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. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 18.
♥ 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 24 through December 17
Getting the holiday festivities started is the European Christmas Market—expanded again this year and celebrating the market’s 10th 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
Every Friday – Sunday from November 24 – December 17, 2023
Times
Friday Hours 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday Hours 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Special hours Sunday, Dec. 10: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
North Pole Express
Happening on December 1-3 and December 7-10
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.
2023 Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie Night
December 2 Event to Light Up the Night While Celebrating Union Depot History
Exciting entertainment and giveaways await Union Depot visitors on Saturday, Dec. 2, for the annual Hub for Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Guests will get to see the unveiling of the 2024 Saint Paul Winter Carnival buttons 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. This year’s holiday tree will provide the perfect backdrop for festive photos throughout all of December. Rounding out the night’s free events will be a screening of “Elf,” the holiday crowd-favorite film.
Times
Winter Carnival Button Unveiling 5 p.m.
Mistletones Concert 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting 7 p.m.
“Elf” Movie 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Bake Sale
Happening on December 9 from 10a to 5p
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. 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 200 people to arrive will receive a free Holiday Bake Sale tote bag.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Happening on December 10 from 5p to 7:30p
A popular crowd-pleaser, 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. Canadian Pacific asks attendees to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation if they’re able. A local food shelf will set up a collection station with all donations helping community members in need. Because local food shelves buy food at a discount, cash donations can make a greater impact than food donations.
VIP tickets will also be available for the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train event. VIP ticket holders will enjoy special benefits, including access to a closer view of the train and concert. Concertgoers with a VIP ticket will also receive a free hot cocoa. All VIP ticket proceeds will go towards local food bank donations.
Times
Indoor Concessions and Activities: 5 – 7 p.m.
Holiday Train Arrival Time 6:45 p.m.
Concert 7 – 7:30 p.m.
VIP Tickets https://CPTrainUD23.eventbrite.com
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.
