Guide to the European Christmas Market
Travel to Europe right here in Saint Paul! This open-air festival brings cultural tradition to Downtown for the holidays with sights, sounds and aromas.
A Cherished Tradition
The European Christmas Market in Saint Paul is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment & intercultural activities. It is an admission-free public event based on the festive open-air Christkindl Markets that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other European countries during the Advent season. In Saint Paul, the market has grown to include over 70 vendors with live entertainment and a Santa’s Village during the four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Weekends
- November 28-30
- December 5-7
- December 12-14
- December 19-21
Hours
- Fridays: 3 to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Getting There
Union Depot’s Lot C & D are the closest to the Market located at 392 E Kellogg Blvd. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp way from the lots to Union Depot’s East Plaza where the Market is located.
The cost to park is $10-15 – the event parking rates.
Parking Maps & Info
Discover how you can use our local bus and light rail system to get to and from all of the holiday fun with ease.
Plan Your Trip
Due to construction of the Kellogg Avenue/ 3rd Street bridge, there will be increased traffic Downtown this holiday season. Learn more about the project and its traffic impacts here.
Embark on Holiday Fun
The European Christmas Market is an outdoor market located at Union Depot’s East Plaza and along the bike path. The tradition is to walk the outdoor Market with a mug of Hot Glühwein, hot chocolate or coffee in your hand. Shop at our vendor kiosks and enjoy our live entertainment. To warm up stop by in one of our two Warming Tents.
Holiday Gifts
Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of an authentic European Christmas Market while supporting our local crafters and artisans selling unique, handmade holiday gifts! The gifts and crafts are brought from Europe, locally made or fair-trade products.
Live Performances
Enjoy a full slate of traditional music and dancing including Norwegian, Czech Slovak and Irish dancers, carolers, holiday music, and so much more. Whoever is taking the stage, it will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
Savor Festive Bites
No European Christmas Market would be complete without delicious European and festive foods such as Traditional German Potato Pancakes, pierogi, brats, Glühwein and more!
Create Magic with Arts & Crafts
Santa's toy factory is alive and well in Downtown Saint Paul! All are welcome to take part in gingerbread decorating, stamp making, ornament painting, puzzle creating and wooden toy painting. Plus, the Naughty and nice alike are welcome to send Santa a letter, letting him know your greatest hopes for this holiday season.
Hop Aboard the Holiday Train
All aboard! Union Depot is the official Hub for the Holidays. Experience the site's historic train roots come to life with the CPKC Holiday Train's free musical performance on December 13 and the North Pole Express chugging into the station for a short ride and interactions with Santa and his elves during the first two weekends of December.
Dine Near the Market
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