Best Holiday Markets In Minnesota
Every season brings out new and different pop-up retailers across Minnesota. These short-term sellers provide additional options for last-minute shoppers. Check out these outlets where crafters, artisans and food vendors share their best wares and treats for the holidays. Here are five festive shopping events in the metro area at year-end 2014.
Minneapolis Holiday Market
Peavey Plaza
11th Street and Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 338-3807
www.minneapolisholidaymarket.com
Dates: Now through Dec. 24, 2014
Take a nostalgic trip to an Old World authentic German-style Christmas market with 30 vendors featuring European gifts and foods. Warm up with Gluhwein, a spicy red wine mulled with cinnamon sticks. Smother your German bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard. Try tasty apple strudels from Harvest. Sample scrumptious sweets from Candy Meister and rich chocolate and fresh roasted nuts from Knoke's. Christmas shopping could never be more entertaining as you peruse the best holiday décor brought directly from Germany by Kathe Wohlfahrt. Your tree will shine with handmade Herrnhuter stars available at the market. The entire family will love the quaint Nutcracker House and cheerful Holiday Carousel right in the middle of Minneapolis Holiday Market.
Related: Best Places For Unique Christmas Ornaments In Minnesota
Woodwinds Hospital
Woodwinds Hospital Auditorium
1925 Woodwinds Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
(651) 232-0228
www.healtheast.org
Date: Dec. 17, 2014
This annual event is back again this year and filling the auditorium with more gifts and galore than one can imagine. Choose from creative crafts, gorgeous jewelry and beautiful items for the home. This Gingerbread Shows event is timed perfectly for you to finish your holiday shopping list in the comfortable and relaxed surroundings of the lovely Woodwinds Hospital.
Related: Best Minnesota Artists To Buy From This Holiday Season
Burnsville Center
1178 Burnsville Center
Burnsville, MN 55306
(651) 457-8980
www.gingerbreadshows.com
Dates: Dec. 18-20, 2014
Local artisans and crafters will thrill you with their creative wares. Choose from beautiful items for the home, stylish adornments and jewelry, and unique gifts items for the hard-to-shop-for person in your life. This Christmas popup market is also organized by Gingerbread Shows. Grab a bite to eat at any of Burnsville Center's three restaurants or 14 fast food shops while you are at the mall. You can also stop by any of the center's 150 stores, including Macy's, Sears, JCPenney and Dick's Sporting Goods.
Northtown Mall
Best Buy Court
398 Northtown Drive
Blaine, MN 55434
(651) 457-8980
www.gingerbreadshows.com
Dates: Dec. 19-21, 2014
Find unique holiday gifts from local crafters such as home décor, jewelry, leather crafts, soaps and scents. This Gingerbread Shows Event is timed perfectly and has everything the last-minute holiday shopper could want. Stop by any of the major shops in this busy mall while you are there, including Herberger's, Best Buy, Burlington Coat Factory and Becker Furniture.
Maplewood Community Center Winter Craft and Gift Show
Maplewood Community Center
2100 White Bear Ave. N.
Maplewood, MN 55109
(651) 249-2104
www.facebook.com
Date: Dec. 20, 2014
The very, very last-minute gift shoppers can stop by Maplewood Community Center to find what they want. Local artisans will be displaying their best handmade glass art, jewelry, pottery and wood-crafted items. Shoppers will find gifts for the home with attractive decor, gourmet food as well as bath and body offerings. This event is presented by Carousel Craft Shows.
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.