St. Paul is buzzing with creative energy all year round — but that’s especially apparent during the holiday gift-giving season, thanks to a mini-industry of craft markets and art festivals that pop up all over town.
The markets in this list are hosting hundreds of local artists and makers over the next month, and some are offering interactive art-making activities for you to get creative, too.
Nov. 22: Interact’s Great Big Holiday Sale
At Interact Center, a visual and performing art studio that serves artists with disabilities, you can browse hundreds of original works each priced at $20, between noon and 4 p.m. Interact’s theater company will present free performances from “A Christmas Carol Farce” at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. Meanwhile, at the nearby Interact Gallery (1902 W. Minnehaha Ave.), several exhibitions are on view, including the Big Winter Show.
Interact Center: 1860 W. Minnehaha Ave.; 651-209-3575; gallery.interactcenterarts.org
Nov. 22–23: Schmidt Holiday Market
A variety of creative folks, including resident artists in the brewery-turned-art community, will have handmade items for sale. Plus, attendees can participate in activities including spin art, create-your-own-ornament and printmaking, and food trucks will sling snacks. Market runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 22 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23.
Schmidt Artist Lofts: 900 W. Seventh St.; schmidtartists.com/holiday-markets
Nov. 28–Dec. 21: European Christmas Market
Shoppers check out holiday-themed birdhouses on display at the European Christmas Market, returning for its 11th year, at Union Depot in St. Paul on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. The traditional old-world Christmas market is the largest of its kind in Minnesota and runs Friday, Saturday and Sundays through Dec. 22, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
The annual outdoor market returns with 80+ craft, food and drink vendors, plus holiday entertainment and character visits. During its run, the market is open 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays (with a noon start time on Nov. 28); 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Free admission.
Union Depot: 240 E. Kellogg Blvd; stpaulchristmasmarket.org
Nov. 28–29: Palace Theatre Holiday Market
The Palace Theatre sign is lit up atop the marquee at the downtown concert venue March 22, 2025. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)
This is the third annual art market at the downtown concert venue, with 50+ booths — including some on the stage, a rare opportunity for the public to set foot up there. Market runs 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sartuday, Nov. 29.
Palace Theatre: 17 W 7th Pl.; 612-338-8388; market info at homespunevents.com/palacetheatreholidaymarket
Nov. 29: Holiday Market at Wandering Leaf Brewing
The lush brewery at Sibley Plaza on West Seventh is hosting more than a dozen local makers for Small Business Saturday. Market runs 1 to 6 p.m.
Wandering Leaf Brewing Company: 2463 W. 7th St,; 612-293-5754; wanderingleafbrewing.com
Nov. 30: Best of Scandia Artisan Market
A variety of artisan vendors from around town will be offering everything from ornaments to blankets to Swedish almond cakes to elderberry products. Market runs noon to 5 p.m., with the VinterLights! tree lighting to follow.
Scandia Community Center: 14727 N. 209th St.
Dec. 5–7: Landmark Center Holiday Bazaar
This is the 47th annual holiday market at Landmark Center with a full-house lineup of artists, plus music performances all day. Market runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 (with complimentary refreshments between 4 and 7 p.m.) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Admission is $5 (cash/check only) but free for kids under 12.
Landmark Center: 75 W. Fifth St. W.; 651-292-3225; landmarkcenter.org/holiday-bazaar
Dec. 6: Art at Hidden River
The long-running art fair, which as of late has been held at Highland Park Middle School, presents a wide variety of fine art and crafts by both juried professional artists and youth. Market runs 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Highland Park Middle School: 975 S. Snelling Ave.; artistscircle.org/art-at-hidden-river
Dec. 6–7; 13–14: Winter Art Market at the Lofts
Local artists and performers will gather for two weekends at the Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative. Market runs noon to 5 p.m. each day. Plus, extra art and activities taking place at Master Framers (262 E. Fourth St.).
Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative: 255 E. Kellogg Blvd.; lowertownlofts.org
Dec. 7: It’s A Wonderful White Bear Lake Holiday Craft & Gift Market
This 7th annual market hosts handmade crafters working in a variety of mediums, from woodwork to photography to cosmetics to bakers and candy makers. Runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free parking.
Craft Market at Mariner Middle School: 3551 N. McKnight Rd., White Bear Lake; market info at 651-444-9907 or on Facebook
Dec. 13: Last Minute Gifts Night Market
The fine folks at Springboard for the Arts are once again staging their annual craft fair as a night market, with 25 local makers and other performances and refreshments, too. Market runs 6 to 9 p.m.; free admission.
Springboard for the Arts: 262 W. University Ave.; 651-292-4381; springboardforthearts.org
Dec. 13–14; 20–21: Minnesota Merry Market at the State Fair
Brought to you by the same folks behind the Palace Theatre market, this sprawling holiday celebration features 80+ artists, plus food trucks, Santa visits and craft projects. The market itself is in the North End Events Center, and parking is free; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all days.
Minnesota State Fairgrounds: Enter at Hoyt and Snelling avenues; market info at homespunevents.com/minnesotamerrymarket
Dec. 20: Indigenous Holiday Market
Co-hosted by Indigenous Roots, Blue Hummingbird Woman, Eagle and Condor Native Wellness Center and Trickster Tacos, plus a benefit concert featuring Corey Medina & Brother, Jada Brown, Obsidian James and Shadows in Stereo. Market runs noon to 4 p.m. at the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center on the East Side.
Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center: 788 E. Seventh St.; 651-395-7145; more information on Facebook
Dec. 20: Inver Grove Heights Holiday Craft and Gift Expo
This market is set to feature about 75 vendors selling handmade crafts, upcycled gifts and baked goods. Free entry; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Community Center: 8037 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights; more info on Facebook
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