Enchanting Minnesota Winter Market Named Best in the Country

There's a lovely winter market that has happened in Minnesota every year for the past 10 years. It was also just named one of the best holiday markets in the entire country!

USA Today put together the list of the best holiday markets and this one in St. Paul made number 3 on the list.

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The Best Holiday Markets in the Country

The markets that beat out ours are the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania coming in at number two

and the Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Carmel, Indiana at number one. This is actually the fourth year that they've gotten first place!

Best Holiday Market in Minnesota

The Minnesota market that made it to the number three spot is the European Christmas Market in St. Paul! And this is the last weekend they're open for the season, so if you haven't been yet, get there in the next couple of days.

It's the 10th year that they've done the market. If you love exploring European vendors, you're looking for holiday gift ideas, or if you're looking for something fun to do on the weekend, this is the place to be. It's hosted outdoors at the Union Depot.

I went last year for the first time and again this year. It's such a cool event! There are so many vendors to visit and Glühwein (mulled wine) to drink, which comes with a commemorative mug.

All About the European Christmas Market in St. Paul

The European Christmas Market is inspired by "the festive open-air Christkindl Markets that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other European countries during the Advent season." It offers "a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment & intercultural activities."

Vendors at the European Christmas Market in St. Paul

While you're there you'll find vendors selling classic European foods, knitted mittens, creative gifts, beautiful art, jewelry, toys, home decor, and much more. In total, there are 67 vendors this year. And if you get too cold there are warming tents.

They also have Santa's Village that you can explore, which is kid-focused and I think is new this year. There will be a holiday train, a holiday carousel, craft activities, and a place to drop off letters to Santa.

Performances at the European Christmas Market in St. Paul

But wait, there's more! They also have performances each weekend. The performances happening this weekend are:

Friday, Dec. 15th:

Alicia Renee (holiday singer/ukulele) - 4-5:45 PM (I think she was performing when were there this year and she's very good!)

Minnesota Krampus (Austrian folklore creatures) - 7:30-9 PM

Saturday, Dec. 16th:

Alicia Renee (holiday singer/ukulele) - noon-2 PM

Sled Dogs - noon-3 PM

Elizabethan Syngers (carolers) - 2-4 PM

Vocal Sparks Choir - 4-6 PM

Brett Tennyson Quartet - 6-8 PM

Sunday, Dec. 17th:

Cocktail Combo - noon-2 PM

Reindeer Visits - 1-3 PM

Tiny Christmas Elves - 2-4 PM

ComMUSICation Choir - 4-6 PM

Admission to the European Christmas Market is free and it's open Friday 4 - 9 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM, and Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM.