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

For more than four decades, Augsburg University has ushered in the Advent and Christmas seasons with Advent Vespers, a magnificent experience of music and liturgy focusing on the theme of preparation and culminating in the joyful celebration of the Incarnation. 

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. Suggested donation is $30 per person, accepted at the door with your seating envelope. (make reservations online)

Christmas at Bethany
Nov 30 at 5 p.m.
Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.

Bethany’s Concert Band, Concert Choir and Handbell Choir perform Christmas selections at the beloved annual Christmas concert.

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

Cost: Free will donation taken at the concerts; tickets must be reserved in advance (reserve tickets online)

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

In Collegeville:
Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 2:30 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 Ensemble and Amadeus Chamber Symphony for their celebration of Christmas.

The Great Hall
Saint John’s University
2850 Abbey Plaza
Collegeville, MN 56321

Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $10 for students (order online)

In Minneapolis:
Dec. 2 at 8 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 Ensemble and Amadeus Chamber Symphony for their celebration of Christmas.

The Basilica of Saint Mary
1600 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $25 for students (order online)

O Holy Night
Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 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, brass ensemble and string ensemble combine for an evening of unforgettable music making.

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

Cost: $17 general admission, free admission for students pre-K to college and for Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery (order online)
 

Christmas with Lorie Line
Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

Simple and elegant, Lorie Line will be presenting an all-new solo piano show that features both the classics and some newer songs that will make the season special.

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

Cost: $60 (order online)
 

Christmas Through the Looking Glass
Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.

Come and join the CSS Concert Band, Steel Band and String Ensemble for an afternoon of festive cheer and joyful spirits. The program will include movie music and classics such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Greensleeves and Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, along with an audience carol sing-along. This musical journey will inspire laughter and nostalgia, along with moments of deep contemplation on the meaning of Christmas.

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

Cost: $7 general admission, free admission for students pre-K to college and for Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery (order online)
 

Handel's Messiah Singalong
Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Join the CSS Music Program and Borealis Chamber Artists for a return of the beloved Messiah Singalong. This is a free event and will feature the Borealis Chamber Artists chorus, orchestra and soloists leading from the stage, with the CSS Choral Ensembles helping to lead from the audience. Dust off those vocal cords and Messiah score (or buy or borrow one at the door) and come to Mitchell Auditorium for an evening of fun, joyful music making.

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

Cost: Free

Concordia College Christmas Concert: Rejoice and Sing

The 97th annual 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. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.

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

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

In Minneapolis:
Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Minneapolis Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $32-42 plus facility and processing fees (order online or by calling 1-800-292-4141)

Recording:
This year, we will video record our 2023 concerts at Orchestra Hall and create a one-hour version of the concert to make available for online, on-demand viewing from the comfort of your own home Dec. 21, 2023, through Jan. 2, 2024. Registration is required to view the video.

Cost: Register before Dec. 21 for only $25

A Concordia St. Paul Christmas
Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.

Join us for this festival celebration featuring the Concert Band, Handbell Choir, Christus Chorus and Jubilate Chorus of Concordia University, St. Paul. You won't want to miss it!

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

Cost: Free, but tickets must be reserved (order online)

Christmas in Christ Chapel: Grace Embodied
Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (also livestreamed)
Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.

The 50-year tradition continues as the Gustavus community joyously celebrates another year of Christmas in Christ Chapel. The annual program features the Gustavus Choir, Choir of Christ Chapel, Christ Chapel Ringers, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Lucia Singers and dancers.

For the Sunday performance, registered high school students will receive up to three complimentary tickets to Christmas in Christ Chapel, our holiday performance featuring music, dance and spoken word. You may choose to include an info session, campus tour and meal on campus. Register by Tues., Nov. 21.

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

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

Artaria String Quartet: Folk Songs
Nov. 19 at 3 p.m.

"Folk Songs" is a collection from three historic composers. Florence Price was a mid-20th century Black composer whose music has been rediscovered. Haydn is considered the "father" of the string quartet form. Bela Bartók's 1934 quartet is a preview of the Bartók cycle that Artaria will perform in January 2024.

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

Cost: $25 (order online)
 

Hamline Wind Ensemble Concert
Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

A Cappella Choir Concert
Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Hamline Jazz Combo
Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Hamline Orchestra Concert
Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Hamline Jazz Ensemble Concert
Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

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

Cost: Free

Pipe Band Concert
Nov. 11 at 7 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
 

Asian Music Ensemble Concert
Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Concert Choir and Chorale Concert
Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Chamber Ensembles Concert
Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

MacJazz Concert
Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Symphony Orchestra Concert
Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

African Music Ensemble Concert
Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.

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. 10 at 3 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Wind Symphony
Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

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. 11 at 8 p.m.

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

Cost: Free
 

Electronic Music Concert
Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.

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

Cost: Free

MCAD Art Sale
$175 VIP access: Nov. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m.
$30 access: Nov. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Free access: Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design announces the 26th anniversary of the Art Sale which will take place November 16-18 on campus.

Once again Minneapolis College of Art and Design will host the much-anticipated and beloved Art Sale on November 16–18. 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.

The MCAD Art Sale is an opportunity to buy original works by emerging artists and designers, current students and alumni. 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 $2,000.

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 $175 (see above)

Christmas with Saint Ben’s and Saint John's

In Collegeville:
Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 2:30 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 Ensemble and Amadeus Chamber Symphony for their celebration of Christmas.

The Great Hall
Saint John’s University
2850 Abbey Plaza
Collegeville, MN 56321

Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $10 for students (order online)

In Minneapolis:
Dec. 2 at 8 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 Ensemble and Amadeus Chamber Symphony for their celebration of Christmas.

The Basilica of Saint Mary
1600 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $25 for students (order online)

Christmas with Lorie Line
Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is honored to host Lorie Line in Winona, Minnesota during her 2023 Christmas Tour! On November 30, spend an intimate evening with Lorie around the piano as she shares heartwarming stories and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

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

Cost: $60 (order online)
 

A Holiday Celebration of the Arts
Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m.

Gather your loved ones and join us for a heartwarming Holiday Celebration of the Arts. Set in the beautiful Page Theatre at Saint Mary's University, this event will provide the perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday season in style! A family-friendly evening of live music, dance and theatrical performances will ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy!

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

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

St. Paul Ballet — Nutcracker Reimagined
Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

St. Paul Ballet's 25th anniversary performances will be a celebratory affair, featuring alumni from the past 25 years as well as special guests. To mark our legacy as a trailblazer in MN ballet training, we are thrilled to feature guest artists from our 25 years alongside our already exceptional youth performers. Make use of our Pay-As-Able ticketing to gather family, friends and relatives to experience a performance that will be talked about for years to come.

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

Cost: $5 - $50 (order online)
 

Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas
Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

For over 20 years Minnesota families have been making Katie McMahon’s Celtic Christmas a beloved part of their annual holiday tradition. Katie, Minnesota’s own “Celtic Woman”, first rose to fame as the original lead singer from Riverdance. A new show every year, McMahon will share songs from her expansive collection of international carols along with her celebrated harp-playing, talented band, singers and lively Irish dancers from the Rince na Chroí Dancers.

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

Cost: $5 - 29 (order online)
 

Ballet Minnesota — The Classic Nutcracker
Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

Ballet Minnesota's 35th 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. 1 at 8 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (also livestreamed)

The 2023 St. Olaf Christmas Festival, one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States, will host their performances at Orchestra Hall. 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. The Saturday evening concert will be available in a free livestream and on demand later in December.

Minneapolis Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $40 - $85 (order online; current students, parents, donors and alumni have priority for ticket sales, but remaining tickets are available to the public.)
 

St. Olaf Band and St. Olaf Handbells performance
Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m.

The St. Olaf Band will be featured during morning worship at in Boe Memorial Chapel followed by the St. Olaf Handbells performing in Buntrock Commons.

Boe Chapel and Buntrock Commons
St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057

Cost: Free

Theatre production: Anastasia
Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Her past is a mystery. Her future is an adventure. Inspired by the beloved film, Anastasia transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Featuring favorites from the hit animated film, including “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” Anastasia is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. Recommended for ages 6+. Children under 3 will not be admitted.

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

Cost: $18 - $25, group rates available (order online)
 

Deo Cantamus
Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. doors open, 2:40 p.m. conversation with the conductor, 3 p.m. start time

Join the Deo Cantamus chorale as we anticipate the blessings of the coming Advent season. It will be a concert of beautiful music, praise and celebration. The program will begin and end with audience participation as we join our voices with glorious hymns that celebrate the incarnation of Christ. Part I will feature music of Johannes Brahms. Neue Liebeslieder Waltzer is a delightful multi-movement work for SATB chorus, soloists and four-hands piano. Part II will include a concert version of the delightful classic Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Nazareth Chapel
3003 Snelling Ave North
St. Paul, MN 55113

Cost: Free for 10 and under, $5 UNW students with ID, $12 advanced rate, $15 at the door (order online)

Christmas at Northwestern: The Truth Sent from Above
Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.

Begin your Christmas season with us as we feature nearly 300 student musicians within Northwestern Choir, UNW Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Amata Women's Chorale and Con Brio Men's Chorus on stage in our annual concert of worship. A long-standing tradition on the Northwestern campus, this year’s Christmas at Northwestern theme, “The Truth sent from Above,” will once again celebrate in colorful music, rich images and the spoken word the truth-filled Christmas story.

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

Cost: $23 - $26; discounted tickets available for UNW alumni, students and faculty/staff (order online)

A St. Thomas Christmas: Reflections of Gratitude
Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

This concert features music by select St. Thomas ensembles. Tickets can be purchased through Orchestra Hall. The Department of Music, Film and Creative Enterprises and the UST Pep Band, in partnership with Catholic Charities Twin Cities, will collect adult size, waterproof, neutral-colored mittens and gloves at this event. They will be offered throughout the season to community members in need. Thank you for your generosity, as you are able. Children ages 6+ are welcome.

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

Cost: $32 plus $4 facility fee and $5 service charge fee per transaction for all phone and online orders (order online)
 

Christmas Eve Mass
Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Join us for Christmas Eve Mass with carol singing beginning at 4:30 p.m. and mass at 5 p.m.

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

Cost: Free