10 Magical Holiday Markets in the Twin Cities for Families
December in Minnesota shines a little brighter when you explore the holiday magic of local markets with your kids. Sparkling lights and handmade gifts turn these seasonal gatherings into much more than your usual shopping trips. They create fun holiday outings for the whole family! If you want Twin Cities holiday markets for families, you’ll discover plenty of festive spots brimming with local makers, kid-friendly activities, and treats to warm cold hands. Our guide leads you to the best one (or two!) for your family. Add them to any holiday bucket list! These 10 family-friendly holiday markets in Minnesota offer the ideal way to support small businesses while you soak up holiday cheer. Wonder where to shop local this holiday season?
Explore our favorite holiday markets across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond—they’ll make your kids wide-eyed with wonder and help you joyfully check off your shopping list.
European Christmas Market, Saint Paul
240 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101
2025 Dates: Weekends November 28 – December 21 | free admission
The European Christmas Market is one of Minnesota’s most enchanting holiday markets, bringing Old World charm to Saint Paul. Inspired by Germany and Austria’s festive open-air Christkindl Markets, this free event transforms Union Depot into a winter wonderland across four weekends from late November through December.
Families can browse more than 60 vendors offering handcrafted treasures. Shop ornaments, nutcrackers, beeswax candles, wool mittens, sparkling glass decor, and more. Kids will love the festive atmosphere here! They can ride the carousel, take a mini train ride, and even pen a letter to Santa. Meanwhile, parents can sip Glühwein (a spiced mulled wine). Or snack on European-inspired delicacies (like pierogi and raclette)! With its mix of authentic traditions, local makers, and seasonal cheer, it’s no surprise this is one of the most beloved family-friendly holiday markets in Minnesota.
Minneapolis Christkindl Market, Minneapolis
350 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
2025 Dates: Weekends November 21 – December 21 | free admission
The new Minneapolis Christkindl Market brings a festive dose of European holiday magic to North Loop Green. This is the second year of this whimsical Minneapolis market! Inspired by traditional European open-air markets, this outdoor market experience has twinkling lights and alpine-style wooden huts. Not to mention the cozy aroma of mulled wine. It’s a must-visit Twin Cities holiday market for families!
Families can enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and a wide variety of food. Savor authentic foods like German potato pancakes, Swiss raclette, Turkish Lokma, bratwurst, and pastries. After eating, browse gifts from 30 local vendors representing 15 countries. Whether you want a unique holiday experience or just to shop local, the Christkindl Market promises downtown Minneapolis festive cheer.
Julmarknad at the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis
2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
2025 Dates: December 5 – 7 | paid admission
Celebrate Scandinavian traditions at the American Swedish Institute’s Julmarknad. Held the first weekend in December, this beloved event transforms ASI into a bustling holiday marketplace filled with sights, sounds, and flavors of the season. It is undoubtedly one of the most festive Twin Cities holiday markets for families!
Families can explore 60+ local artists presenting jewelry, textiles, woodwork, ceramics, and glass goods. Shop for holiday crafts and gifts in Minneapolis. Kids will spot Tomte the Christmas elf, join story time, and create holiday craft projects. Savor festive music, cozy Nordic food, and ASI’s holiday exhibition inside the Turnblad Mansion, and make a lasting family tradition.
Christkindlmarkt in Waconia, Waconia
S Spruce St, Waconia, MN 55387
2025 Dates: December 5 – 7 & December 12 – 14 | free admission
Celebrate the magic of the season at Christkindlmarkt in Waconia (previously Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt), one of the most festive holiday markets near Minneapolis. Inspired by traditional German markets, this free family event features twinkling lights, holiday music, and the aromas of grilled sausage, roasted nuts, and warm Glühwein.
Kids will love seeing live reindeer, llamas, and meeting Saint Nicolas. There may even be an enchanted princess or two! The Lighted Lantern Parade is a highlight—kids can join in with their glowing lanterns. Young guests can enjoy KinderWorld, a Sugar Plum Fairyland with crafts, stories, and balloon artists. Adults can browse artisan gifts and sample festive food and drink. With music, magic shows, and holiday cheer, this is one of Minnesota’s most kid-friendly Christmas festivals.
Twin Cities Holiday Markets | Holidazzle, Minneapolis – TBD
**due to a change in the event organizer…it is unclear if the Holidazzle will return in 2025
Nicollet Mall, between 6th and 11th Streets in downtown Minneapolis
2025 Dates: TBA | free admission
Downtown Minneapolis comes alive for the holidays at Holidazzle, one of the most beloved Twin Cities markets for families. Stretching along Nicollet Mall from 6th to 11th Street, this free festival transforms the city into a winter playground of twinkling lights, interactive displays, and festive entertainment. Families can enjoy roller skating, mini-golf, visits with Santa, and live music. There is also plenty of browsing and shopping. The vendor area features artisan gifts and seasonal treats, all in a pop-up market format. With local vendors, food trucks, and community performers, Holidazzle highlights Minneapolis’ food, arts, and culture. Whether you’re shopping for crafts and gifts or soaking up the atmosphere, Holidazzle is fun for all ages.
Mall of America Holiday Market, Bloomington
60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
2025 Dates: TBA | free admission
The Mall of America Holiday Market in Bloomington is a must-visit for anyone seeking indoor Twin Cities holiday markets for families. The Minneapolis Craft Market hosts a month-long pop-up, letting shoppers explore a curated selection of 40 local artists and makers. Find unique gifts and support small businesses—plus enjoy tons of kid-friendly activities nearby!
The market is located on the first floor (near LL Bean and Forever 21). Kids and families will love the festive atmosphere, including decorations, interactive activities, and MOA Elves spreading cheer throughout the mall. After shopping, the fun continues with rides at Nickelodeon Universe, visits to SEA LIFE Aquarium, and holiday-themed events. Easy access to tons of festive and non-festive activities makes this one of the most family-friendly holiday markets in Minnesota, where shopping and family entertainment go hand in hand.
Minnesota Merry Market, Saint Paul
1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN, 55108
2025 Dates: December 13 -14 & December 20 – 21 | free admission
The Minnesota Merry Market in Saint Paul offers an excellent way to embrace the holiday season. This festive indoor holiday shopping event features over 80 local art vendors who provide handcrafted gifts. It’s a top spot for parents wanting to shop local this holiday season!
Families can browse indoors or enjoy outdoor activities. Outside, find mini train rides, carriage rides, and Santa visits. Food trucks and two bars for adults add extra cheer. With crafts for kids, live music, and attractions for all ages, the Minnesota Merry Market is a fun, free event that blends shopping, entertainment, and family holiday spirit.
Christmas Market at Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin, Wisconsin
1420 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759
2025 Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday, November 15 – December 14 | free admission
Escape to an Italian-style holiday at Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin, Wisconsin, under two hours from Minneapolis. It’s a top Christmas market near the Twin Cities. Called “Wisconsin’s Prettiest Christmas Market,” this festive spot opens in mid-November and is among the earliest holiday markets. It features a lit piazza with local artisans selling handmade gifts, décor, jewelry, toys, and gourmet treats.
Shop, sample Italian-inspired foods (like pizza!), and sip on Villa Bellezza’s own holiday wine selection. Kids will also delight in holiday activities, like meeting Santa. And everyone will enjoy the magical atmosphere of the outdoor market. With new vendors each weekend and indoor shops in the Great Hall, it’s the perfect mix of shopping, dining, and family fun, making this day trip from the Twin Cities a seasonal must-do.
Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour, Somerset
710 Spring St, Somerset, WI 54025
2025 Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | paid admission
Just 40 minutes from the Twin Cities, Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour in Somerset, Wisconsin, is a must-visit for families this holiday season. If you’re looking for festive holiday markets and events near the Twin Cities with kids, add Sam’s Christmas Village to your list!
This magical destination just across the border features 16 million twinkling lights, immersive displays, and photo-worthy moments. The whole event is set along the scenic riverfront. Kids can meet Santa, visit real reindeer, and roast s’mores in cozy cabins. Of course, the entire family can explore the Christmas market filled with clothing, toys, hats, food, and festive drinks. Afterward, warm up by the fire pits, sip hot cocoa, or stroll the lighted paths. With a bar and grill on site and activities for all ages, Sam’s Christmas Village combines shopping, lights, and family fun for a memorable holiday outing.
Miracle at Big Rock, St. Croix Falls, WI
1674 WI-87 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
2025 Dates: | paid admission
Just over an hour from the Twin Cities, Miracle at Big Rock in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, is a magical winter wonderland. Not only does it offer one of the best Christmas markets near the Twin Cities with kids, but it also features over 17 million sparkling lights along a mile-long trail. The festive path creates a storybook holiday experience for families!
Kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including sledding, cookie decorating, meeting Santa, and exploring S’moresland (with cozy fire pits!). Meanwhile, adults enjoy craft cocktails and food trucks. To top it all off, wander the artisan vendors in a charming barn filled with local crafts and gifts. Special touches like fireworks, train and tractor rides, reindeer, and themed character meet-and-greets add extra festive cheer. In addition to shopping for everyone on your nice list, Miracle at Big Rock offers a full day—or evening—of lights, activities, and more.
Have a Magical Time Exploring these Holiday Markets near the Twin Cities!
These Twin Cities holiday markets are among the best seasonal shopping spots for families.
From twinkling lights to handmade gifts and seasonal treats, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer around Minnesota. And, these markets are perfect for parents looking for festive outings and shopping experiences with their kids. Your children will delight in kid-friendly activities and visits with Santa, all while you shop for everyone on your list at some of the most festive Christmas markets in Minnesota. Bundle up, sip some cocoa, and explore. These markets are full of seasonal magic for all ages.
Have fun searching for the best gifts at our favorite holiday markets in the Twin Cities with your kids!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
