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Bundle Up and Get Outside for These Winter Markets

The best outdoor holiday shopping and eating opportunities

All the lights at Holidazzle
Holidazzle / Facebook

The holidays are upon us once again, which means temporary markets galore. Pull out the hand warmers, yank on the choppers and grab a tote before these fleeting shops fade into holiday memory.

Holidazzle

What: Holidazzle has all the cold weather favorites like cinnamon roasted nuts and hot cider alongside sausages from Kramarczuck’s, beer from Fulton, Korean street food, and, of course, cheese curds. There are also pierogis done right by the Polish Bistro, mini donuts, paella and more (even barbecue and cookie cups, guys).

Where: Loring Park, Minneapolis

When: Thursday through Sunday, November 24 to December 23. Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Why It’s Worth It: Holidazzle is a Minneapolis tradition that shows classic holiday movies outdoors which visitors can view from seats made from hay bales.

Lights strung up for the European Market
Twitter

European Christmas Market

What: Nestled in the historic Union Depot in Lowertown, the European Christmas Market is based on a traditional German celebration of the same name. The festival offers up European-inspired food (think chocolate covered waffles, pretzels, and schnitzel on a stick) and drinks like Glühwein (aka mulled wine) and eggnog. Of course no German celebration would be complete without a variety of bratwursts to feast on, and currywurst is very much included.

Where: The East Plaza of the Union Depot; 214 4th St E. Saint Paul

When: December 1 to 3 and December 8 to 10. Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Why It’s Worth It: There’s plenty of food, but the market also features German goods like cozy, one-of-a-kind products made from upcycled sweaters.

The best of outdoors indoor
Linden Hills Market / Facebook

Linden Hills Holiday Market

What: The Linden Hills Holiday Market is an annual tradition at the Linden Hills Farmers Market. Pies and tarts from Dulceria Bakery are available as are growlers from Running Tap and turkeys straight from Floating Islands Farm in New London, Minnesota. For fanatics who require that even their holiday feasts are nothing but local, this is the place to go to shop and sample.

Where: 3723 44th St W, Minneapolis

When: Every Sunday from November 5 to December 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why It’s Worth It: It takes place in the market’s Sunnyside Gardens which makes visitors forget that it’s winter for a minute. Shopping inside is warm and smells like evergreens.

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