The Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a historic train station. It serves as a transportation hub connecting Amtrak, buses, and light rail. During the holiday season, Union Depot hosts various events like the annual European Christmas Market, featuring crafts, foods, and entertainment reminiscent of traditional European holiday markets. The depot transforms into a festive site, offering music, dance, Santa visits, and other seasonal activities, attracting locals and visitors alike.
Continuing a beloved community tradition, Union Depot will be the festive backdrop for several seasonal events as part of its annual Hub for the Holidays event series. This year’s Hub for the Holidays is expected to be the largest yet. Activities will occur on various dates beginning Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 22.
Full Schedule of Union Depot Holiday Events –
♥ All events are free to attend.
Check out the European Christmas Market at the Union Depot in St Paul
Four Three-Day Weekends Beginning November 29 through December 22
Getting the holiday festivities started is the European Christmas Market—expanded again this year and celebrating the market’s 11th anniversary. There will be over 70 vendors at this year’s market. Inspired by old world traditions, it is the only authentic outdoor European Christmas Market in Minnesota. This year’s market expands into the South Lawn area and features more children’s vendors and activities. Yea!!
Exceptional gift options await visitors who will be able to find the perfect stocking stuffers for friends and loved ones. 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 includes live music, carolers, dancers, and choir ensembles.
Santa along with his elves and reindeer will welcome visits from children. Other kids’ activities include a scavenger hunt.
The Minnesota Krampus, an eclectic set of Austrian folklore creatures, will also be in attendance.
Dates
November 28 – December 21
Opening Day: November 28, 12 – 9 PM
Monday – Thursday: Closed
Friday: 3 – 9 PM
Saturday: 11 – 9 PM
Sunday: 11 – 6 PM
North Pole Express
Happening on December 5 – 7 and Dec. 11 – 14
Children and trains go together during the Holiday Season like colorful lights, brightly iced cookies, festively wrapped gifts, family and friends. Please join the nonprofit Friends of the 261 annual journey on the North Pole Express.
Our show is brought to you by our excited ALL volunteer crew, Santa and his elves that promises to make this a memorable Holiday Tradition.
Climb aboard this holiday train from the past that includes the North Pole and a visit from Santa himself! Avoid the trouble of setting up your old train set around the tree this year and let us provide you with a REAL steam train for the holidays.
2025 Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie Night
December 6 Event to Light Up the Night While Celebrating Union Depot History
5:00 PM: St. Paul Winter Carnival 2026 Button Reveal
5:30 PM – Holiday performance
7:00 PM – Tree lighting ceremony
7:30 PM – Movie night featuring Elf
Holiday Bake Sale
Happening on December 13th from 11a to 7p
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 45 local bakeries and food vendors offering their tasty treats for sale. Anyone with a sweet tooth will feel right at home as they sample free bites of cookies, candy, and holiday confections. The Bake Sale will also feature live entertainment.
The first 300 people to arrive will receive a free Holiday Bake Sale tote bag.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Happening on December 13 from 6p to 7:30p
A popular crowd-pleaser, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, will once again be making a special stop at Union Depot.
6:45 PM: Train arrival
7 – 7:30 PM: Outdoor live concert with American Authors and Pynk Beard
7:30 – 7:45 PM: Holiday Train departs
For information on all these events, please visit uniondepot.org/holiday
About Union Depot:
Union Depot is a regional multi-modal transportation hub and event venue in the heart of the Twin Cities. One of America’s great rail stations since its completion in 1926, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, beautifully restored in 2012, and certified LEED® Gold in 2014. Union Depot offers a full complement of transportation services—including Amtrak®, Jefferson Lines, Metro Transit, Greyhound, Megabus and Hertz—as well as parking and bike storage. Owned by Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and operated by JLL, it’s an ideal setting for weddings, large events, meetings and more. Visit uniondepot.org for more information.
Metro Transit is offering free rides to Union Depot during Hub for the Holidays. Go green and download your free pass at uniondepot.org/holiday.
