Top Christmas Concerts and Shows in St. Paul and Minneapolis 2019

The traditional Twin Cities' holiday production of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" plays at the Guthrie Theater each November and December. Although it's been performing this holiday show for decades, the Guthrie makes it fresh and full of wonder every year.

This may be the classic of all classics for the holidays. The Metropolitan Ballet and Hopkins Youth Ballet annually perform three performances of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" with a full symphony orchestra at the Hopkins Auditorium in mid-December. This year you can catch the show from December 13 to 15, 2019.

The Ordway in St. Paul annually presents a magical holiday production or two for kids and adults alike. In December 2019, you can catch the Holiday Concert on December 14, Christmas with Cantus on December 20, or Handel's "Messiah" on December 22.

The Minnesota Boychoir performs winter holiday concerts annually in December and January at various venues in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and residents of the Twin Cities love it. Venues include the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and Landmark Center in St. Paul. All shows are free, but donations are requested.

This year the annual winter concerts feature a variety of sacred and secular classics. The first concert, "Katie McMahon's Celtic Christmas:, takes stage at The O'Shaughnessy at ST. Catherine University in St. Paul on December 6, 2019.

The Hennepin Theatre District presents all kinds of holiday entertainment in several restored historic theaters. Events can range from a performances of classic ballets to plays, concerts, choral music, and holiday shows with local stars. 

In 2019, you can enjoy "A Drag Queen Christmas" comedy show on December 3 or catch the "The Great Russian Nutcracker" from December 6 to 7. Later in the month, you can also attend the "New Standards Holiday Show," or the "A Christmas Celebration" with Jim Brickman.

Minnesota always brings a fun and entertaining group to perform for the holidays at the Fitzgerald Theater, including The Steeles family for a concert of sacred and secular holiday music. This 1,000-seat venue acts as Minnesota Public Radio's largest broadcast studio.

The Actors Theater of Minnesota presents two holiday shows every December at the Camp Bar and Cabaret at Camp in St. Paul. This year they will present "Miracle on Christmas Lake," an original play by local playwright Jessica Lind Peterson. You can catch the show on any night between December 5 to 28, 2019.

Holiday concerts at Twin Cities colleges are produced and performed by students, faculty, and staff. In 2019, you'll find concerts from November 11 to December 21. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Several performances are free. Augsburg College celebrates the season with the Advent Vespers tradition of hymns, anthems, and carols. Other colleges with Christmas concerts include Concordia College and Bethel University.

The choral group VocalEssence has been performing its annual holiday concert every December for four decades. The group performs at churches in Apple Valley, Plymouth, Minneapolis, Edina, and Stillwater. The Welcome Christmas performance is a 45-minute concert featuring favorite carols, and the whole family is expected to clap, wiggle, and sing along. Children age three and under will be admitted for free.

The Minnesota Orchestra annually celebrates Christmas with joyous concerts every December. Buy tickets early while a good selection of seats is available. Concerts include "Home for the Holidays," jazz, and gospel caroling classics.