Photo: Marco Borggreve
Minnesota Orchestra Dvořák New World Symphony
What: Dvořák New World Symphony
When:
Dec. 4, 11 a.m.
Dec. 5, 8 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Haydn’s Sinfonia concertante was written to allow a quartet of players to shine. In this case, a quartet of Minnesota Orchestra musicians take the solo spotlight. To set the scene, 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw riffs on one of Haydn’s quartets, and conductor Delyana Lazarova closes with Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, partially inspired by his time in the Upper Midwest.
Courtesy of Landmark Center
Festive gift shopping and local artistry in downtown St. Paul
What: Landmark Center’s 47th Annual Holiday Bazaar
When:
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Twilight Shopping Special from 4-7 p.m. with complimentary refreshment)
Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Landmark Center, 75 Fifth Street West, Saint Paul
The historic downtown St. Paul Landmark Center is transformed into a festive marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, seasonal decor, and live music for three days. Admission is $5 (cash or check only). Children 12 and under are free. Admission proceeds support Landmark Center’s free community arts programs.
Photo courtesy of Gustavus Adolphus
An inspiring holiday musical tradition rings out at Gustavus
What: “Christmas in Christ Chapel”
When:
Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, which features livestream on YouTube
Dec. 7, 4 p.m.
Where: Gustavus Adolphus campus, 800 West College Ave., St. Peter, MN
Join in the holiday tradition, “Christmas in Christ Chapel,” a celebration of the nativity that blends music, dance, and spoken word to inspire reflection and joy during the Advent season. It has been going strong for more than 50 years, and features the Gustavus Choir, Choir of Christ Chapel, Christ Chapel Ringers, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Lucia Singers, and select members of the Gustavus Dance Company, plus Gustavus students from all majors and multidisciplinary talents. Check link above for more information and tickets. (There is also a Christmas in Christ Chapel buffet available for purchase.)
Photo courtesy of Circus Juventas
Be amazed by dazzling aerial feats and thrilling acrobatics
What: Circus Juventas Holiday 2025 Production: Solstice
When: Dec. 5-14 (times vary)
Where: Circus Juventas “Big Top,” 1270 Montreal Ave., St. Paul
The performing arts circus school students flip, tumble, and careen through glittering woods and snow-dappled clearings on a holiday adventure to save the seasons as Circus Juventas presents the spectacular holiday production “Solstice.”
Photo: Adobe
Meet artists, take a luminary stroll, and enjoy a treasure hunt
What: Thorp Holiday Open Studios: Luminary Stroll & Treasure Hunt
When:
Dec. 6, 12-8 p.m.
Dec. 7, 12-5 p.m.
Where: Thorp Building, 1618-1620 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis
From printmaking and painting to fiber arts, jewelry, ceramics, and more, visitors can explore more than 20 artist studios at the Thorp Building in Northeast Minneapolis while cozy luminaries shine throughout the historic building. Learn how artists create their art, explore artist-made holiday gifts, and enjoy seasonal treats, art demonstrations, and make-and-take activities. A highlight of the family-friendly event is the seasonal art-filled treasure hunt, a fun and approachable way to tour the Thorp Building. Several artists have created one-of-a-kind, seasonal ornaments for the hunt, and finding them all earns hunters the chance to win an ornament.
