1. Les Miserables

November 19 - December 1

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Get tickets to see it at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

2. Back to the Future w/ the Minnesota Orchestra

November 30 - December 1

Fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future on a big high-def screen with the Minnesota Orchestra performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live.

3. Go to a Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium

Football season is underway in Minneapolis. Take a look at the season schedule to catch any one of their games in November!

4. Watch a Minnesota Timberwolves Game at Target Center

It's time for basketball and the Minnesota Timberwolves have their eyes set on another record year with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid leading the way. Come out to Target Center and cheer them on for preseason and regular season games.

5. Winter Warm-Up: Inline Skating and Indoor Running at U.S. Bank Stadium

December 3, 2024 - January 23, 2025 (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Winter Warm-Up, a recreational program featuring inline skating and indoor running, returns to U.S. Bank Stadium this December. Twelve Winter Warm-Up sessions will be offered this season beginning on Tuesday, December 3 and ending on Thursday, January 23. Winter Warm-Up is open to all ages and will take place on the stadium’s main and upper concourses from 5 – 9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

6. Cyndi Lauper

December 4

Iconic singer, songwriter Cyndi Lauper is coming to Minneapolis at Target Center on December 4 with her "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour" with special guest Gayle.

7. British Arrows Awards

December 6, 2024 - January 4, 2025

All bangers, no mash! The annual British Arrows Awards serves up the latest and greatest in UK moving image advertising. This year’s screening features everything from Olivia Colman as an oil baron to Salma Hayek as a party crasher. Tickets are $18 and the event is hosted at the Walker Art Center.

8. WWE Smackdown

December 6

Don't miss Friday night Smackdown in Minneapolis. Undisputed WWE Champion 'The American Nightmare' Cody Rhodes, United States Champion LA Knight, WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, Bayley and Solo Sikoa! Plus from, Monday Night RAW Damien Priest vs. World Heavyweight Champion Gunther! Sami Zayn vs. Dominik Mysterio! And many more!

9. The Book of Mormon

December 10-15

This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation.

10. John Denver: A Rocky Mountain Holiday

December 13

John Denver, the late Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter, is featured in a multimedia tribute concert that combines archival video footage with a live performance of the Minnesota Orchestra and former bandmates.

11. Holidazzle

December 18-22

Holidazzle promises a vibrant holiday atmosphere filled with fun, joy, and holiday cheer in the heart of the city. Stroll down Nicollet Mall as it becomes a festive playground complete with twinkling lights, performances, and tasty bites from local food trucks.

12. Elf in Concert with the Minnesota Orchestra

December 20-22

Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, and raised among Santa’s elves. This holiday season Buddy travels to New York—with the Minnesota Orchestra! Experience John Debney’s wonderful score as the full film plays on the big screen.

13. Winter Solstice at the American Swedish Institute

December 20

Mark the shortest day and longest night of the year with ASI’s signature Winter Solstice Celebration. This fan favorite features arts & crafts, music, and reindeer! FIKA Café will serve a special festival menu with small plates and warm glögg (Swedish mulled wine). The ASI Museum Store and Jul Shop will also be open late for all your last-minute gift needs!

14. Soul Asylum's Slowly But Shirley Tour

December 28

Since the ’80s, Soul Asylum have been a group known for their raucous and emphatic combination of punk energy, guitar-fueled firepower, and songs that range from aggressive to heartfelt. All of these things are present in spades on the Minneapolis band’s gloriously, joyously loose 13th studio album, Slowly But Shirley.

1. A Christmas Carol

November 9 - December 29, 2024

Watch a Guthrie cherished tradition as it celebrates its 50th year. A Christmas Carol continues to delight audiences of all ages during the holiday season.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

November 11, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Get your tickets to the Children's Theatre Company's production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In this holiday favorite filled with music and Seussian rhymes, the Grinch conceives a dastardly plot to destroy the Whos’ beloved holiday—until tiny Cindy Lou extends a hand. Will her combination of kindness and community change the course of Who-History, and the size and capacity of the cantankerous Grinch’s heart?

3. Tomte: the Gnome, they Myth, the Legend: American Swedish Institute's 74th Holiday Experience

November 11, 2024 - January 26, 2025

Do you believe? We do. Meet this elusive figure or reintroduce yourself to a classic found in centuries-old folklore. Explore the world of Tomte, the mythical guardian of Scandinavian homesteads—and of course their home in the Turnblad Mansion! More than just a gnome, Tomte is known for his iconic red cap and long beard, but there’s much more to discover of Tomte through the ages.

4. Gingerbread Wonderland

November 19, 2024 - January 4, 2025
Open everyday except Mondays

Norway House invites you to celebrate 10 years of our beloved community-curated gingerbread town. Inspired by the world’s largest gingerbread village — "Pepperkakebyen" in Bergen, Norway — our own festive Gingerbread Wonderland has delighted the Twin Cities annually since 2015.

5. Minneapolis Christkindl Market

December 6 - December 22, Friday - Sunday

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by visiting the Minneapolis Christkindl Market. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this outdoor wonderland transports you to a world of twinkling lights, alpine style wooden huts, and the cozy aroma of mulled wine.

6. Holiday Markets

All month long

Local makers, artisans, and craftsmen come together to bring their unique talents and work to create a truly magical experience for shoppers. Check out all the pop-up holiday markets happening all over the city.

7. Holiday Pop-Up Bars

All month long

Bars and restaurants are decking their halls with tinsel and baubles for the holidays in Minneapolis. Some might say the décor is borderline tacky, but we promise you’ll get into the holiday spirit after sipping themed cocktails at these holiday pop-up bars in Minneapolis.