Cool Festive Fun: 7 Seasonal Events in Grand Forks to Kick Off Your Holiday Cheer

I don’t know that I’m that much of a Scrooge really, but still, most years I can use a little bit of a shove into the holiday season. Music always does the trick for me. There’s no shortage of special holiday music and fun again this year in the Grand Forks area. Take a look at just a sampling of some of the events going on.

Empire Arts Center audiences are very familiar with Doug Allen Nash. The Nashville recording artist has performed to sold-out audiences several times at the Empire. Back again by popular demand, as they say, Doug and his A-List Band return Saturday, December 2 at 7 pm with “A Magical Christmas with Elvis.” The rockin’ family-friendly show features classic holiday and Elvis favorites, as well as a special tribute to veterans. Tickets are available at empireartscenter.com

What has become a “must” for Grand Forks family audiences during the holiday season, the UND Winter WUNDerland Family Holiday Concert, features all of UND’s choral ensembles performing a variety of festive and meaningful songs of the season, old and new. The concert is Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 pm at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. Tickets are available at the Chester Fritz Auditorium Box Office or through Ticketmaster for an additional fee.

Another family show that’s fast become a Grand Forks holiday tradition is “A Magical Medora Christmas.” Each year, cast members of the popular Medora Musical in western North Dakota, past and present, celebrate the season with music, magic, comedy and more. In recent years, thousands of people across the region have been a part of the seasonal fun. You can take it in this year at the Empire Arts Center Sunday, December 10 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at empireartscenter.com.

You say you want something completely different for the holidays? Well, for the first time in our area, the former first violinist of the Boston String Quartet, who goes by Blue Violin, will be presenting something called Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas at the Empire Arts Center Sunday, December 17 at 2 pm. Blue Violin has performed with John Mayer, Paul Simon, Jennifer Holiday, Riverdance, and many others. His holiday offering features classic and reimagined Christmas songs, as well as original compositions from his upcoming album. Children are encouraged to attend with special ticket discounts for families at empireartscenter.com.

Dozens of holiday light displays by local businesses and organizations are lighting up the night and awaiting your attention nightly from 5:30 until 10 pm, now through December 23 in Lincoln Park Drive in the Greenway in Grand Forks. Drive through the park in the warm comfort of your own car or get the gang together and load up a limo or bus. There are accommodations for both. Tickets are at the gate.

In a Grand Forks tradition dating back something like twenty years, dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees are on display through December 22 at Santa Village. But the trees are just the beginning of a true holiday experience for kids of all ages. The oldest Santa Village visitor on record was 101. On weekends the Village is hopping with activities like magic shows, visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, even sleigh rides! The Village is back in its original beautiful location this year, Lincoln Park Club House. It is open by appointment Monday through Thursday, and Friday through Sunday. A full schedule is available at gfparks.org.

There’s no shortage of high school holiday concerts this season, showcasing the area’s young musical talent. The Grand Forks Central Choir and Orchestra Holiday Concert is December 18 at 7 pm in the Central Auditorium. Also on December 18 at 7 pm, the Red River High School Holiday Concert takes place at the Red River Performance Hall. The East Grand Forks Senior High Band Concert is December 4. The school’s Choir Concert is December 11. Both are at the East Grand Forks Performing Arts Center and both are at 7 pm. Other schools, churches, and organizations also present Christmas and Holiday programs throughout the region; watch for them.

Again, this is just a sampling of what’s in store for you and your family during the holidays in the Greater Grand Forks area; and there’s plenty more where it came from. Many area schools, churches, organizations, and businesses present special holiday programs, pageants, activities, and events each year. Keep an eye open for them and have the very merriest of holiday seasons.

Missed an event? Check out Visit Greater Grand Forks’ list of upcoming community events here!