Deck the Halls: Minnesota’s Holiday Craft Fairs
Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? You’re in for a treat with the state’s enchanting Holiday craft fairs in Minnesota.
Aren’t you tired of the same old mass-produced holiday items? Instead, wander the rows of crafters and discover it in the intricate patterns of knit scarves, the rich aromas of homemade candles, and the vibrant hues of artisanal jewelry.
You’ll find unique gifts that tell a story of craftsmanship and creativity.
Holiday Craft fairs are something you don’t want to skip. I can’t tell you of the number of handcrafted unique pieces I’ve picked up for family and friends.
When I was a teenager, my mom and I would set up our own booth and travel around and meet some amazing people. It’s been fun to watch the changes that have taken place. And as my family has gotten bigger, I’ve been having fun being on the other side.
the best Holiday Craft Fairs in Minnesota to visit:
HOLIDAY FAIR & MARKET | NOVEMBER 17 – 18, 2023
Minnesota Waldorf School, Maplewood, MN
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE | NOVEMBER 18, 2023
Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina, MN
MINNESOTA CHRISTMAS MARKET | NOVEMBER 18, 2023
St Paul Union Depot, St Paul, MN
HOLIDAY BAZAAR | NOVEMBER 18 – 19, 2023
Washington County Historic Court House, Stillwater, MN
FALL CRAFT SHOW | NOVEMBER 18, 2023
St. Michael- Albertville High School, Saint Michael, MN
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET | NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 17, 2023
Union Depot, St Paul MN
ROSEMOUNT CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFT SHOW | NOVEMBER 25, 2023
Hope Fieldhouse, Rosemount, MN
BLIZZARDS ‘N’ BOBSLEDS HANDMADE CRAFT SHOW | NOVEMBER 25, 2023
Cottage Grove Armory, Cottage Grove, MN
CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND BAKE SALE | NOVEMBER 25, 2023
Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, MN
GSR FINE ART FESTIVAL | NOVEMBER 25 – 26, 2023
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Mankato, MN
LANDMARK CENTER OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAY BAZAAR | NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 2, 2023
Landmark Center, Saint Paul, MN
DULUTH WINTER VILLAGE | DECEMBER 2 – 3, 2023
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN
SECOND JINGLE JANGLE JINGLE CRAFT & GIFT SHOW | DECEMBER 2, 2023
VFW, Prior Lake, MN
EDEN PRAIRIE LIONESS LIONS CLUB ART & CRAFT FAIR | DECEMBER 2, 2023
Grace Church, Eden Prairie, MN
HOLIDAY CRAFT AND GIFT SHOW | DECEMBER 2 – 3, 2023
Eagan Community Center, Eagan, MN
WINTER WONDERLAND ALL HANDMADE CRAFT SHOW | DECEMBER 10, 2023
Cottage Grove Armory, Cottage Grove, MN
MAPLE GROVE CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFT SHOW | DECEMBER 16, 2023
Maple Grove Community Center, Maple Grove MN
What to look for in a Holiday Craft Fair?
Location is Everything
Some of my favorite craft fairs are ones in Churches, Schools, and Community Spaces. That’s because the promotors run the show to help generate revenue for the organization. Think of it as a fundraiser. You get a mix of everything.
The large-scale production gets people from all over the region to show up.
Smaller and new fairs can struggle to attract vendors and can include duplicates, and resale-type things just to fill space.
What is the difference between an Art Fair and a Craft Fair?
An art fair is typically something with paintings, glassware, ceramics, and things that can be described as fine art. The cost is typically higher.
A craft fair is something that individuals make, like lotions, nick-nacks, and trinkets. You’ll also see sewing projects and seasonal favorites. Things tend to be at a lower cost compared to a fine arts fair. Everything must be handmade.
There is also another level of shows that includes third-party resales. If you find out that it’s a Juried Art Fair or Craft Fair, these types of things are excluded.
Are paid craft fairs better than free?
Yes and no. Often paid craft fairs are larger. As a shopper, this can be great because you have more to choose from. At the same time, you have more to choose from and it can be harder to make a decision.
Often if you don’t buy it when you see it, you’ll have forgotten where it is, or it will be gone by the time you make it back.
From the vendor’s perspective, I found that they cared only about collecting admissions and less about the crafters and artists inside. For that reason, I don’t attend them as a shopper. It’s a business for them, and not a community event.
Conclusion
So, have you found the perfect holiday treasure at one of Minnesota’s craft fairs yet?
Whether it’s the Twin Cities’ vibrant artisan showcase, Duluth’s cozy winter village, Rochester’s festive market, the European charm in St. Paul, or Mankato’s craft fair magic, each event promises unique gifts and merry memories.
Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and immerse yourself in the local holiday spirit.
Who knows what festive finds await you?
Happy holiday shopping!
