It’s no secret that many Minnesotans have ancestral roots in northern Europe. From our professional football team’s mascot to our impressive ability to withstand frigid temperatures, it doesn’t take a historian to identify these cultural connections. Regardless of your heritage, however, most people have one thing in common: A love for the holiday season.
The now-shuttered annual Holidazzle Parade, which took place downtown each year and brought community members together (regardless of the weather) throughout late November and December, perhaps best indicates our love for this season. This year a new tradition will take the parade’s place, one echoing an event that has occurred across Germany for almost 700 years: The Minneapolis Holiday Market, which will open on Nov. 28 and run through Christmas Eve.
Situated along Nicollet Mall, the celebration brings in area vendors to delight guests with holiday shopping, entertainment and European food and drinks. Enjoy German beers, bratwurst, handmade crafts, decadent pastries, and more, all while perusing streets lined with twinkling lights and garland. Don’t worry; the kids can partake in this international festival, too. They’ll enjoy the Market Scavenger Hunt, crafting personalized gingerbread cookies, and learning the intricate art of chocolate decorating. While the market charges a one-time entrance fee of $3 to $6, the Holidazzle Village is free and offers carousel rides, live reindeer, and a fine selection of mulled wine and candy.
Strap on your warmest winter boots and favorite holiday hat and make your way downtown this season. It’s sure to be a merry occasion.
Minneapolis Holiday Market & Holidazzle Village
Nicollet Mall (12th Street to 10th Street) and Peavey Plaza
Cost: Minneapolis Holiday Market, $3 weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $6 evenings and weekends; Holidazzle Village, free
Hours: Minneapolis Holiday Market, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily; Holidazzle Village 3-8 p.m. weekends