Discover the Magic of Minnesota’s Holiday Markets

These seasonal events offer the perfect mix of unique gifts, local flavor, and holiday cheer

Courtesy of Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt

Minnesota’s holiday markets are a must-see destination for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of the season. From the festive charm of European-inspired holiday markets to cozy, handcrafted goods at local boutiques, there’s something for everyone.

 

Holidays at Mall of America

Mall of America, Bloomington

Celebrate the season at Mall of America with holiday deals, festive decorations, and joyful activities for all ages—plus extended Mall and store hours.

 

Arboretum AppleHouse Holiday Boutique

Nov. 7–Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleHouse, Victoria

Starting in early November, the AppleHouse offers late-season apples and squash before transforming into a Holiday Boutique, opening on Nov. 7, featuring holiday gifts and treats. The AppleHouse will close for the season on Dec. 20. No reservations or membership are needed to visit, and all proceeds support Arboretum research and operations.

4th Annual Holiday Boutique

Nov. 9, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Grand O2 Event Center, Cannon Falls

This holiday sip-and-shop event offers a perfect opportunity to find gifts for yourself and loved ones. Guests can enjoy beverages, participate in charity raffles, and explore over 40 local vendors showcasing aromatherapy, candles, pottery, and more. Arriving early is recommended to receive one of the first 50 swag bags filled with goodies!

MN Christmas Market

Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Erickson Farmstead, Isanti
Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Union Depot, St. Paul
Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Willow Brooke Farm, Red Wing

The MN Christmas Market, an annual pop-up in the Twin Cities, showcases local artisans while donating 7% of vendor proceeds to Santa’s College Fund, which helps Minnesota refugees pursue higher education. Entry is $1, payable by cash or Venmo.

 

Autumn Festival: An Arts & Crafts Affair

Nov. 14-15, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Canterbury Park, Shakopee

Ranked among the Top 100 art shows in the U.S., this annual event features over 500 top artisans offering unique home decor and gifts—perfect for holiday shopping. Enjoy hourly gift certificate drawings, food, drinks, and family-friendly activities. Tickets required.

Courtesy of HPI Festivals

Nicollet Island Fall Market

Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis

Join the Nicollet Island Fall Market for a day of shopping and community fun, featuring over 50 local vendors offering unique handcrafted goods, from vegan soaps to quilted mittens. Enjoy live music, local food and drinks, and more while you browse.

 

Christmas at the Courthouse

Nov. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Washington County Historic Courthouse, Stillwater

For 30 years, visitors have kicked off the holiday shopping season at the Historic Courthouse! Join the tradition at the Holiday Bazaar, featuring a variety of vendors selling handcrafted goods in a beautifully decorated historic setting. All proceeds benefit the Historic Courthouse Restoration Fund to help preserve this landmark.

 

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt

Nov. 29–Dec. 1 (Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Excelsior

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt offers fun for everyone! Kids can visit Father Christmas, take photos with live reindeer, enjoy tea parties with “Frozen” princesses, and participate in storytelling and parades. Adults can continue the festivities at the Biergarten at Excelsior Brewing Co., open until 10 p.m.

Courtesy of Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt

2024 European Christmas Market

Nov. 29–Dec. 1; Dec. 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22 (Fridays & Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.), Union Depot, St. Paul

The European Christmas Market features over 70 vendors, live entertainment, and a festive Holiday Train and Carousel. Enjoy gift shopping, European-style food, kids’ crafts, performances, and more.

Afton Village Holiday 2024

Nov. 29–Dec. 1; Dec. 6-8 & 13-25, Downtown Afton

The charming river town of Afton will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring horse and wagon rides, strolling carolers, a Christmas tree lighting, an artist gift market, children’s crafts, festive food and drinks, and more.

 

Norway House’s 3rd Annual Popup Market

Dec. 3, Noon-6 p.m., Norway House, Minneapolis

The Nordic Julemarket returns to Norway House, featuring 20 Nordic-inspired artisans and small businesses in the event hall. Don’t miss the Tuesday Open House at Mindekirken, Gingerbread Wonderland in the Norway House Galleri, and more festive activities.

 

Gifts in the Gallery

Dec. 5-23 (times vary), Bloomington Center for the Arts, Bloomington

Gifts in the Gallery is a juried holiday sale at the beautifully decorated Inez Greenberg Gallery in the Bloomington Center for the Arts. Discover unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from over 50 local artists, including jewelry, ceramics, wood-turned home goods, and more.

Courtesy of Bloomington Center for the Arts

46th Annual Holiday Bazaar

Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 7: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 8, Noon-5 p.m., Landmark Center, St. Paul

Get into the holiday spirit from December 6 to 8 with unique handcrafted gifts by local artists at the Bazaar. Explore quality items like jewelry, woodwork, paintings, and handmade lotions, all while enjoying festive music and delicious treats. Tickets required.

 

Carousel of Crafts

Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mary of Lourdes Catholic School, Little Falls

Get ready for the holidays at the annual Carousel of Crafts event at LFCMS on Dec. 7. This festive gathering is perfect for crafting enthusiasts and anyone looking for unique gifts. Explore a wide variety of handmade crafts, from holiday decorations to one-of-a-kind gifts created by local artisans.

 

2024 Grand Meander

Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Grand Avenue, St. Paul

Enjoy holiday treats and entertainment while shopping local along Grand Avenue, with special visits from Santa and fantastic deals to help complete your gift list.

Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival

Dec. 7-8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis

Experience the sights and sounds of the Scandinavian marketplace at American Swedish Institute’s (ASI) annual handcraft market and festival, returning the first weekend in December. Explore a wide array of handmade goods from regional artists, including artisan glass, clothing, woodwork, jewelry, ceramics, and unique items from ASI’s Jul Shop. Tickets required.

 

Nicollet Island Winter Market

Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis

The Nicollet Island Winter Market is perfect for last-minute holiday shopping! Explore a variety of gifts, including upcycled lamps, fair trade clothing, handcrafted jewelry, local arts, pottery, and fresh flowers—ideal for making the holiday season unforgettable.

 

Holiday Night Market

Dec. 12, 4-8 p.m., Tangletown Gardens, Minneapolis

The inaugural Holiday Night Market at Tangletown Gardens will feature more than 15 local makers and a range of products, from candles to paintings and pottery. Enjoy shopping in a cozy atmosphere, with string lights, crackling fires, and strolling musicians. While you’re there, grab a bite from Wise Acre Eatery’s pop-up burgers-and-fries fundraiser, with 20% of sales benefiting Washburn Arts Council.

Courtesy of Tangletown Gardens

Holidazzle

Dec. 18-22 (times vary), Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Minneapolis from Dec. 18-22! Enjoy five days of festive fun with twinkling lights, colorful shows, food trucks, holiday shopping pop-ups, and more along Nicollet Mall.

As editor-in-chief of Minnesota Monthly and Greenspring Media’s Group Editor of Custom Publications, Alesha Taylor guides a team of storytellers and writers. She has over a decade of experience in publishing, communications, and marketing, and brings a diverse perspective to editorial planning and execution. Born and raised in Minnesota, she’s a self-described bookworm, Bravo junkie, DIYer, and thrifting enthusiast.