Holiday Favorites with Bach
What: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 15; 4-6 p.m. Dec. 16
Where: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 900 Summit Ave., St. Paul (Dec. 15) and Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park (Dec. 16).
The Bach Society of Minnesota and the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers collaborate againto tell one of the greatest musical Christmas stories of all time with three cantatas from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio as well as cantata 147, known for its setting of the tune “Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring.”
Death Metal Tradition
What: Merry Krampus 2023
When: Dec. 15
Where: Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul
Decades-old death metal band Impaler brings its annual holiday show, “Merry Krampus,” to the Turf this year, featuring openers Dumpster Juice, Plague of Stars, and New Rocket Union. Come for the costumes, stay for the screams.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Lessons From Neverland
What: ‘Peter Pan’
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: The Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
Director Lonny Price brings an updated, modern day version of this classic to stage with new music and 16-year-old Nolan Almeida playing the title role.
PROVIDED
Shop Local + Tree Lighting
What: European Christmas Market
When: Weekends through Dec. 17
Where: Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul
More than 70 vendors crowd St. Paul’s Union Depot for this annual European-inspired market of live entertainment, food and drink, opportunities to make crafts, and more.
St. Paul Grand Meander
What: Summit Avenue Artisan Festival
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Summit Avenue, St. Paul
The 14th annual Summit Avenue Artisan Festival features locally handcrafted items from more than 40 artists and artisans, plus food, kids’ activities, and a Santa for pics.
Rockin’ It
What: Miracle at Big Rock
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Big Rock Creek, 1674 State Highway 87, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Just across Wisconsin border, Big Rock Creek is ringing in the holiday season. The camping and event venue’s annual winter festival features light displays, food trucks, sledding, cocktails, fireworks, and other activities.
She’s Everything
What: “I Am Betty”
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul
Betty Crocker, the fictional icon, gets some “Barbie” treatment in this musical that grapples with conflicted feelings over what she has represented across generations.
Ad Break
What: British Arrow Awards
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis
A yearly tradition—and the Walker’s most popular annual program—Great Britain’s best “telly adverts” screen at the contemporary art museum. Celebs roped into the fun this year include Miley Cyrus, Daniel Craig, John Boyega, and others.
Sarah Dope
GLOWed Up
What: GLOW Holiday Festival
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: CHS Field, 360 Broadway St., St. Paul
GLOW Holiday Festival returns to CHS Field this year, adding Vixen’s 300-foot tandem zip line to the entertainment. Enjoy illuminated displays, holiday eats, and a synchronized light show every 15 minutes.
