December 2024 Events in Greater St. Cloud

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but Greater St. Cloud is so delightful! Whether you’re jingling all the way, rocking around the Christmas tree, dreaming of a silent night, or just wishing for a white Christmas to build your very own Frosty the Snowman, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to celebrate. From holly jolly holiday markets to fa-la-la-la live performances and family festivities that’ll have you decking the halls, December in Greater St. Cloud is brimming with seasonal cheer! Click HERE to sleigh your way through the full events calendar!

Christmas Mansion Tour & Tea

December 3, 10, 16, 23 & 30

Enjoy a guided tour with the Foley Mansion general manager and coffee and tea served by Owner and Preservationist Carmen Arvig. Seating for this special event is very limited. Private teas available for groups of 10 or more, please call the mansion for details and availability.

SCSU Winterfest 2024

December 5th at SCSU’s Husky Plaza 

SCSU is having their third annual Winterfest celebration!
Bundle up for an evening of horse-drawn wagon rides, desserts and hot cider, campfires and the joy of connecting with our community from 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 in Husky Plaza. Register today!
 

St. Cloud Tree Lighting Ceremony & Weihnachtsmarkt

December 5th at River’s Edge Convention Center

Celebrate the season on Thursday, December 5th at the annual St. Cloud Tree Lighting Ceremony and Weihnachtsmarkt outdoor market! This festive evening will kick off with the ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas tree featuring Christmas carols by the Minnesota Center Chorale. Following the tree lighting, explore Weihnachtsmarkt, a charming outdoor holiday market inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. Enjoy hot food and beverages, as well as, local crafts for your holiday shopping! Tree lighting will take place at 4:45 pm between Doors B and C of the River’s Edge Convention Center and Weihnachtsmarkt will happen on Level 3 of the River’s Edge Ramp from 5:00-8:00 pm. 

Hitchville’s Christmas Show

December 5th at The Pioneer Place

This is one fantastic Christmas show. Country classic Christmas songs sung with amazing harmonies that only Hitchville can do. Don’t miss this show on December 5th at The Pioneer Place

Homestead Artisans Pop-Up Weekend

December 6-8 at Homestead Artisans Barn

Support small local business! Win exclusive prizes, learn from live demos, and shop for exceptional gifts for those you love and for home decor you can’t find elsewhere all made by local artists! 

“The Naughty List” at Gnarly Bard Theater

December 6 – 15 at Gnarly Bard Theater

Kiwi is the Quality Control Manager of “The Department of Naughty Behavior” at the North Pole. Join Kiwi on a Christmas adventure as she dives into the world of the naughty behavior of mankind and tries to refind her joy for the holidays. With a live band, classic holiday songs, new original tunes, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of festive cheer, The Naughty List celebrates the season and asks that tough question….Have you been naughty this year? This show is 18+ only. 

A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing

December 6th at The Pioneer Place

Minnesota’s own Monroe Crossing has been a solid bluegrass group performing around the globe. It’s been a few years since Pioneer Place has been lucky enough to land a date. It’s going to be a great Christmas show,… bluegrass style!

Ornament Decorating at Desi Murphy Pottery

December 7 at Desi Murphy Pottery

Make a ceramic ornament for your tree! Or make one to gift! Saturday 12/7 from 10a – 4p. Glaze a handmade bisque ornament with family or friends while sipping hot cocoa. Ornaments will be kiln fired following event. Includes bisque ornament, glaze and firing fee. $15/ornament.

Jingle & Mingle 2024

December 7th Downtown Sauk Rapids

Don’t miss the annual winter celebration in Downtown Sauk Rapids including an artisan market and lighted parade!

Santa Rocks The Rock and Art Shop

December 7 at The Rock and Art Shop

Santa will be rocking the shop with live music from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, spreading holiday cheer in style. Activities: Rock Ornament Making Station: Create your own unique ornament for just $5! Mystery Santa Grab Bags: Take home a little surprise for $3 each. The ornament station and grab bags will be available until 4:00 PM or while supplies last. Get in the holiday spirit with them—they can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Holly Ball 2024

December 7th at River’s Edge Convention Center

Celebrate the season and support a great cause at the 50th anniversary of Holly Ball! This annual benefit supports the greatest patient needs for CentraCare hospice. This is a Black-Tie Affair: you are encouraged to dress in black, burgundy and gold, but it’s not required. This glamorous night includes a social hour, dinner, live auction, and evening entertainment by Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota and Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra, Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio, Michael Shynes and DGS and The Fabulous Armadillos and The Silver Alchemist. 
 

Sing-A-Long & Ugly Sweater Contest

December 7 at Back Shed Brewing 

Rick, Matt, and Tony are back again to lead you in singing your favorite Christmas Songs! Wear your ugly sweater and join them for a beer and singing at Back Shed Brewing

Hand Knit Chunky Blanket Experience at Back Shed Brewing

December 8 Back Shed Brewing

Connect with your creative side and join them for their no-experience-required art class-all supplies included-directed by trained, local artist, who will guide you through creating your very own soft chunky blanket. COST: $75 per person LIMITS: Ages 13+ welcome WHAT’S INCLUDED: All your art supplies. Food & beverages sold separately. Registration must be purchased in advance as seats are limited

The Holy Rocka Rollaz- 50’s Rock-N-Roll Christmas Show

December 8 at The Pioneer Place

Take an authentic trip back to the fantastic 50s with The Holy Rocka Rollaz! If it’s the classic early rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash (and many more!) that you want, played just the way those legends played it…you have found your dream band! Minnesota’s own Holy Rocka Rollaz bring back the sound, the look, the memories and nostalgia of one of America’s most treasured eras. 

Festive Fruitful Pairing Dinner

December 8 at Arroy Thai and Filipino Restaurant

Celebrate the holidays! Arroy – Thai and Filipino Restaurant is teaming up with Maverick Wine Co. featuring Fruitful Liquor to bring you an exclusive 4-course festive Fruitful pairing dinner offering their favorite holiday meals with a twist! 21+ event // Arrive at 5pm // Dinner and beer serving starts at 5:30pm
 

Totally Awesome 80’s Christmas by Ladies of the 80’s

December 12 & 13 at The Pioneer Place

RW Productions presents an ALL-NEW show to welcome in the Christmas season! They’ve gathered some of the Twin Cities most popular tribute singers to help tell the story of “A Totally Awesome 80s Christmas!” The show includes songs by Queen, John Mellencamp, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Eurythmics, Leonard Cohen, Dolly Parton, U2, Hall and Oates and many, many more! 

Santa Pub Crawl

December 13 at The Red Carpet 

It’s the 17th annual Drink Like You Care campaign with Finnegans Brewing Co. Dress up in the Holiday Spirit and head to The Red Carpet to kick off the pub crawl through downtown St. Cloud. Prizes for best dressed as well as best dressed group of 6 or more. They will be collecting non-perishable food items to be donated to the Catholic Charities food shelves.

Stroia Dance Studios presents The Nutcracker

December 13 – 15 at The Paramount Theater

A magical Christmas story of a toy Nutcracker that comes to life bringing young Clara to the wonderous Land of Sweets. Performed by Stroia Ballet Company’s youth students and instructors. 

21+ Nightmare Before Christmas Sip & Skate

December 13 at Skatin’ Place

Join Skatin’ Place for a Spooktacular Night! Get ready to skate into the holiday spirit at their Nightmare Before Christmas Sip & Skate on December 13th from 10 PM to 1 AM! This 21+ event promises a night of spooky festive fun
.

Santa’s Workshop Wonderland

December 14 at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union

It’s time for a festive visit with Santa at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union’s Workshop Wonderland on Saturday, December 14th from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM in their St. Cloud Community Room, located in the branch’s basement. Kids can write their wish list to Santa and sit with him for a special holiday photo. Enjoy seasonal refreshments and activities for all ages to make this a fun and memorable holiday experience!
 

Makers’ Market St. Cloud

December 14 at The Regency

Makers’ Market St. Cloud is a unique holiday shopping experience highlighting artists local to the St. Cloud area. You’ll find high quality, unique items made by the person selling it. Over 40 artists, makers, authors and bakers from the St. Cloud area will fill the gorgeous Regency Venue on December 14th from 9a – 12p. Live music, baked goods, eats from Jules Bistro and Nautical Bowls, coffee and a kids’ art table.

2024 St. Cloud Candy Cane and Cocoa Party

December 14 at Holiday Inn St Cloud

The Candy Cane and Cocoa Party is designed to give you a few hours to get caught up in the spirit of the season with your little ones. Their event is designed to be experienced in an hour. Enjoy a mug of hot cocoa and a candy cane, enter our coloring contest, get a festive holiday face painting on your cheek, craft a make it and take it and visit the jolly old man in the red suit, Santa, for a photo on December 14th from 9a – 12p

George Maurer Group

December 16 at Paramount Theater

The George Maurer Group mixes just the right proportions of refinement and relatability as they play straight-ahead jazz with their trademark lighthearted flair. The Paramount’s longest running holiday show returns. Join George, Ann, and the group for a jazzy holiday celebration.

Elvis Christmas- Anthony Shore

December 16 at Pioneer Place

At the age of 3, Anthony received his first Elvis record, and his love of a legend was born. As a child, he practiced his singing, and by the age of 16, he was performing professionally. Before relocating to the United States in 2011, Anthony toured Europe, performing to sell-out audiences in Spain, Cyprus, France, Tenerife, and London. Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible show at the Pioneer Place on 12/16. 

Rock n Roll Xmas Spectacular

December 19 – 23 at Paramount Theater

Join an all-star cast of musicians as they rock their way through timeless holiday classics and bring new takes on hit songs you didn’t even know were holiday classics. You’ll hear Christmas standards like Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Jingle Bells, The Little Drummer Boy and many more like you’ve never heard them performed before! Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit better than the Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular at the Paramount Theater! Get your tickets today!

Midnight Market: Winter Solstice

December 20 at Downtown St. Cloud

8p – Midnight, Shopping, Dining, Games & More throughout downtown St. Cloud! 

The Half Steps Christmas Show

December 20 at Pioneer Place

For more than 23 years, the Half Steps have been entertaining audiences throughout Minnesota with their unique brand of a cappella music. Gary Zwack, Steve Wilson, Richard Witteman and Paul Fedor bring humor and tight harmonies to an eclectic catalogue of tunes – from Elvis to the Pointer Sisters. Over the years, the Half Steps have gained a loyal following from performances at Joetown Rocks, Pioneer Place on Fifth, the Paramount Theatre, Millstream Arts Festival, with Collective Unconscious & friends for Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds”, and more. 

Mason Dixon Line’s “Kickin’ Country Christmas”

December 21 at Pioneer Place

As the supporting act for country music superstars Tanya Tucker, John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Byrd, Neil McCoy, Sawyer Brown and more, Mason Dixon Line (MDL) has become known as the mid-west’s premier country music outfit! Join MDL as they bring you an all ages, family friendly Christmas concert spectacular with all the ‘good times and good cheer’ of a Kickin’ Country Christmas!

A Ceremony of Carols

December 21 at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Join the St. John’s Boys’ Choir for the most beautiful concert of the season! The SJBC choristers, beautifully accompanied by the SJBC Orchestra, return to St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown St. Cloud for this beloved holiday tradition. Of course, the Alumni Choir, conducted by founding Artistic Director Br. Paul Richards, returns.

A Very Good Christmas Carol

December 22 at Pioneer Place

Join lovable orphans Edmund and Martin as they present their (self-professedly) hilarious version of A Christmas Carol! They may be the only two actors onstage, but with a trunk full of props, hearts full of song, and YOU to help them out, what could possibly go wrong? Come for a fresh, scrappy take on a heartwarming classic, stay for the never-ending thrill of audience participation.

One Christmas Night in Memphis

December 27 at Paramount Theater

The same cast and creator behind the number one booked and critically acclaimed show, One Night in Memphis but with additional festive holiday classic songs to get even the Grinch in the mood! Imagine Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered around, singing holiday favorites and their legendary hit sings. Get your tickets today!

Chris Hawkey Band

December 28 at Pioneer Place on Fifth

It’s the end of the year, but the beginning of what will be a more active year for the Chris Hawkey Band. It’s been too long and they are ready to play their songs for you once again! Grab your tickets before they sell out and come celebrate with them. 

Shaun Johnson + the Big Band Experience

December 29 at Paramount Theater

Shaun Johnson returns to the Paramount stage with his Jazz Pop holiday show. As the lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa – and an Emmy winner – Shaun reworks classic Christmas fare with a charismatic charm, and his performances routinely sell out. Make plans to see this nationally acclaimed Billboard Top 5 artist as he brings a new show back to St Cloud!

Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos

December 31 at Paramount Theater

For over 22 years they have traveled coast to coast in the USA, Canada, Panama and Mexico as the most sought after dueling piano act in the country. Their high energy mix of comedy, music and extensive audience participation makes this a show unlike any other! Clap along, laugh along and sing along with Dave & Ted, Deuces Wild! There are 2 showtimes on December 31st at the Paramount Theater, get your tickets before they sell out! 

Legends Bar & Grill- Holiday Inn- New Years Eve

December 31 at Legends Bar and Grill

Come celebrate New Years Eve at Legends in St. Cloud. Conveniently, located inside the Holiday Inn and Suites! Get a room and come party the night away! Plan to ring in your NYE with The Farmer’s Daughters and come dressed to impress! 2025 is gonna be your year!

PINK PONY CLUB A New Year’s Eve Burlesque Ball

December 31 at Pioneer Place on Fifth

Ring in 2025 in the most fabulous way possible! Step into a world of dazzling performances, glittering glamour, and non-stop fun at Pink Pony Club, the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration. Get ready for a high-energy night of burlesque and drag, where a kaleidoscope of sparkling colors takes center stage. 21+ show.