Celebrate the Arts This Holiday Season!

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with warmth, wonder, and the joy of coming together. And what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene of the Twin Cities Gateway? From dazzling art exhibits and heartwarming plays to lively musical evenings, our communities offer a wealth of artistic experiences to enrich your holidays.

Let’s take a festive tour of some of the fantastic arts organizations that make our region shine:

Cafesjian Art Trust Museum (Shoreview): A Dazzling Visual Escape

For a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience this holiday season, visit the Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum in Shoreview. This beautiful space is dedicated to showcasing a remarkable collection of glass art and more. While you’re there, you can immerse yourself in the major winter exhibition, “Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective.” This dazzling display of mixed-media, blown-glass, and cast resin sculptures offers a vibrant and complex visual feast, perfect for a festive outing to inspire wonder and conversation.

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage (Anoka): A Theatrical Wonderland

Nestled in the charming heart of historic downtown Anoka, Lyric Arts Main Street Stage is a true gem. This holiday season, they are bringing the laughs with “A Nice Family Christmas,” playing from November 21 to December 21.This hilarious and heartwarming play follows a quirky Midwestern family gathering for a holiday full of love, laughter, and plenty of dysfunction. When a young journalist is assigned to write about his family’s Christmas, secrets spill and chaos ensues. It’s the perfect holiday comedy to create lasting memories with family and friends!

Crooners Supper Club (Fridley): Where Music and Merriment Meet

For a sophisticated and unforgettable evening, look no further than Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. This elegant venue offers a unique blend of fine dining and exceptional live music, and their holiday calendar is packed! Get your tickets for festive shows like “The Holiday Songbook” (throughout December), the “Jingle Jam with Boom Island String Quartet” (December 9), or the laugh-out-loud “Erin & Jay Cabaret: Naughty and Nice Holiday Spectacular”(December 6 & 13). With a full lineup of world-class jazz, pop, and holiday-themed performances, Crooners provides an intimate and exhilarating atmosphere perfect for a special celebration.

Heart of the City Music Factory (Anoka): A Hub of Holiday Harmonies

This beautiful and intimate venue in Anoka is a must-visit for music lovers, with a fantastic lineup of holiday shows. Don’t miss the soulful “Kimberly Brown – Home for the Holiday” concert on December 6, or the unique sounds of “A Very 3rd Elephant Christmas with Laura MacKenzie & Dan Newton” on December 17. And for a truly traditional experience, join in “An Evening of Christmas Carols” on December 19. It’s the perfect place to gather and let the sounds of the season fill you with joy.

Academic Arts Hubs (Arden Hills): Grand Holiday Traditions

The Twin Cities Gateway is also home to outstanding universities that welcome the public to join in their grand-scale holiday arts celebrations.

• Bethel University: Bethel is a hotspot for high-quality musical performances. Their 69th annual Festival of Christmas (December 4-6, 2025) in the magnificent Benson Great Hall is a beloved regional tradition, featuring a powerful showcase of their musical ensembles.
• University of Northwestern: “Christmas at Northwestern” is a cherished annual event featuring the university’s outstanding music ensembles in the Knight Performance Hall (December 5-7, 2025). For theater lovers, don’t miss their hilarious and heartwarming production of “The Best Christmas Pageant” (December 9-13, 2025) — a holiday classic perfect for the whole family.

This holiday season, make it a point to celebrate the arts in the Twin Cities Gateway. Whether you’re enjoying a captivating play, swaying to live music, or being inspired by world-class art, these experiences offer a unique way to connect and create lasting memories.