Weekend Happenings around the Twin Cities

Three weekends until Christmas means it’s officially crunch time—but the fun kind. Whether you’re finishing your shopping at local markets, grabbing dinner before a movie, or planning a festive night out, the Twin Cities are packed with ways to celebrate. Here’s everything worth adding to your list.

Here is your Twin Cities weekend rundown:

• Calendar of Weekend Events from Mpls St Paul Magazine

New Movies and Movies Currently in Theatres:

• Five Nights at Freddy’s
• Fackham Hall
• 100 Nights of Hero
• Zootopia 2
• Eternity
• The Thing With Feathers
• Wicked: For Good
• Rental Family
• Altered
• Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
• The Running Man
• Regretting You
• The Carpenter’s Son
• Predator: Badlands
• Sarah’s Oil
• Die My Love
• Nuremberg
• Grand Prix of Europe
• Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

Sports:

Minnesota Professional Sports Calendar

• Minnesota Vikings Football
  • Vs Washington Commanders – Sunday, December 12^th at 12:00 PM
• Timberwolves Basketball
  • Vs LA Clippers – Saturday, December 6^th at 7:00 PM
• Wild Hockey
  • Vs San Jose Sharks – Saturday, December 6^th at 9:00 PM
• Gopher Sports Calendar

Events:

• Christkindlmarkt in Waconia – December 5, 6, 7 and December 12, 13, 14
  • Inspired by the traditional German, open-air Christmas markets, Christkindlsmarkt brings a cherished German tradition with local charm and a festive holiday atmosphere to Waconia, Minnesota. The festival features German holiday foods, decorations, gifts, and entertainment for the entire family. It is the family event of the season and free and open to the public. Meet the live reindeer, live llamas, Christkind, visit with Saint Nicolas, listen to live music, a magic show, Children’s light show parade, and storytelling by Princesses. Sip a mug of Gluhwein and do your Christmas shopping.
• Jingle Bars – throughout the Season
  • Be sure to revisit our previous post for the complete list of festive Jingle Bars around the area – it’s the perfect guide to keep your holiday season merry and bright while sipping on seasonal cocktails and soaking in the festive cheer!
• Magic of Lights – Now through January 3, 2026
  • This unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, is bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas! Pile everyone into the car and experience more at the same low price! One carload, one price for the entire family.
• GLOW Holiday Festival – Now through January 4^th
  • Featuring over a million lights, a NEW ride in the Merry Carousel and lots of new displays, as well as some returning classics like Vixen’s Zip Line and Snowy Slide. GLOW is a must-see experience. The elves have been busy gussying up the place with new exhibits to make sure your holidays are shiny & bright. Hosted at CHS field in St. Paul.
• Minneapolis Christkindl Market – Now through December 21^st
  • Step into the magic of the holidays at the second annual Minneapolis Christkindl Market — an authentic German-style Christmas market in the heart of Minneapolis! Stroll through a sparkling outdoor wonderland of twinkling lights, alpine-style wooden huts, and the cozy aroma of mulled wine. Gather with friends and family, slow down, and enjoy the festive season with live music, dance performances, and family fun, including visits from Santa every Sunday. Explore handcrafted treasures from over 35 vendors — including 10 exciting new ones, and savor traditional European treats like German Glühwein, Spätzle, Swiss Raclette, and sweet Spanish honeys.
• Winter Lights at the Landscape Arboretum – Now through December 31^st
  • Featuring a dazzling array of lights, the Arboretum’s annual Winter Lights walking tour transforms our buildings and gardens into an illuminated wonderland with nature-themed light displays at every turn. 
• Dayton's Holiday Market – Now through December 27^th
  • Dayton’s Holiday Market Returns for Its 5th Glorious Year! Shop from over 100 local makers and grab a bite or beverage while you browse! Relive cherished memories of wild rice soup, hot popovers, ginger cookies and pair your bites with a glass of wine or a cold beer for the perfect seasonal treat. On the other side of the market, Earl Giles invites you to the Jingle Giles Holiday Bar, serving up festive cocktails and mocktails that sparkle with holiday cheer.
• Luminiscence at the Basilica of Saint Mary – Through December 31^st
  • Feel The Basilica of Saint Mary awaken around you—as a symphony of voices and instruments carry you through decades of art, culture and timeless beauty. LUMINISCENCE is an opportunity for everyone to be transported to the heavens by an immersive experience, as mysteries are unlocked during this celestial odyssey in Minneapolis’ arts district.