By Marilee Kostadimas • Photos by Paul Kostadimas
Last Updated: October 22, 2026
The St Paul European Christmas Market is a beloved holiday tradition in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It’s a festive, authentic holiday event with free admission and family-friendly fun.
Paul and I (Marilee) cherish the wonder, joy, culture, and heritage of Christmas Markets in Europe. Over the years, Christmas Markets abroad have become a beloved part of our own Christmas tradition.
So we’re delighted to discover and experience the traditional European Christmas spirit here in the Minnesota state capital.
We invite you to discover and experience it, too.
You’ll find need-to-know info such as the market’s opening and closing dates, hours of operation, historic location, holiday shopping, festive entertainment, and fun activities for the whole family.
You’ll also find our original photographs, personal recommendations, custom maps, and travel tips to help you plan your trip.
Ready? Lass uns gehen, let’s go!
- St Paul European Christmas Market 2026: Dates and Hours
- St Paul European Christmas Market Experience
- St Paul European Christmas Market Location
- Map of Twin Cities
- St Paul European Christmas Market Travel Tips
- Best Hotels Near the St Paul Christmas Market
- St Paul European Christmas Market Traditions
- St Paul European Christmas Market FAQs
- Sources and Resources
- Check Out More Recommendations
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St Paul European Christmas Market 2026: Dates and Hours
The St Paul European Christmas Market celebrates the Advent season each weekend before Christmas. Although Advent means the four Sundays before Christmas Day, the St Paul European Christmas Market extends over five weekends in 2026.
The following schedule-at-a-glance outlines the dates and hours, which we’ve confirmed directly with the official event organization.
When you’re planning your visit to the St Paul European Christmas Market, please keep in mind it’s an outdoor event. Hours may change without notice, due to prevailing weather or other conditions. So, it’s a good idea to double-check before you go.
2026 Schedule at a Glance
Last verified: October 22, 2026 with the official event organization. Location: Union Depot East Plaza, 240 East Kellogg Boulevard.
| Weekend | 2026 dates | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | ||||
| Weekend 1 Opening weekend | Nov 20–22 | 3 pm – 9 pm | 11 am – 9 pm | 11 am – 6 pm |
| Weekend 2 Thanksgiving weekend | Nov 27–29 | 1 pm – 9 pmBlack Friday | 11 am – 9 pm | 11 am – 6 pm |
| December 2026 | ||||
| Weekend 3 | Dec 4–6 | 3 pm – 9 pm | 11 am – 9 pm | 11 am – 6 pm |
| Weekend 4 | Dec 11–13 | 3 pm – 9 pm | 11 am – 9 pm | 11 am – 6 pm |
| Weekend 5 Final weekend | Dec 18–20 | 3 pm – 9 pm | 11 am – 9 pm | 11 am – 6 pm |
Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Black Friday (November 27) opens early, at 1 pm. “After Hours” in the heated warming tents runs until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free. Hours can change with the weather, so check the market’s official site before you go.
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.
Paul and I travel as a couple, but this time we experienced the wonderful holiday fun with our multi-generational family. And all of us, from the grandparents to the little ones, had a marvelous, magical time!
There are unique gifts, traditional foods, and tasty drinks aplenty in quaint wooden stalls, reminiscent of Old World alpine huts.
European Christmas Market merchants take credit cards, of course. However, we find it’s also helpful to have cash on hand, particularly for small purchases.
Gifts and Holiday Shopping
Local artisans, regional vendors, and international craftspeople offer delightful handmade 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
When you buy at the European Christmas Market, you’re purchasing a special gift for someone else or yourself. But also, you’re supporting small businesses.
In other words, you’re putting the meaningful idea to “shop small, small local” into purposeful action.
And we think that’s awesome.
Food, Drinks, and Souvenir Mugs
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 Christmas Markets in Europe
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!
Entertainment and Family Activities
Besides gift shopping galore and delicious eats aplenty, there’s more in store at the European Christmas Market.
There are special hands-on activities and rides for kids, plus festive entertainment for the entire family to enjoy together.
Firstly, welcome aboard the holiday train! This adorable little electric train takes tiny passengers and their parents 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.
Santa Claus welcomes both the young and the young-at-heart to visit his igloo. Well, Santa may also roam through the market, so keep your eyes peeled.
Our family’s youngest generation had the rare opportunity to meet, greet, and ride the carousel with Santa Claus himself.
Traditional holiday entertainment provides another quintessential experience of the European Christmas Market.
Christmas carolers, folk dancers, live music, and other local performances enliven and enhance the holiday mood during each market weekend.
Furthermore, rumor has it that Santa’s live reindeer occasionally make appearances during the market season.
St Paul European Christmas Market Location
The European Christmas 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, tourists, and Christmas Market-goers, Union Depot is the eastern terminus of the Metro Green Line light rail.
Address: Saint Paul European Christmas Market | Union Depot East Plaza | 240 East Kellogg Boulevard | St. Paul, MN 55101
Getting There: Public Transportation and Parking
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.
So if you’d like to visit the St Paul European Christmas Market and the Minneapolis Christkindl Market, either on the same day or over a weekend stay, public transportation is one way to go.
We recommend checking out the easy Metro Transit trip planner.
If you’re driving, Union Depot provides street-level parking lots for a fee during the European Christmas Market, as well as holiday programming like the North Pole Express and other special events.
When we arrived shortly after opening, the line to enter the parking lot went quickly. Not surprisingly, when we departed in the late afternoon, the queue of cars to enter was significantly longer.
Accessibility
Once you’ve parked, the walking distance to and from 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. If we’d parked on the outer edges, we’d have been happy to take a rickshaw.
Ramps in Parking Lot C and D provide access for pedestrians, wheelchairs, and strollers to the elevated East Plaza, site of the European Christmas Market.
Both the outdoor event site and the beautifully decorated Union Depot interiors are step-free and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Map of Twin Cities
Our custom interactive Twin Cities map below features both the Saint Paul European Christmas Market and the Minneapolis Christkindl Market. We’ve also highlighted convenient parking garages and top hotel recommendations.
This interactive map also includes top tourist attractions and sights in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway.
PS: Check out our in-depth guides to the best coffee in Minneapolis, and great coffee shops in Saint Paul, too!
We designed the following custom map of Minnesota’s Twin Cities to show the Saint Paul European Christmas Market in relation to the Minneapolis Christkindl Market.
As you can see, the mighty Mississippi River flows between the Twin Cities. However, it’s a short drive or, as mentioned earlier, a ride on the Metro Green Line between the two Christmas markets.
St Paul European Christmas Market Travel Tips
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.
For this reason, we and our multi-generational family arrived early and stayed for several hours.
Then as the afternoon grew later and the market outside got busier, we explored inside Union Depot and enjoyed the Christmas decorations, cute shops, and cozy vibes. Not to mention, the giant Jenga and other games!
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.
However, if you’re a traveler like we are, 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 winter travel safety tips is to plan, pack, and dress for cold weather outside and cozy warmth inside.
For four-season warmth without overheating, it’s all about layered clothing. Paul and I are long-time fans of fine merino, wool, and, of course, cashmere.
Firstly, we 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 with a warm winter coat or parka. Add gloves or mittens and a scarf, toque, or hat. Or my favorite earmuffs, an especially cute winter accessory!
Best Hotels Near the St Paul Christmas Market
We’d like to clarify that in recent years, our personal preference where to stay in the Twin Cities has been Minneapolis. Still, we understand other travelers may prefer a hotel in downtown Saint Paul. So we toured several different properties and selected the following hotels to share with you.
The Saint Paul Hotel
The Saint Paul Hotel is a landmark boutique hotel in downtown St. Paul. Open since 1910, the full-service 4-star hotel evokes an elegant earlier era of grace and grandeur.
The hotel lobby, bar, and restaurant, not to mention the guest rooms and suites, reflect an old-fashioned luxury and turn-of-the-century ambiance.
A long tradition in the capital is weddings, special events, corporate meetings, and romantic getaways at The Saint Paul Hotel.
Another lovely tradition is the hotel’s signature Afternoon Teas and Holiday Teas, which, alas for us, sell out well in advance.
Hotel management advises extensive renovations are coming soon, updating the historic property while upholding its century-old heritage. We look forward to booking an overnight stay afterward.
It’s a short walk to downtown attractions such as the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Grand Casino Arena (formerly Xcel 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.
Each comfortable suite features two rooms: a living room with a desk, as well as a separate bedroom.
Popular hotel amenities for families and groups include an indoor swimming pool, a free hot breakfast each morning, and complimentary light snacks each afternoon.
Business travelers and digital nomads can also appreciate the co-working areas, meeting rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property.
The Children’s Museum, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and other downtown Saint Paul attractions are a short walk away.
The walking distance between the Drury Plaza Hotel 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
St Paul European Christmas Market Traditions
The Saint Paul European Christmas Market debuted in the Minnesota state capital during December 2014.
However, the original inspiration dates to centuries-old Christmas Markets in Austria and Germany.
These 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).
Today, the world-famous Dresden, Salzburg, and Viennese Christmas Markets (“Christkindlmarkts”) uphold this remarkable cultural heritage.
Additionally, numerous cities worldwide celebrate the season with their own versions of European Christmas Markets. For example, the Christmas Markets in Lisbon, Portugal, and the Chicago Christkindlmarket in Illinois.
In 2024, the Minneapolis Christkindl Market debuted in the North Loop Green, Minneapolis’ 19th-century warehouse district.
Now, the Twin Cities in Minnesota both host their own 21st-century interpretations of traditional European holiday celebrations.
St Paul European Christmas Market FAQs
What is the European Christmas Market in St. Paul, MN?
Inspired by historic Christmas Markets in Germany, the St Paul European Christmas Market is the largest Christmas Market in 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 Glühwein, a warm mulled wine, are also available for purchase. Admission is free, and holiday entertainment is also free. Local community, families, friends, and tourists are all welcome to attend this festive, authentic holiday tradition.
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
How much is parking at the St Paul European Christmas Market?
Event parking fees at Union Depot in Saint Paul, MN, generally range from $10 to $14 per car.
Are dogs allowed at the St Paul European Christmas Market?
Service dogs are the ONLY dogs allowed at the European Christmas Market in Saint Paul, MN.
Is the St Paul European Christmas Market worth visiting?
The European Christmas Market in St Paul, MN, is indeed worth visiting. Since 2014, the European Christmas Market has become a signature holiday event in Minnesota. There’s free entrance and family-friendly entertainment. More than 80 merchants offer hand-crafted toys, unique gifts, delicious foods, and holiday drinks. All in all, it’s a wonderful tradition for families, friends, and couples to shop and celebrate together before Christmas!
Sources and Resources
Saint Paul European Christmas Market official website.
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. 2021, revised edition 2025.
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All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own. All content and images are original, created with care and craft by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas, the writer and Paul Kostadimas, the photographer, except where noted.
Hi! We're Marilee and Paul
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