ST PAUL, Minn. — Another winter holiday tradition is getting ready to spark up some cheer in St. Paul.
Union Depot is celebrating both the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and the 10th anniversary of the 2012 Union Depot building restoration.
The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, where the public is invited to participate in "giveaways, shop local vendors, enjoy live entertainment and view a short video showcasing architectural transformations throughout Union Depot history," according to a press release.
Prior to completing the updates on the historic building in St. Paul's Lowertown, the area had gone 40 years without passenger transport available at Union Depot.
The restoration brought back much of the Depot's neo-classical architecture while adding modern amenities and making the space a hub for events, retail and community gatherings.
The evening continues with the reveal of the 2022 St. Paul Winter Carnival buttons at 5 p.m.
The four buttons will be introduced by Winter Carnival royalty like King Boreas, Vulcanus Rex, Queen of the Snows, Klondike Kate, and others. This year's carnival goes from Jan. 26 to Feb. 5.
At 7 p.m. the party moves outdoors to the North Plaza for the countdown and lighting of the 50-foot holiday tree. "The first 1,000 children will receive a light-up holiday wand, while all guests will receive an incredible view of the 30,000 lights on this year’s tree," the press release adds.
Finally, festivities wrap up with the annual showing of the holiday classic movie, “Elf,” at 7:30 p.m. inside the Union Depot's waiting room.
Chairs will be available, but the public is encouraged to bring their own blankets and pillows.
This is a free event, no tickets are necessary.
