Minneapolis’ beloved culinary hub, The Market at Malcolm Yards, has officially been voted Minnesota Monthly’s 2025 Readers’ Choice for Best Food Hall—and if you’ve been, you know exactly why. With nine chef-driven concepts, a buzzing self-pour tap wall, seasonal events, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere inside the revitalized Harris Machinery building, The Market has become a go-to gathering place for food lovers, families, and visitors from all over the Twin Cities.
Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
We caught up with COO JP Albanese to hear what makes The Market so special—and what guests can look forward to as the holiday season kicks off.
Holiday Cheer Takes Over the Market
The Market is pulling out all the stops this December with its Tinsel Town Holiday Extravaganza, running Dec. 4-21. Expect festive workshops, local makers, and visits from Santa—all wrapped up in The Market’s signature blend of creative energy and community spirit.
“November flew by, and December is always really special for us,” Albanese says. “We have private holiday parties, our Tinsel Town activations, and so many fun new events this year.”
Among them:
Sip ’N Bloom Holiday Workshops
Create custom wreaths, porch pots, or holiday floral arrangements with Sip ’N Bloom instructors—no experience necessary.
Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 from noon-2 p.m.
Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 at noon (Holiday Flower Arranging)
Courtesy of The Market at Malcolm Yards
Santa Visits
Santa will stop by on Dec. 6 and Dec. 20 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Families can grab food, snap photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Annual Holiday Market—Dec. 13 & 14
Shop from more than 25 local makers!
Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
And yes—there will be Victorian carolers filling The Market with classic holiday tunes on Dec. 14 and Dec. 20.
Courtesy of The Market at Malcolm Yards
What Else Is Happening at The Market?
The lineup of events doesn’t stop there. Albanese shares that The Market is always welcoming new groups and collaborations.
“We hosted Break the Bubble, a social networking group, and we just partnered with Every Meal for a fundraiser with Jason Kallsen from Twin Cities Wine,” he says. “We also just had the Dangerous Man relaunch party here with almost 300 people.”
And in true Malcolm Yards fashion, they’re having a bit of fun with the season:
Taylor-Roke, a Taylor Swift-themed karaoke night, arrives Dec. 18.
Courtesy of The Market at Malcolm Yards
A Space That Grows with Its Community
When asked why our readers chose Malcolm Yards as Minnesota’s best food hall, Albanese doesn’t hesitate. “I feel blessed. We have great variety, great operators, and great food—it makes my job easier,” he says. “There’s nothing really like it in the Twin Cities. People come for the food, the ambience, and the drinks, but it’s really the chef-owners and team members who make this place what it is.”
The Market’s nine kitchens rotate and evolve, keeping the experience fresh while maintaining high-quality, chef-driven menus. And with its blend of industrial charm and modern warmth, the space offers something for everyone—from casual nights out to full-scale private events.
A Team That Keeps It Moving Forward
With 25 years in the industry, Albanese says his favorite part of the job is “the constant, constructive change.”
“There’s always something new and exciting on the horizon,” he says. “Working with so many creative people is great.”
While he can’t share details yet, he hints that 2026 could bring new opportunities for the Market and its team.
Courtesy of The Market at Malcolm Yards
Celebrate the Season (and the Win) at Malcolm Yards
Whether you’re visiting for a holiday workshop, browsing the makers at the annual Holiday Market, or grabbing a drink from the Boxcar Bar’s winter cocktail menu, The Market at Malcolm Yards is ready to welcome you.
“We’re ending the year strong and looking forward to 2026,” Albanese says. “We’re excited to kick it off the right way.”
Before you go, consider giving the gift of a Malcolm Yards experience. Gift cards are available on-site or online and redeemable at all Market vendors.
Join the celebration and explore everything happening this season at malcolmyards.market.
