This week’s shopping highlights include countless holiday markets, gift shopping at local shops and more.
Twin Cities circular design studio Uselding Fridays releases a new sustainable bag collection with a limited-run exhibition
ONGOING:
Uselding Fridays presents The Key: A Circular Design Experiment: Local designer Joshua McGarvey's circular design studio, Uselding Fridays, has launched a limited-edition handbag collection that seamlessly blends sustainability and innovation. Crafted from upcycled green-screen fabric used in McGarvey’s 2022 exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, these architectural handbags double as functional green screens. Explore the collection in person—featuring handbags, charms (made with vintage elements), sculptures and dome handkerchiefs—by appointment at the new St. Paul studio space, TELL, now through the end of the year. Appointments available Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm. To RSVP, email mathew@intelligencela.com. The handbag collection is also available online at useldingfridays.com
DAILY THROUGH FRIDAY, 12/20:
Of the Lion presents: The Holiday Post: Continuing through this week, local menswear boutique Of the Lion hosts a holiday artisan market in their extended space next door. Shop their curated assortment of locally made, handmade, artisan goods and experiences featuring local brands, designers, artists, musicians and food makers. Runs daily through 12/20 from 10am–7pm daily except Sunday 11am–4pm @ Of the Lion, 3552 & 3554 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis,, @ofthelion_shop
WEDNESDAY, 12/18:
Sweaters & Sweets: Interior design hub, International Market Square, hosts an afternoon of a festive holiday shopping pop-ups, a holiday cookie exchange and ugly sweater contest. Stroll through the IMS showrooms, enjoy delicious treats and shop for unique gifts at pop-up shops, including jewelry by local designer SHExclusive Designs (DOM Studio, #145). Don't forget to wear your “ugliest” sweater. You can also get a photo with Santa from 2:30–4:30pm (STARK Showroom, #102). Wednesday 11am–4pm @ International Market Square, 275 Market St, Minneapolis, @imsdesigncenter
Holiday Happy Hour with Lisa Hackwith + Maria Stanley: Join local fashion designers Lisa Hackwith of Hackwith Design House and Maria Stanley at St. Paul women’s clothing boutique IDUN for a holiday shopping happy hour. Enjoy wine and seltzers while shopping the designers' latest collections. The first ten purchases receive a homemade cookie box by Hackwith. Wednesday 3–6pm @ IDUN, 495 Selby Ave, St Paul, @shopidun
WEDNESDAY, 12/18 & THURSDAY, 12/19:
Queer Holiday Market: The 3rd annual Queer Holiday Market brings together over two dozen local queer makers and businesses for two nights of shopping and community celebration. Shoppers can enjoy festive drag performances, food truck fare and drinks from the Summit Beer bar while shopping handmade goods from local LGBTQ+ makers. Vendors and Summit will also donate a portion of sales from both nights to The Aliveness Project, supporting HIV services and queer community programs. Wednesday & Thursday 5–9pm @ Summit Brewing, 910 Montreal Cir, St Paul, @queerholidaymarket
WEDNESDAY, 12/18–SUNDAY, 12/22:
Holidazzle 2024: After it was canceled last year due to lack of funding, the free downtown Minneapolis holiday festival is back. This year, Holidazzle heads to Nicollet Mall over five days leading up to Christmas with light and art installations, shopping popups from the Minneapolis Craft Market, Dayton's Holiday Market, Chamelon Shoppes (including BIPOC, women-owned vendors) and the MInneapolis VIntage Market. There will also be two entertainment stages, roller skating and Minne-Golf, and a visist from Santa. Visit the website for the full schedule. Wednesday–Friday 4–9pm, Saturday noon–9pm, Sunday noon–6pm @ Nicollet Mall between 6th St & 11th St, Minneapolis, holidazzle.com
THURSDAY, 12/19:
Procrastinator’s Night at 50th & France: The 50th & France shopping district welcomes shoppers for a night of last-minute gift shopping. The district’s shops will be open, and It's a Wrap (3924 W 50th St) will provide gift wrapping. There will also be carriage rides and roaming caroling. Thursday 5–8pm @ 50th St & France Ave, Edina, 50thandfrance.com
Holiday Hoopla Artist Market: Celebrate local art and the holidays with a pop-up hosted by Arbieter Brewing Co. It features talented creators like Lora Hlavsa (art, ornaments and jewelry), Functional Heirlooms (ceramics and home goods), Riff Raff Jams & Jellies, D the Artista (art and illustration) and Godfree Manley-Spain (photography), with tunes from DJ Zach McCormick. Thursday 5–8:30pm @ Arbieter Brewing Co, 3038 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, @lorahlavsa
Holiday Cookie Swap + Sweater Party: Celebrate the season with cookies, cozy sweaters and community at The Mustache Cat’s festive holiday gathering. Bring homemade cookies to swap, show off your wildest holiday sweater for a chance at a prize, and enjoy mulled wine, mocktails and vintage tins to take home your treats. Plus, Nine Lives Thrift will be on hand with a rack of festive fashion for last-minute wardrobe upgrades. Thursday 6–7:30pm @ The Mustache Cat, 500 Lexington Pkwy S, St Paul; $15 @ eventbrite.com
THURSDAY, 12/19–SUNDAY, 12/22:
Golden Age Design Holiday Market: The vintage MCM home and furniture shop is hosting a makers market weekends during the holiday season. Shop artists and makers including 414Modern, Bekah Worley, Nikki Ceramics, Z Amore Vintage, Summer Sun Quilts and Sarah Dreher. Plus, the shop’s latest finds. Thursday 10am–8pm, Friday–Sunday 10am–5pm through 12/22 @ Golden Age Design, 4157 W Broadway Ave, Robbinsdale, @goldenagedesign
FRIDAY, 12/20 & SATURDAY, 12/21:
The Artful Present + Holiday Market: Celebrate the season at Veronique Wantz Gallery's annual holiday group show, The Artful Present. The opening reception includes a pop-up of modern jewelry by Yen Chee Design as well as stunning art and unique gift ideas. The gallery, alongside neighboring businesses The Foundry Home Goods, UMEI and J. Atelier, will host a festive pop-up and market every Thursday through Saturday throughout the season, offering a variety of artworks and one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for holiday gifting. Fridays 11:30am–3pm & Saturdays 11am–4pm through January @ Veronique Wantz Gallery, 901 N 5th St, Minneapolis, veroniquewantz.com
A Very Vintage Holidazzle Market: Discover timeless treasures at the Minneapolis Vintage Market's night market, part of the 2024 Holidazzle festivities. Hosted inside the City Center building, this two-day event showcases an incredible selection of vintage home goods, clothing, and more from local purveyors. Sip festive drinks, enjoy putt-putt golf, and find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Friday & Saturday 4–9pm @ City Center, 33 S 6th St, Minneapolis, mplsvintagemarket.com
FRIDAY, 12/20–SUNDAY, 12/22:
European Christmas Market - Final Weekend: The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is one of the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota. Inspired by the open-air Christkindl Markets in Germany and other European countries during the Advent season, the market takes place every weekend during the holiday seasons with handmade European crafts and unique gifts from local makers, Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) and European-inspired foods. Friday & Saturday 11am–9pm & Sunday 11am–6pm weekly through 12/22 @ Union Depot, 240 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, stpaulchristmasmarket.org
Go Go Retro Vintage Market: Stevie Ray’s Vinyl presents a weekend-long vintage market for the holidays over two weekends featuring vintage clothing, vinyl, accessories and home decor. Friday & Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–3pm @ 526 Selby Ave, St Paul, @stevieraymn
Minneapolis Christkindl Market - Final Weekend: The new Minneapolis Christkindl Market is an outdoor celebration inspired by traditional European Christmas markets open for five weekends this November and December at North Loop Green. Browse unique handcrafted gifts, savor delicious European treats like bratwurst and pastries and sip spiced glühwein in a cozy atmosphere. Fridays 4–9pm, Saturdays 11am–9pm, Sundays 11am–7pm through 12/22 @ North Loop Green, 360 N 5th St, Minneapolis, minneapolischristkindlmarket.com
SATURDAY, 12/21:
Nicollet Island Last Chance Market: The Nicollet Island Last Chance Market offers holiday shoppers a festive opportunity to find unique, handcrafted gifts just days before Christmas. Taking place at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, the event features over 60 local vendors showcasing artisan goods, treats, and one-of-a-kind treasures. With both indoor and heated outdoor spaces, this cozy market is the perfect way to wrap up the season in style. Saturday 10am–4pm @ Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St, Minneapolis, facebook.com
Meet Santa & Holiday Pop-up: Northeast Minneapolis gift shop Curiosity invites families to a festive holiday event at The Silver House next door. Bring the kids for photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon, and browse unique, last-minute holiday finds from local vendors like Moon and Stars Children’s Boutique, Jane Candle Co., and more. It’s a cheerful way to celebrate the season while supporting small businesses in the neighborhood. Saturday 10am–2pm @ 1228 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis, @curiosityneminneapolis
Mill City Farmers Market: A mainstay since 2006, the market is back indoors for the season, popping up every first and third Saturday with a curated, diverse group of over 50 local farmers, food makers and handcrafted artisans hailing from across the state. Saturday 10am–1pm @ Mill City Museum (access on 2nd St), 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
Festive A.F. (As Friends) Holiday Market: Shop for the holidays with this market presented by Third Daughter, Restless Daughter features over 15 of its maker friends to share their talents in a day of shopping for you and your friends. Makers include Stace of Spades, Napuj, imokim, ACG, Tiny Art by LRG and ilo jewelry, plus a makers' community table for more last-minute items. Note: Market is held inside a house. Saturday 10am–2pm @ 463 Marshall Ave, St Paul, facebook.com
SCARFSHOP Trunk Show at Textile Center: The Textile Center is celebrating the holidays with a series of pop-up events throughout the season featuring local textile artists and designers. This Saturday, they’re spotlighting local brand SCARFSHOP by Martha McQuade. Shop the designer’s colorful, hand-dyed scarves, hats, totes and socks, perfect for holiday gifting. Saturday, 10am–4pm @ Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, textilecentermn.org
A Very Merry Misfit Market Series: Misfit Coffee hosts a series of markets in its garage space four Saturdays in a row featuring seven different local makers, artists and vintage vendors each week. Shop goods from glass artists, ceramicists, clothing makers, fiber artists, printmakers, jewelers, self-care products, nail art, tarot and celestial guides, vintage goods and bonus pastries from RMY Patisserie. Saturdays 10am–2pm through 12/21 @ Misfit Coffee, 207 Humboldt Ave N, Minneapolis, @misfitcoffee
444 Vintage Denim Pop-up: Celebrate the holidays with North Loop boutique Parc and shop an exclusive collection of custom bow-embellished jeans by 444 Denim for one day only. Note: the custom bow denim collection has limited quantities and each piece is unique. Saturday 11am–5pm @ Parc Shop, 212 N 2nd St #102, Minneapolis, @parcshop
Winter Solstice Celebration Market: Join sustainable clothing boutique Hazel & Rose for a cozy Winter Solstice market featuring goodies from local makers inspired by this magical time of year, just in time for last-minute gifting and holiday cheer. Vendors include Golden Boies permanent jewelry, Ann Erickson jewelry, Nina Ceramics, Dizzy Gemini Rugs and Aly Rhodes art. Saturday 11am–4pm @ Hazel & Rose, 201 6th St SE #2, Minneapolis, @shophazelandrose
Wild Vintage Monthly Market: Held the last Saturday of every month, the Wild Things Antiques, Wild Vintage Collective and Clapping Monkey House of Coffee consortium host Wild Vintage Market. This month’s special holiday edition features popups from vintage dealers, local makers and bakers. Saturday 11am–4pm @ Clapping Monkey, 7274 Commerce Cir E, Fridley, @wildvintagemarket
Angelwares Holiday Pop-up: Vintage shop Love Token hosts a pop-up for the holidays from local crochet maker Angelwares. Find one-of-a-kind knit crochet clothing and accessories including granny square crochet bonnets, leg warmers and more, perfect for holiday gifting. Saturday 11am–4pm @ Love Token, 3950 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, @lovetokenmpls
Jingle Giles Holiday Market: Earl Giles will be transformed for a six-week festival of lights and cheer to get us all in the holiday spirit. Beginning this week, enjoy holiday themed drinks and food seven days a week (Monday through Thursday starting at 3pm, Friday through Sunday starting at 11am), and shop the pop-up holiday market with goods from local makers. Holiday Market Saturdays from 11am–3pm through 12/31 @ Earl Giles, 1325 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, facebook.com
Winter Market & Open Studios: Celebrate the winter solstice at Holland Arts East’s winter market and Open studio event. Sip hot cocoa from Yellowbird Coffee Bar while shopping last-minute artisan gifts from local artists and small businesses, including My Bit of Wonder, Samasti Studio, Kyla Erickson Ceramics, Mary Castillo, Carbon Copy Co. and Rank & File Vintage. Don’t miss this festive opportunity to support local artists and makers. Saturday noon–5pm @ Holland Arts East & Yellowbird Coffee Bar, 607 22nd Ave NE, Minneapolis, @hollandartsne
Marigold Mini Market: Marigold, Minnesota’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop, invites you to its Mini Market. Known for its curated selection of specialty beverages, home goods, and hair and body care products, Marigold will host local vendors including Truth Lizard tees and other wearables, Natasha Malmberg apparel and Ellen Skoro jewelry and paintings. Saturday noon–4pm @ Marigold, 3506 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, @marigoldmn
A Handmade Holiday Market: Join Minneapolis Craft Market at the new Brühaven Craft Co. tap room to visit with local artists and makers while sipping delicious beers with autumn cheer. The ongoing market is a one-stop shop throughout the holiday season for supporting local makers and starting your gift shopping. Saturdays noon–5pm through 12/22 @ Brühaven Craft Co, 1368 LaSalle Ave, Minneapolis, mplscraftmarket.com
Handmade Holigays: Support any of the 15 amazing LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists at BŪCH Fermentary & Taproom and get free gift wrapping with every purchase. Each maker will have one-of-a-kind goods spanning pottery, jewelry, paintings, zines, candles, pins and more to bring joy to your gift-giving season. Saturday 1–6pm @ BŪCH, 1121 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, @modesittmarkets
Forgotten Star Holiday Market: Forgotten Star Brewing’s holiday market features a gift-ready mix of candles, soap, skin care, home goods, knit accessories, jewelry, art and more for sale from a group of 23 vendors include Worker B honey-infused skincare, Dolly’s Dreamhouse Vintage, Northern Home Candle Co. and Create Laser Arts. There will also be festive brews, beer poking and hot cocoa bar. Bonus: This weekend’s event also includes an ugly holiday sweater contest. Saturday 2–8pm @ Forgotten Star Brewing, 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, facebook.com
Winter Solstice Outdoor Market: Neighboring businesses We the Starborne and Groundswell Coffee present a European-style outdoor holiday market. Bundle up and get ready to enjoy a night filled with local art and handmade goods for sale from 15 local makers including Nina Dani Art, On the Shelf Studio, New Street Co, Poppyseed Pottery and more, plus a cozy bonfire, Solstice treats and warm Yuletide beverages. Saturday 5:30–8pm @ 1340 Thomas Ave W, St Paul, @we.the.starborne
SATURDAY, 12/21 & SUNDAY, 12/22:
Minnesota Merry Market at the State Fair: The Minnesota Merry Market is a festive celebration of local artisans, food and family fun, happening this holiday season at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event showcases unique gifts from 80+ local vendors, delicious food offerings and plenty of activities for all ages, including kids' crafts, horse and carriage rides, train rides, Santa visits, ice games, food trucks and two bars. $5 entry (kids under 2 free). Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm both days @ Minnesota State Fairgrounds, North End (enter at Hoyt Ave & Snelling Ave), St Paul, minnesotamerrymarket.com
Bunside Holiday Market - Final Weekend: Bunside Market is back for the holiday season. Located next to Bun Isles & Coffee in Uptown, the market features vintage and handmade items from makers and artisans, with rotating vendors every week. Every Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm both days through 12/22 @ 2756 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, @bunside_popup
Four Seasons Nordic Village Winter Market - Final Weekend: Four Seasons Hotel’s Nordic Village has returned for the holiday season, offering a cozy Minnesota cabin dining experience in the heart of the city. It features a marketplace curated by Mich’s Markets of the Dayton’s Market featuring a rotating selection of handcrafted goods from local makers. Shoppers can also enjoy a drink from the Nordic Village bar while they shop. The market runs Saturdays & Sundays 11am–3pm weekly through 12/22 @ Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, 245 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, fourseasons.com
Field + Festival Holiday Market - Final Weekend: Presented by Minneapolis Craft Market, Field & Festival is a bustling hub of local farmers, foodies and artists hosted at Wagner's Garden Center greenhouse. The market is hosted every weekend through the holidays to help you get all your holiday gift shopping all wrapped up for the season. Saturdays & Sundays 10am–2pm through 12/22 @ Wagners Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, mplscraftmarket.com
Mall of America Holiday Market - Final Weekend: Minneapolis Craft Market makes its debut at Mall of America Market with a month-long popup featuring a curated selection of 40 local artists and makers. Vendors include unique names like Lakota Made LLC, Karen Morris Millinery, SHExclusive Jewelry, Butter Luv Aromatics and Botanical Burns Candle Co., offering handmade goods ranging from jewelry and skincare to home decor and artisan crafts. Saturdays & Sundays 10am–5pm through 12/22 @ Mall of America, 1st floor, S104, next to L.L. Bean, 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, mplscraftmarket.com
SUNDAY, 12/22:
Holiday Gift Swap: Now here’s a sustainable way to gift: Back Pocket Vintage is hosting a gift swap for the holidays. Bring little random gifts you never got around and swap them out for things you’ll actually use (or want to give as a gift). Plus, there will be extra wrapping paper and gift bags to wrap it up, snacks, drinks and karaoke. Sunday noon–4pm @ Back Pocket Vintage, 1200 N Concord St, South St Paul, @backpocket_mn
Last Call Art Market: After several years of hibernation, the Last Call Art Market is back and better than ever. Co-presented by local makers Bench Pressed and The Bitter Buffalo at the Hook & Eye Theater, this market features a hand-selected group of local makers and artists selling their handmade giftables just in time for your last-minute shopping needs. Sunday 3–8pm @ The Hook & Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, @lastcallmpls
Holiday Makers Market: Ashes Markets presents a pop-up art and makers market, hosted by Can Can Wonderland. It features a dozen unique makers and artists, selling candles, jewelry, original art and more. Saturday noon–5pm @ Can Can Wonderland, 755 Prior Ave N #004, St Paul, @ashesmarkets
The Mullet Movie Night: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Vintage shop AudreyRose Vintage closes out its holiday movie series at its new, expanded storefront with a screening of ‘80s holiday comedy classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. A ticket includes a large popcorn, sparkling water, and shopping before and after the screening. Sunday doors at 5:30pm, screening at 6pm @ AudreyRose Vintage, 3508 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $15 @ audreyrosevintage.com
WEEKLY EVENTS:
The Dayton's Holiday Market: Hosted at the iconic Dayton's building in downtown Minneapolis (now known as The Dayton’s Project), the market features a group of over 100 local brands and makers spanning heritage goods, vintage clothing, self care, specialty foods, home goods, art, nostalgic Dayton’s products and more. This week’s hours: Mondays–Saturdays 10am–6pm, Sundays 11am–5pm, ends 12/28 @ The Dayton’s Project, 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, @daytonsmarkets
Holidays on Nicollet - Final Weekend: The Minneapolis Craft Market’s Nicollet Mall pop-up market is back on the street level of the IDS Center for the holidays. It includes artist-designed holiday window displays (including a special vintage Department 56 holiday village display from AudreyRose Vintage) and shopping from a curated group of 60 local artists and makers. Hours: Tuesdays–Sundays 11am–5pm, ends 12/22 (closed Thanksgiving Day) @ IDS Center, 747 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, mplscraftmarket.com
Tomte: ASI’s 74th Holiday Experience & Jul Shop: The American Swedish Institute is celebrating the season with the exhibition Tomte: The Gnome, The Myth, The Legend, exploring the enchanting lore surrounding the beloved Swedish gnome. Visitors can also visit the museum’s Jul Shop holiday gift store, which features a curated selection of handmade and imported items. Runs through 1/26/25 @ American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, asimn.org
Found & Collected: A Vintage Showcase by Rank & File: The Holland Arts East Gallery presents Found & Collected: A Vintage Showcase by Rank & File. This exhibition features a curated selection of mid-20th-century vintage artworks, from original paintings and prints to posters and paint-by-numbers, sourced from estate sales and flea markets. On view through 12/30 @ Holland Arts East Gallery, 639 NE 22nd Ave, Minneapolis, facebook.com
Textile Center's Holiday Gallery Shop: Textile Center’s returns for the holiday season, giving shoppers the chance to shop its gift shop (which doubles in size for the holidays) and shoppable gallery spaces. Shop handcrafted winter wear, home goods, kitchen textiles and jewelry, to fiber art kits, books, ornaments, and more from 100+ makers and artists. Ends 12/24 @ Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, textilecentermn.org
TMORA Holiday Shop: The Museum of Russian Art’s gift shop is a fixture for gift shopping over the holidays. It features hand-selected pieces from small artisans, designers, European markets and publishing houses that reflect the traditions and culture of Russia. Open 7 days a week + online @ The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, tmora.org/shop
Adam Turman Holiday Pop-up at MOA: Minnesota artist Adam Turman is opening his first-ever retail space at Mall of America for the holiday season. Guests will be able to take home Adam Turman artwork in the form of original paintings and custom prints, new apparel, kitchenware, home décor and more. Plus, Turman will be on hand to sign artwork every Saturday from November 30 through December 21 (11am–1pm). Open through 12/30 during mall hours @ Mall of America, 125 North Garden, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com
Rent the Runway Pop-up at MOA: Following the first sample sale last spring, Mall of America is partnering with Rent the Runway again on a pop-up style shop. This time, the sample sale includes thousands of pre-loved pieces and styles from past Rent the Runway collections at a fraction of original retail prices including outerwear, tops, skirts, pants, dresses, accessories and more. Continues into early 2025 during regular hours @ Mall of America, Level 1, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com