Christmas is just around the corner! Are you dreading the crowded holiday season malls? Never fear, we have collected some unique holiday shopping events for you to make this year’s retail experience more enjoyable for the whole family.
Many of these family events will offer kids activities, local gifts, and other fun. Events start as early in early November and run through mid-December. Mark your calendar with your favorites, and mix shopping with family fun this year.
Find More Holiday Events: Family Fun Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Guide
Minnesota Orchestra presents the FFTC Holiday Guide
Minnesota Orchestra concerts aren't just for grown-ups.
We've got performances that spark curiosity, wiggles, and wide-eyed wonder.
Enjoy a family-friendly film with the score played live-to-picture or a classical concert.
Younger children can enjoy family and sensory-friendly concerts with a parent or caregiver.
With discounted kids' tickets and free admission through Hall Pass, it's easy to bring the whole crew.
Get more details by clicking on the image above.
Minnesota Made Products
Chopper Mill Mittens are a Minnesota mom’s solution to warm and waterproof mittens for her kids.
Based in Stillwater, Chopper Mill offers
3 sizes for kids. And Adult Mittens are now available!
There are many reasons we love Chopper Mill: 20% of profits are donated, your first replacement mitten is free, AND any time you need, you can buy a single mitten.
Sota Clothing Co. is a St. Louis Park based company that has grown into an source of Minnesota pride since 2011.
With adults and kids sweatshirts and tees, hats for all seasons, and a bunch of accessories, our family loves to give and receive Sota gifts.
Offering old-fashioned lard soaps in a variety of fun food-based scents from The Wild Outdoors and Creamy Coconut to a rotation of seasonal favorites like Butterscotch Cookies and Frankincense & Myrrh.
Offering favorite spa items like bath truffles, milk baths, and a home-roasted coffee body scrub.
Gianna’s Thoughts: I found Simply Bliss at my local Farmer’s Market and have fallen in love with the Brown Sugar Latte Body Scrub. If you have a coffee lover in your family, I’m pretty sure they will LOVE this gift.
Fresh roasted craft coffee and delicious coffee alternatives. Roasted each week to order in Chanhassen, MN. Family owned and operated.
Gianna’s Thoughts: Our family has a subscription to this coffee and we get a new bag of beans every 3 weeks. It’s our favorite coffee in the Twin Cities. And Charlie is super easy to work with. We have also gifted this coffee to family members, and it was a huge hit. Our favorite is Mexicana.
THE S’MORES KIT INCLUDES
12 North Mallow Marshmallows – you choose the flavor! |12 North Mallow Graham Crackers (makes 6 s’mores) | 1 large bar of premium milk chocolate
OR
Enjoy their Hot Cocoa Kit! It contains our new hot cocoa mix and a bag of North Mallow marshmallows! The cocoa mix comes in two flavors: Classic or Peppermint. Our cocoa is dairy free and uses organic coconut milk powder, so you just have to add hot water for a delicious creamy hot cocoa!
Gianna’s Thoughts: I am in love with North Mallow’s marshmallows. I love the slightly chewy outside and the melt-in-your-mouth insides. I think my favorite flavor is the vanilla bean.
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ST PAUL HOLIDAY MARKETS
St Paul European Christmas Market
Date: 11/28/2025 - 12/21/2025 SEE TIMES
Location: Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St Paul, MN, 55101Based on the European open air Christkindlmarkts like those in Germany and Austria, this is the Twin Cities’ own outdoor Christmas market. Shop for unique, handmade gifts and decorations as well as nosh on holiday treats. Weekends, November 28-December 21, 2025. Fri  3-9pm; Sat 11am-9pm & Sun 11am-6pm.
- Best day(s) to visit: December 6th is Union Depot’s Tree Lighting and Movie Night. Come early for Santa and stick around for the festivities!
- Santa & Elves at the market: Santa along with his elves and reindeer will be often stop by Union Depot’s European Market. Kids can also go on a scavenger hunt and families can stroll through the market full of handcrafted goods and a selection of food. FREE to visit – see our full Santa schedule at the link.
St Paul Grand Meander
Date: 12/06/2025 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Grand Avenue, Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN , 55105The holiday festival spans 20 blocks of one of St Paul’s premiere shopping districts. Find samples, specials, Vulcan fire truck rides, free trolley rides, carolers, a soup tasting contest and multiple venues to visit with Santa. Events run starting 8:30am through the afternoon.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
Date: 12/07/2025 SEE TIMES
Location: Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102Shop marketplace booths for handcrafted items including, jewelry, wreaths, paintings, woven and wearable art, handmade lotions, soaps and more. There will also be live entertainment, treats and chances to win prizes. $5/pp ages 13+; free for 12 and under.
- Friday, December 5: 10am-7pm
- Saturday, December 6: 10am-5pm
- Sunday, December 7: 10am-5pm
Merry Market
Date: 12/13/2025 - 12/21/2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN, 55108A festive, indoor holiday shopping event on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds featuring local handcrafted gifts. Santa will be at the holiday market to visit and take photos with the family. Kid-friendly fun includes train and horse-drawn trolley rides, food trucks, and Christmas crafts. Admission is free, there is a small fee for some activities.
TWO WEEKENDS ONLY December 13-14 & December 20-21, 2025, 10am-4pm.
MINNEAPOLIS HOLIDAY MARKETS
Minneapolis Christkindl Market
Date: 11/21/2025 - 12/21/2025 SEE TIMES
Location: North Loop Green, 350 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55401The city of Minneapolis is bringing back its own European-style Christmas market onto the scene much like its sister over in St Paul. Shopping, yes, absolutely along with a host of other entertainment: Santa & Mrs. Claus, lots of cheery music and dance performances and plenty of delicious food. The market is “lit up” on opening night, November 21, then runs weekends through December 21, 2025. Fridays: 4 to 9 pm | Saturdays: 11 am to 9 pm | Sundays: 11 am to 7 pm.
Uptown Winter Wonderland Holiday Market
Date: 11/29/2025 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Seven Points, 3001 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55403Small Business Saturday graces the Uptown shopping district with a winter holiday market. Shop Seven Points storefronts along Hennepin Avenue and – special if you’re bringing kids along – pop into ArtRageous Adventures for ornament-making and photo ops.
No Coast Craft-o-Rama & Santa Reggie
Date: 12/06/2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN , 55407Shop the final No Coast Craft-o-Rama* event for unique handmade gifts and visit with Santa Reggie. Santa will be visiting with children at Central Court from noon to 3pm. Bring your own camera if you want a photo.
Minneapolis Christkindl Market
Date: 11/21/2025 - 12/21/2025 SEE TIMES
Location: North Loop Green, 350 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55401The city of Minneapolis is bringing back its own European-style Christmas market onto the scene much like its sister over in St Paul. Shopping, yes, absolutely along with a host of other entertainment: Santa & Mrs. Claus, lots of cheery music and dance performances and plenty of delicious food. The market is “lit up” on opening night, November 21, then runs weekends through December 21, 2025. Fridays: 4 to 9 pm | Saturdays: 11 am to 9 pm | Sundays: 11 am to 7 pm.
Uptown Winter Wonderland Holiday Market
Date: 11/29/2025 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Seven Points, 3001 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55403Small Business Saturday graces the Uptown shopping district with a winter holiday market. Shop Seven Points storefronts along Hennepin Avenue and – special if you’re bringing kids along – pop into ArtRageous Adventures for ornament-making and photo ops.
No Coast Craft-o-Rama & Santa Reggie
Date: 12/06/2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN , 55407Shop the final No Coast Craft-o-Rama* event for unique handmade gifts and visit with Santa Reggie. Santa will be visiting with children at Central Court from noon to 3pm. Bring your own camera if you want a photo.
TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO HOLIDAY MARKETS
Anoka
Rumriver Holiday Show & Shop
Date(s): 11/15/2025 - 12/20/2025 SEE TIMESLocation: Rumriver Art Center, 2665 4th Avenue, Anoka, MN, 55303
For the art-lover on your Christmas list, Rumriver Art Center’s Holiday Show & Shop is stuffed with unique gifts crafted by local artists: textiles, ceramics, stained glass, paintings, jewelry, and art prints. Full market runs November 15-December 20, 2025. See hours at our link.
Anoka
Rumriver Selfie with Santa (FREE)
Date(s): 12/06/2025 SEE TIMESLocation: Rumriver Art Center, 2665 4th Avenue, Anoka, MN, 55303
Santa will be at Rumriver Art Center’s Holiday Show & Shop one day only – and he’s available for photos from 11am-1pm. Bring your own camera and get some holiday shopping crossed off your list. Event is free to attend and all ages are welcome.
Golden Valley
Santa at Good Shepherd Christmas Market
Date(s): 12/06/2025 11:00 am - 2:00 pmLocation: Good Shepherd School, 145 Jersey Avenue South, Golden Valley, MN, 55426
Get FREE Santa photos at the Good Shepherd Christmas Market. Plus shop an indoor artist and vendor market and an outdoor Christmas tree lot (both 10am-3pm). Tree lot open Nov 28-30 & Dec 5-7, 2025.
Maple Grove
Santa at The Shoppes (FREE)
Date(s): 12/06/2025 2:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12459 Elm Creek Boulevard N, Maple Grove, MN, 55369
Spend an afternoon celebrating the holiday season with with Santa Claus, kids activities, Christmas carolers, wagon rides, holiday lights, food vendors and shopping. Santa will be walking around the Shoppes all afternoon. The event culminates in a Parade of Lights followed by a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.
Maple Grove
Holiday Walk in the Woods (FREE)
Date(s): 11/22/2025 9:00 am - 3:00 pmLocation: The Woods Gifts, 15825 95th Avenue North, Maple Grove, 55369
Visit with Santa and his reindeer at the Maple Grove location of The Woods Gifts, a cheery annual holiday event. Food demos, mini donuts & hot drinks available. Live reindeer will be present from 11am-2pm. Get your number for a Santa visit beginning at 8:45am.Â
Plymouth
Plymouth Merry Market
Date(s): 12/05/2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pmLocation: Old Town Hall, 3605 Fernbrok Lane North, Plymouth, MN, 55447
Shop handmade goods with the whole family and enjoy some kid-friendly activities at the same time. There will be winter-themed crafts for kids and a photobooth for the whole family. Enjoy FREE cocoa and treats while supplies last. Bring your letters to Santa to drop off at the official North Pole Mailbox (don’t forget to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to receive a response).
TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO HOLIDAY MARKETS
Blaine
Blaine Kids Holiday Shopping Spree
Date(s): 11/30/2025 2:00 pm - 5:30 pmLocation: Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive, Blaine, MN, 55449
Kids can find gifts for family members ranging in price from $1 to $15 with the help of a personal shopper. This event is free to attend but registration is required. 15-minute timeslots from 4pm-6:15pm available.Â
Maplewood
Minnesota Waldorf Holiday Fair
Date(s): 11/22/2025 11:00 am - 3:00 pmLocation: Minnesota Waldorf School, 70 East County Road B, Maplewood, MN, 55117
Minnesota Waldorf School’s annual Holiday Fair & Market is shopping with a side of family fun. As usual, there will be children’s activities, puppet shows, food trucks, live music and more. Ticket bundles can be purchased to take part in the activities; tickets are $2 apiece. Shop vendors and Waldorf-style toys for those on your holiday wish list. Admission is free.
St Anthony
Buy Nothing Toy Store & Open Gym (FREE)
Date(s): 12/13/2025 8:00 am - 12:00 pmLocation: St Anthony Community Center, 3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN, 55418
Stop by the St. Anthony Community Center to find some new toys to play with. Families can fill one bag per loop through, but can take more than one loop through the store. This could be a great opportunity for siblings to find each other Christmas gifts! Then drop in to the gym for FREE open play. These are parent/child activities and parents must remain with kids.
WANT TO DONATE? Drop off clean, functional toys, games and books between 8am and 6pm on December 11th & 12th.
Stillwater
Stillwater Christmas at the Courthouse
Date(s): 11/22/2025 - 11/23/2025 SEE TIMESLocation: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine Street West, Stillwater, MN, 55082
Enjoy the historic courthouse decked out for the season while you shop the Holiday Bazaar. Kids can visit with Santa both days from 12-2pm. Free event for all ages, donations appreciated to benefit the restoration of the historic building. November 22, 10am-4pm & November 23, 11am-3pm.
TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO HOLIDAY MARKETS
Edina
Holidays at 50th & France
Date(s): 11/29/2025 - 12/20/2025 SEE TIMESLocation: 50th & France, 50th & France, Edina, MN , 55425
In addition to all the incredible holiday shopping you can do on 50th & France, there’s a full lineup of festive family events and activities weekends through December 20. See our full schedule at the link!
Savage
Savage Secret Holiday Shop
Date(s): 12/06/2025 9:00 am - 11:00 amLocation: Savage Sports Center, 13450 Dakota Ave S, Savage, MN , 55378
Kids can independently shop holiday gifts for their family and friends. Parents help by purchasing tickets and creating a shopping list with their child, then volunteers can assist in the selecting of gifts if needed. A variety of gifts priced from $1-$15 will be available. Gifts will be wrapped and labeled at the end. Santa will even be stopping by for a photo opportunity. No need to register, all ages are encouraged to show up.
St Louis Park
West End Wonderland Holiday Market
Date(s): 11/22/2025 - 12/20/2025 SEE TIMESLocation: Shops at West End, 1621 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN, 55416
Shop from more than 50 vendors to the holiday tunes, enjoy a hot cocoa bar and pop in for the kids to meet Santa. Heated, underground parking makes this market comfortable and convenient. Market open Thurs-Sun, November 22-December 20, 2025.Â
TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO HOLIDAY MARKETS
Hastings
Hastings Holiday Hoopla
Date(s): 11/29/2025 5:00 pm - 6:00 pmLocation: Hastings City Hall, 101 4th Street East, Hastings, MN, 55033
Enjoy a day of shopping and tons of family activities at businesses downtown, including a strolling Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, a holiday sing-along, storytime and more. Stick around to watch the street snowflakes light up at 5:15pm followed by the City Hall Tree Lighting at 5:30pm.
Any updates for 2018? Seems the dates are a little off when looking at the calendar for this year.
Hi Nikki.
Check back in October. Many of the shopping events do not get planned and/or shared until then. However, if you see something