Where to Find the Best Christmas Stores in Minnesota This Holiday Season

Minnesota might be famous for its 10,000 lakes — but during the holiday season, it’s also home to some of the most enchanting Christmas stores you’ll find anywhere in the country. Whether you’re looking for timeless German ornaments, local artisan gifts, or a full-blown Christmas market experience, these five Minnesota spots are must-visits.

1. Käthe Wohlfahrt of America (Stillwater, MN)

No list of Christmas stores in Minnesota is complete without the iconic Käthe Wohlfahrt shop — the only year-round location in the U.S.

• What Makes It Special: This store feels like a little piece of a German Christmas village brought to Minnesota. It’s packed with traditional German holiday décor: hand-painted nutcrackers, incense smokers, delicate glass ornaments, cuckoo clocks, nativity scenes, and linens.

• Atmosphere: The interior is cozy, intimate, and distinctly European. It’s a place where you can linger, admire craftsmanship, and find keepsake items that feel like heirlooms.

• Location: 129 S Main St, Stillwater, MN.

• Why It Makes the List: Being a permanent, full-scale Christmas store open every day makes it a rare gem. Only In Your State calls it “Minnesota’s largest — and only — Christmas store” of its kind.

2. The General Store of Minnetonka – Old World Christmas

This charming shop blends rustic Minnesota charm with classic holiday magic.

• What You’ll Find: From classic ornaments and tree décor to personalized keepsakes, the General Store offers a well-curated Christmas collection that feels both homey and elegant.

• Extra Perk: There’s a café inside — perfect for warming up with a coffee or hot cocoa after browsing decorations.

• Location: 14401 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN.

3. MN Christmas Market

For those who love holiday pop-up markets, this is a seasonal staple.

• What It Is: A Minnesota-based, maker-focused pop-up market that highlights local artisans, creators, and small businesses.

• Mission-Driven: In 2025, the market is giving back — 5% of all sales go into a “Small Business Spark Fund” to support future makers.

• Locations: The market rotates, but in 2025 includes stops like Union Depot in St. Paul and Willow Brooke Farm in Red Wing.

• Why It’s Unique: It isn’t just a shopping trip — it feels like a community celebration, where you directly support Minnesota makers.

4. Christmas Point (Baxter, Near Brainerd, MN)

Just a short drive from Brainerd, Christmas Point is a true holiday destination — not just a store, but a three-floor shopping experience with something for everyone.

• What You’ll Find: Over 26,000 square feet of holiday magic — furniture, kitchen gadgets, home décor, jewelry, toys, gourmet foods, and more.

• Why It’s Special: It’s not just ornament after ornament — Christmas Point blends high-end décor with cozy, giftable finds, plus a café to rest and refuel.

• Location: 14803 Edgewood Drive North, Baxter, MN (very close to Brainerd).

• Atmosphere: Imagine walking into a beautiful holiday lodge — warm, inviting, and filled with carefully curated décor and gifts.

• Why It Makes the List: Its scale and variety make it a one-stop shop for holiday shopping, decor inspiration, and even a treat or meal break.

5. Holly House Boutique (Seasonal Pop-Up)

For a curated, artisan-driven holiday shopping experience, Holly House is a gem.

• What You’ll Find: Dozens of Minnesota artists, makers, and bakers all in one place. Think ceramics, home decor, jewelry, food — truly something for everyone on your list.

• When It’s Open: It’s seasonal — usually popping up in November/December at different spots around the Twin Cities.

• Why It’s Great: It’s a one-stop place to support small, local businesses and get handcrafted, thoughtful gifts.

______________

Bonus: Seasonal Markets Worth Mentioning

While not “stores” per se, Minnesota’s holiday markets are part of the Christmas shopping scene — especially for that festive market feel.

• European Christmas Market (Union Depot, St. Paul): This big, traditional market features over 70 vendor kiosks, lots of holiday food, and live music. 

• Minni Dazzle & Other Pop-Ups: According to Racket MN, there are rotating weekend pop-ups all around Minneapolis featuring holiday sellers, live entertainment, and more.

______________

Tips for Visiting These Shops

1. Plan for Parking: Stores like Käthe Wohlfahrt in Stillwater and the Dayton’s Project downtown can get busy — go during the week if you can.

2. Bring Cash/Card: Pop-up markets like the MN Christmas Market may have limited card readers, though many do accept digital payment.

3. Start Early: Visiting in early November gives you better pick of ornaments and smaller crowds.

4. Make It a Day Trip: Pair a stop in Stillwater (for Wohlfahrt) with a stroll along the river, or combine the Dayton’s Project visit with other downtown holiday activities.

______________

Minnesota’s Christmas shopping scene is more than just commercial — it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and community. Whether you’re a diehard ornament collector or just looking for a festive outing, these five stops offer a blend of nostalgia, artistry, and holiday cheer that’s hard to beat.