Evenitto's guide · Minneapolis–St. Paul

Christmas concerts 2026

December is the busiest month of the American concert year: Messiah and sing-along Messiahs, holiday pops, choral Christmas concerts and New Year's Eve concerts to close the year. The Nutcracker is on the theater pages. In Minnesota the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is a tradition of its own; in 2026 it comes to Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on December 4 and 5. The popular ones sell out early.

What you'll hear

  • Handel

    Messiah

    Handel's oratorio, from 'Comfort ye' to the Hallelujah chorus. At a sing-along Messiah the audience sings the choruses from the score, and it's traditional to stand for the Hallelujah.

  • Orchestras

    Holiday pops

    The orchestra's holiday show: carols, Sleigh Ride, a sing-along and often a visit from Santa. An easy first concert for the whole family.

  • Choirs

    Choral Christmas concerts

    College, church and community choirs singing carols and Christmas music, from Nine Lessons and Carols to the St. Olaf Christmas Festival.

Guide: Christmas events in Minneapolis–St. Paul

Christmas concerts on the calendar0

Nothing in this genre is on the calendar right now. New concerts are added every day.