Advent Vespers
Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. (open dress rehearsal)
Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. (also livestreamed) and 5 p.m.

A magnificent experience of music and liturgy, focusing on the theme of preparation and culminating in the joyful celebration of the Incarnation. It will be live this year, with one livestreamed service on Saturday afternoon. 

Central Lutheran Church
333 S. 12th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Cost: Seating envelopes are required for entry and are distributed on a first come first serve basis beginning at noon on October 24. Suggested donation is $30 per person, accepted at the door with your seating envelope. (request reservations online)

Christmas at Bethany
Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.
Dec. 4 at 3 p.m.

Bethany’s beloved annual Christmas concert returns. This musical celebration of the birth of our Savior.

Trinity Chapel
Bethany Lutheran College
700 Luther Dr.
Mankato, MN 56001

Cost: free, but advance reservations are strongly recommended (reserve tickets online)

Festival of Christmas
Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Nearly 300 of Bethel’s talented student musicians usher in the Christmas season through scripture and joyful song in this cherished holiday event.

Benson Great Hall
Bethel University
3900 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112

Cost: ticket prices vary (order online)

Christmas with Saint Ben’s and Saint John's
Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Join the CSB and SJU Chamber Choir, CSB Women's Choir, SJU Men's Chorus, St. John's Boys' Choir, CSB and SJU Brass Choir and Amadeus Chamber Symphony for their celebration of Christmas.

Abbey and University Church
Saint John’s University
2850 Abbey Plaza
Collegeville, MN 56321

Cost: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for students (order online)

O Holy Night Choral Concert
Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The College of St. Scholastica Music Program presents our annual Christmas concert, O Holy Night. Come be filled with the Christmas spirit as the CSS Choirs, joined by the brass and string ensembles, present an evening of unforgettable music-making.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary
2801 E. 4th St.
Duluth, MN 55812

Cost: free for students (pre-K through college) and $17 general admission (order online)
 

Loria Line
Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.

Expect a very intimate evening with Lorie as she shares her beautiful music and funny and heartwarming stories — all centered around the piano.

Mitchell Auditorium
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave.
Duluth, MN 55811

Cost: $60 (order online)
 

Joyann Parker presents the music of Patsy Cline
Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

In this powerful 90-minute stage performance, Joyann Parker and her seasoned band showcase the most popular and best-loved of Patsy's songs. Enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time as Joyann beautifully weaves the stories of Patsy's life and career in and out of the music you know and love. Vintage costumes and ambiance enhance Joyann's uncanny and authentic channeling of the classic vocals of the legendary Patsy Cline.

Mitchell Auditorium
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave.
Duluth, MN 55811

Cost: $10 (order online)
 

Music Ensembles Concert
Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Come join the St. Scholastica Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Brass Choir, Steel Band, and Concert Band for an evening of festive holiday cheer. You will be serenaded by traditional favorites and holiday film classics like Home Alone and The Polar Express.

Mitchell Auditorium
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Ave.
Duluth, MN 55811

Cost: free for students (pre-K through college) and $7 general admission

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

The Emmy® Award-winning Concordia Christmas Concerts are a regional highlight during the holiday season, featuring 300 students performing in the choir ensembles and orchestra in front of a stunning, newly created mural each year.

In Moorhead:
Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

Memorial Auditorium
Concordia College
901 8th St. S.
Moorhead, MN 56562

Cost: $25 plus processing fee (order online or by calling 1-888-477-0277)

In Minneapolis:
Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Minneapolis Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $23-32 plus facility and processing fees (order online or by calling 1-800-292-4141)

Performing Arts Christmas Concert: A Father's Love Begotten
Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.

Buetow Music Center Auditorium
Concordia University, St. Paul
300 Hamline Ave.
St. Paul, 55104

Cost: $18 for adults; $12 for seniors and children 12 and under (order online)

Christmas in Christ Chapel
Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (also livestreamed)
Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Christmas in Christ Chapel 2022 features the Gustavus Choir, Choir of Christ Chapel, Christ Chapel Ringers, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Lucia Singers, and dancers. Celestial Wonder, Joy Unfolding: Christmas in Christ Chapel 2022 is a celebration in which heaven, earth, and all creation join Mary and Elisabeth, mothers of Jesus and John the Baptist, to proclaim with wonder, hope, and joy the peace that the birth of Christ heralds into the world.

Christ Chapel
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Ave.
Saint Peter, MN 56082

Cost: $35 (order online or by calling 507-933-7520)

Hamline Wind Ensemble
Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Sundin Music Hall
Hamline University
1531 Hewitt Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Cost: free
 

A Cappella Choir Holiday Concert
Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.

Hamline United Methodist Church
1514 Englewood Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Cost: free
 

Jazz Combo
Dec. 6 at 11:30 a.m.

Sundin Music Hall
Hamline University
1531 Hewitt Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Cost: free
 

Hamline Orchestra
Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.

Sundin Music Hall
Hamline University
1531 Hewitt Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Cost: free
 

Hamline Jazz Ensemble
Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.

Anne Simley Theatre
Drew Fine Arts Complex
Hamline University
1536 Hewitt Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Cost: free

Asian Music Ensemble Concert
Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

Choir Concert
Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

Pipe Band Concert
Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: $5, free with Macalester ID
 

Chamber Ensembles Concert
Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

Wind Symphony Concert
Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

Orchestra Concert
Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

African Music Ensemble Concert
Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

Early Music Ensemble Concert
Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Macalester College
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

MacJazz Concert
Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free
 

Jazz and Popular Music Combos Concert
Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)

Music Building, Mairs Concert Hall
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center
Macalester College
130 Macalester St.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: free

MCAD Art Sale
$150 VIP access: Nov. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.
$25 access: Nov. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Free access: Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Minneapolis College of Art and Design announces the 25th anniversary of the Art Sale which will take place November 17–19 on campus after being held virtually for the past two years.

More than 400 students and alumni are participating in this year’s Art Sale — an annual tradition that connects MCAD students and alumni with the wider Twin Cities community. In honor of the 25th anniversary, a larger group of alumni from the past 25 years have been invited to participate. Some of the artists include Evan Abrahamson ’13, Gregory Euclide ’09, Samantha French ’05, Carla Alexandra Rodriguez ’11, Song Thao ’11 and Sarah Wieben ’04. 

The MCAD Art Sale is an opportunity to buy original works by emerging artists and designers, current students and alumni. Echoing MCAD’s 14 majors, an eclectic range of creative mediums are represented at the sale—including paintings, prints, photographs, illustrations, sculpture, furniture, jewelry, accessories, printed books and more. Prices range from $10 to $1,500. 

Following a commitment to supporting students and alumni, 80 percent of all sales go directly to the artist. The event offers many students their first opportunity to price their own works, market to the public and build relationships with local art collectors and enthusiasts. 

MCAD main building
2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Cost: free to $150 (see above)

Christmas with Saint Ben’s and Saint John's
Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Join the CSB and SJU Chamber Choir, CSB Women's Choir, SJU Men's Chorus, St. John's Boys' Choir, CSB and SJU Brass Choir and Amadeus Chamber Symphony for their celebration of Christmas.

Abbey and University Church
Saint John’s University
2850 Abbey Plaza
Collegeville, MN 56321

Cost: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for students (order online)

Jazz at Saint Mary’s presents 'One More Once'
Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m

Every other December, Jazz at Saint Mary’s presents an American Jazz Cabaret showcasing the talents of Saint Mary’s University student musicians. This year the Red Bird Club will honor big band royalty – Count Basie and Duke Ellington. From the Count’s April in Paris to the Duke’s Take the ‘A’ Train, One More Once will feature crooners, an emcee and beer and wine service before the performance and during intermission! 

Page Theatre
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights
Winona, MN 55987

Cost: free (Doors open 30 minutes before concert time. Beverages at the Red Bird Club will be available for purchase.)
 

Festival of 9 Lessons & Carols
Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Presented in the traditional format of alternating scripture readings and music of the season, the performance will feature the Concert Choir, men’s and women’s ensembles, and Madrigal Choir. The audience is invited to join in singing carols of the season at this beautiful and spiritual experience.

Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
1155 W. Wabasha St.
Winona, MN 55987

Cost: free (Doors open 30 minutes before concert time.)
 

Saint Mary’s Concert Band
Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.

The band will perform works both new and old, from Shadow Rituals by contemporary composer Michael Markowski to Leroy Anderson’s classic Christmas Festival. Come and enjoy an hour of live music that will leave you energized and ready for the holiday season.

Page Theatre
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights
Winona, MN 55987

Cost: free (Doors open 30 minutes before concert time.)

St. Paul Ballet — A Nutcracker Story
Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The 85-minute length, plus intermission, is a perfect way to introduce children to the power and beauty of classical dance. Stunning sets and costumes and a cast of more than 80 dancers make A Nutcracker Story a must-see tradition for your family and friends.

The O’Shaughnessy
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: $3-$45 (order online)
 

Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas
Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Katie McMahon has graced stages around the world as the original voice of Riverdance. Her ode to the holidays, Celtic Christmas, celebrates the season through a family-friendly program of traditional Christmas carols, stories and lively Irish dance.

The O’Shaughnessy
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: $5-28 (order online)
 

Ballet Minnesota — The Classic Nutcracker
Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.

Ballet Minnesota’s 34rd annual The Classic Nutcracker, returns to The O’Shaughnessy! Come celebrate this annual family holiday tradition.

The O’Shaughnessy
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: $5-$45 (order online)

St. Olaf Christmas Festival
Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (also livestreamed)

The St. Olaf Christmas Festival, one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States, will take place this year at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. More than 500 students who are members of five choirs - the St. Olaf Choir, Viking Chorus, Chapel Choir, Cantorei and Manitou Singers - along with the St. Olaf Orchestra, will perform individually and as part of a mass ensemble. This year's concert, Promise of Peace, will also be available in a free livestream during the 7:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 3 and on demand later in December. 

Minneapolis Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $35-$80 (order online; current students, parents, donors and alumni have priority for ticket sales, but remaining tickets are available to the public.)

Theatre production: Little Women
Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 5 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

This brand-new world premiere adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women covers all of your favorite parts of the original novel. Set in New England during the Civil War, the play details a coming-of-age story for Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March as they grow and learn from their mistakes. Each of the young women has a "burden" or character flaw that they must recognize and overcome to reach their goals, and they find out that happy endings do not always turn out as expected.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Beverly & John Lord Knight Performance Hall
3003 Snelling Ave North
St. Paul, MN 55113

Cost: Varies, please click the link for ticket options (order online)
 

Christmas at Northwestern: A Light in the Darkness
Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.

This year’s Christmas at Northwestern, A Light in the Darkness will share in music and the spoken word the light-filled Christmas story within the context of the light-deprived days of winter, and in the world all around us. Just as we know the sun will return, the Light of the Son will outshine the darkness of the world, and bring with it new life. Jesus is the “Light of the World” who was born among us, and His Light will overcome our darkness.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Beverly & John Lord Knight Performance Hall
3003 Snelling Ave North
St. Paul, MN 55113

Cost: $17 for students (college age or younger) and senior citizens (65+) and $20 for adults (order online)
 

Theatre production: A Christmas Carol
Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

A Christmas Carol adapted and directed by Daniel McLaughlin, is a new adaptation of Dickens’ timeless classic, a story that captures the warmth and goodwill of the holiday season. The festival also includes 4 student-written 10-minute plays. This UNW tradition is a yearly delight for audiences and families of all ages.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Patsy Miller Studio Theatre
3003 Snelling Ave North
St. Paul, MN 55113

Cost: SOLD OUT

Vespers of Remembrance
Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Please join the St. Thomas community as we gather to remember our loved ones who have passed. This contemplative evening service will feature psalms and music interspersed with prayers and moments of silence.

Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
University of St. Thomas 
2115 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Cost: Free, but registration encouraged (register online)

A St. Thomas Christmas: Dawning Light
Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

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.

Orchestra Hall (downtown Minneapolis)
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $32 plus $4 facility fee (order online)