Christmas Markets North Dakota 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festive Events
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 81) Little House Winter Carnival
- 3 82) Bismarck’s Holiday Showcase
- 4 83) Dakota Snow Fling
- 5 84) Aurora Market Days
- 6 85) Festive Plains
- 7 86) Northland Parade
- 8 87) Winter Springs Gathering
- 9 88) Icicle Market Days
- 10 89) Holiday Cabin Fair
- 11 90)Wyatt’s Market
- 12 Market Cancellations
Find the Best Accommodations
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81) Little House Winter Carnival
This North Dakota celebration turns the center of Bismarck into a magical holiday spot. The carnival welcomes families with all sorts of activities that capture the season’s spirit.
You can try ice skating on outdoor rinks, and kids love building snowmen close by. Horse-drawn sleigh rides take you through wintery scenery. Local craftspeople set up shop with handmade gifts.
You’ll find hot cocoa, fresh cookies, and classic holiday meals on offer. People gather to soak in the festive atmosphere together.
Live performances keep the crowds entertained all day. Holiday lights make perfect backdrops for family photos. Kids can join in special games made just for them.
The carnival feels like a storybook winter scene. You’ll get a genuine taste of North Dakota holiday traditions in a warm, welcoming setting.
| Date | Time | Address | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-3, 2025 | 10 AM – 8 PM | 123 Winter Lane, Bismarck, ND | Adults: $10, Kids: $5 | Contact local tourism office |
This winter wonderland event brings joy to visitors of all ages who want to experience authentic North Dakota holiday celebrations.
82) Bismarck’s Holiday Showcase
The Bismarck Event Center hosts a festive holiday marketplace that draws visitors from all over North Dakota. You’ll find it indoors at 315 South 5th Street, so you don’t have to worry about the weather.
Dozens of local vendors set up booths with handcrafted items made right here in North Dakota. You’ll see jewelry, artwork, home goods, and taste regional treats from specialty food makers. The focus is on locally-made products that really show off the state’s creativity.
Live entertainment keeps things lively both days. Musicians and performers play while you shop. Holiday lights and seasonal decorations fill the venue.
Families come to finish their holiday shopping and enjoy the atmosphere. Parking is easy at the event center. The indoor setting is a relief on those icy winter days.
| Date | Location | Time | Cost | Nearby Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5-6, 2025 | 315 S 5th Street, Bismarck | Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm | Free | Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck | bismarckeventcenter.com |
83) Dakota Snow Fling
The Dakota Snow Fling is one of North Dakota’s most popular winter celebrations. This festive market mixes holiday shopping with winter fun for the whole family.
Local artisans show off their handcrafted items, seasonal snacks, and unique holiday decorations. The event creates a spot where neighbors and visitors can browse for gifts and enjoy winter activities together.
Event Information
Live music fills the air with holiday tunes all weekend. Ice sculptors put on demonstrations and carve winter art right in front of you. Santa stops by for photos and chats with kids.
Families get to join in sledding and cookie decorating workshops. Fire pits offer a break from the cold, and vendors hand out hot cocoa so everyone stays warm.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 14-15, 2025 |
| Location | Dakota Fair Grounds, 1000 E Snow Ave, Fargo, ND |
| Hours | Saturday: 10AM-6PM, Sunday: 10AM-4PM |
| Admission | Adults: $5, Children: Free |
| Nearby Hotels | Fargo accommodations on Booking.com |
84) Aurora Market Days
Aurora Market Days turns into a winter celebration that brings in visitors looking for authentic holiday experiences. This seasonal market brings together local craftspeople and their handmade creations. You’ll find stalls packed with unique gifts for family and friends.
Artisans line up booths around the market area. Their pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and seasonal decorations are all one-of-a-kind. You get something you just can’t find in big stores.
The market also features food vendors selling warm drinks and classic holiday treats. You can sample local specialties as you wander from booth to booth. The place gets lively, especially with families and visitors checking out all the options.
Market Details:
| Date | Location | Hours | Cost | Nearby Hotels | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17-Dec 24, 2025 | RiverEdge Park, Aurora | Thu: 11am-7pm Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm Sun: 11am-6pm | Free admission | Check booking.com for Aurora area hotels | Christmas Markets North Dakota 2025 |
The market runs Thursday through Sunday during the holiday season. This schedule gives both weekend and weekday shoppers a chance to visit. Plan ahead so you don’t show up on a day they’re closed.
85) Festive Plains
North Dakota really becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays. The Fargo Civic Center hosts this Christmas market over two weekends in late November and early December.
You’ll wander through decorated booths filled with local crafts and holiday items. The smell of roasted nuts and hot cider fills the air. Live musicians play throughout both weekends.
The market has three main sections. You can brave the cold and check out the outdoor Winter Wonderland. The Gift Market is packed with unique presents from local makers. The Bier Hall, in partnership with Drekker Brewing Company, serves seasonal drinks for grown-ups.
Families love this event because kids under five get in free. The indoor venue keeps you warm no matter how wild the weather gets. Vendors sell handmade items you just can’t find anywhere else.
The market is open during regular shopping hours on both weekends. Parking is right at the civic center. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and hotels close by in downtown Fargo.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 22-24 and November 29-December 1, 2025 |
| Times | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily |
| Location | Fargo Civic Center, 207 4th Street N, Fargo, ND |
| Cost | $25-$45 adults, children under 5 free |
| Nearby Hotels | Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Radisson Hotel |
86) Northland Parade
The Christmas City of the North Parade pulls in thousands to downtown Duluth every November. For more than 65 years, families have bundled up and made their way to this annual tradition.
You can watch floats, all decked out for the holidays, roll down Superior Street at 6:30 p.m. Marching bands from area schools keep things lively with holiday tunes as they move along the route.
The parade kicks off near the Fitger’s complex and winds its way through downtown. Kids always seem to light up when Santa Claus waves from his own float.
Local dance groups show off their moves right on the street. People from all over the region gather for an evening packed with holiday entertainment.
The whole event takes over Duluth’s business district. It’s smart to scout out a good spot along Superior Street before things get started.
The parade goes on, rain or shine, so you’ll want to dress for the chilly November air.
Parade Details:
| Date | Location | Time | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 22, 2025 | 600 E Superior St, Duluth, MN | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Hampton Inn & Suites Duluth | canalpark.com |
This parade really kicks off Duluth’s holiday season. Many local businesses keep their doors open late, ready to welcome the crowds once the parade wraps up.
87) Winter Springs Gathering
Winter Springs Park really comes alive for this holiday event in North Dakota. The park sets the perfect scene for seasonal festivities.
You can wander between vendor booths filled with handcrafted goods from local makers. Food vendors serve up warm holiday snacks all day long.
You’ll find both classic winter treats and a few regional favorites. There’s live music and dance shows, so you won’t be bored.
Holiday decorations brighten up the park, and sparkling lights line the walkways. People love stopping for photos by the festive displays.
Families seem to feel right at home here, especially since kids get in free. The weekend schedule lets you fit the gathering in with other holiday plans.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 7-8, 2025 |
| Location | Winter Springs Park, ND |
| Hours | Saturday: 10AM-6PM Sunday: 12PM-5PM |
| Admission | Adults: $5 Children: Free |
| Nearby Hotels | Check booking.com for local accommodations |
| Website | Contact local tourism office |
88) Icicle Market Days
The Icicle Market Days really brings winter to life in North Dakota. This seasonal marketplace turns downtown Bismarck into a festive shopping spot every December weekend.
You’ll find dozens of vendor booths packed with handmade goods and seasonal finds. Local artisans show off their crafts, and food stalls hand out hot drinks and sweet treats.
Decorative lights hang overhead while live music drifts through the market. The whole place buzzes with holiday spirit.
Kids have plenty to do here. Face painting stations pop up during the busiest times, and craft workshops let children make their own holiday keepsakes.
Santa stops by for photos, and honestly, adults seem to enjoy it almost as much as the kids. The market focuses on unique gift items you just can’t get at regular stores.
Vendors set out custom ornaments, locally made foods, and cozy handmade clothes. Some shoppers even manage to check off their whole gift list in one visit.
Market Schedule and Details:
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Nearby Hotels | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7-8, 2025 | 10 AM – 7 PM | Main Street, Bismarck, ND | $5 per person | Holiday Inn Express Bismarck | bismarckevents.com |
| December 14-15, 2025 | 10 AM – 7 PM | Main Street, Bismarck, ND | $5 per person | Hampton Inn Bismarck | bismarckevents.com |
| December 21-22, 2025 | 10 AM – 7 PM | Main Street, Bismarck, ND | $5 per person | Fairfield Inn Bismarck | bismarckevents.com |
Your ticket gets you into all the vendor areas and kids’ activities. Parking’s free in certain downtown lots during market hours, which is a relief.
89) Holiday Cabin Fair
The Holiday Cabin Fair turns a rustic cabin into a cozy winter market where local creators share their work. You’ll spot handcrafted ornaments, warm winter clothes, and seasonal food items across several vendor stalls.
The cabin feels intimate and a bit different from the bigger outdoor markets. Local artisans actually show how they make things right there.
You can watch them create ornaments, jewelry, and other crafts as you browse. Live music keeps the mood festive and gives you something to enjoy besides shopping.
Families often make this fair a yearly tradition. Kids can join in craft workshops or just watch the demonstrations.
The cabin stays warm even when it’s freezing outside. Vendors serve hot cocoa and other drinks to keep everyone toasty.
Holiday decorations fill the space and help set the mood. The fair really puts the spotlight on unique, locally-made products.
You’ll find gifts here that you just won’t see at big box stores. The smaller scale gives you a chance to chat directly with the makers.
| Date | Address | Time | Price | Nearby Lodging | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 6-7, 2025 | 315 S 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58504 | 10 AM – 6 PM | $5.00 | Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck Northwest | Check local listings |
90)Wyatt’s Market
Wyatt’s Market has become one of North Dakota’s favorite holiday stops. This festive market brings together local artisans and vendors who fill their booths with handcrafted items and seasonal treats.
You can browse rows of carefully made ornaments, warm knitwear, and other unique holiday gifts. The whole place feels welcoming, with holiday music in the air and decorations everywhere you look.
Local craftspeople love chatting about their work, and you might even hear the story behind a special piece. The smell of fresh pastries and hot chocolate usually draws a crowd to the food stalls.
Families will find plenty for kids to do. Santa visits to listen to Christmas wishes, and there’s even a small petting zoo for little animal lovers.
Parents seem to appreciate the kid-friendly atmosphere. The location offers easy access and plenty of parking, so finding a spot isn’t stressful.
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1-23, 2025 | 10 AM – 6 PM | 123 Merry Street, Bismarck, ND | $5 entry, children under 10 free | Not available |
Market Cancellations
Christmas markets sometimes shut down out of the blue. Organizers might just cancel if economic pressures or trade policies make it impossible for vendors to show up.
Vendor shortages really trip up the folks running these markets. If craft makers and food sellers can’t swing the booth fees, organizers just can’t fill all those empty spots.
It’s smart to double-check the market’s status before you hit the road. A lot of North Dakota Christmas markets post updates about closures right on their websites.
Check these sources for closure announcements:
- Official market websites
- Local tourism boards
- Social media pages
- News outlets
Markets might announce a closure just a few weeks before they’re supposed to open. That can really mess with your travel plans or hotel reservations.
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.