Downtown Minneapolis’ holiday shopping season is already underway, with visitors returning to support local vendors and enjoy nostalgic holiday displays. 

Shoppers can explore two holiday markets downtown this season: the Dayton’s Holiday Market, a six-week pop-up, and the Minneapolis Craft Market on Nicollet Mall. 

Together featuring local makers selling handmade goods, jewelry and home decor. Both aim to offer festive experiences. 

At the Minneapolis Craft Market, founder Hayley Matthews-Jones said this year’s turnout has already surpassed expectations.

“We had a great sales day yesterday,” Matthews-Jones said. “People are excited to see it back, and I think being the third year in this location, people are now used to it being here and come to expect it.”

This year’s market features about 60 local makers selling jewelry, clothing, home goods and holiday items. 

“There’s lots going on downtown this holiday season,” Matthews-Jones said. “Between the 7th and 8th blocks of Nicollet Mall, you’ll find shopping experiences, food, restaurants, everything.”

Across the street at Dayton’s Holiday Market, early shoppers were browsing through art and handmade goods during the soft opening.

“We opened yesterday, and we’ll run through the 27th of December,” said Mich Berthiaume, the market’s curator and retail specialist. 

Heidi Derner, founder and CEO of Meander Creative Studio, is back for her third year at Dayton’s Holiday Market, showcasing artwork inspired by nature and space.

“It was a hit since the very beginning,” Derner said. “It just keeps getting better and better every year.”

Derner said she creates abstract, fine and functional art, using alcohol ink and air to shape the pieces on materials such as glass, wood and ceramics. 

“My big thing is I want to make sure art is accessible,” Derner said. “It doesn’t always just have to hang on your walls.”

Janey Dominic, who works across the street from the markets, said she visits them every year, stopping in again this week. She said she enjoys the market’s atmosphere and keeps coming back because it feels familiar and fun. 

“It’s always really fun,” Dominic said. “Earrings or, like, those little animal prints are all so cute and what I am here for.”

Derner said Thanksgiving weekend is when the holiday energy peaks. 

“Everybody truly gets into the spirit,” Derner said. “When Santa Bear launches, it becomes so festive down here.”

Santa Bear, which launches every Black Friday, is a mascot for the Dayton Market. Santa Bear is celebrating 40 years at the market this year and will be named “Celebration” in honor. 

Dayton’s partnered with Jester Concepts, a hospitality company that owns Parlour Bar and Butcher & the Boar, to bring new additions this year. 

“They’ve brought back our wild rice soup and popovers,” Berthiaume said. “Those were always big favorites.”

A new Jingle Bar will open inside Dayton’s building in the coming days. It will be the first time the market has served beer, wine and cocktails.

“It’s a big deal for us,” Berthiaume said. “But it’s still totally family-friendly.”

Derner said this year’s changes, such as the new bar, help make the market feel more lively. 

“And the bar we have — that’s such a cool concept. People can wander around with a cocktail. It’s such a vibe,” Derner said 

Berthiaume said the mission of the market remains to support local creativity and give Minnesotans a place to gather during the holidays.

“For university students, I want them to come in here and enjoy and support local,” Berthiaume said.