Where Should You Stay for Lucy Darling of the Holidays at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis? Dec. 11–13, 2026
Lucy Darling, the glamorous, cocktail-loving “Mistress of Magic” played by Carisa Hendrix, brings her holiday variety show to the Pantages Theatre on Hennepin Avenue for a three-day run, Dec. 11–13, 2026. If you are building a December weekend around it, 300 Clifton, the historic Eugene J. Carpenter Mansion in Loring Park, is a candlelit place to stay before and after the show.
It is just over five weeks away, which is the right time to book a room. With five performances across the weekend, you can pick a showtime that fits your plans and still have an evening left for dinner downtown.
When is Lucy Darling of the Holidays at the Pantages?
According to Hennepin Arts’ event page, there are five performances at the Pantages Theatre (710 Hennepin Ave.):
- Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Hennepin Arts describes the show as a whimsical winter variety show with improvisational comedy, witty writing and “impossible magical feats,” with Lucy trading her classic cocktail for a glass of eggnog. Tickets are sold per performance through the event page.
Are there add-on experiences?
Yes. The event page lists a pre-show talkback with Carisa Hendrix (capacity 200) two hours before the Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. performances, and a post-show meet and greet with Lucy Darling (capacity 30, with a professional photo and a limited-edition lanyard) after the Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 6 p.m. shows. Both are sold separately, and the meet and greet is small, so check availability early.
Why stay at 300 Clifton for a Hennepin Avenue show?
The mansion is a boutique bed and breakfast, not a chain hotel, with distinct guest rooms, hand-painted murals, carved fireplaces and English gardens. Pick a room to suit the weekend: the Crystal Mansion for a splurge, the Georgian Room for classic charm, or the Grand Edwardian for room to spread out.
A December night here pairs well with a holiday show. The garden hot tub is open year-round, so a Saturday matinee can end with a soak under a winter sky. If the weather turns, the movie room with heated reclining seats is the cozy backup plan.
Booking direct also includes two perks listed on the vouchers page: a $20 dining voucher per stay at the Pillsbury Club and a $20 Minneapolis Trolley voucher per stay. Check that page for the current terms before you book.
How do you get to the Pantages on show day?
Hennepin Arts publishes parking options for the Theatre District, and Metro Transit’s trip planner will map a ride from your starting point if you would rather not drive. Leave extra time on show day, because the event page notes that latecomers are seated at management’s discretion and may have to wait for a break in the performance.
Building a longer December weekend
If you are staying the weekend, the next weekend on Hennepin Avenue is busy too: see our guide to The New Standards Holiday Show and Christopher Titus on Dec. 4 and 5, and our holiday lights date night idea for the evening before or after the show.
Ready to book?
Rooms for a December weekend go quickly. Check availability at 300 Clifton and book direct for the dining and trolley vouchers, then grab your Pantages tickets from Hennepin Arts.