What I hear is the sound of families enjoying the holiday magic of Christmas concerts together. We all have our classic favorites – and the Twin Cities has so many opportunities to hear them live during the season. The sounds of the holidays are tuning up all around us! How to choose from the live performances if we’re planning to bring children?
- Go Directly to Kid-Appropriate Nutcracker Performances
- Go Directly to Christmas Music Sing-A-Longs
- Go Directly to Family-Friendly Orchestra & Band Concerts
We have something for just about everyone in our Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Guide: Santa, shopping, stage shows, sing-a-longs, sleighrides, sparkling light displays and special holiday events at sites across the Minneapolis & St. Paul metro area:
Nutcracker Performances for the Holiday Season
A meaningful trip to the ballet is probably best reserved for kids who have a specific interest in dance and can weather a performance of up to two hours. The costumes and set pieces can be lovely eye candy for children, but it’s important to explain to them ahead of time that a ballet is a typically a Holiday story told completely through instrumental music – no sing-alongs here!
A perfect family-friendly choice: A shorter ballet that is also easier on the holiday budget:
Nov 29, 2022: Mini-Nutcracker
Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
This one-hour abbreviated version of the full-length A Minnesota Nutcracker is a delightful introduction for young children to the classic ballet. 11am & 6pm performances. All Ages. $13-$16/pp.
Find Our Full List and additional information: The Nutcracker and Beyond: 2022’s Best Christmas Shows Ever!
Family-Friendly Christmas Concerts: Orchestra, Band & Choral Performances
We tried to keep these concerts at $20 or less so you can find holiday concerts where you can afford to take the whole family. Many of these offerings are FREE and open to the public. Some will even be serving Christmas cookies afterwards.
Dec 4, 2022: Share the Warmth Holiday Concert
Eden Prairie High School Auditorium, 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Bring a non-perishable food item or warm clothing (like hats and mittens) to donate and celebrate the season with Eden Prairie Community Band. 4-5pm. FREE.
Dec 10, 2022: Minnesota Teen Challenge – Minneapolis Christmas Concert
Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie MN 55347
Join Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge for our 14th Annual Christmas Concert, featuring Sanctus Real! Hear 350 clients share stories and songs of hope. Tickets available online and at the door. Saturday, Dec 10, 2022 / 3:00pm & 7:00pm | Tickets: $12-$75/pp.
Dec 11, 2022: Lucia Celebration Concert
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Concert to celebrate light during the long winter featuring ASI Lucia Choir. One hour performance in ASI’s Larson Hall. $20. Learn more & register here. (Available by Live-Stream Here. Check MELSA’s smARTpass Program for FREE virtual passes!)
Dec 15, 2022: Jazz Fest Live – New Holiday Classics
Virtual Concert
Register for this streaming concert and enjoy it in the comfort of your own living room. Featuring original Holiday music alongside favorite classics. 7pm. FREE. Reserve your spot here.
Dec 16, 2022: Seward Concert Band – Holiday Block Party
Sanford Middle School, 3524 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Celebrate the music of winter holidays with Seward Concert Band. 7:30pm. Suggested Donation: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 students and children.
Dec 17-18, 2022: SPCO Holiday Concert: Handel’s Messiah
Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s holiday traditions include an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Saturday 8pm/Sunday 2pm. Tickets $5-$50/pp.
Christmas Music Sing Alongs
What is better than a sing-along for getting kids in the mood for Christmas? Warm up your vocal chords and get ready to sing your Christmas favorites.
Nov. 26, 2022: Julglädge Family Holiday Concert!
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55407
An annual tradition hosted by Ross Sutter, who plays an energetic variety of American and Swedish tunes. This is an affordable experience for the whole family to enjoy. Two shows: 11am & 1pm. Tickets $5-$15/pp.
Dec. 10, 2022: Finnish Christmas Singalong
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 1660 County B Road, West, Roseville, MN 55113
Join in singing Finnish Christmas carols. FREE and open to the public. 2pm-3:30pm. (Stick around after for a coffee social and Christmas Bazaar).
November 20 – December 18, 2022: Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play: Be Your Best (S)Elf
Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play will be available virtually this year beginning November 20, 2021. There will also be a limited amount of FREE tickets available for the in-person sing-alongs. Several dates have already sold out. Reserve your tickets here. In the meantime, check out last year’s videos and print activities at the link above.
Dec 3-4, 2022: Christmas in Germany
Germanic-American Institute, 301 Summit Avenue, St Paul, MN 55102
Enjoy a German carols along with other German Christmas traditions at GAI’s annual Open Haus. 11am-4pm. FREE.
Dec 10-11, 2022: VocalEssence Welcome Christmas 2022
Carlson Family Stage at Northrop, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN
VocalEssence shares beloved carols in this sing-along outdoor concert. Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday at 4pm. Tickets: $17-$40/pp.
Strolling Carolers
Nov 27, 2022: Blaine Winter Celebration
Tom Ryan, 10802 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Live holiday music, wandering Santa, s’mores around a bonfire, cocoa and more. 4:30pm-7:30pm.
Holiday Splurge Concerts
Nov 25-Dec 30, 2022: Chanhassen Christmas Concerts
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Local Musicians perform tributes to classic performers. Enjoy concerts like Andy & Bing Christmas, Boyd Lee, Aimée Lee and Mary Jane Alm Christmas on the Prairie, Celtic Holiday, Kat Perkins North Country Christmas, Ginger Commodore and friends Whole Lotta Soul, Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular and Three Tenors Christmas. Tickets $44/show; $62/dinner & show.
Nov 30, 2022: Baby Shark Live! – The Christmas Show
State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong as they journey into the sea for the Holidays to sing and dance through some of your favorite songs including holiday classics such as “Jingle Bells” and more. 6:00 pm
Dec 2, 2022 – January 1, 2023: Christmas at the Local
Ritz Theater, 345 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis MN 55413
An ensemble of actor-singer-instrumentalists gather to raise a glass and play a tune, calling forth the spirit of the holidays through storytelling and song. Tickets $35+.
Dec 17-18, 2022: Minnesota Orchestra performs ELF in Concert
Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Becoming a beloved holiday tradition, families can watch this classic Christmas movie backed by the Minnesota Orchestra. Tickets $50+.
Dec 23, 2022: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Xcel Energy Center, 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Two shows – 3:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start at $49.