Many are surprised to learn that Southdale Mall was the first indoor shopping center in the United States. Dayton’s department store, founded by the Dayton family, was the mall’s anchor store when it opened in 1956.

In keeping with the recently refreshed Southdale Shopping Center’s history, the mall will host a Dayton’s pop-up market through the holiday season. Shoppers will enjoy crafts, artwork, gifts, and other unique finds from 50 local vendors while also getting a dose of Dayton’s nostalgia with the 40^th anniversary of the department store’s famous Santa Bear.

The pop-up market will be located in the Southdale Center food court, by the main entrance next to Rustica Bakery, and will run from November 20^th to December 24^th, Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm, and Sundays 11am-6pm.

The Southdale pop-up market is being held in addition to the traditional Dayton’s Market which is held at the former Dayton’s building on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. That market, which features over 100 local vendors including food and beverage options, is in its 5^th year and will run from November 13^th through December 27^th, Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. The market will be closed November 27^th for Thanksgiving, and December 25^th-26^th for Christmas.

If you enjoy perusing Holiday Markets, here is a list of other options in the Twin Cities:

Bachman’s Idea house – Get styled for the holidays while celebrating Bachman’s 140^th anniversary during their annual seasonal inspiration showcase. The Idea House is open for scheduled 30-minute self-guided tours Wednesday through Sunday, from November 6^th to December 7^th. Bachman’s is located at 6010 Lyndale Ave S in Minneapolis.

Wagner’s Field and Festival Holiday Market – The perfect place to pick up a tree, wreath, and a few gifts at Wagner’s holiday event which features up to 60 vendors offering crafts, food, and home goods. The market runs Weekends, November 1^st to December 21^st. Wagner’s is located at 6024 Penn Ave S in Minneapolis.

Four Seasons Winter Markets – A unique experience on the luxury hotel’s rooftop where eight cabins host a rotating selection of local artisans. Visitors can also enjoy their Nordic Village dinner series. The events run Friday through Sunday from November 1^st to December 21^st. The Four Seasons Hotel is located at 245 Hennepin Ave in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Christkindl Market – One of the city’s newest markets enters its second year with quaint alpine-inspired wooden huts each featuring unique artist-made gifts, mulled wine, pastries, and live music to truly give it that special holiday feel. The market runs Friday through Sunday from November 21^st to December 21^st and is located at North Loop Green, 350 N 1^st St in Minneapolis.

European Christmas Market – Taking inspiration from German and Austrian Christkindl Markets, this long-running event features dozens of local vendors housed in charming wooden booths. Shopping, snacks, and entertainment are on the menu Friday through Sunday from November 28^th to December 21^st. Held at the Union Depot, 240 Kellogg Blvd E. in St. Paul.

Julmarknad – For a Swedish spin on the holidays visit this event which features over 60 artisans selling handmade goods such as jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. The event runs December 5^th through 7^th and is held at the American Swedish Institute at 2600 Park Ave in Minneapolis.

Marché de Noël – Celebrate the season “en francais” while supporting a good cause with this unique market where vendors sell French and French-inspired goods. Each vendor will donate 10% of their profits to Alliance Francaise, a nonprofit with education and community programming. The event is being held on December 6^th at Alliance Francaise 227 Colfax Ave N in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Merry Market – Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, this market is in its third year of featuring 80 local artisans as well as visits with Santa, crafts, and rides on the trackless train. The event runs for two weekends on December 13^th and 14^th, and December 20^th and 21^st. Find the market at the North End Event Center at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights.