2025 Dayton’s Holiday Market to Celebrate Santa Bear’s 40th Birthday
Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10:31AM
Relive the Tastes of the Season with Dayton’s Oak Grill’s Wild Rice Soup, Popovers and Ginger Cookies from the ‘8th Floor’
Nov 13 – Dec 27
Dayton’s Holiday Market will be ringing in its fifth year with more than 100 local makers and brands, nostalgic food and beverage options, and the celebration of the beloved Santa Bear’s 40th birthday.
The 2025 market, curated and founded by Mich Berthiaume of Mich’s Markets, opens November 13 and runs through December 27 inside the historic Dayton’s building in downtown Minneapolis (700 Nicollet Mall). “I’m delighted to welcome our community to share the true spirit of the holiday season by supporting our 100+ vendors while reliving the magic and nostalgia of Santa Bear on his 40th birthday,” says Berthiaume.
Celebrating Santa Bear’s 40th Birthday
Santa Bear (pictured left) made its debut on Friday, November 22, 1985. On that Black Friday - and on many following - Minnesotans eagerly waited in line outside their Dayton’s store to secure their own cuddly costumed treasure.
The 40th Birthday Santa Bear collection was designed exclusively by Shop in the City, creators of the nostalgic Dayton’s-branded merchandise line. Two special-edition Santa Bears will be released, one in the original 1985 Dayton’s size for $69.95 as well as a smaller version representing the “next generation” for $44.95. Both will launch and be available for sale on Black Friday, November 28.
Santa Bears notoriously sell out, so it is highly recommended to order yours in advance. You may preorder in person at Dayton’s Holiday Market or on the Shop in the City website: shopinthecity.com.
The original “life size” Santa Bear mascot (pictured right) will make several visits to Dayton’s Holiday Market to greet shoppers and pose for family photos. His appearance schedule will be announced on social media. Follow on Facebook and Instagram: @daytonsmarkets, @michberthiaume.
Oak Grill Culinary Classics and Jingle Giles Bar
New for 2025: Dayton’s Holiday Market has partnered with Jester Concepts to bring back flavors that Minnesotans remember and love. Visitors can enjoy Dayton’s Oak Grill’s iconic wild rice soup and popovers prepared by Butcher & the Boar. In a sweet nod to Dayton’s 8th Floor holiday experience, Rustica Bakery will be providing ginger cookies.
Adding to the holiday “cheers” inside Dayton’s Holiday Market will be the Jingle Giles Bar hosted by Earl Giles. On the menu will be festive cocktails, mocktails, meatballs, chips and dip, and cookies.
A Showcase of Minnesota Creators
Dayton’s Holiday Market’s 2025 roster of vendors is bigger than ever at 107 and it continues to highlight Minnesota creativity. Featured vendors include:
- Minnesota Sports and Events, unveiling a Bold North Minnesota merchandise line celebrating the World Junior Hockey Championships.
- Love Your Melon, offering build-your-own beanie experiences on select weekends.
- WACSO (Wasco Was Here), beloved for his “Walkin’ Around Checkin’ Stuff Out” art series.
- Molly Pepper, LA-based designer and St. Paul native, returning for her fifth year.
- Anti-Cancer Club, a mission-driven line founded by cancer survivor Oskar Nord.
- Minnesota Aurora FC, the state’s community-owned women’s soccer team, with apparel and accessories for fans.
Market Dates and Hours
- Thursday, November 13 – Saturday, December 27
- Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm
- Sunday 11am-5pm
- Open until 8pm on Black Friday, November 28
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and December 26
Dayton’s Holiday Market is a proud partner of Winterapolis 2025–26, a citywide campaign celebrating Minneapolis as “America’s Winter City.” The season kicks off Friday, November 28 with the Light Up & Winter Kickoff event at the IDS Center, supported by the Minneapolis Foundation, Xcel Energy, and the Pohlad Family Foundation.
