Guide to the European Christmas Market
Located at Union Depot
How to Experience the European Christmas Market
Travel to Europe right here in Saint Paul! This open-air festival is celebrating it's 10 year anniversary, and brings cultural tradition to Downtown for the holidays with sights, sounds and aromas.
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 over 4 weekends with live entertainment and a Santa’s Village.
Event Details
Dates
4 weekends starting after Thanksgiving: November 24 to December 17, 2023
Hours
Fridays: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sundays:
Nov 26, Dec 3 & 17: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Dec 10: 11:00 AM – 8:00 pm
Location
East Plaza at Union Depot: 214 4th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
Getting There
Union Depot’s Lot C & D are the closest to the Market. The address is 392 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul. Located between Lafayette St and Broadway just east of the Union Depot. The cost to park is $10.00 – the event parking rate. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp way from the lots to Union Depot’s East Plaza where the Market is located.
Check out the parking map with ramp locations.
Stay the Weekend!
Get special VIP hotel room rates at the Saint Paul Hotel! Find out more and book your room for the European Christmas Market.
Top European Christmas Market Activities
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.
Find 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.
View the full list of gift locations along with a vendor map.
Savor Festive Treats
No European Christmas Market would be complete without delicious European and festive foods such as Traditional German Potato Pancakes, pierogi, brats, Glühwein and more!
View the full list of food options along with a vendor map.
Enjoy 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!
Hop Aboard the Holiday Train
All aboard! Santa's Village features a Holiday Train this year that will introduce our youngest visitors to a colorful global celebration called “Christmas Traditions from Around the Globe”. For Union Depot's Hub for the Holidays, impressively decorated trains including the North Pole Express and the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. Please check individual ride's websites for ticketing availability and information.
Ride the Carousel
Be sure to make a stop at Santa's Village! Fun for all ages, this big attraction will be a Holiday carousel for the young and the young-at-heart!
Send a Letter to Santa
Santa's special post office lives right inside the European Christmas Market! Naughty and nice alike are welcomed to send Santa a letter, letting him know all your greatest hopes for the holiday season and the New Year.
Create Holiday 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.
Share your European Christmas Market adventures with us using #MYSAINTPAUL!