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'Hub for the Holidays' returns to Union Depot

The family-friendly festivities run Nov. 30-Dec 15 at Union Depot in St. Paul.

With the magic of the holiday, St. Paul’s Union Depot is transforming into a Hub for the Holidays.

The family-friendly festivities run Nov. 30-Dec 15 at Union Depot in St. Paul.

Union Depot marketing manager Lindsay Boyd dropped by KARE 11 with a merry invite. The annual event features a holiday tree lighting, live music, fireworks, an outdoor European Christmas Market, a holiday

family movie, a holiday bake sale and magical rides aboard. And for the first time ever, admission is free!

Hub for the Holiday Happenings & Times

  • Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie Night: Friday, Nov. 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; guests will enjoy a live musical performance by singer-songwriter and Cities 97 personality, Keri Noble, in the Waiting Room inside Union Depot, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the Union Depot Holiday Tree at 7 p.m. on the North Plaza and a spectacular fireworks show. Immediately following the fireworks show, the Holiday Movie Night will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a showing of beloved seasonal favorite, Elf.
  • European Christmas Market: Weekend holiday outdoor shopping on the East Plaza during the following hours:
    • Friday, Nov. 30 from 4-9 p.m.
    • Saturday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
    • Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon-6 p.m.
    • Friday, Dec. 7 from 4-9 p.m.
    • Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
    • Sunday, Dec. 9 from noon-6 p.m.
    • Monday, Dec. 10 from 4-9 p.m.
  • Holiday Bake Sale: On Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. in the Waiting Room, a wide array of the Twin Cities’ top bakeries and confection makers will gather for the 6th Annual Holiday Bake Sale at Union Depot. The bake sale is open to the public. This year, for the first time, there will be no admission charged so it’s free for all to attend! The event will be a delicious day, with more than 30 purveyors of baked goods, confections and fabulous hostess gift items on hand to make entertaining and gift-giving easy for guests. There will also be live cooking and baking demonstrations along with other entertainment.
  • North Pole Express: The charming North Pole Express will return on Thursday, Nov. 29, offering families the opportunity to ride a train with Santa, see his village and elves at work, then return to Union Depot for refreshments. The North Pole Express rides will take place Nov. 29-Dec. 2, and Dec. 6-9 at a variety of times each day.
  • Canadian Pacific Holiday Train: On Monday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., the festive Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop at Union Depot. After a welcome by Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega, The Trews and Willy Porter will entertain guests with a live musical concert performance. Guests are encouraged to bring a monetary and/or heart-healthy food donation for local food shelf, Keystone Community Services. Since 1999, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops have resulted in $13 million and 4 million pounds of food being donated to food shelves across the U.S. and Canada. The heart-healthy food request reflects the goal of the Canadian Pacific Has Heart community investment program aimed at improving the heart health of adults and children across North America. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train concert is free and open to the public. VIP tickets are $10 each and will grant holders access to a preferred viewing area nearest the stage. All VIP ticket sale proceeds will be donated to Keystone Community Services.
  • Northstar Holiday Train: On Saturday, Dec. 15, train fans will have the chance to take a free train ride on the Northstar Holiday Train, starting at the Big Lake station and riding to Union Depot where from 6-8 p.m. they’ll enjoy festivities including shopping, foods, and seasonal entertainment including an appearance by Anna, Elsa and Olaf.

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