Discover the Magic of Christmas Stores in Minnesota: Top 7 MN Christmas Stores to Visit This Holiday Season

The holiday season in Minnesota has a special kind of magic. With its snowy landscapes and friendly communities, the state becomes a winter wonderland during this time of year. One of the things that make this season so charming is the variety of Christmas stores and markets that appear all over the state. In this blog, we'll guide you through some of our favorite Christmas stores in Minnesota that truly capture the happiness and spirit of the holiday season. And bonus – some of these stores are open year round!

What to Expect from Christmas Markets in Minnesota:

Visiting a Christmas store in Minnesota can be a fun experience for the whole family to enjoy. These stores are typically filled with holiday decorations, ornaments, and festive items. They also provide a unique opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit. Here are some enjoyable activities to consider when you visit a MN Christmas store:

Decor Inspiration: Are you hosting your family for Christmas this year and need decoration ideas? Wander through the store and let the festive displays inspire you. Many Christmas stores feature beautifully decorated trees, mantels and tabletops. You can get ideas for how to decorate your own home for the holidays.

Ornament Hunting: Christmas stores are the perfect place to find unique and meaningful ornaments for your tree. Whether you're looking for traditional, vintage, or themed ornaments, you'll likely discover something special.

Gift Shopping: Christmas stores often have a wide variety of holiday-themed gifts and stocking stuffers. It's an excellent place to find presents for your family and friends – even those hard to shop for family members! Look for items like holiday-themed mugs, candles and decorative accessories.

Personalization: Many stores offer personalization services for ornaments or stockings. You can have a special message or a family member's name added to an ornament to make it even more meaningful.

Taste-Testing: Who doesn’t love eating while shopping? Some Christmas shops may offer holiday treats and snacks for you to sample. It's a great way to get a taste of the season, from peppermint candies to hot cocoa mixes.

Listening to Christmas Music: Enjoy the sounds of the season as many Christmas stores play festive music to enhance the atmosphere. Some stores even have live bands or musicians for their customers to really get into the spirit!

Taking Photos: Don't forget to capture the moment. Christmas stores are beautifully decorated and make for excellent photo opportunities. Whether you're taking a selfie or a family picture, you’ll find the perfect backdrop.

Participate in Store Events: Some Christmas stores host events or activities, such as ornament painting workshops, visits from Santa Claus or tree-lighting ceremonies. Check the store's website or calendar for any special events during your visit.

Support Local Businesses: Christmas stores offer items created by local artisans and craftspeople. When you shop at these stores, you're not just getting pretty holiday items, you're also helping out the talented people in your community. It's like giving them a high-five for their hard work and creativity. Plus, you might find something totally unique that you won't get at big chain stores, making your holiday decorations or gifts extra special and one-of-a-kind.

Top 7 MN Christmas Stores to Visit This Holiday Season

The General Store in Minnetonka

Nestled in the picturesque town of Minnetonka, The General Store is a treasure trove of holiday delights. This charming shop, which has been around since 1984, transports visitors back in time with its cozy, old-world atmosphere. It's the perfect place to find unique ornaments, nostalgic holiday décor, and handcrafted gifts. The General Store is the perfect destination for anyone looking to add a touch of rustic charm to their Christmas celebration. And as an added bonus, there is a cafe located in the store so you can eat before or after you've completed your shopping. Can’t make it before Christmas? No problem, this awesome shop is open year-round!

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is a beloved tradition in the town of Excelsior that draws visitors from all around Minnesota. This European-style Christmas market offers a festive atmosphere with vendors selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments and delicious holiday treats. With live music and the lighting of the town's Christmas tree, it's a magical event that really captures the spirit of the season. Make sure you check out their website to see when it opens, as well as a detailed list of all the vendors and events taking place.

The Mall of America

We can’t talk about the best Christmas stores in Minnesota and not mention the Mall of America! Christmas time at MOA is the best time of the year to visit. The mall is covered in thousands of lights and festive decorations. All of the smells and the sights alone make it a captivating experience. To add to the magic, the mall frequently hosts Christmas shows and special events for the whole family to enjoy. Get all of your holiday shopping done at one place and have a little fun while doing it!

MN Christmas Market

The MN Christmas Market is more than just a shopping destination; it's a heartwarming and charitable experience. This market showcases local makers and artisans, allowing you to support small businesses while finding the perfect holiday gifts. The best part is that a portion of the proceeds from the market go to charity, making it a shopping experience with a feel-good factor. This market has several locations throughout Minnesota, so be sure to check out their website so you don’t miss the market that is nearest you!

European Christmas Market at the Union Depot in St. Paul

St. Paul's Union Depot transforms into a festive wonderland during the European Christmas Market. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this holiday tradition. The market is inspired by the traditional Christmas markets of Europe and features an array of unique, handcrafted gifts, nutcrackers and more!. Strolling through this market feels like a journey through a European village, complete with authentic music and food to enjoy. Mark your calendars – they are only open for four weekends starting after Thanksgiving.

The Christmas Haus in New Ulm, Minnesota

Located in the heart of a quaint German-American town, the Christmas Haus is a beloved local gem and a must-visit for anyone in need of a little holiday spirit. The store often carries an assortment of German holiday treats and gifts, from authentic Stollen and Lebkuchen to traditional wooden toys and cuckoo clocks. These items add to the store's Bavarian charm and make it a great place to find unique gifts for loved ones or a special treat for yourself.

Conclusion

Minnesota's Christmas markets offer a fun way to embrace the holiday spirit and make lasting memories with your family and friends. Whether you're seeking a touch of nostalgia, European charm or modern holiday glam, the state has a Christmas store to suit your preferences. Get all of your Christmas shopping done while enjoying the festive atmosphere these stores and markets have to offer. So, this Christmas, plan a trip to some of these incredible shops and take in the beauty of the season!

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