The holiday season is fast approaching, and the Twin Cities is alive with seasonal markets and activities that make the most of this time of year. Get out with friends and family to peruse local makers, enjoy some early holiday shopping, and dine on festive fare.
Dock 6 Pottery Staff Market
Frances Johnson
Dock 6 Pottery in St. Anthony is hosting its Dock 6 Pottery Staff Market on Nov. 8, during which visitors can shop a collection of handmade pieces created by studio staff. Paying with cash is encouraged, while some sellers might have credit card readers or Venmo/Zelle payment options. Entry is free and snacks will be provided, while supplies last. Nov. 8, 12-5 p.m. @ Dock 6 Pottery in St. Anthony, dock6pottery.com
Holiday Markets
Several holiday markets will be taking place around the metro throughout the month and into December, showcasing the best of local makers, entertainment, and festive fare.
- Dayton’s Holiday Market: Returning to Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, Dayton’s Holiday Market by The Dayton’s Project will feature more than 70 independent vendors selling gifts, home goods, and treats. Admission is free. 12 through Dec. 24, Mondays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. @ Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, instagram.com/daytonsmarkets
- Minneapolis Christkindl Market: This German-style Christmas market is housed at North Loop Green in downtown Minneapolis, featuring live music, dance performances, handcrafted gifts from more than 42 local vendors, and traditional European treats like spätzle and Swiss raclette. Admission is free. 20 through Dec. 20, Fridays 4-9 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. @ North Loop Green in Minneapolis, minneapolischristkindlmarket.com
- European Christmas Market: Stop by Union Depot in St. Paul for the European Christmas Market, a free holiday experience with European food and drinks, festive handcrafted goods from more than 80 vendors, and—new this year—a dedicated Kid Zone perfect for family outings. 20 through Dec. 20, Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 pm., @ Union Depot in St. Paul, stpaulchristmasmarket.org
Northrup King Building’s Art Attack! 2026
Stacy Malbon
Art Attack! is Northrup King Building’s fall open studio event, celebrating its four floors of resident art and artists. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, live art demonstrations, and interactive experiences, as well as meet the artists behind the works and shop an array of handmade gifts for the holiday season. Admission is free. Nov. 13-15, Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m. @ Northrup King Building in Minneapolis, northrupkingbuilding.com
Bonsai Workshop at Wandering Leaf Brewing Co.
Visit Wandering Leaf Brewing Co. in St. Paul on Nov. 14 for its Bonsai Workshop, in partnership with Triple Root Bonsai, a Minnesota bonsai company dedicated to teaching the art of bonsai cultivation and care. Participants can sip on any of Wandering Leaf’s brews while crafting their own bonsai tree to take home for a bit of lush greenery as shades of white settle in during winter. Registration and tickets required. Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m. @ Wandering Leaf Brewing Co. in St. Paul, wanderingleafbrewing.com
Northern Clay Center’s Winter Exhibition
Northern Clay Center
Located in Minneapolis, Northern Clay Center’s annual Winter Exhibition begins Nov. 15, showcasing more than 1,000 ceramic artworks for sale by local and national artists alike. The Winter Exhibition also includes two specialty events:
- Pottery & Prosecco, a ticketed event on Saturday, Nov. 14 that gives participants a first look at the Winter Exhibition collection while enjoying prosecco, light bites, and other beverages.
- Winter Open House on Sunday, Nov. 15, a free event to shop pots, sculptures, and ceramic jewelry from more than 125 artists, with complimentary gift-wrapping services available on-site.
The entire Winter Exhibition runs through Jan. 3, 2027. northernclaycenter.com
Holidays on Hennepin
Holidays on Hennepin
Explore holiday light displays, 136 local businesses, and plenty of good food along stretches of Hennepin Avenue, Lyndale Avenue, and West Lake Street in Uptown and surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors can grab the free Holiday Passport to collect stamps from participating businesses, winning prizes along the way. Admission is free. Nov. 27 through Jan. 2, 2027, holidaysonhennepin.com
Nicollet Island Fall Market
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Housed within the historic Nicollet Island Pavilion near downtown Minneapolis, the Nicollet Island Fall Market features two days of shopping and holiday cheer with more than 50 local makers selling handcrafted gifts, art, home goods, and seasonal treats. Admission and parking are free. Nov. 29-30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. @ Nicollet Island Pavilion, minneapolisparks.org
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