Winter Fun in Saint Paul

'Tis the season to be jolly! Thanks to the hard work of business owners, volunteers, employees, city workers, and residents, our little treasure that is Lowertown is turned into a winter wonderland for the season -  and that makes everyone jolly :). Below you'll find a list of events and activities that make Lowertown a go-to winter destination.

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A Victorian Christmas
What: Head back to Christmas in 1875 with the Alexander Ramsey House Victorian Christmas Tour. Taste homemade cookies fresh from the wood burning stove, listen to holiday music of the era, see the family's original Christmas decorations, and so much more. The Carriage House gift store will even have replicas of Victorian ornaments and holiday items!
Where: Alexander Ramsey House
When: Every Wednesday - Sunday during December and into January. Wed - Sat: 12am - 3:30pm.  Sundays: noon - 3:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Cost: $11 per adult, $9 for seniors and college students, $7 ages 6-17. $3 discount for MNHS members. Reservations required! Call 651.259.3015

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Hill House Holidays
What: The bustle and excitement of a Gilded Age Christmas is brought to life as the servants of the James J. Hill House prepare for the holidays. Costumed actors portray people who worked for the Hill family in a dramatized portrayal of servant life and holiday preparations at the Hill family's Summit Avenue mansion.
Where: James J. Hill House
When: The first three weekends (Saturday and Sunday) of December. 1pm - 3:30pm. Tours begin every half hour.
Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $8 children ages 6-17. $2 discount for MNHS members. Reservations required. Call 651.259.3015 or Register here. 

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Holiday Lights in the Park
What: St. Paul's Phalen Park is transformed into a fantasy of lights! Over 60 larger-than-life holiday sculptures and animated displays are part of the fun. This is a drive-through event (hurray, no cold!).

To make this an even better experience, purchase the official CD soundtrack "Holiday Lights Vol. 6" to listen to as you drive through the park. This CD features 15 of MN's most celebrated musicians, and has sold out the past 5 years. You can purchase yours at all Kowalski's Markets for $10 (this includes a FREE pass to the park) as well as on iTunes and at the Park Event for $5, plus regular admission prices.
Where: Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Drive East, St. Paul
When: From 5:30 - 10pm nightly from November 25th - January 1st.
Who: A partnership between St. Paul NECA and the St. Paul Police Foundation
Cost: $10 per vehicle nightly at the gate. $8 per vehicle online. All net proceeds from ticket and CD sales help local Twin Cities charities.

Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy
What: Rice Park transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, featuring a tree as tall and bright as the iconic Rockefeller Center tree in NYC!
Where: Rice Park, Lowertown
When: November 29th - January 1st.
Cost: FREE

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Wells Fargo Winter Skate
What: Adjacent to Rice Park, next to the Landmark Center, is an ice skating rink in an urban oasis. Skaters of all levels are invited to enjoy this beautiful winter activity in Lowertown.
Enjoy hot chocolate in the new warming house to warm up!
Where: Landmark Plaza
When: November 29th - February 1st.
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 5pm
Friday: 11am - 10pm
Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Sunday: 11am - 9pm
Cost: FREE to skate, $4 for skate rental. Rental is free if you show your Wells Fargo check or credit card


St. Paul Winter Farmers' Market
What: Purchase fresh, locally grown produce directly from the producer. Also available are baked goods, cheese, poultry, buffalo, venison, beef, pork, lamb, maple syrup, eggs, honey, organic plants and produce, plants, shrubs, and other items.
Where: Golden's Deli and along Wall Street
When: Every Saturday December 6th  - April 18th from 9am - 1pm
Cost: Admission is FREE
FYI: Locally grown (Cambridge, MN) Christmas trees will be for sale 7 days a week at the Winter Market. You can learn more about the trees and the owners here.

It's A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play
What: You'll be transported back to 1946 in this live radio play of 'It's A Wonderful Life' to relive the timeless tail. A three-course luncheon or dinner will be served at each performance. View menus here.
Where: The Saint Paul Hotel, Promenade Ballroom
When: December 11th - December 21st. View full schedule.
Cost: $65 per person for matinee performances, $85 per person for evening performances. Many shows are SOLD OUT. Purchase your tickets ASAP here.

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A Christmas Story the Musical
What: Ralphie Parker, his bb gun, and the infamous leg lamp come together in a musical portrayal of your favorite old-time Christmas movie. The Associated Press says it is "a charming triumph infused with utter joy."
Where: The Ordway
When: November 29th - December 28th
Cost: Varies depending on seating choice. Purchase your tickets here. This is another event that is selling out fast!

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Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story
What: This award-winning classic will have you clapping along to the musical celebration of the life and music of Buddy Holly.
Where: History Theatre
When:November 22nd - January 4th
Cost:Varies

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Holiday Flower Show
What: The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is filled with hundreds of beautiful poinsettias during the holiday season. This tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated and visited flower attraction at the Conservatory today.
Where: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
When: December 6th - January 4th. Open 10am - 6pm
Cost: FREE. Donation suggested.

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Later in the Winter:

Saint Paul Winter Carnival
What: Beginning in 1886, and recurring on an annual basis beginning in 1946, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a legendary celebration that brings the community together. With more events added every year, this two-week-long event is NOT to be missed! Perfect for all ages and magical for everyone. Read our blog posts from last year on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival HERE and HERE for a better understanding of this epic celebration. Note that the dates and times will be different this year.
Where: Mainly St. Paul, but events will occur throughout the Twin Cities. Loo at a calendar of events HERE.
When: January 22nd - February 21st
Cost: Varies

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Red Bull Crashed Ice
What: This year marks number 4, and we're the Season Opener! For the 4th year in a row, St. Paul will host the ice cross downhill competition that is Red Bull Crashed Ice. Over 1000,000 spectators viewed last year, and it is only expected to grow this year! Cheer on local hero Cameron Naasz as he races to the bottom of a long ice track full of obstacles.
Where: Cathedral of Saint Paul
When: January 24th, 6:45pm
Cost: Free to spectators.

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Gotta love St. Paul in the winter!