ST PAUL, Minn. — Dani Oulman is glad to be back in her booth at Union Depot in St. Paul, donning her Christmas holly headband and greeting customers. The owner of Celestia Aromatherapy returned to the European Christmas Market with anticipation.
"I’m so delighted that it’s happening again this year," Oulman said Sunday. "It was really risky going into the holiday season because it takes me a long time to make all of these items and get everything ordered in time. And I didn’t really know what to expect going into it."
So far, the risk has paid off, and Oulman, who creates her own essential oils and bath salts, has had to make new products to keep up with business.
Oulman is one of around three dozen vendors who returned to the market this year, which runs every Friday through Sunday until Dec. 19. It was only virtual last year due to COVID. Birgit John, co-founder of the market, says it just wasn't the same.
"As a small business, I want people coming here and don’t have the trouble of going to the post office and sending it off, since I’m not a big company," John said. "I’m a one-woman person in this business."
Sunday, John was stationed at the German Traditional Crafts booth, but the Herrnhuter Stars (decorative light ornaments imported from Germany) she sells could be seen hanging on top of every vendor's booth.
She says seeing everyone back isn't just good for business, it's good for a sense of community and family fun.
"Seeing little kids, and they are all with their parents and everyone has a smile on their face, and it’s really fun to see," she said. "From the bottom of my heart I like this market and I would do a lot for it so it keeps going."
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Over in southeast Minneapolis, the Old St. Anthony Holiday Bazaar, a Minneapolis craft market was also up and running Sunday after a year off. At the doors of the one-day event, held inside the Machine Shop, guests were asked to provide proof of vaccination and wear masks to enjoy a safe experience.
Just inside the doors, artist Tim Chapman was selling his digital and printmaking artwork.
"It’s the busiest time of the year," said Chapman. "You can almost do a half a year’s sales just this time of the year."
Emily Sheehan, owner of Wooly Bear Knits, was back at the Bazaar for the second time, selling cozy hats. After focusing heavily on online sales last year, she said it was good to be back.
"I can do my own social media and find my own customers that way, but this is a great way to meet a lot of prospective customers all at one time," Sheehan said. "This is definitely helping my business grow by being here in person."
The European Christmas Market runs through Dec. 19. View the vendors here.
Friday Hours: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.