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Minnesota Has Its Very Own German Christmas Market And You’ll Want To Visit

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt in Minnesota offers a festive German Christmas market experience with unique gifts and holiday activities.

Updated Oct 22, 2023

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

Being home to the world’s first modern shopping mall – Ridgedale Center – plus many other small stores – not to mention the Mall of America – Minnesotans really don’t have to search too hard to find great Christmas gifts for their loved ones. But sometimes, it’s nice to shop in a more festive environment. That’s where Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt comes in. This German Christmas market in Minnesota is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit, and maybe pick up a few gifts, too. In my experience, it’s a fun and unique way to celebrate Christmas in Minnesota.

Christkindlsmarkt is a festival that started centuries ago in Germany. The Excelsior celebration brings the tradition to Minnesota.

A bustling outdoor market scene with many people browsing stalls under white tents on a sunny day.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

This weekend of fun runs from November 24 to November 26, so it's the perfect way to jumpstart your holiday season.

A festive outdoor market with red and white tents, people browsing, and a person in a yellow costume walking by.
Patti Yurczyk/Google

The first day of festivities begins with a Christmas parade through Excelsior.

A parade scene with a convertible car, people in costumes, and a crowd watching along the street.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

After that, there is a huge array of fun activities. Kids and adults alike will love taking rides on the North Pole trolley.

A vintage yellow streetcar decorated with holiday wreaths and lights, parked along a tree-lined track.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

There will also be opportunities to visit Father Christmas...

Santa Claus sits in a red sleigh surrounded by two reindeer and two people in red coats, with festive decorations in the background.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

...and get your picture taken with a reindeer.

A reindeer with large antlers stands near a feeding trough, while a person leans against a fence in the background.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

Of course, there will be vendors selling items perfect for holiday gifts - or as a little treat for yourself.

A busy outdoor market scene with many people walking among tents and stalls, surrounded by greenery and buildings.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

Everything from handmade scarves to tasty German goodies are on display - and up for grabs.

A vendor arranges a variety of baked goods on a table covered with a polka dot tablecloth at a market.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

No matter what you're looking for, you're bound to find it in the marketplace. Dozens of vendors will be present.

A display of handmade crafts, including mugs, notebooks, and woven baskets, on a checkered tablecloth at a market.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

Food vendors will be on duty when you want a break from the festivities.

A food concession stand with a sign for "Giant Egg Roll on a Stick" and a customer ordering from the vendor.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

Find more information and a schedule of events on the Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt website or stop by Christkindlsmarkt Facebook page.

A festive outdoor scene with people enjoying activities under string lights, surrounded by barriers and a vendor tent.
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt/Facebook

Watch this YouTube video highlighting some of the incredible festive scenes from this German Christmas market in Minnesota.

https://youtu.be/z3ikuQH69U4?si=psfTVLeD0ugTZqPs

Will you be going to this German Christmas market? Do you have any other favorite holiday markets in Minnesota? What are some other fun ways to celebrate Christmas in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments below! Wanna get some early shopping done this year? If so, check out our list of incredible seasonal gift ideas that will make your holiday shopping a breeze.

Looking for more Christmas fun? Visit these Christmas tree farms in Minnesota.

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