Hub for the Holidays

Continuing a beloved community tradition, Union Depot will serve as the festive backdrop for several seasonal events as part of its 11th Annual Hub for the Holidays event series. Activities will take place on various dates beginning Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 17.

Union Depot organizers are preparing for another full calendar of seasonal favorites, including the European Christmas Market, visits by the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, the Holiday Bake Sale, and the annual tree lighting ceremony. All events are free to attend. VIP tickets to the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train are available for purchase.

European Christmas Market – Every Friday – Sunday from November 24 through December 17
• Inspired by old-world traditions, it is Minnesota’s only authentic outdoor European Christmas Market. Market offerings include Scandinavian-inspired handcrafted goods, traditional German ornaments, Eastern European souvenirs, and much more. There will also be over 15 food vendors with a large selection of food and beverage options, from French Crêpes to Polish Sausage. A full schedule of entertainment will include live music, carolers, dancers, and choir ensembles. Santa, along with his elves and reindeer, will welcome visits from children.

Tree Lighting and Movie Night – Saturday, December 2
• Exciting entertainment and giveaways await Union Depot visitors on Saturday, Dec. 2, for the annual Hub for Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will see the 2024 Saint Paul Winter Carnival buttons unveiled by members of the Carnival’s Royal Family, Vulcan Krewe, and Klondike Kates. Attendees will then be able to enjoy a concert from The Mistletones before heading to the North Plaza for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Rounding out the night’s free events will be a screening of “Elf,” the holiday crowd-favorite film.

Union Depot Holiday Bake Sale – Saturday, December 9
• Top bakeries from around the Twin Cities will congregate at Union Depot for the tenth Hub for the Holidays bake sale. This year’s largest lineup will feature 40 local bakeries and food vendors offering their tasty treats for sale. The Bake Sale will also feature live entertainment.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train – Sunday, December 10
• The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will once again be making a special stop at Union Depot. Once the brightly lit locomotive arrives, Tenille Townes and Breland will play on a stage that drops out of the side of the train. Visitors who arrive to the concert early can stay warm and enjoy concessions inside Union Depot—something that’s not available at most stops along the Holiday Train route. Canadian Pacific Holiday Train shows are free to attend.

For more information, please visit uniondepot.org/holiday.