Headline: Twin Cities Light Up with Holiday Magic: Markets, Music, and Cozy Vibes Abound

Minneapolis–Saint Paul, if listeners are looking to squeeze every bit of magic out of this week, you’re in luck. The cities are absolutely packed with light shows, markets, music, and cozy holiday vibes.

Start in downtown St. Paul at Union Depot, where the European Christmas Market transforms the depot plaza into a little slice of Germany. According to Union Depot’s own event listing, the market runs today from late morning into the evening, with wooden stalls, European-style street food, Glühwein for the adults, handmade gifts, and live entertainment. It is free to wander, so listeners can browse, snack, and people‑watch as long as they like.

While you are at Union Depot, check the schedule for Morning Yoga, which Union Depot notes happens on Saturdays. It is a relaxed way to start the day before diving into the crowds and treats of the market.

History lovers should head up Summit Avenue for Holidays on the Hill at the James J. Hill House. The Minnesota Historical Society describes this as a 1910 Christmas experience inside the Gilded Age mansion, with self‑guided access to the lavishly decorated rooms and a one‑hour guided tour that shares holiday stories from both the Hill family and their staff. Tours start roughly every half hour, and advance tickets are strongly encouraged, so this is a great anchor plan for a late morning or afternoon in St. Paul.

Back across the river, add some sparkle to the gift list at the Holiday Market at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis. The Market at Malcolm Yards reports more than 25 local makers set up from late morning through the evening, selling everything from handmade decor and art to small‑batch foods and skincare. Between vendors, listeners can work their way through the food hall’s kitchens and bar, making this an easy all‑in‑one outing.

As the sun goes down, pivot to trains and twinkle lights. Family Fun Twin Cities highlights Night Trains at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul, where the overhead lights are dimmed and dozens of detailed layouts glow with tiny buildings, streetlights, and holiday scenes. On select Saturdays in December, Santa himself appears during the 3 to 7 p.m. window, making it a must for train‑obsessed kids and nostalgic grown‑ups.

If listeners want even more shopping and cheer later this weekend, Fairs and Festivals lists two big multi‑day events: the Minnesota Merry Market at the State Fairgrounds’ North End Event Center, featuring more than 90 local makers and artists, and the Field and Festival Holiday Market at Wagner’s Garden Center in Minneapolis, with around 60 booths of craftspeople and food producers. Both run Saturday and Sunday, so they’re perfect for an easygoing afternoon of browsing, tasting, and supporting local businesses.

Wrap any evening by simply driving or strolling through the many neighborhood light displays the Twin Cities are famous for, then warming up with something hot from a local coffee shop or brewery.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI