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European Christmas Market
REVIEWS
We visited the European Christmas Market at Union Depot in St. Paul for the second year in a row after my son introduced us to it last year! Having lived in the Twin Cities for over two decades, I had no idea such a delightful venue existed. This market is a fantastic family outing, featuring local small businesses offering delicious food (though very limited selection for vegetarians), hot drinks, unique gifts, and cozy fire pits to keep you warm in the cold Minnesota December. Though the 2024 market ended on Sunday, December 22nd, I highly recommend adding it to your calendar for next year—it’s a must-visit holiday tradition!
Dec 24, 2024
Overall: My husband & I really enjoyed the European Christmas Market. Good selection of food, beverages, and shops. We will likely go again next year. Parking: There was parking available at 392 East Kellogg. Price: Free Suggestion: Have traffic be a one-way path otherwise expand spacing between shops. We went on a Sunday, and it was extremely congested and challenging to move around people. At times, we were at a complete stand still. Could use more garbage cans as well. ** FYI - It is not pet friendly **
Dec 22, 2024
I love holiday markets. This one is a lot of fun. It has a good variety of vendors...from hand carved ornaments to flavor infused maple syrup. There was a nice selection of food, from spaetzle to brats and of course gluhwein served in funky mugs. However, lines for the food items were long and slow. A lot more food vendors would be nice. There is room for a lot more vendors in general. And Santa was there! (And a 6 foot tall elf!) There were a lot of people there This market makes for a fun outing. Dress warmly. It is outside. Everything is spread outside so it didn't feel so crowded. The only issue is parking. They were making people park pretty far away. Parking was $10 credit card only.
Dec 08, 2024
We came here on a warm winter night with our bellies full and that is totally the way to do it. Parking can be really rough, but what is rougher are those long lines to get food. If you come hungry and have to wait in the line, see I can see where it would be extra frustrating. There’s lots of cool things to buy and see for Christmas gifts, somethings you’ll see at every holiday market but others were more unique. The Atmosphere sweet and so Christmasy. The gluwhein, while it’s not something I bet people would drink all the time really does a lot to keep you warm on a cold night. We thought the price for it was pretty good considering it comes with a collectible mug at a pretty fair price. There’s lots to do inside the train station depot for kids and families if it gets too cold outside. We got so lucky with parking but I can imagine if you try to find street parking would be extra difficult.
Dec 09, 2024
An okay holiday market at Union Depot. Parking is $10. Be prepared to come in warm clothes as it could get very cold in the evening. There were food, craft items, drinks for sale.
Dec 04, 2024
European Christmas Market Intro
The European Christmas Market is a magical destination that brings the enchantment of a European winter market to the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota. Located at 240 E Kellogg Blvd, this charming event offers a quintessential holiday experience, perfect for families, couples, and friends seeking festive cheer. The market is celebrated annually during the holiday season, typically running from late November through early December, transforming the historic Union Depot into a winter wonderland filled with local small businesses, delicious food, unique gifts, and warm seasonal beverages.
Visitors can explore an array of vendors offering handcrafted goods, artisanal products, and one-of-a-kind gifts that make for perfect holiday shopping. The market also features a variety of food options, including traditional European-inspired dishes, baked goods, and hot drinks such as mulled wine, spiced cider, and coffee. For those with dietary restrictions, there is limited vegetarian options available.
One of the standout features of the European Christmas Market is its cozy atmosphere, enhanced by fire pits that keep guests warm on chilly Minnesota winter days. The market's layout creates a festive and intimate setting, making it an ideal spot for capturing holiday photos and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
The customer feedback highlights the market's charm and unique offerings. Many visitors praise the selection of food, beverages, and shops, noting that it feels like a true European Christmas market experience without leaving Minnesota. The market is particularly popular among families, as it offers activities suitable for all ages.
One visitor shared their enthusiasm: "We visited the European Christmas Market at Union Depot in St. Paul for the second year in a row after my son introduced us to it last year! Having lived in the Twin Cities for over two decades, I had no idea such a delightful venue existed. This market is a fantastic family outing, featuring local small businesses offering delicious food (though very limited selection for vegetarians), hot drinks, unique gifts, and cozy fire pits to keep you warm in the cold Minnesota December." Another visitor added, "Overall: My husband & I really enjoyed the European Christmas Market. Good selection of food, beverages, and shops. We will likely go again next year."
While the 2024 market has ended, it is highly recommended to mark your calendar for future editions. The market typically runs through December, with its final day often falling in late December. Parking is available at 392 East Kellogg, and admission is free, making it an affordable family outing.
Visitors should note that the market is not pet-friendly, so plan accordingly if traveling with four-legged friends. Additionally, congestion can be an issue on busy days, particularly Sundays, as noted by some guests. Slight improvements such as better traffic flow management and additional garbage cans could enhance the overall experience.
Overall, the European Christmas Market offers a unique and memorable holiday experience that is sure to become a beloved tradition for many Minnesota families. With its focus on local vendors, seasonal foods, and festive ambiance, it's a must-visit destination during the holiday season in St. Paul.
