Holiday Chamber Expo & Artisan Market

The Holiday Chamber Expo & Artisan Market is on Saturday, November 22nd from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Get ready to shop, sip, and celebrate the season! ✨ Whether you’re hunting for the perfect Christmas gift, a birthday surprise, or just a little something for yourself, the Holiday Chamber Expo & Artisan Market has you covered.

At the Minnesota Discovery Center, step into a cozy winter wonderland filled with locally made treasures — from home décor and candles to hand-knit items, jewelry, photography, and more. ️

Meanwhile, Downtown Chisholm will be brimming with holiday cheer and small-town charm! Explore a mix of pampering products, wellness essentials, and unique handcrafted goods, plus special offers and giveaways from local retailers.

When you shop local, you’re giving twice — once to your loved ones and once to your community. Every handmade item helps support area artists, makers, and small businesses that keep our region vibrant and creative. ❤️

️ Don’t forget! Pick up a stamp card and visit all participating Chisholm locations for a chance to win one of five $100 Chisholm Cash prizes!

Admission to the MDC Artisan Market is FREE with a non-perishable food donation for the Chisholm Food Shelf or a $5 cash donation supporting the Minnesota Discovery Center’s Education Fund.

Come celebrate community, creativity, and the spirit of the season — right here in Chisholm!

Current locations are: MN Discovery Center, Valentini’s, Tom & Jerry’s, Jim’s Sports Club, Mary’s Lake Street Floral, Casey’s, & Rupp’s Furniture. More locations may be added as retailers join in for the event.

For more information or if you are an interested vendor, contact Shelly at shelly@chisholmchamber.com / 218-996-1710 or Minnesota Discovery Centers Website /218-254-7959

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fun Facts about Chamber Holiday Expos & Artisan Markets

They’re centuries old in spirit — The concept of a holiday market dates back to 14th-century Germany, where “Christkindlmarkts” began as winter street fairs. Modern chamber expos carry on that same festive, community-centered tradition!
Economic boosters in disguise — Local holiday expos often generate tens of thousands of dollars in community revenue — supporting small businesses, local artisans, and even nearby restaurants and hotels.
Chamber expos build connections, not just sales — Businesses that exhibit at Chamber holiday expos often report making valuable partnerships with other local vendors and organizations that last long after the event.
One-of-a-kind finds — Surveys show that over 60% of shoppers at artisan markets buy gifts they can’t find anywhere else — making these markets the go-to spot for unique, handmade, or locally inspired items.
They’re surprisingly sustainable — Many artisans focus on eco-friendly materials, upcycled goods, and low-waste packaging — so shopping local often means shopping green.
Community spirit is the real star — Chamber holiday expos frequently include live music, raffles, food tastings, and charity drives, turning a simple market into a full-blown holiday celebration.
A social media goldmine — Events like these are highly “Instagrammable.” Markets that add photo booths or festive backdrops can see a 30–50% boost in social media engagement.
Local flavor everywhere — From maple syrup in Vermont to cactus crafts in Arizona, artisan markets reflect their region’s unique culture and creativity — no two are ever the same.
Great for “shop small” supporters — Many expos coincide with Small Business Saturday, helping local entrepreneurs reach new customers during the busiest shopping season.
Networking + nostalgia = magic — Attendees often say these markets remind them of “old-fashioned community gatherings,” where people connect face-to-face — a refreshing contrast to online shopping.