The Minneapolis Christkindl Market charms and cheers visitors with European-inspired Christmas festivities in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
Let’s discover together this delightful German-style Christmas Market in the historic heart of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Firstly, we’ll learn how Old World traditions inspire and infuse modern interpretations during the festive season.
Next, we’ll explore the hearty foods and drinks, the handcrafted holiday shopping, and the heartfelt community spirit of the Minneapolis Christmas Market.
In this article, you’ll also find our custom maps, including parking garages, and travel tips to visit the Minneapolis Christkindl Market.
Personal recommendations and firsthand observations reflect our slow travel in the Twin Cities and in Europe.
Ready? Lass uns gehen, let’s go!
- Minneapolis Christkindl Market Traditions
- Minneapolis Christmas Market Location
- Minneapolis Christmas Market Experience
- Tips to Visit the Minneapolis Christkindl Market
- Best Places to Stay for the Minneapolis Christkindl Market
- Map of Twin Cities
- Interactive Map of Twin Cities
- Sources and Resources
- Check Out More Recommendations
- FAQs
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Minneapolis Christkindl Market Traditions
European Christmas Markets date to the medieval era, when the first Austrian and German Christmas Markets opened between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The old German word “Christkindl” or “Christkind” translates to “Christ Child,” honoring and celebrating the sacred birth of Jesus.
Historically, the Christkind is the one who brings the Christmas gifts. Over the centuries, the Christkindl has been depicted as a young, angelic figure.
Centuries later, the cultural heritage of Dresden, Salzburg, and the Viennese Christmas Markets remains strong, vital, and vibrant.
Today, countries around the world celebrate faith, family, friends, and food in similar fashion during the holiday season.
Several North American cities now host quintessential European Christmas Markets, for instance, the Chicago Christkindl Market in Illinois.
Likewise, St. Paul, the Minnesota state capital, has held the St. Paul European Christmas Market since 2016.
In 2024, the Minneapolis Christkindl Market debuted as the newest addition to the Twin Cities’ holiday scene.
As a result, you can now enjoy holiday markets, holiday spirit, and holiday family fun in both the Twin Cities on the mighty Mississippi River.
Minneapolis Christmas Market Location
The Minneapolis Christkindl Market is located in the historic North Loop, also known as the Warehouse District.
While the 19th-century legacy places North Loop on the National Register of Historic Places, this neighborhood is hip and happening.
Some of the nicest folks, coolest boutiques, hottest restaurants, and best coffee shops in Minneapolis call the North Loop home.
There’s also a lively vibe and friendly community here. The renovated brick warehouses and modern buildings house numerous residences, start-ups, and small businesses.
This warm and welcoming mood extends to the Minneapolis Christkindl Market in the North Loop Green, a one-acre site.
With free admission, the Minneapolis Christmas Market opens its winter wonderland to everyone.
This further includes furry four-legged friends, because the North Loop Dog Run is next to the North Loop Green.
Address: Minneapolis Christkindl Market | North Loop Green | 350 North 5th Street | Minneapolis, MN 55401
Minneapolis Christmas Market Experience
The Minneapolis Christkindl Market is an admission-free, community-centered, and family-friendly experience. This follows the model of European holiday markets.
You’ll find locals and visitors of all ages, all sharing happy smiles and Christmas spirit.
Quaint wooden market stalls feature local makers, regional artisans, and international craftspeople offering one-of-a-kind gifts. For example:
- Timeless handmade toys
- Hand-knit sweaters and textiles
- Luxurious accessories
- Classic steins and pottery
- Exquisite ornaments
Oh yes, and do check out the Herrnhuter Sterne, or Herrnhuter Stars. Authentic German handicrafts, these lovely paper lanterns make enchanting Christmas decorations and sparkling Christmas lights.
Festive drinks on offer include an Instagrammable hot chocolate. As well as traditional Glühwein, a warm spiced mulled wine. Gluhwein is also available in a non-alcoholic version.
You can choose either the typical to-go cups for your holiday beverages. Or even better, collectable ceramic mugs, fabulous and functional souvenirs.
Local vendors dish up traditional German foods such as Bratwurst sausages, Schnitzel breaded cutlets, and Spaetzle noodles.
Cakes, cookies, crepes, and other yummy treats will surely tempt your sweet tooth.
Live music, Christmas carols, and holiday entertainment enliven and enhance the festive ambiance.
Activities and engagements may support a local charity like Ruff Start Rescue.
Lastly, we highly recommend visiting the selfie section with adorable photo backdrops, such as a full-size sleigh.
Then, commemorate your holiday cheer with an Insta-worthy photo.
Tips to Visit the Minneapolis Christkindl Market
Minneapolis Christmas Market Dates and Hours
The Minneapolis Christkindl Market opens for the 2025 Christmas season on November 21, 2025.
The Minneapolis Christkindl Market closes for the 2025 holiday season on December 21, 2025.
The market opens each weekend, weather and other conditions permitting, for the following hours:
- Fridays from 4 pm to 9 pm (16:00 to 21:00)
- Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm (11:00 to 21:00)
- Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm (11:00 to 19:00)
Special Note: Please be aware that the Minneapolis Christkindl Market is an outdoor event. Opening hours may change without notice, due to prevailing weather or other conditions.
Best Time to Visit the Minneapolis Christmas Market
The magical time to visit the Minneapolis Christkindl Market is the late afternoon and evening, when the Christmas lights gleam and glitter.
Consequently, the late afternoon and evening are basically the busiest times at the holiday market.
If you prefer fewer crowds, rather than “the more, the merrier,” we suggest planning your visit for the earlier opening hours.
Visitors with wheelchairs and strollers will find the Christmas Market site accessible and step-free.
What to Wear to the Minneapolis Christmas Market
As Minnesotans know, November and December in Minneapolis can run the entire gamut of autumn and winter weather:
Bright sunshine and clear blue skies. Rain, sleet, snow, and ice. Not to mention, of course, seriously cold temperatures.
In contrast to the wintry conditions outside, however, interiors are often heated to toasty temperatures.
Planning, packing, and dressing appropriately for the conditions are among the essential holiday travel safety tips.
Thus, the best things to wear are warm layered clothing and warm socks (we’re big fans of cashmere and merino), waterproof shoes or winter boots, and gloves or mittens.
Then, top things off with a warm winter coat or parka. As well as a toque or cute earmuffs.
Best Places to Stay for the Minneapolis Christkindl Market
Whether you’re chiefly looking for a weekend getaway with things to do in Minneapolis, or specifically visiting Christmas Markets, the North Loop neighborhood is a great choice.
North Loop is indeed our favorite Minneapolis neighborhood at any time. Additionally, it’s the best area to stay for the Minneapolis Christkindl Market.
Staying in this authentic urban neighborhood invites you to explore on and off the beaten path. It also allows you to stroll quickly to the Christkindl Market.
Element Minneapolis Downtown
The Element Minneapolis Downtown is a trendy Marriott Bonvoy hotel in a prime location, mere steps from Target Field.
This 3-star hotel features light-filled public spaces, a wellness focus, and a rooftop terrace with an outdoor fireplace.
Some of the upscale guest rooms include full kitchens and living areas for extended stays.
The walking distance between the Element Minneapolis Downtown and the Minneapolis Christkindl Market is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km).
Address: Element Minneapolis Downtown | 501 North 6th Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55401
Lofton Hotel Minneapolis
The Lofton Hotel Minneapolis is a Tapestry Collection boutique hotel from Hilton.
The full-service, 4-star hotel offers contemporary refinement for both leisure and business travel, including corporate meetings and special events.
The walking distance between the Lofton Hotel and the Minneapolis Christkindl Market is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km).
Address: Lofton Hotel Minneapolis | 601 North 1st Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55403
Hewing Hotel
The Hewing Hotel is an independent boutique hotel in the North Loop’s heart. The owners renovated a 19th-century warehouse into a Nordic-style 4-star hotel.
The Hewing Hotel bustles with hotel guests and local urbanites alike enjoying the popular restaurant Tullibee, the chic lounges, and the outdoor terrace.
In addition, hotel guests can relax in the Nordic sauna, spa, and the heated rooftop plunge pool.
Despite the buzz, the guest rooms are quiet and oh so cozy. The comfortable bedrooms feature luxe linens, exposed brick, and industrial-chic accents.
Not surprisingly, there’s free WiFi throughout the property. Surprisingly, since we work while traveling, we put our laptops away as much as possible during our stay here.
Above all, it’s a short walk between the Hewing Hotel and the Christkindl Market, just 0.2 miles (0.3 km).
Address: Hewing Hotel | 300 North Washington Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55401
Map of Twin Cities
Interactive Map of Twin Cities
Sources and Resources
Brothers Grimm, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, et al. A Very German Christmas: The Greatest Austrian, Swiss, and German Holiday Stories of All Time. New Vessel Press, 2020.
Djinis, Elizabeth, “A Brief History of Christmas Markets.” Smithsonian Magazine, December 19, 2022.
Kummerow, Marion. German Christmas Traditions. Self-published, 2021.
Landler, Mark. “Vienna Journal: For Austrians, Ho-Ho-Ho is No Laughing Matter.” The New York Times, December 12, 2002.
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FAQs
What does Christkindl mean?
Christkindl, or Christkind, means “Christ Child” in German. In Germany, Austria, and other countries, the Christ Child Jesus brings Christmas gifts rather than Santa Claus. Traditionally, the Christkind or Christkindl is depicted as an angelic figure wearing wings and a halo or crown.
What is the Minneapolis Christkindl Market?
The Minneapolis Christkindl Market is an outdoor holiday market in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. European Christmas traditions inspire the Minneapolis Christmas Market. Local, regional, and international vendors offer handcrafted toys, gifts, and ornaments. Classic German foods, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and other beverages are also available. Live music, Christmas carols, and community activities make this admission-free holiday event fun for the whole family.
Where is the Minneapolis Christkindl Market?
The current location for the Minneapolis Christkindl Market is the North Loop Green, a one-acre site in the historic North Loop neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.
When does the Minneapolis Christkindl Market open?
During the 2025 Christmas season, the Minneapolis Christkindl Market opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 21st, 2025, to December 21st, 2025. The market opens for the following hours: Fridays from 4 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm. Dates and hours are subject to weather or other conditions, because the Minneapolis Christmas Market is an outdoor event.
All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own.
All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas. We’re the Hidden Gemologists® of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts and slow travel storytellers. Because slow travel is meaningful travel, part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.