A festive, one-night orchestral holiday concert at The Freight House in downtown Stillwater. Complimentary tickets courtesy of sponsors and a free-will offering to benefit The 30-Days Foundation make this both a musical night out and a community fundraiser.
A festive, one-night orchestral holiday concert at The Freight House in downtown Stillwater. Complimentary tickets courtesy of sponsors and a free-will offering to benefit The 30-Days Foundation make this both a musical night out and a community fundraiser.
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Operated by The Freight House · Stillwater, Minnesota
Mick Sterling Presents STILLWATER CHRISTMAS CHEER at The Freight House in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota, is an indoor holiday concert that brings a big stage sound to a small river town. Located at 305 Water Street South, this one night celebration delivers a nineteen piece orchestra, star vocalists, and a program of Andy Williams and Bing Crosby standards performed by the Elegance Orchestra and lead singers Ben Utecht, Mick Sterling, and Cate Fierro. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the show running from 7:00 to about 9:00 p.m., a compact evening built for family and community.
What sets this event apart is scale and generosity. A full nineteen piece ensemble plays in an intimate room, seats are complimentary because of sponsors Renewal by Andersen and Cornerstone Auto, and the event collects a free will offering to benefit The 30-Days Foundation. The Freight House, home of ON STAGE AT THE FREIGHT HOUSE, converts downtown energy into a close up concert experience where orchestral swells feel immediate and human. You can hear strings and brass with clarity, watch the conductor shape dynamics, and feel the communal hush before a favorite chorus.
Stillwater itself frames the night. The city sits along the St. Croix River and the freight house lies steps from the riverfront, surrounded by brick storefronts, exposed beams, and the quiet echo of a working port history. For visitors, pairing the concert with a pre show walk along the water, a meal on Main Street, or a cup of coffee at a local cafe turns the visit into a complete winter evening. The program is built to please: holiday favorites arranged for lush orchestration and sung by voices with regional recognition including a University of Minnesota alumnus and established local headliners.
Logistics are straightforward but important. This is a single date performance and tickets, while complimentary, move fast. Doors open well before show time so plan arrival accordingly. The venue is indoors because of weather, and the organizers moved the program inside for safety and comfort. The show supports community through music and direct fundraising for The 30-Days Foundation, founded in 2011, making attendance an act of local goodwill.
For travelers seeking a neighborly cultural outing, STILLWATER CHRISTMAS CHEER is an accessible, music forward evening that combines professional orchestral sound with community spirit. It is ideal for families, music lovers, and visitors who want to celebrate the season with a polished performance in a place that still reflects its river town roots. Expect friendly staff, nearby paid parking, and the possibility of last minute standing room if seats run out; consider arriving early to explore nearby shops, grab dinner, and secure a good vantage point for the performance evening and bring warmth.
Yes. Tickets are complimentary thanks to sponsors, but a free will offering is requested to support The 30-Days Foundation.
The Freight House at 305 Water Street South in downtown Stillwater hosts the event; it is steps from the St. Croix River.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:00 p.m.; arrive early to secure seating and enjoy the riverfront.
The program features a nineteen piece orchestra with lead vocals by Ben Utecht, Mick Sterling, and Cate Fierro, backed by the Elegance Orchestra.
Yes. The show is family friendly, though parents should plan for a two hour evening and consider younger children’s attention spans.
Organizers relocated the performance inside The Freight House due to forecasted cold weather to ensure comfort and safety.
The Freight House is a live music and events venue located in Stillwater, Minnesota. The Freight House hosts themed concert nights that combine live performance with a relaxed pre-show atmosphere, on-site food and beverage service, and post-show entertainment. One featured event is 'Yacht Rock with Captain Karl & His Castaways', an evening that pairs Yacht Rock classics with dining, drinks, and an after-party led by a Yacht Rock DJ. As a Stillwater destination for themed live music, The Freight House focuses on creating complete evening experiences for attendees. Events typically begin with a pre-show social period where guests can enjoy food and drinks, continue with a live set from a headline act, and then move into an after-party with DJ music that retains the night's theme. The venue's programming highlights themed performances that appeal to guests seeking a social night out centered on music and entertainment. The Freight House shares event details, show times, and venue information through its public event listings and promotional materials. Guests can consult those listings for specifics about individual nights, start times, and any event logistics. The venue provides on-site food and beverage options during many of its shows, as noted in event descriptions. For visitors in Stillwater and nearby communities looking for a music-centered evening, The Freight House offers themed concert nights with combined live music, dining, and DJ-led after-parties. Event descriptions outline the musical focus and the hospitality elements attendees can expect. Venue communications include event updates, access information, and contact details online.
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