Christmas Markets North Dakota 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festive Events

North Dakota turns into a true winter wonderland during the holidays, with dozens of Christmas markets and festive events scattered across the state.

You’ll stumble across everything from bustling gift markets in Fargo and Bismarck to small-town celebrations that highlight local crafts and old-school holiday traditions.

Many of these gatherings feature tree lightings, plenty of shopping, and hot chocolate to keep you cozy when the wind picks up.

You’ll find everything from big festivals to smaller, close-knit events, so whether you love the energy of a crowd or prefer something quieter, there’s something here.

Markets pop up at spots like Dickinson City Hall, local parks, and in the heart of downtowns, hosting everything from parades to unique pop-up shops.

Groups like Folkways host German-style Christmas markets that really bring the old-world spirit, while other towns focus on their own artists and North Dakota’s quirky holiday flavor.

Find the Best Accommodations

If you’re planning to visit North Dakota’s Christmas markets in 2025, you’ll want a comfy place to stay.

Travelers keep rating certain hotels and guesthouses as their favorites.

Fargo Area Hotels put you close to holiday events and markets in Fargo.

Downtown hotels let you walk to the festivities, and lots of them throw in breakfast and parking for free.

Bismarck Lodging Options are perfect if you’re headed to the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase.

Staying near the capitol makes getting to events easy, and some hotels even have pools and gyms.

Garrison Area Stays work well if you’re visiting the Dickens Village Festival.

Small inns and B&Bs in the area feel extra cozy during festival weekends, and many serve up homemade breakfasts.

You can usually book these places without tacking on extra reservation fees.

People mention clean rooms, friendly staff, and good locations in their reviews.

Some hotels run special rates during the Christmas market rush.

Rural Town Lodging gives you a real taste of North Dakota near smaller holiday celebrations.

Local motels and historic inns offer prairie hospitality and tend to be easier on your wallet than city hotels.

Book early if you have your heart set on a specific spot.

December weekends fill up fast all over the state.

1)Frostfire Park

Frostfire Park welcomes winter visitors near Walhalla, North Dakota.

You’ll find it tucked into the Pembina River Gorge, just seven miles west of town.

Skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes here every season.

The park runs a chairlift that offers awesome views of the river valley.

Cabins on site give you a warm place to relax between runs.

During the holiday season, the park feels extra festive.

Families come out to make winter memories, no matter their experience level.

You’ll find beginner and advanced activities, so everyone gets in on the fun.

Winter Activities Available:

• Downhill skiing
• Snowboarding lessons
• Chairlift scenic rides
• Cabin rentals
• Holiday events

Since Frostfire sits close to the Canadian border, it’s easy to add it to a regional trip.

Driving from Fargo takes about two hours.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Website
November 29, 2025	11950 County 55, Walhalla, ND	9 AM – 5 PM Mon-Sun	Adults: $50, Kids: $30	frostfirepark.org

Every winter, Frostfire throws open its doors and welcomes back visitors to this Pembina Gorge gem.

2) Dickens Village Festival

Event Information

Every winter, Garrison turns into a Victorian-era town for the holidays.

The Dickens Village Festival brings Charles Dickens’ world to life in North Dakota’s self-proclaimed Christmas capital.

You can catch live musical performances at the KOTA Theater.

The shows include both classic holiday songs and music that fits the Victorian vibe.

Horse-drawn carriages roll through the decorated streets.

Local craftspeople show off traditional Victorian-era skills with art demonstrations.

Lighted parades and performances inspired by A Christmas Carol fill the weekend.

Garrison’s 1,500 residents welcome guests from North Dakota, Montana, and even Canada.

Most of the action happens right on Main Street, where vendors sell crafts and local food.

Live music rings out as costumed performers entertain the crowds.

The Queen Elizabus shuttles visitors around the festival grounds for a quirky ride.

Dates	Location	Times	Cost	Website
Nov 28-29, Dec 5-6, Dec 12-13, 2025	Main Street, Garrison, ND 58540	Fri & Sat: 9am-7pm	Free admission	dickensfestival.com

3) German Christmas Market in Bismarck

The Christkindlmarkt brings German holiday traditions right to Bismarck.

You’ll wander through vendor booths selling handcrafted gifts and holiday decorations.

The market really captures the feel of a classic German Christmas.

Local makers show off their skills with live crafting demos.

You can watch them create ornaments and other festive items on the spot.

Musicians play throughout the event, keeping the mood merry.

You’ll find German foods like bratwurst and soft pretzels.

Hot cocoa and mulled wine warm you up as you shop.

Vendors sell roasted nuts and other treats, so you’ll never go hungry.

Kids can make crafts or meet Santa Claus.

The outdoor wonderland includes a bier hall with Drekker Brewing Company, so adults have their own fun too.

Families find plenty to do, no matter their ages.

The market runs for two weekends in late November and early December.

You can shop for unique gifts and enjoy live entertainment at the same time.

It’s a great mix of shopping and cultural tradition.

Event Information

Details	Information
Dates	December 6-8, 2025 and December 13-15, 2025
Location	315 S 5th St, Bismarck, ND
Hours	Friday: 4-9 PM, Saturday: 10 AM-8 PM, Sunday: 12-5 PM
Admission	Free entry
Cost	Food and craft prices vary by vendor

4) Snowfest Winter Wonderland

Frankenmuth goes all out for this ice sculpture festival.

You’ll see master artists carve amazing creations from giant blocks of ice and snow—right in front of you.

The festival runs January 24 through January 28, 2025.

Artists from all over North America show up to compete in this snow sculpting showdown.

You’ll stroll past streets lined with towering ice sculptures and detailed snow art.

Honestly, the talent on display is wild.

Entertainment and Activities

• Live magic shows all day
• Play areas just for kids
• Heated tents for warming up
• Artist demos and competitions

Thousands of people show up every year.

If you want a good parking spot, aim to arrive before 11:00 AM.

Downtown gets busy fast, so mapping your route ahead of time can save some frustration.

Kids love the play zones, and adults can’t help but admire the icy art.

Warming tents offer a break from the cold and some hot drinks to keep your hands toasty.

Date Range	Location	Hours	Cost	Website
January 24-28, 2025	Frankenmuth, Michigan	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Free admission	zehnders.com

5) Holiday Lights at Lindenwood Park

Every December, you can join one of Fargo’s favorite winter traditions at Lindenwood Park.

The park lights up with a massive holiday display that draws families from both North Dakota and Minnesota.

More than 75 different light displays fill the park each year.

Local businesses and community groups create every unique setup.

You’ll drive through 1.7 miles of colorful decorations without ever leaving your car.

Displays run nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

You can visit any night from late November through New Year’s Eve.

The drive-through format works perfectly for families with little ones or anyone who wants to stay warm.

Tune your car radio to special holiday music stations like JACKFROST 101.9 and LIFE 97.9 for the full effect.

The music syncs right up with the Holiday Lights at Lindenwood Park displays.

Admission is just $10 per car.

If you’re in a bus or limo, it’s $15 for the whole vehicle.

Dates	Address	Times	Admission
November 25 – December 31	1905 Roger Maris Dr, Fargo	5:30 – 10:00 PM	$10 per car, $15 per bus/limo

This tradition has been lighting up Fargo for more than twenty years.

The Fargo-Moorhead Sertoma Club ran the Holiday Lights display for many years before it moved to a new home.

6) Old Town Christmas Market

Historic downtown Bismarck sets the stage for this holiday market.

The market transforms the area into a festive spot where shoppers browse handmade gifts and seasonal snacks.

Local musicians keep the tunes coming throughout the event.

You’ll hear holiday songs as you wander between booths.

Carolers stroll the market singing classic Christmas favorites.

Family Activities Include:

• Santa photos
• Kids’ craft stations
• Make-your-own holiday decorations

Local artisans fill the market with pottery, jewelry, and wooden crafts.

North Dakota artists bring their best work, and food vendors serve up hot drinks and snacks to keep you warm.

The historic district makes it easy to walk between vendors.

Streetlights and holiday decorations turn the market into a real winter scene after dark.

Most people spend a couple of hours exploring all the booths and activities.

Detail	Information
Dates	December 1-24, 2025
Times	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location	Old Town Square, Bismarck, ND
Cost	Free admission
Nearby Hotels	Search Bismarck accommodations

7) Downtown Fargo Holiday Market

The Christkindlmarkt in downtown Fargo brings those classic German Christmas market vibes right to North Dakota. They set up this European-style market in the city center for two weekends every December.

You can check out over 20 vendors selling handmade gifts and local crafts. The market splits up into three main spaces: an outdoor winter wonderland, a gift market, and a beer hall that teams up with Drekker Brewing Company.

Live music pops up throughout the day. Art demonstrations let you watch local craftspeople do their thing.

Outside, you’ll find fire pits where you can toast s’mores and sip hot drinks. Food vendors keep everyone fed with warm meals and holiday treats.

Activities for children make this event fun for families. Local bands play at scheduled times during the market hours.

The beer hall gives you a cozy spot to enjoy drinks and stay warm. You can watch artists create their products right in front of you.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Where to Stay	Website
Dec 13-14 & Dec 20-21, 2025	Fri 12-9 PM, Sat 12-9 PM	Downtown Fargo	Free entry	Holiday Inn Express Fargo	folkways.org/christkindlmarkt

The market runs from noon to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free, so you can come and go as you like over both weekends.

8) Sertoma Christmas Tree Lane

Every December, Oak Park turns into a magical winter wonderland for Sertoma Christmas Tree Lane. Local businesses and community groups decorate individual trees all over the park.

You’ll wander among dozens of uniquely themed trees that really show off Minot’s creative side. Holiday music fills the air as you explore the glowing pathways.

Families gather around interactive displays. Kids always seem to be on the lookout for their favorite decorated tree.

Christmas in the Park runs from the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve at this much-loved spot. You can meet Santa during certain hours and shop at local vendor booths.

Food trucks park nearby and serve up warm treats—pretty perfect for a chilly December night. The whole event feels like a complete holiday experience in one spot.

Minot’s Christmas in the Park donates proceeds to local organizations every year. You’ll see over 70 illuminated exhibits, and they add new ones each season.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026	6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Oak Park, Minot, ND	$5 per car	Grand Hotel Minot	minotsertoma.org

9) Pioneer Park Christmas Village

Pioneer Park Christmas Village lights up with festive cheer every December. The park wraps trees in glowing lights and lines walkways with decorated booths.

You can stroll through the village, sipping hot chocolate or apple cider. Carol singers fill the air with music, adding a joyful touch to your visit.

Local vendors set up shop with handmade gifts and unique holiday finds. Kids get their own fun, too.

Santa visits regularly for photos and to hear Christmas wishes. Several booths offer craft stations where kids can make holiday decorations.

Horse-drawn carriage rides give you a classic way to see the park. The sound of hooves adds to the old-fashioned charm.

Food vendors serve up roasted chestnuts, fresh-baked cookies, and other holiday favorites. There’s something tasty for everyone.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
December 7-10, 2025	Pioneer Park, Bismarck, ND	10 AM – 6 PM	Adults: $10, Children under 12: Free	Available at park entrance

10) Cavalier Christmas Jamboree

The Cavalier Christmas Jamboree stands out as a top winter celebration in North Dakota. Every year, families and travelers gather for traditional holiday festivities.

Downtown Cavalier transforms into a winter marketplace. Local artisans sell handmade crafts, and musicians fill the streets with seasonal songs.

You can sip hot chocolate and snack on treats as you browse vendor booths. The event kicks off with a community tree lighting, drawing everyone together to mark the start of the season.

Kids jump into craft workshops and get their faces painted for free. Santa Claus stops by for photos and gift lists.

Family Activities:

• Interactive craft stations for kids
• Professional face painting
• Live music
• Photos with Santa

The whole downtown area sparkles with holiday decorations. You can wander the decorated streets and soak up the community spirit that makes this North Dakota holiday celebration special.

Date	Location	Hours	Admission	Accommodation	Website
December 14, 2025	Main St W, Cavalier, ND	11:00 AM – 6:00 PM	No charge	Local hotels via Booking.com	Cavalier Chamber of Commerce