Where Should You Stay for The New Standards Holiday Show and Christopher Titus in Minneapolis? Hennepin Avenue on Dec. 4 and 5
The first weekend of December puts two of Hennepin Avenue’s historic theatres to work at once. The New Standards bring their Holiday Show to the State Theatre for three performances on Dec. 4 and 5, and comedian Christopher Titus plays the Pantages Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 5. If you are building a winter weekend around either, 300 Clifton, the historic Eugene J. Carpenter Mansion in Loring Park, is a quiet, candlelit place to land before and after the curtain.
What is happening on Hennepin Avenue on Dec. 4 and 5?
The New Standards Holiday Show is billed by Hennepin Arts as a freewheeling variety spectacle, with the trio as wise-cracking hosts joined by instrumentalists, guest stars, dancers and theatrics. Hennepin Arts calls it an enduring Minnesota holiday tradition. The State Theatre listing shows three performances: Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 5 at both 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Christopher Titus, “Doomed to Repeat” is at the Pantages Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Hennepin Arts describes his style as “hard funny” and notes his six Comedy Central specials. Check the event page for ticket details before you plan your evening.
The same weekend, Hennepin Arts also lists the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Orpheum Theatre on Dec. 4 and 5, so the avenue will be busy. Saturday, Dec. 5 is the full-stack night: a 4 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. show at the State, plus the 8 p.m. Pantages comedy date. Book your room early if Saturday is your night.
Why make a night of it at 300 Clifton?
Downtown hotels fill up when several theatres open on the same night. A boutique stay in Loring Park gives you a calmer base: a mansion with carved fireplaces, English gardens and rooms with real personality, like the Crystal Mansion, the Georgian Room and the Grand Edwardian.
In December the four-season garden hot tub is a good way to warm up after a cold walk, and the movie room is a cozy rainy-day, or snowy-day, option. If you like a little mystery with your holiday weekend, read about the hauntings at 300 Clifton.
How do you get from Loring Park to the theatres?
Loring Park sits at the edge of downtown Minneapolis. Use the Metro Transit trip planner to compare bus options for your show time, or plan a short rideshare after the late show. If you arrive early, the Loring Park pond and paths are right outside the mansion’s door.
What perks come with a direct booking?
Guests who book direct receive a $20 Pillsbury Club dining voucher and a $20 Minneapolis Trolley voucher per stay; see the vouchers page for the current details. The Pillsbury Club is also where the holiday light trolley rides board, so a theatre weekend can easily include one.
Planning more of the season? See our guides to Saturday, Nov. 21 on Hennepin Avenue and the rooms at 300 Clifton, then book your Dec. 4 or 5 stay direct.
Keep reading: Where Should You Stay for Seth Meyers at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis? Jan. 15 and 17, 2027