Six holiday markets in the Twin Cities to shop this season
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The European Christmas Market at Union Depot. Photo: Union Depot
It's holiday market season across the Twin Cities.
What's happening: Dozens of pop-up holidays shopping events, featuring local makers and plenty of festive fun.
State of play: While Holidazzle is taking a break this year, some of the marquee markets celebrating the winter season are bigger than ever, Twin Cities Business Magazine reports.
- The Winter Maker's Market at The Dayton's Project in downtown Minneapolis features 78 brands — up from 33 during its 2021 debut — and the European Christmas Market at Union Depot in St. Paul added 9,000 square feet of holiday cheer this year.
What they're saying: "People crave good old fashioned holiday shopping, the way we used to do it at department stores," Mich Berthiaume, curator of pop-ups at Dayton's, the Four Seasons, and Viking Lakes in Eagan, told the magazine.
Between the lines: The events are good for retailers, too, since guests come ready to shop and often buy on the spot. Berthiaume says a business can make $2,000 to $3,000 a weekend — some at Dayton's make up to $200,000 over its six-week run.
Zoom in: Here are six markets to start your holiday shopping.
Winter Maker's Market at The Dayton's Project: Get all your holiday shopping done at the site of the former department store with dozens of vendors, 25 "giftable gourmet foods" and a flower market. Be sure to step outside to see the classic window displays. Daily through Dec. 30.
Winter SKOLstice Market: Viking Lakes in Eagan hosts this free traditional holiday market with 16 rotating vendors, live music, themed cocktails, and more. The final market is Feb. 25. Fridays-Sundays now through Feb. 25; closed December 24 & January 1-4.
Union Depot European Christmas Market: The annual outdoor event in St. Paul "encapsulates the essence of traditional old-world Christmas markets," with 70 wooden kiosks offering an "eclectic mix" of gifts. New this year: a Santa's Village with additional vendors, crafts, and Santa's Post Office. Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 17.
Julmarknad: The popular Scandinavian marketplace with over 60 regional artists takes over the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Expect pop-up musical performances, family crafts, take-home projects, and more seasonal activities. Dec. 1-3; Early access on Dec. 1 is $30, regular entry on Dec. 2-3 is $18.
Palace Theatre Holiday Market: Created by the team behind Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, the inaugural event has over 50 vendors throughout the St. Paul performing arts venue, including on stage. Dec 9-10.
Minni Dazzle: Fulton Brewing in North Loop lined up some of the vendors and performers from Holidazzle to appear at its taproom. The themed entertainment includes a capella, trapeze artists, and carolers alongside several local makers. Dec. 14-17.

