COURTESY OF MOLLY MULVEHILL STEINKE
‘Tis the season for gift-giving (and -receiving). A favorite yearly activity for many Minnesotans is perusing holiday markets for artisanal goods and handcrafted treasures, preferably with a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand. But like most events, these markets will look different this year. Many have gone online, so while the experience will certainly feel unusual, your loved ones won’t know the difference when they still get to open a unique gift this holiday season.
Virtual Events
Union Depot Virtual European Christmas Market
Support local artisans virtually by shopping for handmade holiday items like pottery, fine linens, and wool mittens. The market has even lined up an array of online entertainment performances—from European accordion music to Norwegian dancing—to keep the experience merry and bright. Through December 24, stpaulchristmasmarket.org
Julmarknad Holiday Market at the American Swedish Institute
The ASI’s yearly holiday market and festival is still on, albeit virtually. Shop from a wide variety of artisans through the Julmarknad artists’ convenient web shops. On Dec. 5, meet the 33 artisans through the event’s Virtual Artists Panels. Through December 20, asimn.org/virtual-julmarknad
Chameleon Shoppes Virtual Holiday Boutique
Browse online through a selection of more than 20 women- and BIPOC-owned businesses. The virtual boutique is selling everything from artisanal soaps to laser-cut Christmas tree ornaments. Through December 31, chameleonconsortium.com/retailers
5th Annual Nordic Julemarket
Running for the fifth year in a row (but the first year totally online) the annual Julemarket is the place for all of your Nordic-themed gift needs. From enamel jewelry to hand-carved and designed Viking drinking horns, these options will deliver a little bit of hygge into any home. Through January 30, nordicjulemarket.com
Textile Center Holiday Gallery Shop
At Minnesota’s very own center for fiber art, fans of knitting, quilting, and other textile-based crafts will be in heaven. The online holiday shop also features a selection of masks. Shoppers can opt for local curbside pickup or shipping. Through December 24, textilecentermn.org
LAB Holiday Reimagined Experience
In truly reimagining a virtual holiday market, the team behind this event has set up an email subscription to receive the latest on local holiday gifts (and fun surprises) via your inbox throughout the season. Emails will include exclusive offers, DIY inspiration and the chance to shop collections from over 40 local makers and businesses. labmpls.com/holiday-reimagined
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt Live
Twenty two vendors have come together for the annual German-inspired celebration, Christkindlsmarkt. On Dec. 10, 12, 17 and 19, visit the website to view a virtual Q&A with Father Christmas, who will read letters delivered to the mailbox at the NorthPole Trolley Station, and the Christkind. excelsiorchristmas.com
Minneapolis Craft Market
This market has gifts for the whole family, from holiday-themed onesies to one-of-a-kind home furnishings. Head to Minneapolis Craft Market’s website to shop from 230 makers, or download the Popshop Live app to view live shopping events (use invite code MCMPOP). mplscraftmarket.com
Courtesy of Tattersall Distilling
Holidazzle
Holidazzle has teamed up with Minneapolis Craft Market to present a curated local shopping experience virtually. This event also features free activities (including online puzzles, card games, origami, paper snowflake designs and coloring pages) on its website as well as a virtual variety show (The Holidazzle Show) presented by Comcast. View it at holidazzle.com/show on Dec. 10 and 17. Through Dec. 20, holidazzle.com
Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
This virtual event features beautiful and unique handcrafted gift items by the area’s finest artists. Visit the event (now in its 42nd year) online for the entire list of vendors, ranging from jewelry designers to woodworkers. Through December 13, landmarkcenter.org/old-fashioned-holiday-bazaar
In-Person Events
Great Lakes Co. Holiday Pop-up
The Great Lakes Co. team has converted its office in northeast Minneapolis to provide a safe, controlled, and personal shopping experience this December. Shop for apparel, fir and amber-scented candles, and prints of your favorite Minnesota locations. Only 10 shoppers are allowed inside at a time. Through December 24, greatlakescollection.com
Fair Trade Holiday Market
This is a one-stop shop for finding small gifts filled with meaning this holiday season. Twin Cities-based fair trade brands Elevat, Fair Anita, Global Mamas and Trade Winds are joining to present a unique pop up holiday shopping experience. Through December 27, Fair Trade Holiday Market on Facebook
Dangerous Man Lil’ Holiday Market
Dangerous Man Brewing Co. in Minneapolis is converting its taproom into a holiday market this season. There will be no beers on tap (for COVID safety reasons) but plenty of cheer to go around, in the form of new merch, on-sale items, beer-inspired local crafts, exclusive deals only available at the market. Dangerous Man asks that people wear masks to the event, which will also have a limited number of shoppers and a designated entrance and exit. Through December 13, dangerousmanbrewing.com
Fergus Falls Holiday Art and Artisan Market
This European-style market will feature the opportunity to shop from over 30 local artists and artisans. An annual event for the past four years, the Holiday Art and Artisan Market is carrying an array of could-be holiday gifts, including paintings, rugs, quilts, and jewelry. Through December 24, Holiday Art and Artisan Market on Facebook
Holiday Market Days at Applecrest Orchards
For this orchard in Hugo, Minnesota, the orchard is closed for the season, but that isn’t stopping them from getting into the holiday spirit. This indoor market will feature small business vendors and Minnesota makers from around the state. Through December 20, applecrestorchards.com
Socially Distant Handmade Holiday Market
At Dovetail Cafe & Marketplace in Duluth, holiday shoppers can find the vendors Little C Tree,
Angela’s Pottery, Mission Creek Design Co. and Almanac Coffee. The in-person event is free and socially distant, so attendees will be limited to prevent overcrowding. Through December 31, dovetailcafe.com
In-Person and Virtual
Raging Art On at Gamut Gallery
With a lineup of more than 40 artists, Gamut Gallery is presenting their holiday market for the 9th year in a row. For shoppers who would like to stay at home, Gamut Gallery is featuring the select works on its website for purchase. This event requires masks and will have limited capacity to allow for social distancing. Through December 25 in person, through Jan. 5 online; gamut-gallery.myshopify.com
