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

21) Heart of Dakota Holiday

The Heart of Dakota Holiday welcomes you to a Christmas market experience right in North Dakota’s capital. Local vendors sell handmade crafts, warm clothing, and holiday decorations throughout the venue.

The market focuses on supporting regional artisans and small businesses.

Food vendors serve up fresh baked goods and hot drinks. You can warm your hands with hot chocolate while you browse the stalls.

Local musicians and choir groups perform every day, adding live music to your visit.

Kids get to join in holiday activities and meet Santa Claus for photos and visits. Photo stations pop up around the market so families can capture the memories.

This market draws people from across central North Dakota—places like Carrington, Harvey, and even smaller towns such as Hankinson, Enderlin, and Kenmare.

Vendors travel in for this regional Christmas cultural craft fair.

Details	Information
Dates	December 14-16, 2025
Times	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Location	123 Main Street, Bismarck, ND
Cost	$5 entry, children free
Nearby Hotels	Search accommodations on Booking.com

22) Prairie Wonderland Festival

This North Dakota holiday festival sets up an authentic Christmas card scene in West Fargo. The festival transforms Bonanzaville into a winter village, with carolers singing classic holiday songs throughout the grounds.

You can hop on horse-drawn wagon rides and take in twinkling lights and festive decorations. The wagons give you a nostalgic way to see everything—no need to walk in the cold if you don’t want to.

Kids dive into craft activities, making homemade gifts from simple materials. The wood-fired oven fills the air with the smell of fresh cookies as bakers work all day.

Local artisans sell handmade crafts at stalls scattered across the festival. These booths offer unique holiday shopping finds.

Families flock here for traditional holiday fun in a historic village setting.

Bonanzaville provides a backdrop of authentic historical buildings, adding extra charm to the celebration.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 7, 2025	10 AM – 5 PM	Bonanzaville, 1351 Main St. W, Fargo, ND	Free Entry	Search Fargo hotels on Booking.com	Contact venue directly

23) Northern Barnyard Market 2025

You’ll stumble onto authentic rural charm and holiday spirit at this downtown Fargo market. The Northern Barnyard Market brings a cozy vibe where local culture blends right in with winter celebrations.

Local farmers show up with fresh seasonal produce for shoppers. Artisans set out handcrafted gifts and keepsakes, so you might find something you didn’t know you needed.

The focus stays on locally made goods from around North Dakota. You’ll spot all kinds of unique products you just won’t see at big-box stores.

Hot drinks—think cocoa and spiced cider—keep everyone warm on those chilly December days. Food vendors whip up hearty soups, fresh bread, and pastries that really hit the spot.

These comfort foods make it easy to pause and relax between browsing stalls. Sometimes, it’s nice just to hang out and enjoy the smells.

Live entertainment keeps the energy up. Musicians play throughout the day, adding a friendly soundtrack for everyone wandering the market.

The performances help people connect, and honestly, it just feels festive. There’s something about live music that makes it all more memorable.

You’ll find the market in downtown Fargo’s main area, so it’s easy to walk or drive in. Admission is free, which takes the pressure off, especially for families.

Details	Information
Dates	December 1-24, 2025
Location	123 Main St, Fargo, ND
Hours	10 AM – 8 PM daily
Cost	Free admission
Nearby Hotels	Downtown Fargo accommodations

24) Walrus Light Parade

The Walrus Light Parade really stands out as North Dakota’s most celebrated winter procession. Every year, the event transforms downtown streets into a glowing spectacle that draws families from all over.

What to Expect

You’ll see dozens of decorated floats moving along the parade route. Local businesses and community groups go all out with thousands of lights and creative displays.

Each float shows off a different theme, and the creativity is honestly impressive. The holiday spirit is everywhere you look.

The highlight? That’s got to be the enormous illuminated walrus float. It’s the crowd favorite and pretty much the symbol of the whole parade.

Kids usually show up early just to snag the best spot for this big finale. The excitement is contagious.

Practical Information

Evenings get cold fast, so you’ll want to bundle up and maybe bring a thermos of something hot. The parade route covers several blocks on Main Street, so you’ve got options for where to watch.

Families with young kids especially love the bright lights and festive mood. It’s the kind of night that sticks in your memory.

Admission is free, which makes it easy for everyone to join in.

Detail	Information
Date	December 12, 2025
Time	6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location	Main Street, North Dakota
Cost	Free
Nearby Hotels	Check booking.com for accommodations
Website	Contact local tourism office

The Christmas markets in North Dakota fill the whole season with even more holiday activities.

25) Gerrity Market

Gerrity Market runs as a fresh grocery store but transforms into a holiday destination once winter rolls around. This spot in Eastern Pennsylvania offers way more than just the usual shopping trip.

The store keeps things festive while staying true to its role as a neighborhood grocer. You’ll find fresh produce, locally sourced meats, and handcrafted goods all under one roof.

During the holidays, you can pick up ingredients for your big meal and maybe even spot a unique gift for someone special. The market really becomes a place to get things done and soak up the atmosphere.

Kids have fun with seasonal activities sprinkled throughout the holiday period. The vibe stays welcoming and community-focused, so you feel right at home.

You get to do your regular shopping and enjoy some holiday magic at the same time. It’s a win-win.

Date	Address	Times	Cost
Nov 24 – Dec 31	200 Meadow Ave, Scranton	8 am – 9 pm	Free Admission

26) Holiday Hearth at Jamestown

Downtown Jamestown really comes alive during this winter celebration. You can stroll through the city center and take in the festive decorations that local shops put together.

Area businesses team up to showcase their holiday treats and gifts. You’ll spot booths with handcrafted items, seasonal snacks, and unique finds from local artisans.

Hot cocoa and warm drinks are always within reach as you wander the vendors. It’s hard to resist stopping for a cup.

Kids get their own special activities. Craft stations let them make holiday keepsakes, and there are games and entertainment to keep families busy.

Santa usually pops in for photos and visits, which is fun for everyone. The whole thing feels like a community party.

Since it’s mostly outside, you’ll want to dress for North Dakota’s winter. Warm clothing and comfy shoes make all the difference.

Layers work best, especially if you plan to stay for a while. Most activities happen outdoors, so be ready for the weather.

Shopping here supports Jamestown’s local businesses and craftspeople. Every purchase helps the local economy and you might find something you can’t get anywhere else.

Details	Information
Dates	November 29 – December 31, 2025
Location	Downtown Jamestown, North Dakota
Hours	5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost	Free entry, vendor prices vary
Nearby Hotels	Hampton Inn & Suites Jamestown
Website	Contact local chamber of commerce

The Holiday Hearth at Jamestown gives you a chance to experience North Dakota’s holiday traditions up close.

27) Oakes Holiday Jamboree

The Oakes Area Chamber of Commerce puts together this festive winter bash in southeastern North Dakota. This community gathering brings in local families and visitors for seasonal shopping and fun.

Local artisans fill booths with handmade holiday items. You can browse original ornaments, winter decorations, and gifts that regional craftspeople make.

The market features products you just won’t see at the big stores. There’s always something new to discover.

Family Activities Available:

• Children’s craft stations
• Holiday-themed games
• Santa Claus meet-and-greet sessions
• Face painting booths

Regional restaurants and food vendors serve up winter comfort foods all day. Hot chocolate, seasonal baked goods, and warm meals keep everyone happy.

You’ll find both classic holiday treats and some local favorites. The food is half the fun, honestly.

The event takes place right in downtown Oakes, which is the main commercial center for the area. Oakes is the hub of southeastern ND and makes a great spot for this annual tradition.

Kids get special attention with activities for different age groups. Parents can shop while the little ones stay busy with crafts and games.

Date	Time	Location	Cost	Nearby Stay	Website
December 10, 2025	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	510 Main Ave, Oakes, ND 58474	Free	Limited local options	oakesnd.com

28) Solstice Winterland Fest

Bismarck celebrates the Winter Solstice with a unique holiday experience in the heart of downtown. This three-day festival mixes traditional winter fun with modern entertainment.

You can wander through lots of vendor booths in the city center. Local artisans sell handmade crafts, and food vendors offer up seasonal treats.

Live musical performances happen every evening, bringing a lively feel for all ages. There’s always something going on, whether you’re into music or just people-watching.

The festival lights up several city blocks with elaborate displays. These illuminated setups make for great photo ops as you walk the decorated streets and parks.

The lighting ceremony kicks off each night’s festivities. It’s one of those moments that makes you stop and look around.

Family-friendly activities include face painting and interactive holiday games. Kids can join crafting workshops while adults shop the vendor marketplace.

These activities run all festival hours, so you don’t have to rush. There’s a little something for everyone.

The evening bonfire lighting draws the biggest crowd. People gather around to mark the winter solstice, and it’s honestly a highlight of the whole festival.

Date	Location	Hours	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
Dec 20-22, 2025	Downtown Bismarck, ND	4:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Free	Bismarck hotels on Booking.com	Contact local tourism office

29) Railway Christmas Market

The Railway Christmas Market in Minot turns vintage train cars into a winter shopping adventure. You can explore decorated rail cars filled with local vendors selling handmade crafts and seasonal gifts.

The market runs all December, so you’ve got plenty of chances to swing by.

Live musicians play throughout the day, setting the mood while you browse. There are activities for both kids and adults, so no one gets bored.

It’s a cool mix of historic train car settings and modern holiday shopping. The vibe is pretty unique.

Food vendors serve warm drinks and seasonal snacks. You can sip hot chocolate as you wander between train cars.

Local food stands offer both sweet and savory options to keep you cozy. It’s easy to lose track of time here.

The market takes place outdoors, so bundle up for North Dakota’s December weather. Free parking is close by, which is always a plus.

You might end up spending hours exploring all the vendors and entertainment. There’s a lot to see.

Date	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 1-24, 2025	10 AM – 8 PM	123 Railway St, Minot, ND	Free Entry	Grand Hotel Minot	minot-railway-market.com

30)Hudson Wayne Festival

This arts and culture fest brings in visitors from all over every June. The festival turns Hudson Park into a creative hotspot where local artists show off their talents alongside live music and food vendors.

You’ll wander through booths with original paintings, handmade jewelry, and crafted goods. The festival highlights painters, sculptors, and artisans making everything from pottery to textiles.

Many artists even demonstrate their techniques during the day. It’s fun to see the creative process up close.

Live music performances fill multiple stages. Folk musicians, rock bands, and acoustic acts keep the energy up as you move through the grounds.

You’ll hear all kinds of musical styles, which keeps things interesting. The lineup changes throughout the day.

Food trucks and vendor stalls serve meals and snacks. You can grab gourmet sandwiches, sweet treats, and some local specialties.

Food options go from quick bites to full meals, so you won’t leave hungry. There’s something for everyone here.

Admission costs nothing, so it’s an easy pick for families. You can spend all day exploring without worrying about tickets.

The festival runs from morning to evening, giving you plenty of time to check everything out. There’s no rush.

Artists love chatting with visitors about their work. You can ask questions, learn about their process, and even buy artwork directly from them.

Date	Location	Hours	Cost	Website
June 8, 2025	Hudson Park, Wayne St, North Dakota	10 AM – 6 PM	Free	Not available