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A group of people browse a Julmarknad display of holiday ornaments at a market. A woman in a red sweater looks closely, while others in winter jackets and sweaters explore. The setting is festive, with blurred holiday lights twinkling in the background.
Experience ASI / Festivals / Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival

Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival

ASI’s Julmarknad Handcraft Market and Festival 2026 will take place December 3–6, 2026 at the American Swedish Institute. 

The sights and sounds of the holiday market, or Julmarknad, come to ASI for three days during the first weekend in December at one of the region’s largest handcraft markets and holiday festivals. Shop over 60 local artists for beautiful, fun, and useful handmade goods.

Perfect for all ages, Julmarknad offers pop-up musical performances, family crafts, story time, festive foods, holiday shopping at ASI’s Museum Store and Jul Shop, and a visit to ASI’s iconic holiday exhibition in the Turnblad Mansion.

ASI’s Julmarknad is one of the busiest and most magical weekends of the year. Join us Friday night for a special preview party and first pick of shopping or attend Saturday or Sunday for the full festival experience. On Sunday, extra family friendly activities are paired with special pricing: buy one adult ticket, get one youth ticket free. 

About the weekend

Two young women browse pottery at a craft market. One is holding a ceramic piece, while the other smiles beside her. The display shelves are filled with vases, mugs, and soaps. Shoppers and bags are visible in the background.

Friday: Preview Night

Kick off the weekend with first pick of the handcrafted wares and ASI Museum Store Jul Shop before the Saturday and Sunday crowd. FIKA will offer a special holiday smorgasbord dinner ticket, plus drinks and snacks for purchase.

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A bustling indoor Julmarknad showcases tables brimming with handcrafted jewelry and wooden crafts. A woman in a green coat inspects the offerings, while a man cradling a baby strolls past. Festive decorative stars dangle from the ceiling, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Saturday

Shop handmade goods from regional artists. Browse exceptional items from ASI’s own Jul Shop, alongside distinctive artisan glass, clothing, wood, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles.

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Mother and child at ASI's Julmarknad Handcraft Festival

Sunday

NEW this year, Sunday brings additional family-friendly activities, paired with special pricing: buy one adult ticket, get one youth ticket free.

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Event sponsors

Julmarknad is presented with support from our media partner Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), and event sponsors The Minnesota Star Tribune and HGA Architects.

Minnesota Public Radio logo with a blue circle on the left and bold black text reading Minnesota Public Radio on the right, as seen at special events like Cocktails at the Castle.Logo of The Minnesota Star Tribune. The text is black and bold, and a green star is placed above it.HGA Architects logo.

 

Holiday Experience sponsor

ASI’s holiday season is presented by Security Bank & Trust Co.

Sbtc Logo 01

Festival details

Applications for Julmarknad are opened annually in June and close in July. To be notified when applications open for ASI’s 2026 Julmarknad, please fill out the interest form here. 

ASI’s Julmarknadcelebrates the spirit of Swedish slöjd, or handcraft, by promoting artists who make their own goods by hand. ASI also upholds traditional handcraft all year round with our Nordic Handcraftprograms. Workshops, demos, and lectures led by skilled instructors bring Nordic-inspired folk arts to life through innovative and creative programs in textiles, wood, birch bark weaving, basketry, glass, and more. Learn more about ASI’s Nordic Handcraft Programs.

A European tradition that can be traced back to the Middle Ages, julmarknader are a hallmark of the Swedish holiday season. In Sweden today, these markets run outdoors throughout November and December and are filled with festive handmade goods from local vendors. More than just a shopping experience, a julmarknad is an important community gathering space. ASI’s Julmarknad brings the same joyful spirit every December to Minneapolis, featuring local artists from many backgrounds—although the ASI market is all indoors!

Register

Please note that ticket sales increase to $26 at the door for adults. Ticket price includes museum admission.

Julmarknad artists

Laurie Jacobi Original Designs In Wool 1 Copy

Laurie Jacobi Original Designs in Wool

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Third Daughter, Restless Daughter 2 Copy

Third Daughter, Restless Daughter

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Linens   Handwoven By Vavaveve   Minnesota, Usa

Väva! Veve!

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Imokim Pottery 4 Copy

imokim pottery

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Marcia Almquist   The Little Red Trunk 2 Copy

Marcia Almquist – The Little Red Trunk

Annmade In Mn 3 Copy

AnnMade in Minnesota

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Emily Mcbride Salt Cellar Copy

Emily McBride Glass

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Emmalekonradfunctionalceramics 4 Copy

Emma Le Konrad Functional Ceramics

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Card Art

Open Cupboard Designs

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Skalvestudio 4 Copy

SKALVESTUDIO

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Well Rooted Teas 2 Copy

Well Rooted Teas

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Hej Lov 2023 Collection

HejLöv

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Slow Burn 1 Copy

Slow Burn

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Dottir 1 Copy

Dottir

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Goldenrodhandcraft 2 Copy

Goldenrod Handcraft

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Ox Cart Broom And Woodworks Copy

Ox-Cart Broom & Woodworks

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Oh, Beehave! Goods Copy

Oh, Beehave! Goods

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Travelingtomten 1 Copy

Traveling Tomten

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T&c Latane Copy

T&C Latané

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Munee 1 Copy

Munee

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Trailside Folk Art 4 Copy

Trailside Folk Art

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Jeanne Mcgee 2 Copy

Jeanne McGee

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Aqua Nabina 1 Copy

Aqua Nabina

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Justad Glass 3 Copy

Justad Glass

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Tessere Arts 4 Copy

Tessere Arts

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Emily Walker Art + Design 3 Copy

Emily Walker Art + Design

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Mora Chocolates 1 Copy

Mora Chocolates

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Fir Street Soap Company 4 Copy

Fir Street Soap Company

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Bonesteeth 3 Copy

Bonesteeth

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A Thousand Flowers Textiles 1 Copy

A Thousand Flowers Textiles

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Kilns Of Flanders 1 Copy

Kilns of Flanders

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Nan Onkka Prints 1 Copy

Nan Onkka Prints

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Ternes Woodenware 2 Copy

Ternes WoodenWare

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Alison Wonderland Productions 4 Copy

Alison Wonderland Productions

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Doodletown Toys 1 Copy

DoodleTown Toys

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Functionalheirlooms 4 Copy

Functional Heirlooms

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Lisarydinerickson 2 Copy

Lisa Rydin Erickson

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Roger Abrahamson’s Old World Style Ale Bowls Copy

Roger Abrahamson’s Old World Style Ale Bowls

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Npwoodworks 1 Copy

NPWoodWorks

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Becky Utecht Felt And Fiber Copy

Becky Utecht Felt and Fiber

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Stitchesbycarin 3 Copy

STITCHESbycarin

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Hand2mouthcrafts 4 Copy

hand2mouthcrafts

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The Homesteads 3 Copy

The Homesteads

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Hallin.designs 1 Copy

Hallin.Designs

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Fringe And Fettle 3 Copy

Fringe and Fettle Ceramics

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Beeperbebe 2 Copy

Beeper Bébé Studio

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Better Days Yarn 3 Copy

Better Days Yarn Co.

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Steller Handcrafted Goods 2 Copy

Steller Handcrafted Goods

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Gathje Studios Copy

Maeve Gathje

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Fieldwork Goods 1 Copy

Fieldwork Goods

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Scandi Bijou 3 Copy

Scandi Bijou by Tara Austin

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Isadore Nut Company Copy

Isadore Nut Company

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Serious Jam 2 Copy

Serious Jam

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Liz Pechacek Ceramics 2 Copy

Liz Pechacek Ceramics

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Birch Bark Beth 3 Copy

Birch Bark Beth

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Liesl Chatman 2 Copy

Liesl Chatman

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Kirsten Aune Textiles 2 Copy

Kirsten Aune

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A group of people of various ages happily making crafts at a wooden table during a festive Julmarknad. Glue, scissors, and colored materials are scattered around. The background shows a cozy room adorned with wooden furniture and holiday decor.
At the bustling Julmarknad, people explore holiday-themed stalls adorned with star-shaped lights. Amid the festive atmosphere, a woman in a red sweater examines a display near a decorated Christmas tree. The joyful spirit lingers as visitors relish the seasonal charm.
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A man in traditional attire stands on a staircase, playing a long alphorn. The stairs, adorned with white tiles and wooden railings, evoke the festive spirit of Julmarknad.
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Two children in winter clothing, one wearing a pink beanie and the other a white hat, are absorbed in crafts at a wooden table during the Julmarknad. A small decorated tree adds charm, while shelves filled with treasures provide a cozy backdrop to their creative activity.
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People browse stalls at an indoor craft fair reminiscent of a Julmarknad. The room is adorned with large star-shaped ornaments, casting a festive glow. Attendees explore various handmade goods, including clothing and jewelry, beautifully displayed on tables and stands.
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Hear from past Julmarknad artist Jen Newburg about her experience and the joy of this magical season at ASI.