Where to find FORKSful of holiday cheer this year

CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND

November 30

Alerus Center // 1200 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks

This holiday season, step into a world of enchantment with Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland—a thrilling fusion of breathtaking acrobatics and your favorite seasonal melodies. Featuring an all-new production for this year, the show blends world-class circus artistry with the spirit of the holidays to create a dazzling spectacle for all ages. From soaring aerial feats to heart-pounding stunts, every moment is designed to transport you to a winter wonderland filled with wonder, joy and festive cheer. Performance Time: 6 PM; more Info online.

LIONS CLUBS 2025 CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

November 27-December 31

Lincoln Drive Park // 120 Euclid Avenue, Grand Forks

Get ready to light up your holiday season, the Grand Forks Lions Clubs' beloved Christmas in the Park returns to Lincoln Drive Park! Load up the car with family and friends, turn on your favorite festive tunes and cruise through a sparkling wonderland of dazzling light displays. With dozens of twinkling scenes lining the path, it’s a magical drive-through experience that brings joy, warmth and holiday cheer to all ages. Don’t miss this cherished tradition—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season! More Info online.

THE JANZEN BOYS: HOLIDAY HARMONY JINGLE JAM

December 4

Empire Arts Center // 415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks

For the first time ever, the Janzen Boys are bringing their second annual Holiday Harmony Jingle Jam across the border to America—and they’re bringing the incredible Cody Anderson along for the ride! Get ready for a joyful 90-minute celebration featuring 45 minutes of the Janzen Boys’ signature Christmas magic, followed by 45 minutes of heartwarming, all-ages carol singing with the crowd. More Info online.

SANTA VILLAGE 2025

December 5-7, 12-14 & 19-21

Lincoln Golf Course Clubhouse // 250 Elks Drive, Grand Forks

Santa and his merry crew are setting up shop at the Lincoln Clubhouse and everyone’s invited! Step into a festive wonderland where you can meet Santa’s cheerful elves, sip warm cocoa and admire the twinkling, beautifully decorated trees. Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for cozy story times, joined by a magician who’ll sprinkle in some extra enchantment. Admission is simple: bring a non-perishable food item, cash or a new toy to help spread the holiday cheer. Hours: Fridays from 4 to 7 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 7 PM and Sundays from 12 to 6 PM; Santa Visits: December 13 & 14 from 1 to 5 PM and December 20 & 21 from 1 to 5 PM; more Info online.

WINTER WUNDERLAND CONCERT

December 6

Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center // 3475 University Avenue, Grand Forks

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. Performance Time: 1:30 PM; more Info online.

UGLY XMAS SWEATER PUB CRAWL

December 6

Various Downtown Grand Forks establishments

It’s time for the most wonderful crawl of the year! Ready to sleigh your way through Downtown Forks? Start by picking up a pub crawl card at any participating location including Brick & Barley, Bonzer’s, Joe Black’s, The Hub, 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! Hours: 3 to 10 PM; more Info online.

BJ ARMANI'S CABARET HAPPY HOLIDAYS DRAG SHOW

December 6

American Legion Club // 1009 Central Avenue NW, East Grand Forks

Throw on your flashiest, most fabulous holiday fit and enjoy a night where everyone shines! This inclusive celebration is bursting with funky beats, fierce drag queens and kings, plus nonstop festive fun. Performance time: 8 PM; more Info online.

BLUE VIOLIN: CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS

December 7

Empire Arts Center // 415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks

Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of award-winning classical crossover artist Blue Violin this Christmas as they return for an all-new show that’s bigger, brighter and bolder than ever! This one-of-a-kind holiday concert experience blends the beauty of traditional carols with high-octane rock anthems, cinematic classical reimaginings and heartwarming favorites — all brought to life in glowing candlelight, with a dazzling stage set and immersive light show. With Guest vocalists, surprise musical collaborators and a live choir, Blue Violin performs virtuosic, high-energy arrangements that blur the line between elegance and edge. Showtime: 2 PM; more Info online.

WORLD BALLET COMPANY: THE NUTCRACKER

December 10

Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center // 3475 University Avenue, Grand Forks

Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker, a heartwarming ballet that brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages. Join Marie on Christmas Eve as her beloved Nutcracker springs to life, leading her on a wondrous journey filled with sparkling snowflakes, mischievous mice and a visit to the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. Featuring 40 world-class dancers, over 150 brilliant hand-sewn costumes and breathtaking hand-crafted sets, World Ballet Company’s enchanting production is the perfect way to make holiday memories together. Gather the whole family and step into a world where toys come alive, magic fills the air and every moment is touched with holiday wonder! Showtime: 7 PM; more Info online.

HOLIDAY SHOW

December 13

Arts for Vets // 215 North 3rd Street, Grand Forks

Discover a dazzling array of gifts, live music, stunning fine art, handcrafted treasures, sparkling jewelry and delightful sweet treats. Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping and explore countless surprises waiting around every corner. Whether hunting for that perfect last-minute present or just want to soak up the holiday cheer, this event promises joy, creativity and fun for all! Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM.

NORTH DAKOTA BALLET COMPANY PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER EXTRAVAGANZA

December 13-14

Empire Arts Center // 415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks

The North Dakota Ballet Company proudly presents The Nutcracker Extravaganza—a cherished holiday tradition that brings holiday magic to life for the whole family. From swirling snowflakes to the Land of Sweets, this heartwarming production is filled with colorful characters, beautiful costumes and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Whether it’s your first time or part of an annual tradition, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Act I kicks off the celebration with a lively mix of dance styles and beloved holiday songs sure to have the whole audience tapping their toes and smiling in their seats! Performances: Friday at 6:30 PM and Saturday at 2 PM, with a special sensory-friendly shortened performance on Saturday at 10 AM; more Info online.

CHRISTMAS WITH LORIE LINE

December 14

Empire Arts Center // 415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks

Lorie Line returns to the stage as a solo pianist and celebrates the Christmas season with faith-filled stories and the best-of-the-best holiday music. This year's tour marks her 36th year of touring. As always, expect beautiful costumes, elegant piano arrangements, funny stories and personal tender words that reflect the true meaning of Christmas as she brings her concert grand piano to the center stage. The age restriction for this show is 10 and up; no infants or toddlers please. Showtime: 3 PM; more Info online.

A MAGICAL MEDORA CHRISTMAS 2025

December 14

Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center // 3475 University Avenue, Grand Forks

Embrace the magic of the season with this beloved, award-winning holiday show—an annual tradition cherished by thousands across the region! Featuring the incredible voices of past and present stars from the legendary Medora Musical, you'll be swept away by heartwarming renditions of your favorite Christmas tunes. It’s festive, joyful and a perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays! Showtime: 3:30 PM; more Info online.

ROSENQUIST LAW FAMILY FILM SERIES: ELF

December 20

Empire Arts Center // 415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks

Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs, a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. Showtime: 1 PM; more Info online.