An outside light and sound show depicting the Nativity is part of the Cathedral Festival of Lights at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, sponsored by the Cathedral Heritage Foundation. Original music and the display shown on the Cathedral’s exterior will tell the story of Christ’s birth, said Elizabeth Holod, a member of the festival’s planning team.

This year’s event adds an artistic starry night display inside the Cathedral, accompanied by original music. “We believe this magical experience will be quite touching,” Holod said.

In addition, a Christmas market will be held in the Cathedral courtyard, and food trucks will be parked on Dayton Avenue, right off the courtyard. “You get wonderful views of the State Capitol and downtown St. Paul, as well, said Andrew Kuhrmeyer, another member of the planning team.

Kuhrmeyer and Holod recently joined “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley to describe the light shows and market.

Kuhrmeyer said the market will include holiday treats, festive gifts and Catholic- and Christian-inspired merchandise. “We have a great selection of vendors and they’re very excited to be part of this,” he said.

The light shows will be Dec. 15 through 19 from 6 to 10 p.m., with later times on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 7 p.m. due to an evening Mass. On Sunday, Dec. 19, drive-by viewing is available by ticketed reservation only. Tickets are $10 per vehicle. “Walk-up viewing” is free. The foundation also will livestream the exterior light show each evening.

Tickets are $15 per person or $40 for a group of five or more to see the indoor light show and enter the Christmas market.

The market will be open 6-10 p.m. Dec. 16-18.

Holod said the offerings are an important community event. “And so doing, we will help support the Cathedral’s restoration,” she said.

To purchase tickets for the light shows and Christmas market, visit eventbrite.com or buy them without the Eventbrite fee at a kiosk inside the front of the cathedral. Information is also available on the Cathedral’s website, cathedralsaintpaul.org.

To learn the best driving routes and place to park, and to hear the full interview, listen to this episode of the “Practicing Catholic” radio show. It airs at 9 p.m. Dec. 10, 1 p.m. Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.

Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes interviews with Jeff Cavins, who discusses the popular Bible in a Year podcast, and Molly Schorr, who offers tips on how to compassionately share the Catholic faith with others this Advent and Christmas season.