Shopping doesn’t need to be stressful, especially when it’s combined with nibbles and sips, music, photo booths and enchanting settings. Check out our roundup of area markets offering a range of experiences, from intimate and cozy to bustling and festive. What they all have in common is one-of-a-kind gifts.
ARTS OF THE HOLIDAYS SHOW AND SALE: Shop locally with heirloom-quality gifts by local artists. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. various dates through Dec. 21; see website for schedule. Minnetonka Center for the Arts, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata. minnetonkaarts.org.
ARBORETUM HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE: Visit the AppleHouse and shop gifts and goodies, in addition to the remaining apples, pumpkins and squash from the season.9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Dec. 20. Applehouse, 7485 Rolling Acres Road, Victoria. arb.umn.edu.
HOLIDAY SHOW AND SHOP: Find unique gifts from a variety of local artists, listen to some Christmas tunes and snap a selfie with Santa. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Tue.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. through Dec. 21. Rumriver Art Center, 2665 4th Av., Anoka. allevents.in.
FIELD + FESTIVAL HOLIDAY MARKET: Shop for local goods from a crew of farmers, foodies and makers. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22. Wagners Garden Center, 6024 Penn Av. S., Mpls. fieldandfestival.com.
MINNEAPOLIS CHRISTKINDL MARKET: This outdoor traditional European Christmas market features handcrafted gifts and an enchanting atmosphere. 4-9 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22. North Loop Green, 350 N. 5th St., Mpls. minneapolischristkindlmarket.com.
NORDIC VILLAGE MARKET: Guests can peruse vendors nestled in cozy cabins on the fourth-floor terrace. This year, a new lodge is open for cocktails. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through Dec. 22. Four Seasons, 245 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. fourseasons.com/minneapolis.
A HANDMADE HOLIDAY MARKET: Support local makers at this one-stop holiday shop. Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22. Brühaven Craft Co., 1368 La Salle Av., Mpls. mplscraftmarket.com.