Lowertown puts the "is" in 'Tis the Season

Lowertown IS the spot for the Holidays in east metro.

You know it’s December in Saint Paul, when the calendar features dozens of special events to choose from.  We’ve picked a few of our favorites in-and-around town.  Many are free and all of them have Twin Citians beaming with pride!  Take in a few of your favorites and mix in a couple of new adventures along the way.

View from the 17th

Lowertown First Fridays Holiday Bazaar

What: Lowertown First Fridays (LFF) is an association of artists who open their studios (or have a gallery arrangement).  This event is free and open to the public.
Things to do:
• Visit artists’ studios
• Watch artists at work
• BUY ART
• See live music performances
• Eat at local restaurants
• Visit galleries
• BUY ART
• Take part in interactive events
• See live dance performances
• Sign up for classes
• Meet a lot of very interesting people
• and BUY ART!

Where: Lowertown
When: Friday, December 4th: 6pm-9pm. Saturday December 5th:  12pm - 5pm
Cost: FREE to attend and free to look, but we’re confident you’ll do more than look!

Here are a few of the many items you can find at the Bazaar:

Caroline Mecklin

Barbara Evan

Also, don't miss the free Wine, Beer & Spirits tasting in the Pioneer Endicott building as part of Lowertown First Fridays hosted by Revival Wine Beer & Spirits 

37th Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar 

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What: Over 75 booths of beautiful and unique handcrafted gift items by artists in the area. From jewelry and clothing to handmade lotions and soaps, you can find a gift for everyone at this event! You won't want to miss one of Landmark Center's longest running and most beloved traditions!

Where: Landmark Center in St. Paul
When: Friday, December 4th: 10am - 7pm. Saturday, December 5th: 10am - 5pm.
Cost: $5 per person. Ages 12 and under are free.

North Pole Express

What: A steam train experience like no other! This one-mile train ride, beginning at the Union Depot, brings you to the North Pole to meet and pick up Santa. During the ride back to the Union Depot, Santa will hand out treats and goodies to the children.  At the end of the train ride, children receive a treat and hot cocoa, and will be invited to participate in other fun activities.
Where: The Union Depot in St. Paul
When: December 4th - 6th, and December 10th - 13th. Times Vary, so check the schedule.
Cost: $17.95 for children. $21.95 for adults. Kids under 3 are free. Purchase tickets here.

St. Nicholas Day Concert at the Fitzgerald

What: This one-night concert event at the Fitzgerald Theatre features Season 3 finalist of NBC's The Voice, Nicholas David. All net proceeds from this event benefit Masonic Children’s Hospital. Tickets are almost sold out, so reserve yours ASAP!
Where: The Fitzgerald Theatre
When: Sunday, December 6th. 7:30pm
Cost: $40.00, $30, or $25.50. A $2.50 facility fee will be added to each ticket.

   

Tree Lighting Celebrationwith Holy Rocka Rollaz

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What: The Holiday Tree Lighting celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Waiting Room with entertainment and holiday activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Enjoy a holiday musical performance by The Holy Rocka Rollaz starting at 6:30 p.m. At approximately 7:15 p.m. guests will move outside to the North Plaza for the tree lighting celebration followed by a short fireworks display.

Bring new or gently used mittens, scarves, hats and boots to Union Depot Dec. 4 – 6. Donations will be accepted during the European Christmas Market, the Holiday Tree Lighting, Holiday Movie Night and throughout the weekend at your Hub for the Holidays. Donations benefit the Hallie Q. Brown Clothing Closet.

Where: The Union Depot in St. Paul
When: Friday, December 4th: 5:30pm w/Music at 6:30pm and Holiday Tree Lighting at 7:15pm
Cost: FREE

St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show

What: This is the LARGEST Ice Fishing Show in the country! Shop more than 190 exhibits with products and services dedicated to the die-hard ice fishing and winter sports enthusiast.
When: Friday, December 4th: 1pm - 9pm.  Saturday, December 5th: 10am - 7pm.  Sunday, December 6th: 10am - 5pm.
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre
Cost: Adults $9. Children 6-12 $5. Children 5 & under free.

Honorable Mentions

Opening weekend for St. Paul Farmers' Winter Market.

Black Nativity: A Tradition of Love and Light.  Penumbra Theatre Saturday December 5^th 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday December 6^th 4pm & 7:30pm. $15-$40 BUY TICKETS

Lowertown Classics No. 15 – Music: Nerea Berraondo, Catherine Ramirez, Eva Beneke, Maja Rodovanlija, Alex Lubet!  Wine tasting by Revival Wine & Spirits!  Candy!  Friday, December 4th: 8pm $10 suggested donation.

the plume project: Emily Stover’s Rumblings will dance across the sky Saturday December 6^th and Sunday December 7^th 5-11pm

Holiday Lights in the Park: Holiday Lights in the Park is a joint venture of the St. Paul chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the St. Paul Police Foundation with the sole purpose of creating a fun and affordable holiday event that is fun for the entire family. All of the net proceeds from this event will be distributed to a community non-profit partner, the Saint Paul Police Foundation, and the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy.  Nightly in Phalen Park. $10 cash at the gate only.  BUY TICKETS for $8

On Your Mark... Get Set... Have FUN!!!

Visit our blog frequently and follow the Pioneer Endicott social media for more exciting events throughout the season!