The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, enjoying festive food and drinks, searching for (and, if you’re lucky, receiving) the perfect gift, and making merry—and there’s no better place to do that than a Christmas market. The roots of these spirited, open-air street fairs can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages, popping up in Germany and Austria as early as the late 1200s. With its rich German heritage, it’s no surprise that the Midwest is home to some can’t-miss Christmas markets. Best of all, many of the region’s best Christmas markets are just an easy drive from Rochester. So, whether you’re looking for a fun place to do some Christmas gift shopping or are in the mood for a holly, jolly holiday day trip, these Christmas markets near Rochester, MN have you covered.
Rochester Area Christmas Markets
Friends of the Farmers Market Holiday Bazaar
You don’t need to drive too far to get your Christmas market fix. Rochester has its very own festive affair down at Graham Park, the home of the city’s year-round farmers market. Although this Rochester, MN Christmas market may be missing the European village-like atmosphere of some of the others in the surrounding area, its indoor setting allows you to stay warm and cozy while shopping for the special people on your list. Here, you’ll find a selection of handmade goods crafted by local makers, from pottery and jewelry to candles and food items. While you’re there, be sure to drop by neighboring Building 35, Crawford Hall, to check out the locally grown produce and other tasty things at the farmers market.
Graham Park Building 31, 112 Arena Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Dates: November 23 and December 7, 14 & 21
Times: 9 AM – 12 PM
Admission: Free
Chateau Winter Market
For a heartwarming holiday market filled with charm, don’t miss the Chateau Winter Market in downtown Rochester. A collaboration between Threshold Arts and other area makers and small businesses, this market in the Historic Chateau Theatre is a celebration of the city’s vibrant culture and all things local. The market’s indoor setting keeps you nice and warm while you do your gift shopping, and the quaint architecture sets the stage for a memorable experience. Best of all, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting local creators with every purchase you make. Seasonal snacks and sips keep you full and happy as you wander through the maze of stalls featuring more than 40 area vendors, while live entertainment helps set the mood.
Historic Chateau Theatre, 15 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Dates: Saturday, December 7th
Times: 2 PM – 6 PM
Admission: Free
Twin Cities Area Christmas Markets
European Christmas Market
For a quintessential holiday market experience, look no further than the European Christmas Market in St. Paul. Started in 2014, this award-winning Twin Cities Christmas market has gone on to become one of the finest in the country, earning the #3 spot on USA Today’s 10Best Holiday Markets in 2023 list and even beating out Chicago’s famous Christkindlmarket (which, I might add, is still very worth the drive or Amtrak ride). Each year, St. Paul’s historic Union Depot is transformed into a tiny yuletide town, with more than 70 vendors selling everything from nutcrackers and Christmas tree ornaments to European-style food (think spiced nuts, sausages and mulled wine). And don’t miss the South Village, which hosts holiday crafts like gingerbread decorating and a classic carousel. On December 6-8 and 12-15, 2024, Union Depot also welcomes the North Pole Express, a holiday train ride featuring Santa Claus and his elves.
Union Depot, 240 E Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55101
Dates: November 29-30 and December 1, 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22
Times: 11 AM – 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 11 AM – 6 PM on Sundays
Admission: Free
Minneapolis Christkindl Market
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing a brand-new Christmas market with him. For the first time in, well, ever, the Minneapolis Christkindl Market will be taking over North Loop Green. This merry makeover will whisk shoppers away to the streets of Europe with its wooden, alpine-style huts, strings of twinkle lights, handcrafted gifts, live music and festive fare. While not as large as the holiday market in neighboring St. Paul, the 30 featured vendors will represent 15 different countries, making for a shopping (and dining!) experience just as diverse as Minneapolis itself. Best of all, the Minneapolis Christkindl Market kicks off one weekend before its Twin Cities counterpart, making it perfect for those who like to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Or, pick out a Christmas tree ornament with the family as a new holiday tradition.
North Loop Green, 350 North 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Dates: November 22-24 & 29-30 and December 1, 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22
Times: 4 PM – 9 PM on Fridays, 11 AM – 9 PM on Saturdays, 11 AM – 7 PM on Sundays
Admission: Free
Holidazzle
Returning to downtown Minneapolis after a one-year hiatus, Holidazzle combines the shopping and ambiance of a Christmas market with the lights, energy and activities of a holiday festival. In short, it has all the makings for a festive family outing. Along with crackling campfires to cozy up to and appearances by old St. Nick, visitors can also expect shopping pop-ups by Dayton’s Holiday Market, Minneapolis Craft Market, Minneapolis Vintage Market and Chameleon Shoppes, glittering light displays, local food trucks, live entertainment, and even free “Minne-Golf” (AKA Minnesota-inspired putt-putt) and roller skating. Please note that while Holidazzle has included a parade in the past, one will not be part of this year’s festival.
Nicollet Mall, Between 6th Street and 11th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dates: December 18-22
Times: 4 PM – 9 PM on December 18-20, 12 PM – 9 PM on December 21, 12 PM – 6 PM on December 22
Admission: Free
Holiday Bazaar at Landmark Center
Hoping to do some gift shopping and get in the Christmas spirit without having to brave that cold winter weather? Stop by the annual Holiday Bazaar at Landmark Center, one of the can’t-miss indoor Christmas markets near Rochester, MN. In its 46th season, this festive fête takes up residence in the stunningly beautiful five-story atrium of St. Paul’s Landmark Center. Ringed by statuesque columns, kiosks with more than 70 local artisans offer up an array of handmade items, making this the perfect place to look for a gift for an artsy friend or family member who appreciates quality craftsmanship. Seasonal bites and beverages will also be available.
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Dates: December 6-8
Times: 10 AM – 7 PM on December 6, 10 AM – 5 PM on December 7, 12 PM – 5 PM on December 8
Admission: $5 (free for ages 12 and under)
Western Wisconsin Christmas Markets
Villa Bellezza Outdoor Christmas Market
While other holiday markets in the area draw inspiration from German-speaking countries, the outdoor Christmas market at Villa Bellezza Winery transports visitors to a quaint Italian piazza—no passport required. Known for its incredible, Tuscan village-like ambiance all year long, this atmospheric winery goes all out when winter rolls around, decking the halls with lush garlands and café lights. Like the “Mercatini di Natale” of Italy, Villa Bellezza’s market features open-air stalls by local retailers and artisans, with even more vendors inside. Santa Claus has also been known to make an appearance, often with cuddly alpacas in tow (sorry, Rudolph!). Warm yourself with a glass of mulled wine as you stroll or stop inside for a wine tasting and a bottle to take home for Christmas dinner. Food is also available for purchase, including pastries, brick-oven pizzas, pasta and more.
Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards, 1420 3rd Street, Pepin, WI 54759
Dates: November 16-17, 23-24 & 30 and December 1, 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22
Times: 11 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Free
Sparta Kriskindlmarkt
For a traditional European-style Christmas market with small-town charm, jump in the car and make the hour-and-a-half drive to the Kriskindlmarkt in Sparta, Wisconsin. Nestled in the heart of Sparta’s downtown area, this award-winning market is a community labor of love—run almost entirely by the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce, small business owners and local non-profit groups—and has grown by leaps and bounds since it began ten years ago, from six huts to 33. Each visit to this winter wonderland offers something new as vendors rotate throughout the season, peddling handcrafted goods like knitwear, candles, metal and woodwork, home décor, ornaments for your tree and much more. You’ll also find plenty of food booths to fuel your shopping experience, cooking up everything from brats and hot pretzels to potato pancakes and seared salmon. Cozy cups of glühwein, hot cocoa, and apple cider are also on offer, as are a limited number of souvenir mugs. But that’s not all—other highlights include live music, festive storytelling, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, horse-drawn wagon rides and even a chainsaw-carving demonstration. And if you happen to visit on December 6, you’re in luck because you’ll also be treated to a holiday parade and the lighting ceremony for the town’s Holiday Lights in the Park display. Who’s ready for a winter day trip?
Mueller Square, 120 N Water Street, Sparta, WI 54656
Dates: November 29-30 and December 6-7, 13-14 & 20-21
Times: 4 PM – 8 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 8 PM on Saturdays
Admission: Free
Which Christmas markets near Rochester, MN are you checking out this winter? Leave a comment below!
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