The St Paul European Christmas Market is a festive, free holiday market in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Inspired by traditional European Christmas Market, it’s one of the signature holiday events in the Twin Cities.
Let’s begin by learning a little about the timeless holiday traditions of Austria and Germany, which inspired present-day holiday markets in the USA.
Then we’ll discover the historic location, holiday shopping, festive entertainment, and fun activities for the whole family in the Minnesotate state capital.
In this article, you’ll find need-to-know information, including market opening and closing dates, hours of operation, hotel recommendations, and our custom maps.
You’ll also find firsthand observations from our years of holiday travel. As well as travel tips to plan your trip to the St Paul European Christmas Market.
Ready? Lass uns gehen, let’s go!
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St Paul European Christmas Market Traditions
The Saint Paul European Christmas Market first opened in the Minnesota state capital during the 2016 Christmas season.
However, its original inspiration dates back to the 13th to 15th centuries, during the Advent season. When medieval Austria and Germany held the first “Christkindlmarkts,” the first European Christmas Markets.
The medieval Christmas Markets allowed local vendors to sell goods and foods directly to their local community before Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the sacred birth of Jesus, the Christ Child (“Christkind” or “Christkindl” in German).
Hundreds of years later, the world-famous Dresden, Salzburg, and the Viennese Christmas Markets uphold this remarkable cultural heritage.
Additionally, many other cities and nations worldwide celebrate the season with their own versions of European Christmas Markets.
Today, both of Minnesota’s Twin Cities now host their own 21st-century interpretations of traditional European holiday celebrations.
In 2024, the charming Minneapolis Christkindl Market debuted in the North Loop Green, Minneapolis’ 19th-century warehouse district.
Meanwhile, across the Mississippi River, Saint Paul has hosted its popular European Christmas Market since 2016.
St Paul European Christmas Market Location
The holiday market is located on the elevated outdoor plaza of historic Union Depot, the monumental railway station and modern public transportation hub.
Opened in 1923, Union Depot is an architectural and cultural landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s one block from the Mississippi riverfront and part of the Lowertown Historic District, a 19th-century neighborhood also on the National Register.
Union Depot is an important station not only for Amtrak trains but also serves national and regional bus lines, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Megabus, and Flixbus.
Equally important for Twin Cities’ residents, commuters, and tourists, Union Depot is the eastern terminus of the Metro Green Line light rail.
The Metro Green Line connects the Twin Cities from east to west between Union Depot in St Paul and Target Field Station in downtown Minneapolis.
Union Depot provides large parking lots for a fee during the European Christmas Market and other special holiday programming like the North Pole Express
Lines to enter the parking lots can be long, and distances to the festivities certainly can seem far. Especially when you’re walking in a winter wonderland!
Roving rickshaw tricycles are often available to pedal pedestrians between the parking lots and the ramps.
Ramps provide pedestrian access to the elevated East Plaza, site of the European Christmas Market.
Address: Saint Paul European Christmas Market | Union Depot East Plaza | 240 East Kellogg Boulevard | St. Paul, MN 55101
Special Note: Both the outdoor event site and the beautifully decorated Union Depot interiors are step-free and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
St Paul European Christmas Market Experience
Following the holiday spirit of its European counterparts, the St Paul European Christmas Market is admission-free, family-friendly fun for everyone.
Here you’ll find unique gifts, traditional foods, and tasty drinks aplenty in quaint wooden stalls, reminiscent of Old World alpine huts.
Local artisans, regional vendors, and small businesses offer delightful hand-crafted goods and one-of-a-kind keepsakes, for example:
- Hand-carved wooden toys and decor
- Handknit gloves, mittens, hats, and other textiles
- Distinctive accessories, jewelry, and artwork
- Enchanting Christmas lights, ornaments, and candles
Hearty food and hot drinks on offer include many traditional Christmas Market favorites, for instance:
- German Bratwurst sausage, Spaetzle noodles, Polish pierogi, soups, and roasted nuts
- Strudel, crepes, cookies, gingerbread, and other sweet treats
- Hot chocolate, cocoa, coffee, and tea
- Traditional Glühwein, the spiced mulled wine that’s a staple of holiday markets
You can choose either in to-go cups or collectible ceramic mugs. These charming mugs change designs each year, making usable and memorable souvenirs. Holiday cheers!
Oh yes, the whole family can enjoy free rides at the European Christmas Market in Saint Paul.
Firstly, welcome aboard the holiday train! This adorable little electric train takes passengers for a quick, free ride around the Union Depot plaza.
Secondly, take another short free ride on the holiday carousel. With its red-and-white striped canopy and classic carousel animals, the carousel makes a colorful backdrop for Instagrammable photos.
Another quintessential experience of holiday markets is holiday entertainment.
The young and young at heart can visit Santa Claus in his igloo next to the carousel. Occasionally, live reindeer have been known to visit Santa in St. Paul.
Christmas carols, live music, folk dancers, and occasionally live reindeer further enhance the holiday mood during each market weekend in November and December.
Tips to Visit the St Paul European Christmas Market
St Paul Christmas Market Dates and Hours
The St Paul European Christmas Market opens for the 2025 holiday season on November 28th, 2025.
The St Paul European Christmas Market closes for the 2025 holiday season on December 21st, 2025.
The market opens each weekend, weather and other conditions permitting, for the following hours:
- Opening Day November 28, 2025, from 12 pm to 9 pm (12:00 to 21:00)
- Fridays from 3 pm to 9 pm (15:00 to 21:00)
- Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm (11:00 to 21:00)
- Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm (11:00 to 18:00)
Special Note: Please be aware that the Saint Paul European Christmas Market is an outdoor holiday event. Dates and hours of operations may change without notice, due to prevailing weather or other conditions.
Best Time to Visit the St Paul Christmas Market
On one hand, the best time to see sparkling Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and decorations is the late afternoon and evening.
Correspondingly, the late afternoon and evening are the busiest times to visit the St Paul European Christmas Market.
On the other hand, the best time for somewhat fewer crowds is generally right when the St Paul European Christmas Market opens.
Once again, the scheduled opening hours are 3 pm (15:00) on Fridays, and 11 am (11:00) on Saturdays and Sundays.
What to Wear to the St Paul Christmas Market
Minnesota locals are well acquainted with the wide range of weather during November and December.
This range runs the gamut from autumn sunshine, blue sky, and rain to winter snow, sleet, and ice. And above all, from chilly to extremely cold temperatures.
It’s surely worth repeating that the Saint Paul European Christmas Market is outdoors.
A few heated tents on the plaza serve beverages such as hot chocolate, coffee, beer, and, of course, Glühwein. Otherwise, the alternative is to take breaks and warm up inside Union Depot.
One of the top travel safety tips is to plan, pack, and dress for cold weather outside and cozy warmth inside.
Warm, layered clothing is thus a good idea when traveling in winter. We’re long-time fans of fine merino, wool and cashmere layers for four-season warmth without overheating.
Firstly, start with a lightweight base layer such as a t-shirt, long-sleeve tee, or turtleneck.
Next, pop on a cozy sweater, cardigan, or hoodie. Then, put on warm socks and waterproof shoes or winter boots.
Finally, finish your winter coat or parka with gloves or mittens, and a scarf, toque, or hat. Or earmuffs, an especially cute winter accessory!
Best Hotels Near the St Paul Christmas Market
The Saint Paul Hotel
The Saint Paul Hotel is a historic landmark hotel in downtown St. Paul. Open since 1910, the 4-star hotel evokes an elegant earlier era.
The hotel lobby, bar, and restaurant, not to mention the guest rooms and suites, reflect an old-fashioned grandeur and turn-of-the-century ambiance.
The Saint Paul Hotel also serves corporate meetings, weddings, and special events. So there’s free WiFi throughout the property.
It’s a short walk to downtown attractions such as the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Grand Casino Arena (formerly Excel Energy Center), and the Minnesota State Capitol.
The walking distance between The Saint Paul Hotel and the European Christmas Market is approximately 0.6 miles (1 km).
Address: The Saint Paul Hotel | 350 Market Street | St. Paul, MN 55102
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown
The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown is a top-rated 3-star hotel of contemporary suites.
Guest suites here overlook a central atrium lobby and lounge. Natural light fills the airy atrium, while warm wood and vaulted brick add characteristic accents.
Each comfortable suite features two rooms: a living room with a sofa bed and a desk, and a separate bedroom.
Popular hotel amenities for families and groups include free Wifi, an indoor swimming pool, and a daily free hot breakfast.
The Children’s Museum, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and other downtown attractions are a short walk away.
The walking distance between Drury Hotels and the European Christmas Market is approximately 0.6 miles (1 km).
Address: Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown | 175 10th Street East | St. Paul, MN 55102
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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 is the European Christmas Market in St. Paul, MN?
Inspired by historic Christmas Markets in Germany, the European Christmas Market in St Paul, is a traditional holiday market in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Local vendors and small businesses offer handmade toys, handcrafted gifts, and artisanal items in quaint alpine-style wooden huts. Classic foods and drinks like hot chocolate and Glûhwein, a warm mulled wine, are also available for purchase. Admission is free, and holiday entertainment is also free, welcoming local community, families, friends, and tourists to enjoy the festive experience.
Where is the European Christmas Market in St Paul, MN?
The European Christmas Market in St Paul, MN, is located at the outdoor East Plaza of historic Union Depot, 240 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55101
When does the European Christmas Market open in St Paul, MN?
The European Christmas Market in St Paul, MN opens for the 2025 holiday season on November 28, 2025, and closes on December 21, 2025. The outdoor market opens on Fridays from 3 pm to 9 pm (15:00 to 21:00), Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm (11:00 to 21:00), and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm (11:00 to 18:00). The St Paul European Christmas Market is held outdoors, so weather or other conditions may vary the opening dates and hours.
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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.