Winter Wonderlands

Who say's winter is for hunkering down? Brave the bluster in true Nordic fashion for two of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions—the annual Julmarknad Handcraft Market and the Winter Solstice Celebration.

Picture this: gentle snow falling on cozy market sheds, warm bonfires, delicious food, lively music, and all the bustle of a traditional Scandinavian outdoor market – under the glow of one of the country’s historic architectural gems. That’s Julmarknad at ASI.

Since this all-ages festival began, visitors have returned year after year to explore distinctive handmade goods from more than 60 regional artists working in glass, wood, metal, ceramics, textiles, and more. With the Turnblad Mansion and holiday exhibition on view, FIKA Café serving a distinctive Nordic holiday menu, and performances from some of the region’s leading folk and Scandinavian artists, it’s no wonder this event continues to grow in popularity every year. More recently, ASI launched a special Preview Night the Friday of Julmarknad weekend, which offers an intimate chance to shop the market and meet the handcraft artists before the busier Friday and Saturday hours. If you’re not into crowds, the preview party might be your best bet.

One of the final large-scale events of ASI’s holiday season, the Winter Solstice Celebration is an opportunity for visitors to reconnect while home for the holidays, explore the holiday exhibition, pick up a last-minute gift or two at the ASI Museum Store and Jul Shop, and celebrate the longest night of the year. Maybe cozy bonfires, good food, and live music will help alter the course of the sun and bring about longer days for Minnesota. If not, well, where else can you kicksled, pet a reindeer, and uncover the secrets of a century-old castle, all in one night?

Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival

Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4, 10 am–4 pm

$15 general / $10 ASI member / $6 youth age 6–18

Julmarknad Preview Party

Friday, December 2, 6–8:30 pm

$30 general / $25 ASI member / $75 VIP ticket

Winter Solstice Celebration

In-Person | Wed, December 21, 5–9 pm

$15 general / $10 ASI member / $6 youth ages 6–18

ASI members receive discount admission to all signature festivals and events, including the annual Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival, and Winter Solstice Celebration.