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
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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 27-29, 2023: 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. $14-$18/pp.
Find Our Full List and additional information: The Nutcracker and Beyond: The 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 2023: City Center Holiday Music Series
33 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Live music weekly throughout the month of December. 2023 lineup TBA!
Dec 3, 2023: Family Christmas Concert
Faith Church, 12007 Excelsior Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55343
This free family concert will feature choir, orchestra, solos, mime, dance and a children bell choir. Two concerts: 3:00p & 7:00p. FREE. Learn More.
Dec 4, 2023: Brooklyn Community Band Concert
Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55443
This FREE concert will feature many of your favorite seasonal songs. 7-8pm. FREE. Drop In.
Dec 4-23, 2023: Holiday Music Festival
Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425
Celebrate the 2023 Holiday season with musical performances every day except Tuesday at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4 p.m. FREE. Stop by the Rotunda.
Dec 8, 2023: Wonder upon Wonder
Spirit Garage Worship, 100 W 46th St, Minneapolis, MN 55419
An evening of music, poetry and stories at the Spirit Garage. Free Refreshments. 7pm. FREE.
Dec 9, 2023: 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 Micah Tyler! Hear 350 clients share stories and songs of hope. Tickets available online and at the door. 3pm & 7pm.Tickets: $12-$75/pp.
Dec 10, 2023: 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, 2023: 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 14-17, 2023: 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.
Dec, 15, 2023: Songs of the Season – Carols by Minnesota Composers
Landmark Center First Floor Cortile, 75 W 5th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
A one-hour concert of carols by Minnesota Composers, curated by Abbie Betinis. Two shows: 12pm & 6pm
Dec, 18, 2023: Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony Concert
Ted Mann Concert Hall, w128 4th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Mark Russell Smith conducts GTCYS in their first featured concert of the season. Not necessarily Christmas music, but a beautiful way to start out the Holiday. Tickets: $5 – $12 for students, adults, and seniors.
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 25, 2023: 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.
Nov 18-Dec 17, 2023: Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play: Albert’s Big Surprise
Bachman’s on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play is all in person this year. Visit with Santa’s reindeer on Saturdays November 18, 25 & December 2, 2023, from 9am-3pm. Half our plays run throughout the weekend at the Lyndale Avenue location.
Dec 2-3, 2023: 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. December 2-3, 2023. FREE.
Dec 9-10, 2023: VocalEssence: Welcome Christmas 2023
Carlson Family Stage at Northrop, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN
VocalEssence shares beloved carols from around the world in this sing-along concert. Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday at 4pm. Tickets: $17-$40/pp.
Strolling Carolers
Nov 26, 2023: 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. 4pm-7pm.
Holiday Splurge Concerts
Nov 26, 2023: King & Country Drummer Boy Christmas
Target Center 600 1st Ave North Minneapolis, MN 55403
Brothers Joel and Luke will be bringing holiday cheer this Christmas season, performing Christmas classics and more like their fan favorite “Little Drummer Boy”, “Love Me Like I Am”, “What Are We Waiting For?, and many more. 7pm-11pm. Tickets $24.99.
Nov 24-Dec 30, 2023: 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 21 – Dec 31, 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+.
Nov 25-26, 2023: Minnesota Orchestra performs Home Along 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 16-17, 2023: Minnesota Orchestra performs Frozen 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 30, 2023: Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas
Xcel Energy Center, 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Two shows – 3:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start at $49.