Although Small Business Saturday is behind us, there are still tons of ways to shop local and support small businesses in the Twin Cities before the holidays. Explore this weekend’s top shopping events, including a ton of holiday makers markets, the American Craft Council’s Craft Bash, American Swedish Institute’s Julmarknad and a holiday edition of the Minneapolis Vintage Market. (I’ve notated my top picks with a ⭐️)
Betty Danger’s hosts its Bizarre Bazaar this weekend.
WEDNESDAY:
Haute Holiday Market @ Haute House Studio: Shop goods from 20 local makers include Namakan Fur, Thumbs Cookies and MN Brands for Goods, plus sips and free gift wrapping with donation for Women's Advocates shelter. Wednesday 11am–1pm & 5:30–7:30pm plus 12/11 @ 5500 Lincoln Dr Suite #150, Edina
WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY:
Sota Clothing Holiday Pop-up: The local brand pops up in the Baker Building skyway for the holiday season with its Minnesota-themed apparel for men and women. Open Mondays–Fridays 11am–3pm through 12/20 @ corner of S 7th St & 2nd Ave S, Mpls
Chameleon Shoppes Holiday Pop-up: This holiday retail pop-up features 25 local makers spread throughout three locations on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, including local fashion label The Cat Lab, jewelry line ROX by Robyne Robinson and fair-trade brand House of Talents. Open Wednesdays–Fridays 11am–3pm through 12/20 @ Gaviidae Common (street & skyway levels) & IDS Center (skyway level). Find a full list of vendors at chameleonconsortium.com
WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY:
Raging Art On: Gamut Gallery’s Holiday Pop-up Shop: The indie gallery’s annual holiday shopping event features giftable paintings, prints, collectibles, jewelry, housewares and more by 46 local artists. Opening night preview party Wednesday 6–9pm ($15 advance, $20 door, free for members), Thursday & Friday 11am–6pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, plus additional dates through 12/21 @ 717 S 10th St, Mpls
THURSDAY ONLY:
⭐️ Not So Silent Night: Holiday Soiree & Market: Do your holiday shopping for a good cause at this event, which features 11 local makers (including Gigi's Flair Emporium, Six for Good and Still Kickin) plus a gift wrapping station, holiday photo ops and a donation drive for YouthLink to benefit homeless youth in the community. To attend, bring a new item to contribute. See a list of recommended donation items and RSVP at Eventbrite. Thursday 6–9pm @ Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis, 708 3rd St S, Mpls
Neu Neu Night Market: Shop handcrafted goods from 18 local makers, including personal favorites Dottir Jewelry, Perennial jewelry, carousel + folk and Jac & Violet, plus food and beverages available for purchase. Thursday 5–10pm @ The Neu Neu Wedding & Event Center, 514 N 3rd St, Mpls
⭐️ First Thursday at AudreyRose Vintage: As part of the Northrup King Building’s First Thursday open studio night, AudreyRose Vintage will host a night of vintage dress-up, with Priyanka Premo styling looks and Dammel Photographer Works snapping pics. The evening also includes a pop-up from Owl and Lark Jewelry and visiting artists. Thursday 5–9pm @ 1500 Jackson St NE #238, Mpls
⭐️ Queer Bizarre 2019: The biggest shopping event of the year featuring local queer artists and makers, this market features nearly 30 vendors including Tandem Vintage, Ritual Print Co., Blkk Hand and Scott J Lehmann. A pay-what-you-can door donation will benefit Southside Harm Reduction Services. Thursday 5–10pm @ Tattersall Distilling, 1620 Central Ave NE #150, Mpls
Make & Mingle Winter Market: Silverwood Park hosts a handmade winter market with 16 local makers including Mezamé Designs, Excelsior Candle Co and Dot Plaid, plus a food truck, make-your-own recycled gift tag and s’mores on the patio. Optional: Bring a warm article of clothing to donate to the Steller Kindness Project. Thursday from 6–9pm @ 2500 County Rd W, St Anthony
Pryes Brewing Holiday Market: Pryes Brewing Company hosts a weekly market curated by Minneapolis Craft Market featuring nine local makers, including Carver Junk Company and Fair Anita. Thursday 6–9pm @ 1401 W River Rd N, Mpls
⭐️ Jingle All the Way and All That Jazz: MartinPatrick3’s annual holiday bash is not to be missed. Enjoy drinks, spin the donation wheel, pick up something sweet from the “cigarette” girl, get a custom cigar rolled or a custom fashion illustration drawn and, of course, shop to your heart’s content. Thursday 5–9pm @ 212 3rd Ave N #106, Mpls
THURSDAY–SATURDAY:
Landmark Center’s 41st Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar: Shop goods from 75 makers and artisans, including jewelry, decor, paintings, wove and wearable art, handmade lotions and soaps, and more. On Thursday and Friday from 5 to 8pm, receive a free refreshment with admission and enjoy musical performances while you shop. $5 entry. Thursday & Friday 10am–8pm, Saturday 10am–5pm @ 75 5th St W, St Paul
THURSDAY–SUNDAY:
⭐️ Minneapolis Craft Market at Holidazzle & Ivan Idland’s Yule-Tide-lan! Pop-up Fashion Shack (Saturday only): The annual Holidazzle winter festival gets an added boost this year with the addition of Minneapolis Craft Market. The market will be bringing different makers each weekend to their space, like fair-trade accessory brand Fair Anita and menswear designer Ivan Idland on Saturday. Other vendors popping up at Holidazzle include The Abbey Alpacas and Hippy Feet. Thursday 5–9pm, Friday 5–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–7pm, plus additional dates through 12/22 @ Loring Park, Mpls, www.holidazzle.com
⭐️ Keg & Case Holiday Market: St. Paul’s new Keg & Case Market, housed in the former Schmidt Brewery, is a place to try local food and beer. Over the holidays, it’s also hosting a weekend market featuring 20 local artisans with unique goods. There will also be photos with Santa, a tree farm and ice skating. Friday from 4–7pm. Thursday–Sunday from 11am–8pm; every weekend through 12/24 @ 928 7th St W, St Paul; Visit www.kegandcase.com for full schedule of events and makers.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY:
⭐️ No Coast Craft-O-Rama: The 15th annual indie makers’ holiday market with a whopping 76 artists spanning jewelry, skincare, woodwork, prints, ceramics and clothing. Favorites include A MANO ceramics, Fringe & Fettle Ceramics, Lulu Organics, nestPURE, Third Daughter Restless Daughter, Larissa Loden Jewelry and Dottir Jewelry. Friday 3–8pm & Saturday 9am–5pm @ Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Mpls, www.nocoastcraft.com
⭐️ Craft Bash & Decked Out Craft Bash Preview Party: Curated by the American Craft Council, Tricia Heuring of Public Functionary, Leslie Barlow of Studio 400 and Parallel, this holiday shopping market features 70 artists including Silvercocoon, Everthine Jewelry, Neal Jewelry, SCARFSHOP, There There Collective and Celina Kane, and goods including ceramics, fashion, home goods, apothecary, candles and letterpress cards. Hands-on experiences include printmaking, Tintype portraits with Zoey Melf, a Juxtaposition Arts pop-up shop featuring artwork by Northside youth and live glassblowing demonstrations with Hennepin Made. Get a first look during the ticketed Friday night preview party, plus enjoy cocktails by Parallel, food from Taco Cat, live painting by Ashley Mary, music by DJ Sarah White, pop-up shopping from Winsome Goods and Tandem Vintage, and tarot and astrological readings. Opening party Friday 6:30–10pm ($25 or $20 for ACC members) & Saturday 11am–6pm (free) @ Parallel & Hennepin Made, 145 Holden St N, Mpls, craftcouncil.org
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
⭐️ SOOVAC Artists’ Holiday Shop: This holiday shop is housed at the hip Uptown art gallery Soo Visual Arts Center, making it a one-stop shop for art lovers. It features handmade art specially priced for gift-giving from top Twin Cities artists including Terrence Payne, Amy Rice, Jennifer Davis, Rox Jewelry by Robyne Robinson, Jess Hirsch of Women’s Woodshop and J.Lux Jewelry. Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am–4pm plus Wednesdays–Sundays through 12/31 @ 2909 Bryant Av. S., #101, Mpls., soovac.org
4th Annual Nordic Julemarket: Utepils Brewing Company hosts more than 30 Nordic-inspired vendors selling giftable goods, plus food trucks, cultural festivities, craft beer and a family day with activities on Sunday. Friday 3–8pm, Saturday noon–8pm, Sunday noon–6pm @ 225 Thomas Ave N, Mpls, nordicjulemarket.com
St. Paul European Christmas Market: The open-air European-style Christkindlmarkt pops up on the East Plaza of St. Paul Union Depot each weekend this holiday season with handmade gifts, hot Glühwein (spiced mulled wine), and traditional European treats. Friday 4–9pm, Saturday 10am–8pm, Sunday 11am–6pm plus Fridays–Sundays through 12/22 @ 240 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, stpaulchristmasmarket.org
SATURDAY ONLY:
⭐️ The Coven’s Holiday Bazaar: Shop giftable goods from 15 local vendors—including NICE NICE Ceramics, Perennial jewelry, Hot & Fresh by Clever Kate, Pompa Goods and Las Ranas Jewelry—curated by The Coven, an awesome community and co-working space for women, non-binary and trans folks. Register at Eventbrite. Saturday 10am–1pm @ 30 N 1st Ave, Mpls
⭐️ Conrad Mumbles & Friends Winter Bazaar: This holiday market from the founder of the Black Magik Woman femme-oriented art exhibition features giftables by local femme artists and makers, including photo prints, collage art, ceramics, paintings, illustrations, vintage clothing and accessories, handmade lingerie, jewelry and treats. Saturday 2–8pm @ Twin Spirits Distillery & M Coffee Shop, 2931 Central Ave NE, Mpls
Flirt Boutique’s Wish List Party: Make your holiday wish list for everything pretty and delicate while enjoying champagne and treats at the St. Paul lingerie boutique. Plus, be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card when you register your wish list. The afternoon also features a trunk show from Helen Wang Jewelry and special bralette sets with matching bow ties by local lingerie brand, Subtle Silk. Saturday 10am–7pm @ 177 Snelling Ave N, St Paul
A Handmade Holiday Market + Lakes & Legends 4 Year Anniversary Party: The market will feature a unique lineup of makers curated by Minneapolis Craft Market, including MEND Jewelry, Create Laser Arts and Baubles & Bobbies, plus live music, food trucks and beer releases. Saturday noon–5pm @ 1368 LaSalle Ave, Mpls
The Grand Meander: This annual St. Paul tradition takes place at small businesses along historic Grand Avenue, with special offers and events at participating stores. (Be sure to check out The Grand Collective, a holiday pop-up from Mona Williams’ Patric Richardson featuring a mix of holiday giftables from local makers, luxe laundry products from Mona Williams, vintage clothing from Moth Oddities, and designer resale from June.) Plus, a Christmas tree farm, petting zoo, visits with Santa, the Art on Ramsey Holiday Art Fair (1700 Summit Ave), roaming carolers and classic trolley rides along Grand Avenue. Get a full schedule of events and participating businesses at grandave.com. Saturday 10am–5pm along Grand Avenue in St Paul
Elevāt Christmas Showroom Open House: Shoreview’s new fair-trade boutique hosts a holiday open house with gifts that empower women from 20 developing countries, including the store's new refugee center in Spain. Browse handmade items, including cards, journals, soap, clothing and accessories, and enjoy coffee, warm apple cider, treats and a free ornament from Nepal for the first 10 shoppers. Saturday 10am–2pm @
4900 Hodgson Connection, Shoreview
Holiday Market at The Bungalow Club: East Lake Street cocktail bar and eatery ,The Bungalow Club, hosts 8 local vendors for a holiday market, including Daniel Jaffe jewelry, Ben Fiess pottery and Mod Maud Vintage, plus snacks and wine provided by New France Wine Company. Saturday 10am–3pm @ 4300 E Lake St, Mpls
Minneapolis Cider Company Holiday Market: Shop goods from 16 vendors, including vintage faves Tandem Vintage and Upcycled Closet, plus sustainable tailoring company and maker, Al's Tailoring. Saturday noon–6pm @ 701 SE 9th St, Mpls
⭐️ Fractal Cactus Grand Opening Party: Celebrate the opening of the new cactus store with beverages, bites, tunes from DJ KOPISH and an art show curated by Ox Heart Gallery, plus shop the store’s selection of cacti, succulents, Lithops, Tillandsia and Staghorn Ferns. Follow @fractal_cactus on Instagram for 13% off your purchase during the event. Saturday 6–10pm @ 3750 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
⭐️ Betty Danger’s Bizarre Bazaar: Shop holiday gifts from Betty’s favorite artisans from around Minnesota and Wisconsin, including jewelry, sassy needlepoints, knitted cacti, festive florals, silkscreen ties and other creative, kooky crafts. The 50+ vendors include hip NE gift shop Duke Albert, needlepoint from Third Daughter Restless Daughter, hats by Karen Morris Millinery and Larissa Loden Jewelry. Plus, it’s a great chance to check out Betty Danger’s awe-inspiring, kitsch-overload Christmas decor covering every surface of the bar and eatery, or take a spin in the outdoor Ferris wheel. Saturday & Sunday 10am–4pm @ 2501 Marshall St NE, Mpls
⭐️ Julmarknad: ASI’s Holiday Market & Festival: American Swedish Institute’s annual Julmarknad Christmas market features handcrafted items for sale by more than 55 local and regional artists including Addington Company, äventyr, Women's Woodshop and Dottir Jewelry, and The American Swedish Institute Museum Store and Jul Shop will sell Nordic and Nordic-inspired gifts. Plus, enjoy music and dance performances, appearances by Tomte and Santa, family crafts and festival food. $15 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children ages 6-18, free for children 5 and under and for ASI members. Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–4pm @ 2600 Park Ave, Mpls
Plate & Parcel Holiday Market: Formerly the Linden Hills Holiday Market, this weekly indoor farmers market features a rotating lineup of more than dozen local artisans curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. Also find trees, wreaths and tabletop florals for sale. Saturday & Sunday 10am–3pm plus Saturdays & Sundays through 12/22 @ Wagner Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave S, Richfield
SUNDAY ONLY:
⭐️ A Very Vintage Holiday Market: This monthly market is a can’t-miss for local vintage fashion fans, boasting a rotating lineup of dozens of local vendors. Plus, Kristen of Rethink Tailoring and Sewing Lounge will be at the market to assist with your tailoring needs and questions. Wear your favorite festive or fancy vintage duds and get your photo snapped in the Linden Yard photo booth for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Minneapolis Vintage Market. Sunday 11am–noon ($10), noon–5pm (free) @ Chowgirls at Solar Arts, 711 15th Ave NE, Mpls
Fair Trade Market at The Basilica of Saint Mary: This isn’t your grandma’s church craft sale. The historic Basilica is hosting a day of holiday gift shopping from local fair-trade vendors ethically made by artisans in developing countries. Find Mayan textiles and baskets, mittens and scarves from Nepal and woven baskets from Ghana, plus eco-friendly jewelry, housewares, ornaments, fair-trade coffee and more. Sunday 8:30am–3:30pm @ 88 17th St N, Mpls
Hygge Holiday Market: Minneapolis Craft Market takes over Lawless Distilling’s back room every Sunday evening in December leading up to Christmas with a rotating lineup of makers. While you’re there, check out Miracle at Lawless, a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar serving holiday cocktails and kitschy decor galore. Sunday from 4–8pm @ 2619 28th Ave S, Mpls