Check out our calendar of events to discover great ways to escape cabin fever in North Dakota.

Visit these residences to experience the spirit of Christmases past—and Christmas present. 

Comstock House 

Moorhead’s gracious Queen Anne and Eastlake mansion is decorated for the season and ready for visitors. Guides detail the history behind Christmas trees, mistletoe and stockings during intimate Holiday Traditions Tours on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Reserve tickets in advance.  

Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site 

Guests mingle at this stately Victorian home in Bismarck during the Holiday Open House, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. It’s so festive, even Santa stops by.  

Nov. 17–18
14th Annual Bismarck Christmas Show

This craft extravaganza returns to the Bismarck Event Center. Look for 250 booths piled high with crafts, art and baked goods from all over the country. 

Nov. 17–18
Fargo Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase

It’s one-stop holiday shopping at Scheels Arena. Score food, books, art, jewelry, home decor and gifts from local entrepreneurs. 

Nov. 17–18
Festival of Trees

Two days of festivities deliver Christmas music, live and silent auctions, and holiday treats among the decorated trees at this Minot event. 

Nov. 24–Jan. 31
Lights on Shriner Hill

Start your holiday lights tour in Jamestown, where more than 100 lighted trees shine from 5 p.m. until midnight. 

Nov. 24–25; Dec. 1–2, 8–9
Dickens Village Festival

Garrison transforms into a sweet Victorian town complete with holiday teas, concerts, carriage rides and costumed shopkeepers. 

Nov. 25
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Elegant dancers, thrilling acrobats, larger-than-life puppets and elaborate costumes bring this classic tale to life in Grand Forks. 

Nov. 30–Dec. 17
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical

A musical adaptation of the Frank Capra film reminds audiences that every life has a big impact at the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre. 

Dec. 1
Hairball: The Bombastic Celebration of Arena Rock

Come to Grand Forks for a high-energy tribute to arena rock greats like KISS, Queen and Aerosmith, complete with lights, smoke and pyrotechnics. 

Dec. 1
The Preacher’s Daughters Christmas Concert

This Minneapolis-based duo shares holiday songs and Christmas carols at an all-ages musical event at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Valley City. 

Dec. 2
One Night of Tina

This soaring tribute show lights up the Fargo Theatre stage with music and rollicking dance numbers that honor the late rock ’n’ roll legend Tina Turner. 

Dec. 8–10
The Nutcracker

A cherished holiday tradition returns to Bismarck. The story of Clara and her prince springs to life on the Belle Mehus Auditorium stage. 

Dec. 9
December Bismarck Market Fair

More than 30 local bakers, crafters and small businesses sell decor, goodies and gifts in the Joann Hetzel Memorial 4-H Building. 

Dec. 10 
Christmas at the Zoo

Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot celebrates the season with cookies, crafts and hayrides. Bring a nonperishable food item or a used toy with washable surfaces to share the spirit. 

Dec. 13
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

This beloved ensemble blends classical music, rock, intense percussion and favorite holiday melodies at Scheels Arena in Fargo. 

Dec. 22
Home Free

This fan-favorite a cappella group brings a country music Christmas experience to Fargo’s Scheels Arena. 

Dec. 22
The Music Box

Enjoy live, local music at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks. Join the jam session at the end. 

Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Skating Party

Skate to a live DJ and festive lights on the ice at Dickinson’s West River Ice Center. 

Jan. 4
Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken

The American Idol favorites celebrate 20 years in the spotlight. Catch them at the Fargo Theatre. 

Jan. 5–6
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre presents Murder on the Menu, a classic whodunit audience members watch (and solve!) while dinner is served. 

Jan. 5–6
University of North Dakota Men’s Hockey

The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks take to the ice against the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Grand Forks.