FORKSful of festive holiday fun
Not really in the spirit of the season yet? I know what will put the jingle in everyone’s bells and the jolly in their holly, as well! If you’re searching for activities to create a festive frame of mind, Greater Grand Forks is definitely the place. We have seasonal celebrations, concerts and sparkling events galore sure to get you feeling very merry.
Pride of Dakota 2024 Holiday Showcase
November 22-23 // Alerus Center
Attendees will find something for everyone on their holiday list or stock up on favorite Pride of Dakota products and meet some of your local entrepreneurs. Everything on the showcase floor is made, manufactured, processed and/or produced in North Dakota. You will find unique products including gourmet food, art, books, jewelry, sporting goods, home decor, apparel, children, pet items and much more! More info online.
23rd Annual Holiday Bazaar at Alerus Center
November 22-23 // Alerus Center
Come and join over 50 vendors for a fun Holiday shopping event in our Meeting Rooms! Get a jump start on your entertaining and gift shopping while supporting local! More Info online.
HollyDazzle Festival of Lights 2024
November 24 // Downtown Forks
Come kick off the holiday season with this tradition of holiday activities like s’mores making, ornament decorating, horse drawn wagon rides, a light parade and one grand fireworks display to end it all with a bang! This event is FREE and open to the public. More Info online.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
November 26 // Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center
As the longest running cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life on stage. With an original musical score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and with new sets, scenery and storylines, this ultimate holiday gift for the entire family is sure to put a twinkle in your eye! More Info online.
Lions Clubs 2024 Christmas in the Park
November 28-December 31 // Lincoln Drive Park
The annual Grand Forks Lions Clubs Christmas in the Park returns to Lincoln Drive Park! Pile your loved ones in the car and take a spin through paths lined with dozens of beautifully lit holiday displays. More Info: online.
Winter wUNDerland Concert
December 1 // Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center
Usher in the season with the Winter wUNDerland Family Holiday Concert! Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and festive decorations, choral groups and instrumental chamber ensembles from the University of North Dakota Department of Music promise to deliver performances that resonate with audiences of all ages. Performing everything from cherished classics to modern arrangements, these talented student musicians will transport listeners to a place of peace, joy and togetherness. More Info online.
Santa Village 2024
December 2-22 // 1711 South Washington Street formerly Ski & Bike Shop
Santa and his elves will set up their workshop at a NEW location this December! Everyone is welcome to stop in and meet Santa’s elves, sip some cocoa, and enjoy the beautifully adorned trees. Santa and Mrs. Claus and a Magician will be on site for story times. Admission is one non-perishable food item, cash or new toy donation. More Info online.
‘Tis the Sterling: Holiday How-Tos & Craft Fair
December 5 // Sterling Carpet One
Come and shop for gifts from local vendors. Sterling staff will also be putting on fun holiday craft/decoration presentations throughout the event. Snacks and beverages will be provided for you to enjoy while you shop. More Info online.
Concert of Christmas & Mid-Winter Carols & Songs
December 7 // EGF Senior Center
The O'Neils celebrate Christmas and Mid-Winter with a concert of carols and songs gathered from the folk tradition, with some dating back as far as the 12th century. This talented local band features guitar, fiddle, concertina, banjo and vocals. More Info online.
Ugly Xmas Sweater Pub Crawl
December 7 // Various Downtown Grand Forks establishments
Pick up your crawl card at any participating location including Brick & Barley, Bonzer’s, Joe Black’s, Kelly’s, The Loft and O’Really’s. Visit as many stops as you'd like and help support these locally owned businesses by enjoying some food and drinks OR get your Christmas shopping done and pick up a few merch and gift cards along the way! Fully completed cards can be dropped off by the end of the night to be entered to win the GRAND PRIZE of $500 CASH! More Info online.
BJ Armani’s Cabaret Merriment & Mayhem Holiday Drag Show
December 7 // EGF American Legion
Don your most festive outfit and enjoy an inclusive evening filled with funky music, fabulous drag queens/kings and fun galore! More Info online.
David K’s Rock & Roll Holiday Show
December 8 // Empire Arts Center
David K portrays Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elton John, with Charlie Templin as Del Shannon and Elvis Presley! Get your merry on with endless legendary hits and some rockin’ holiday greats like "Run Run Rudolph", "Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town", "Blue Christmas", "White Christmas" and more. More Info online.
Shaun Johnson + The Big Band Experience Cool Yule Holiday Tour
December 8 // Northwood Performing Arts Center
Time to don your Santa hat and get ready for some jolly old jazz! Top 5 Billboard vocalist and songwriter, Shaun Johnson, brings his Cool Yule Holiday Tour to Northwood, ND. This performance features seven world class musicians, one Emmy winning vocalist and lots of festive fun! As the lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa, Shaun reworks classic Christmas tunes with a charismatic charm in what typically are sold-out performances. More Info online.
NDBC presents: The Magic Toy Shop Ballet
December 13-14 // Empire Arts Center
The Magic Toy Shop is a holiday classic featuring dancers from the North Dakota Ballet Company and recreational dancers for a cast of over 85 dancers. The production features a mixed repertoire first act with holiday favorites, followed by the classical ballet The Magic Toy Shop originally staged by the ND Ballet Company artists. This production provides festive holiday entertainment for young and old alike! More Info online.
Holiday Craft & Vendor Show
December 14 // Grand Cities Mall
The holidays are fast approaching, and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by shopping local! Join us for a jolly day of holiday shopping, festive fun, and supporting talented local crafters and vendors. This one-of-a-kind event brings together a dazzling array of artisans and small businesses, all under one roof, offering unique gifts and seasonal finds for everyone on your list. More Info online.
Blue Violin: Candlelight Christmas
December 15 // Empire Arts Center
Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of award-winning classical crossover artist Blue Violin this Christmas for an all-new show. This grand event will include a candlelit night with over 500 candles that promises to be as unique as it is unforgettable. Everyone is invited to enjoy this intimate performance of both music and dance that blends the soulful voice of the violin with the songs of Christmas, creating an atmosphere of elegance, fascination and mystique. More Info online.
Christmas with Lorie Line
December 18 // Empire Arts Center
As part of her 2024 holiday tour, Lorie Line will perform a mix of beloved holiday classics and original compositions, creating an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Her virtuosic piano playing and charming storytelling make this show the perfect way to celebrate the season. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an evening of music, holiday cheer, stunning visuals and timeless elegance with Lorie Line! More Info online.
Family Film Series: The Polar Express
December 21 // Empire Arts Center
Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump and Cast Away) reunite for Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. More Info online.
A Magical Medora Christmas 2024
December 21 // Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center
This award-winning show has proven to be a popular holiday tradition for thousands of people across the region. Talented past and present performers from the legendary Medora Musical will serenade and entertain you with a variety of Christmas tunes. More Info online.
Further information on these and all our grand events, may be found at GrandForksEvents.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.
Holiday Events Venues
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Get Directions (701) 792-1200The Alerus Center is a state-of-the-art facility that can host various conventions, exhibitions, meetings and banquets. It also houses a regulation NCAA football and soccer field. The arena seats 13,400 for football…
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Get Directions (701) 777-4090
Watch the curtain go up on an array of national entertainment including concerts, Broadway theatre, children’s shows and special performances.
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Get Directions (701) 746-5500
Built in 1919, this beautifully restored theatre and home to the Empire Theatre Company hosts musicals, plays, national touring performers, movies and a variety of other events. It is also houses rotating…
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Get Directions (701) 772-8121
Grand Cities Mall features ACE Hardware, K-Mart and over 40 locally owned businesses and services. Conveniently located in the heart of Grand Forks, Grand Cities Mall offers a unique mix of retail…
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Get Directions (701) 746-2750
Lincoln Park was created in an area that was once a neighborhood before the flood of 1997. There is a playground, horseshoe pits, community room/warming house, sledding hill, dog park, ice skating…
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Get Directions (701) 203-3898
Sterling Carpet One Floor & Home is a locally owned and operated flooring retail store. They carry quality flooring products ranging from hardwood, carpet, tile, and resilient flooring. In addition to their…
