions on December 25.

10. Watch a Minnesota Timberwolves Game at Target Center

It's time for basketball and the Minnesota Timberwolves have their eyes set on another record year with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid leading the way. Come out to Target Center and cheer them on!

11. A Christmas Carol

now - December 28

Each Christmas, the miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets the holiday with “Bah! Humbug!” and can’t be bothered to celebrate. One Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by three spirits who show him happy memories from his past, difficult realities from the present and a grim future should he continue his closed-hearted ways. Throughout his journey, Scrooge is forced to reckon with the man he has become and contemplate the man he could be — but only if his restless night leads to a change of heart by morning. Filled with hope and festivity, the Guthrie’s cherished holiday production of A Christmas Carol continues to bring joy to theatergoers of all ages.

17. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Now - January 4, 2026

The Children's Theatre Company's production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is filled with music and Seussian rhymes. In this holiday favorite, the Grinch conceives a dastardly plot to destroy the Whos’ beloved holiday—until tiny Cindy Lou extends a hand. Will her combination of kindness and community change the course of Who-History, and the size and capacity of the cantankerous Grinch’s heart?

12. A Merry Marc Heu Christmas Pop-Up

Now - December 31

Marc Heu's temporary, holiday-themed patisserie invites guests to immerse themselves in his cozy, dazzling and delicious childhood memories of awakening on Christmas morning. Browse from a pop-up exclusive menu of specialty holiday treats; indulge in Chef Marc’s rich, luxurious hot sipping chocolate; and relax into the mingling scents of toasty French butter and warm holiday spices.

13. Holiday Markets

Select dates in December

Finish all your holiday shopping by going to a local Minneapolis holiday market! From handcrafted jewelry and intricately designed clothing to delicious food products and beautifully crafted home decor, you'll find everything you need to make this holiday season complete.

14. Holiday Shows

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. Get into the holiday spirit by checking out the must-see shows of the season.

15. Holiday Pop-ups & Experiences

Bars restaurants, and hotels are decking their halls with tinsel and baubles for the holidays in Minneapolis. There's something for everyone looking to celebrate with loved ones this holiday season. Check out the best holiday pop-up bars and these festive hotels for a memorable holiday experience and plan a city getaway in Minneapolis.