Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate together in South Saint Paul! Our guide has all the community events to make your holiday season special. From South Saint Paul aficionados to curious newcomers, our guide showcases the best of the holiday season.
Popular Events: Experience the charm of the European Christmas Market, where you can stroll through beautifully decorated stalls offering unique crafts, delicious treats, and festive cheer. The GLOW Holiday Festival captivates with its magnificent light displays, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. And the Night Trains is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring illuminated train displays that delight visitors of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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South Saint Paul Holiday Light Displays
GLOW Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays and zip line experience.
- Description
- GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, features over a million lights, interactive displays, and unique attractions like the Vixen’s Zip Line and Giant Snowy Slide. The event also includes a boutique shopping experience with local vendors and a charity donation component.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : GLOW Holiday Festival
South Saint Paul Holiday Markets and Shopping
European Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Authentic European-style holiday market with handmade crafts and local delicacies.
- Description
- The European Christmas Market in St. Paul offers a unique shopping experience with over 70 vendors, live entertainment, and a Holiday Train and Carousel. Visitors can enjoy gift shopping, European-style food, kids' craft activities, and festive performances.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : European Christmas Market
Landmark Center Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
- What to Expect
- Unique handcrafted gifts by local artisans.
- Description
- The 46th Annual Landmark Center Holiday Bazaar features 80 local artisans showcasing unique handcrafted items, including jewelry, woodwork, paintings, and handmade soaps. Guests can enjoy festive music and delicious treats in the historic Landmark Center.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : Landmark Center Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
South Saint Paul Holiday Shows and Entertainment
North Pole Express
- What to Expect
- Historic steam locomotive and vintage railcar experience with Santa visits.
- Description
- Join Friends 261 for a holiday train ride featuring historic locomotives and vintage railcars. Write letters to Santa, enjoy holiday treats, and visit Santa himself during the journey. The event includes activities at St. Paul Union Depot, making it a memorable holiday tradition.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : North Pole Express
Hub for the Holidays Tree Lighting and Movie Night
- What to Expect
- Tree lighting ceremony with live music and a classic holiday movie.
- Description
- The Hub for the Holidays Tree Lighting and Movie Night at Union Depot features the unveiling of the St. Paul Winter Carnival 2025 button, a concert by The Mistletones, and a screening of the classic holiday movie "Elf."
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : Hub for the Holidays Tree Lighting and Movie Night
South Saint Paul Other Holiday Activities
Night Trains
- What to Expect
- Specially lighted vintage passenger trains in a snowy, holiday-decorated setting.
- Description
- The Twin City Model Railroad Museum brings its collection of model trains and toy trains to life with Night Trains. The event features specially lighted models of operating vintage passenger trains, set in make-believe towns buried in snow and decorated with holiday lights and decorations. Uniquely decorated trains run on the layouts, and special holiday-only layouts are on display.
- Where
- St. Paul | More Info : Night Trains
Christmas at Dakota City Heritage Village
- What to Expect
- Historical village with holiday activities and demonstrations.
- Description
- Explore a historic village transformed into a festive holiday setting with heated buildings, horse-drawn trolleys, and seasonal treats. Enjoy demonstrations, choir performances, and visits with St. Nicholas.
- Where
- Farmington | More Info : Christmas at Dakota City Heritage Village