Shopping doesn't need to be stressful, especially when it's combined with nibbles and sips, music, photo booths and enchanting settings. Check out our roundup of area markets offering a range of experiences, from intimate and cozy to bustling and festive. What they all have in common is one-of-a-kind gifts.
ARTS OF THE HOLIDAYS SHOW AND SALE: Shop locally with heirloom-quality gifts by local artists. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. various dates through Dec. 21; see website for schedule. Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata. minnetonkaarts.org.
ARBORETUM HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE: Visit the AppleHouse and shop gifts and goodies, in addition to the remaining apples, pumpkins and squash from the season.9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Dec. 20. Applehouse, 7485 Rolling Acres Road, Victoria. arb.umn.edu.
HOLIDAY SHOW AND SHOP: Find unique gifts from a variety of local artists, listen to some Christmas tunes and snap a selfie with Santa. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Tue.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. through Dec. 21. Rumriver Art Center, 2665 4th Av., Anoka. allevents.in.
FIELD + FESTIVAL HOLIDAY MARKET: Shop for local goods from a crew of farmers, foodies and makers. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22. Wagners Garden Center, 6024 Penn Av. S., Mpls. fieldandfestival.com.
MINNEAPOLIS CHRISTKINDL MARKET: This outdoor traditional European Christmas market features handcrafted gifts and an enchanting atmosphere. 4-9 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22. North Loop Green, 350 N. 5th St., Mpls. minneapolischristkindlmarket.com.
NORDIC VILLAGE MARKET: Guests can peruse vendors nestled in cozy cabins on the fourth-floor terrace. This year, a new lodge is open for cocktails. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through Dec. 22. Four Seasons, 245 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. fourseasons.com/minneapolis.
A HANDMADE HOLIDAY MARKET: Support local makers at this one-stop holiday shop. Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22. Brühaven Craft Co., 1368 La Salle Av., Mpls. mplscraftmarket.com.
TEXTILE CENTER HOLIDAY GALLERY SHOP: Find unique fiber goods in the expanded shop. Hours vary through Dec. 24, see website for details. 3000 University Av. SE., Mpls. textilecentermn.org.
PAIKKA'S HOLIDAY BAZZAR: Shop from 20 local vendors featuring jewelry and clothing to salmon and jam. Sip on beverages and enjoy a bite to eat while you peruse. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 10. 550 Vandalia St., St. Paul. paikkamn.com.
DAYTON'S HOLIDAY MARKET: More than 100 local vendors in one of Minneapolis' most iconic retail spaces. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Nov. 14-Dec. 28. 700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. mplsdowntown.com.
MINNESOTA WALDORF SCHOOL HOLIDAY FAIR AND MARKET: Twinkle & Toast Market: a 21+ shop and sip event. 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 22. The next day, adults can kids are invited for a Holiday Fair with food, crafts and fun: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 23. 70 E. County Road B, Maplewood. mnwaldorf.org.
EDGCUMBE RECREATION CENTER CRAFT FAIR: Shop a variety of handmade goodies perfect for gift giving and home decor. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 23. 320 S. Griggs St., St. Paul. facebook.com.
HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET: Find one-of-a-kind holiday themed gifts from 20 vendors. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 23. Mississippi Crossings, 307 East River Pkwy., Champlin. ci.champlin.mn.us.
UPTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET: Local artist and makers market with music performances, roller skating and art activities. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 23. Seven Points, 3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. eastbdemakaska.org.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Enjoy the festive sounds and sights of historic Stillwater and find a variety of handcrafted goods. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 24. Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater. washingtoncountymn.gov.
WALKER CHURCH HOLIDAY ART FAIR: Shop original art and enjoy lunch, soup, bread and baked goods. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23, noon-4 p.m. Nov. 24. 3104 16th Av. S., Mpls. facebook.com.
PALACE THEATRE HOLIDAY MARKET: 50+ local artists and vendors in the St. Paul music venue. 2-8 p.m. Nov. 29; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 30. 17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. palaceholidaymarket.com.
EXCELSIOR CHRISTKINDLSMARKT: Photos with reindeer, tea parties with princesses, the NorthPole trolley and a silent auction.10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 29-30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1. Excelsior East Public Parking, 249 Water St., Excelsior. excelsiorchristmas.com.
HOLIDAYS ON NICOLLET: Jewelry, apparel, home goods and vintage finds from 60 local artists and makers. This market has two locations.11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Nov. 14-Dec. 22 Minneapolis Craft Market at IDS Center, 80 S. 8th St, Mpls. mplscraftmarket.com; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Nov. 29-Dec. 22. Chameleon at YMCA, 651 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. mplsdowntown.com.
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET: Festive live entertainment, gift shopping, European style food, and a holiday train and carousel. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Nov. 29- Dec. 22. Free. Union Depot, 240 E Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. stpaulchristmasmarket.org.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY POP-UP MARKET: Support local small businesses, grab some drinks and find holiday gifts. Noon-4 p.m. Nov. 30. Minneapolis Cider Co., 701 SE. 9th St., Mpls. minneapoliscider.com.
MINNEAPOLIS MAKERS MARKET & BAR HOP: A Small Business Saturday event with local makers staged between Indeed Brewing Co., Padraigs Brewing, Tattersall Distilling and Dashfire Distillery. 1-6 p.m. Nov. 30. See website for location addresses. facebook.com.
MALL OF AMERICA HOLIDAY MARKET: A pop-up of local artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 29 & Sat.-Sun. Nov. 30-Dec. 22. First floor next to L.L. Bean, 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington. mplscraftmarket.com.
NORDIC JULEMARKET: Twenty Nordic-inspired artisans. Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 3. Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Av., Mpls. facebook.com.
MAKE AND MINGLE WINTER ARTIST MARKET: An evening winter market with local artists and hot cocoa. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5. Silverwood Park, 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony. threeriversparks.org.
RAGING ART ON: A holiday market with artworks in various price points, plus music. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 5-7; Dec. 12-14 & Dec. 19-21. Gamut Gallery, 717 S. 10th St., Mpls. gamutgallerympls.com.
GIFTS IN THE GALLERY: A boutique-style holiday sale with items from jewelry to ceramics and home goods. Hours vary Dec. 5-23, see website for details. Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington. artistrymn.org.
SUMMIT BREWING CO. EVENING MAKERS MARKET: Sip local and shop local while supporting nonprofit Neighborhood House. 3-8 p.m. Dec. 6. 910 Montreal Circle, St. Paul. summitbrewing.com.
NORDIC JULMARKET: A Nordic-inspired market with Nordic-imported artisans and entrepreneurs from the Twin Cities. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 6; noon-8 p.m. Dec. 7; noon-6 p.m. Dec. 8. Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Av. N., Mpls. utepilsbrewing.com.
ART AT HIDDEN RIVER: Holiday sale of fine art and crafts. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Hidden River Middle School, 1700 Summit Av., St. Paul. artistscircle.org.
GOOD SHEPHERD CHRISTMAS MARKET: More than 30 artists and makers, photos with Santa and s'more making. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7. 145 Jersey Av. S., Golden Valley. goodshepherdmensclub.com.
NO COAST CRAFT-O-RAMA: A modern, urban and indie-style art and craft show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7. Midtown Global Market, Mpls. nocoastcraft.com.
JULMARKNAD HOLIDAY MARKET: Handmade and locally crafted goods from regional artists. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7-8. $8-$22. American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Av. S., Mpls. asimn.org.
OLD ST. ANTHONY HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Two full floors of handmade goods perfect for gifting. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8. Machine Shop, 300 SE. 2nd St., Mpls. mplscraftmarket.com.
CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL & CRAFT MARKET: A European-style market with strolling carolers, games and more. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 12; 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13; noon-7 p.m. Dec. 14. Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Av., St. Paul. cathedralheritagefoundation.org.
NOVA HOLIDAY MARKET: A two-day holiday market with local artisans, live music, festive beverages, a photo booth and an art gallery. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14-15. The Wilderness, 1010 W. Lake St., Mpls. novapopup.com.
TINSEL TREE TOWN AND HOLIDAY MARKET: Nibble and nosh while shopping 20+ local makers. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 14; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15. Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Av. SE., Mpls. malcomyards.market.
MINNESOTA MERRY MARKET: Shop 80+ artist vendors, enjoy food trucks, two bars, train and horse and carriage rides, Santa visits and more.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Dec. 14-22. $5. North End Event Center, State Fairgrounds, Falcon Heights. minnesotamerrymarket.com.
NICOLLET ISLAND WINTER MARKET: Find unique gifts from upcycled lamps, fair trade clothing to handmade jewelry while enjoying festive drinks and holiday tunes.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 15. Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Mpls. minneapolisparks.org.
WEN HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET: Products by women and minority makers focused on sustainability and community. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Coffeewomple Roastery, 610 SE. 9th St., Mpls. wenmn.org.
A VERY VINTAGE HOLIDAZZLE MARKET: A two-day night market featuring vintage clothing, home goods and more. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 20; noon-9 p.m. Dec. 21. City Center, 33 S. 6th St., Mpls. mplsvintagemarket.com.