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Chinese bio-smuggling suspect cries in court over federal detention
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Two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling biological materials into the United States appeared in court Friday as federal authorities fight to keep them detained in cases they say concern “national security.”
University of Michigan post-doctoral research fellow Yunqing Jian and Huazhong University of Science and Technology student Chengxuan Han were ordered to remain in federal custody as their separate cases remain ongoing.
During the hearing, Han, who is accused of mailing packages containing biological materials to the University of Michigan’s laboratory, became visibly emotional and was seen choking back tears when she learned her preliminary hearing had been pushed to a later date.
In her brief detention hearing Friday, Han’s attorney said her client is consenting to detention without prejudice and will remain in federal custody.
CCP LOYALIST SHOULD BE SENT TO GITMO AFTER ARREST FOR ALLEGED PATHOGEN SMUGGLING, SAYS CHINA EXPERT
Chenqxan Han appears in federal court for a detention hearing in Michigan on Friday, Jun. 13, 2025. Han, a Chinese citizen, is accused of smuggling biological materials into the United States. (Carole Kabrin )
Yunqing Jian appears in a Michigan federal courtroom for a detention hearing on Friday, Jun. 13, 2025. Jian allegedly conspired with her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, to transport a toxic crop-killing pathogen to the United States. (Carole Kabrin )
“Ms. Han is presumed innocent, and we will await further proceedings to comment any further,” her attorney previously said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Han’s preliminary hearing was initially set for June 23, but was subsequently rescheduled for June 30. Both Han and Jian will remain in federal custody until their next hearings.
Jian and her boyfriend, Chinese researcher Zunyong Liu, were charged this month after they first attempted to transport Fusarium graminearum, a “potential agroterrorism weapon” that can inflict dangerous health effects on humans, into the country in August 2022, prosecutors said.
“The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns,” interm U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Jerome Gorgon said in a statement. “These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.”
Han was also arrested in June after allegedly mailing four packages containing undeclared biological material to individuals working in the University of Michigan’s laboratory from September 2024 to March 2025, according to the criminal complaint.
A Chinese student in the U.S. had a friend ship Fusarium graminearum to her in a textbook, according to the FBI. (FBI)
In the case of Jian and Liu, a WeChat conversation allegedly revealed the couple brainstorming ways to transport the substance, with Jian ultimately deciding to stash the bags in her shoes.
The fungus causes a “head blight,” described as a disease of wheat, maize, rice and barley, and is responsible for billions of dollars of economic losses throughout the world each year, according to the Department of Justice. If ingested by humans, the substance can cause vomiting, liver damage and “reproductive defects in humans and livestock.”
Friday’s detention hearing lasted approximately two minutes, with Jian appearing in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffed around the waist. A federal judge adjourned the hearing until next Friday due to Jian’s request to seek private counsel.
According to the criminal complaint, Jian initially received Chinese government funding for her work on the pathogen while studying at the University of Michigan and allegedly lied on her student visa application regarding her education plans in the U.S. Prosecutors allege Jian first attempted to smuggle the fungus into the U.S. in 2022, with one instance of her asking a third party to send her Fusarium graminearum in January 2024.
Jian’s attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
CHINESE OFFICIAL CLAIMS NO KNOWLEDGE OF FUNGUS SITUATION, SAYS CHINA REQUIRES CITIZENS ‘ABIDE BY LOCAL LAWS’
Baggies seized by Border Patrol containing the dangerous fungus Fusarium graminearum. (FBI)
“There are usually no problems,” Jian said in a message to the third person. “Rest assured. I have mailed these before.”
The most recent smuggling attempt allegedly occurred in July 2024, when Liu arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport to visit Jian, according to authorities. Upon landing, Liu was flagged by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently searched.
Authorities allegedly discovered “a wad of tissues crumpled up in a small pocket in Liu’s backpack,” according to the affidavit.
SUSPECTED CHINESE BIOTERRORISTS SMUGGLED KILLER AGENT INTO US IN BOOTS, OFFICIALS SAY
“The tissues concealed a note in Chinese, a round piece of filter paper with a series of circles drawn on it, and four clear plastic baggies with small clumps of reddish plant material inside,” the affidavit said.
The filter paper was sent for testing by the FBI, which revealed it contained Fusarium graminearum, according to authorities. The plastic baggies also allegedly carried material that was contaminated by the fungus, authorities said.
“In addition, the laboratory identified 10 separate samples from the filter paper,” the affidavit said. “Each sample had a hand drawn circle around it, and each circle was labeled with a code containing letters and/or numbers. The sample labeled ‘06172’ was identified by the FBI laboratory to contain the DNA sequence for Fusarium graminearum.”
Liu allegedly denied carrying the pathogen, but later admitted to bringing it to the U.S. intentionally, officials said. He allegedly told authorities the pair planned to use the university’s laboratory to conduct research.
PATEL: CHINESE NATIONALS CHARGED WITH SMUGGLING ‘KNOWN AGROTERRORISM AGENT’ INTO US IS A ‘DIRECT THREAT’
Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are charged with conspiracy, making false statements, visa fraud and smuggling goods into the U.S. (iStock)
“These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety,” Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said in a statement.
Both Jian and Liu are charged with conspiracy, making false statements, visa fraud and smuggling goods into the U.S.
CHINESE STUDENT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY SMUGGLING UNDECLARED BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS SEEN IN NEW MUGSHOT
“As one of the world’s leading public research institutions, the University of Michigan is dedicated to advancing knowledge, solving challenging problems and improving nearly every facet of the human experience,” the university previously said in a statement.
“We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission. It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals. We have and will continue to cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution.”
Han also made an appearance in federal court Friday. She is charged with smuggling goods into the U.S. and making false statements, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
CHINESE PHD STUDENT FROM WUHAN ARRESTED SMUGGLING BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS AFTER DELETING ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE: DOJ
Chengxuan Han is facing federal charges in a smuggling case. (The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities allege Han, a Ph.D. student at Wuhan’s College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, mailed four packages containing undeclared biological materials to staff members at the University of Michigan’s laboratory.
Han was arrested on Sunday while traveling to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport from Shanghai on a J1 visa. Upon her arrival, Han was searched by CBP officers, and subsequently confronted about the packages.
According to the criminal complaint, Han allegedly denied mailing the packages, but later admitted she had sent them after being pressed by authorities. Han initially told CBP officers the packages only contained plastic cups – not petri dishes – and a book, according to court documents.
FOREIGN NATIONALS CHARGED AMID TRUMP VISA CRACKDOWN FOR SCHEME TO SMUGGLE US MILITARY EQUIPMENT INTO CHINA
A package seized by CBP agents allegedly contained a plasmids biological sample mailed by Chengxuan Han. (Department of Justice)
Han allegedly confessed to sending the packages, which contained roundworm-related biomaterials, telling FBI and Homeland Security officials that she had initially lied to CBP agents. Officers also discovered Han’s electronic devices had been wiped of their content three days before her arrival in the U.S.
FORMER US ARMY INTELLIGENCE ANALYST SENTENCED FOR SELLING SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS TO CHINESE NATIONAL
A package seized by CBP agents allegedly contained eight Petri dishes containing biological materials mailed by Chengxuan Han. (Department of Justice)
“The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China – to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory – is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security,” Gorgon said in a statement. “The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions.”
Fox News’ Olivianna Calmes and Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report.
Read the full article from Here
Detroit, MI
Detroit Fire Department brings Christmas joy to family who lost everything in house fire
DETROIT (WXYZ) — Christmas came early for a Detroit family of 10 after the Detroit Fire Department surprised them with a truck full of gifts, nearly a year after they lost their home and all belongings in a devastating fire.
On Jan. 6, Raychelle Womack and her family were living in their home on Santa Rosa Drive near Fullerton Street when it caught fire. All their possessions were destroyed in the blaze.
Watch Demetrios Sanders’ video report below:
Family’s Christmas saved after fire
“You try buying everything for a new baby and then you lose it all, on top of the other seven kids that you’ve got — that’s everything,” Womack said.
As the family continued recovering from the fire, questions remained about what Christmas could look like this year.
“Whatever we could make happen, that’s what we’re going to make happen,” Womack said.
WXYZ
That worry disappeared when the Detroit Fire Department and community partners visited the family’s new east side home with a truck full of Christmas gifts.
“To lose everything and then slowly but surely gain everything, it means a lot,” Womack said.
This marks the fourth year the Detroit Fire Department has brought Christmas cheer to families in need during the holidays.
WXYZ
“We know people lose everything in these fires, so if we can do anything to make their lives better, to make their lives easier, especially around the holiday season, we’re willing to do it,” said Chuck Simms, executive fire commissioner with the Detroit Fire Department.
Simms said the effort is driven by donations and brings joy not only to the families impacted but also to the first responders who participate.
“It’s just a great thing and nice thing for us to do,” Simms said.
WXYZ
With a Christmas tree now surrounded by gifts, Womack’s children are definitely looking forward to Christmas.
“It was nice and we appreciate it,” one child said.
WXYZ
For Womack, only one challenge remains.
“Now it’s making sure everything (gifts) stays closed until Christmas,” Womack said.
—————
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Security officials at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport offered advice for passengers navigating the busy holiday travel season this December.
Tim Goodman, Wisconsin assistant federal security director at the Transportation Security Administration, said Dec. 19 that the agency is prepared for high passenger volume at Milwaukee Mitchell in the next two weeks.
Goodman said the airport expects to process as many as 12,000 travelers during the busiest holiday travel days. These dates are projected to see the most traffic:
- Sunday, Dec. 21
- Monday, Dec. 22
- Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Sunday, Dec. 28
- Monday, Dec. 29
- Tuesday, Dec. 30
Here’s what to know about holiday travel at Milwaukee Mitchell this year:
Arrive early, especially for morning flights from Mitchell Airport
Goodman recommended travelers arrive no later than 90 minutes before their flight takes off, and longer if they’re boarding early morning flights.
Mornings are the busiest time of day for the airport, Goodman said.
“We are at capacity at the early morning hours,” he said. “We may see as many as 2,000 passengers going out before 7 a.m. on our busiest days.”
Don’t forget your Real ID when traveling through Mitchell
This is also the first winter holiday season after TSA began enforcing Real ID requirements for domestic flights. Starting on May 7, 2025, all domestic passengers must present a Real ID-compliant drivers license or other other acceptable forms of identification.
Earlier this month, TSA announced it will charge passengers $45 if they do not present a Real ID or other accepted identification starting Feb. 1, 2026.
In Wisconsin, Real ID-compliant drivers licenses are marked with a star in the upper right corner. More information about how to obtain a Real ID is available on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s website.
Goodman said 97% of Wisconsin passengers already have a Real ID. Those who don’t have proper identification will see longer waits and additional screening at security checkpoints.
A list of acceptable identification is available on TSA’s website.
Some holiday items may not get through security at Mitchell
Goodman said some common holiday items should not be put in carry-on bags since security officials struggle to open and inspect them.
Those items include snow globes and wrapped gifts. Goodman recommended any gifts instead be put in a gift bag.
Goodman also said passengers should completely empty bags before packing them for a flight. It’s common for travelers to forget to remove prohibited items in their bag, only to find themselves stopped at security checkpoints.
Forecast looks clear, but weather is always a ‘wild card’
Goodman said the current weather forecast shows no significant winter storm activity, but that could change closer to the holidays.
“We can plan for everything else,” Goodman said. “The weather is always the wild card.”
Goodman also said severe weather at popular hubs like Chicago and Minneapolis could impact flights at Milwaukee Mitchell.
Freeloader Friday is your weekly guide to having fun no matter what your budget looks like. Each week we have a list of 100% free events like gallery parties, music, and films in the park, as well as free admission events like special happy hours, markets, and more.
FRIDAY
CCU Friday Night Open Mic
It’s back! Read more about Comedy Corner Underground’s move and plans for the future here. 10 p.m. Whitey’s Old Town Saloon, 400 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.
Christmas-Themed Pitch-a-Friend
Friends give a pitch on why you should date their buds. Read more about the series and what to expect here. 21+. 7 p.m. La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.
429 Wabasha Holiday Party
Featuring an ugly Christmas sweater and blindfolded cookie decorating contests, White Elephant gift exchange, treats, and discounts. 6-10 p.m. Back Pocket Vintage and Wabasha Brewing, 429 Wabasha St. S., St. Paul.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Free popcorn and a movie. 8-10 p.m. Insight Brewing, 2821 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.
Creekview Winter Solstice
Featuring an illuminated walking path, a bonfire, winter treats, and a mini craft market. 5-7 p.m. Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Have Yarrrhself a Lusty Busty Xmas
Fortune’s Fool Theatre celebrates 20 years with two free concurrent shows, the other being Yarrrh! The Lusty, Busty Pirate Musical. Free. The Hive Collaborative, 677 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul; find dates and reserve tickets here. Through December 21
Oisterboy
Punk. With Spencer Cameron & Jackson Kates, and rickie. 6-8 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
The Gated Community
7-9 p.m. Animales BBQ Co., 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Oliver Phibes
With Unattractive Giant Monster, Dado Set. 9-11:30 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Le Cirque Rouge Burlesque & Cabaret
10 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Kingsview
7-10 p.m. Inbound BrewCo., 701 N. 5th St., Minneapolis.
Friday Night Karaoke
7 p.m. Boom Island Brewing, 5959 Baker Rd., Minnetonka.
Nick Elstad Trio & Michael Gay
7-9 p.m. 56 Brewing, 3055 NE Columbia Ave., Suite 102, Minneapolis.
Grungemas
6-9 p.m. Heavy Rotation Brewing Co., 9801 Xenia Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Radio Helix: Live Radio Talk and Variety Show
5:15-8 p.m. Padraigs, 945 Broadway NE, Minneapolis.
Singalong with the Songfellows
7-9 p.m. Urban Forage Winery and Cider House, 3016 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
Tumblin’ Dice
8-11:30 p.m. Schooner Tavern, 2901 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Free popcorn and cocoa. 7 p.m. East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul.
FriGAY
Drag performances, a dance party, and $2 specialty shots–sounds like a party! 21+. 9 p.m. RSVP recommended; do it here. LUSH Lounge & Theater, 990 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Festival of Trees
Walk along a trail featuring 75 uniquely decorated trees created by local businesses and organizations. Mall of America, North Atrium Level 3, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington. Through January 5
Dayton’s Holiday Window Displays
This season, 50th and France has two magical shop windows on display using figurines and decor from the original department store. Both were curated by Douglas Flanders, a longtime gallery owner who passed away recently. Douglas Flanders & Associates, 5025 France Ave. and Local Love Markets, 3924 W. 50th St.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
10th Annual Nordic Julmarket
Music and a mini pop-up market. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis.
The Artful Present
This holiday event includes a group show, local artists’ market, and more. and pop-up includes art and gifts from local artists. Today’s opening-day reception includes live music and a guest jewelry shop 4-7 p.m. Otherwise hours are 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; noon to 4 p.m. Sat. Veronique Wantz Gallery, 901 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis. Through December 20
Dayton’s Holiday Market
Downtown is back? Well, this annual pop-up shop is, at least. Now in its fifth year, Dayton’s Holiday Market does the old department store one better, hosting over 100 local makers and brands, including Love Your Melon gear, artisan giftables, and unique sports merch from Minnesota teams. Or maybe food and booze is more your thing? The market will also host Oak Grill Culinary Classics, which will serve up wild rice soup and pastries from local bakeries, and the Jingle Giles Bar, which, according to the release, will offer “festive cocktails, mocktails, meatballs,” and other treats. Folks too scared to venture downtown fear not, as a satellite market will be setting up shop in Southdale Center later this month (personally, I’d take an empty downtown over an empty mall any day). Dayton’s, 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. Through December 27—Jessica Armbruster
Dayton’s Holiday Market: Southdale
Same deal, different mall. With over 50 local vendors. Southdale Center Dining Pavillion, Level 2, Southdale Center, 2015 Southdale Center, Edina. Through December 24
European Christmas Market
This is the big one, folks. The one that is more of a festival. The one where you can pick up your own stein. This huge holiday market is modeled after classic markets popular throughout Europe (the first known event of this kind being in Dresden in 1434). During this annual outdoor festival there will be live entertainment, with traditional music and dance performances. The VIPs of the fest are Santa and Krampus, who will be on hand, as will reindeer, sled dogs, and elves. There will be tons of food, such as giant pretzels, fresh roasted nuts, Swedish meatballs, churros, waffles, spaetzle cheese curds, and all kinds of party weinies. Also good to know: There will be lots of hot bevvies, whether you’re looking for coffee, cocoa, or glühwein. Or bust out that market stein and order up a beer. Find more info at stpaulchristmasmarket.org. Free. 3-9 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul. Through December 21—Jessica Armbruster
Holiday Market
6-10 p.m. Fri.; noon to 8 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. Tilsner Artist Lofts, 300 Broadway St., St. Paul.
Holidays on Nicollet
Minneapolis Craft Market hosts this pop-up shop with over 60 local artists and makers. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through December 21. IDS Center, 747 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; find more info at mplscraftmarket.com.
Minneapolis Christkindl Market
Have you traveled through time, fortuitously arriving at a 16th-century German Christkindl market? Or are you in the North Loop? OK, unless you are having some kind of mental break or decided to hit a nearby dispensary way, way too hard, you’re not going to confuse the two. (That’s probably for the best; Europe used to be pretty gross.) Still, it’s fun to stroll through “time” at these holiday events in a Ren Fest kind of way. During festivities, guests will be able to partake in food and warm drinks including spiced glühwein, gooey raclette cheese, heart-shaped Nordic waffles, French galettes, and Polish pastries. There will be shoppin’ too, with over 30 vendors selling things like traditional ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, steins, beeswax candles, socks, and more. The weekly lineup of entertainment onstage features traditional old world holiday music and dance, and Santa and Krampus will be stopping by too. Free. 4-9 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sun. North Loop Green, 350 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis; find more here. Through December 21—Jessica Armbruster
Raging Art On
Shop all kinds of rockin’ items from 70+ local artists, plus family-friendly entertainment and crafts every Sat. Free. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thu.-Sat. Gamut Gallery, 717 S. 10th St., Minneapolis. Through December 21
SATURDAY
Open Curling
In assembling (and updating) Racket’s annual guide to local holiday markets, we see a lot of the same stuff from place to place: food trucks, festive beers, vintage goods. And hey, all of that is great. But very rarely do you see a holiday market that also has free open curling, as this one at Fridley’s Forgotten Star does. You’ll have a chance to curl during this Saturday’s holiday market or next Saturday’s, and they’re offering a series of free lessons in 2026 to boot. Noon to 6 p.m. Forgotten Star Brewing Company, 38 Northern Stacks Dr., Fridley; find more info here.—Em Cassel
Darkest Day
Not to be confused with Darkness Day, Darkest Day at Broken Clock is a celebration of… well, the darkest day of the year, aka the Winter Solstice. As the brewery does every year, they’re honoring it with the release of four new limited, aged Russian imperial stouts: Bourbon Barrel, Rum Barrel, Rum Barrel with Coconut, and Double Barrel (port wine and bourbon). Nothin’ like a strong beer to get ya through the long dark day, and remember: It gets sunnier from here on out. “Cheers to the longest night—and the brighter days ahead,” Broken Clock writes. Hear, hear. Free. Noon to 11 p.m. Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, 1712 Marshall St. NE, Ste. 100, Minneapolis; find more info here.—Em Cassel
Cannabis Classroom: Christmas Edition
A cannabis butter infusion class and cookie decorating party with the Green Witch, Natty Cakes, and Hers & Gerbs. RSVP is required; text CannaCookie to 763-290-0170. 21+. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Heal Mpls, 4171 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Native Market & Cultural Celebration
Featuring chef and author Sean Sherman and Kate Nelson, music from Wenso Ashby, a community clothing giveaway, and a market with handmade goods, art, jewelry, foods, and culturally-rooted products. Noon to 3 p.m. Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
3rd Annual All Taproom White Elephant Party
Bring a wrapped gift for a raffle ticket to receive a new, possibly crappier gift—or a chance at a $200 gift card to Insight. 6-8 p.m. Insight Brewing, 2821 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.
Winter Solstice Light Ride
Travel along a riverfront/downtown route ending at Modist Brewing. A $50 gift card prize will go to the best decorated bike. 5 p.m. Behind Bars Bicycle Shop, 208 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Cole Diamond
10 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Becky Kapell and the Fat 6
7 p.m. Animales BBQ Co., 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Molly Maher Duo
3 p.m. Animales BBQ Co., 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Ambient Toad
With RJ Vocal, Helen. 1-4 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Fuzzy Math
6-8 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Le Cirque Rouge Holiday Show
9 p.m. to midnight. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Tyler Herwig
6:30-9:30 p.m. Padraigs, 945 Broadway NE, Minneapolis.
Jiggs Lee Invasion
8 p.m. Schooner Tavern, 2901 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
The PhilBillies
7 p.m. Urban Forage Winery and Cider House, 3016 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
Locktunes
7:30 p.m. Merlin’s Rest Pub, 3601 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
Winter Solstice
Lanterns light up the night. 6-9 p.m. Powderhorn Park Rec. Center, 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Jazz Outlaws
Enjoy Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas and original tunes. 8-11 p.m. Dusty’s Bar, 1319 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis.
Jason Bradley
Acoustic tunes. 7 p.m. Broken Clock Brewing Collective, 1712 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis, Minneapolis.
The Giant Valley String Band
6-10 p.m. Heavy Rotation Brewing Co., 9801 Xenia Ave. N., Minneapolis.
“Architecture Interpreted”/“In Between Moments”/”My Floating World: Views from Pacific Coast Highway”
Check out three new shows in one gallery. 6-8 p.m. Praxis Gallery & Photographic Arts Center, 2601 27th St. S., Minneapolis.
Fourth Degree Holiday Show
Jazz, pop, classic rock. 6-8 p.m. Boom Island Brewing Company, 5959 Baker Rd., Minnetonka.
Girls’ Day Out Holiday Edition
Featuring a Diet Coke bar, hair tinsel, and a pop-up tattoo shop. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jenny in the City, 520 Selby Ave., St. Paul.
Winter Solstice
A Huitzilopochtli event featuring a ceremonial danza Mexica and a free community meal. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastview Recreation Center, 1675 Fifth St. E., St. Paul.
Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play
A cute, 20-minute play about holiday shenanigans followed by a sing-a-long and Santa meet-and-greet. Sat.-Sun. Bachman’s Floral, Gift & Garden, 6004 S. Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis; find showtimes and more info here. Through December 21
Free Yoga
Studio 9-to-5 hosts free yoga sessions Mon., Wed., and Sat. Sign up here. 9 a.m. Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
ArtYouHeart Holiday Pop-Up
This south Minneapolis pop-up brings together three local poster collections—ArtYouHeart, ARTCRANK, and Posters for Parks—under one roof. Browse original posters and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Replace Studio, 5008 34th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Field + Festival Holiday Market 2025
Minneapolis Craft Market hosts this weekly market offering eats from local farmers and artisans. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Wagner’s Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Final Countdown Holiday Market
Shop 7 local makers and meet llamas. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Larissa Loden HQ, 2032 Marshall Ave., St. Paul.
Forgotten Star Holiday Market
Shop 30+ vendors and enjoy a holiday beer release, beer poking, and free open curling. Noon to 6 p.m. Forgotten Star Brewing, 38 Northern Stacks Dr., Fridley.
A Handmade Holiday Market
Local makers and crafters. Noon to 5 p.m. Sat. Brühaven Craft Company, 1368 Lasalle Ave., Minneapolis.
Handmade Holigays
Pick up last-minute gifts and support local vendors. Produced by Modesitt Markets. Noon to 6 p.m. Queermunity MN, 3036 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.
Holiday Gallery Shop
A juried collection of artisan goods for gifting from 100+ artists. Textile Center, 3000 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis; textilecentermn.org. Through December 31
Holiday Glass Marketplace: Design & Dazzle
With live glassblowing demonstrations, ornaments and other giftables for sale, and festive glasswork. Noon to 5 p.m. Foci – Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, 2213 Snelling Ave., Minneapolis.
Holiday Lane at Northrup
Shop from hundreds of artists at this weekly holiday happening. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis.
Holiday Market
This ongoing pop-up market includes local makers, artists, vintage sellers, and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. AudreyRose Vintage, 3508 Snelling Ave., Minneapolis.
Holiday Market
5-8 p.m. OMNI Winery & Taproom, 15701 Biscayne Ave., Rosemount.
Indigenous Holiday Market
With live music and 20 Indigenous vendors. Noon to 4 p.m. Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 788 E. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Jul Shop
Shop Nordic gifts at this annual pop-up shop through January 25. The American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis.
Made by Hands Holiday Market
Makers, artists, and more. Noon to 6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1315 Tyler St. NE, Minneapolis.
Mill City’s Indoor Winter Market
This long running market features local, sustainable, and organic groceries and produce, as well as handmade gifts and goods. For the season, the market moves inside Mill City Museum (museum admission is not required). Winter Markets are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month through April. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 704 S. Second St., Minneapolis; millcityfarmersmarket.org.
Minnesota Merry Market
Featuring over 80 vendors each weekend, with two bars, kids’ fun, Santa, food trucks, ice games, train rides, horse-and-carriage rides, and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; minnesotamerrymarket.com.
Nicollet Island Last Chance Market
Featuring over 50 local vendors. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Minneapolis.
Nordic Village Winter Market
It’s back! Featuring European-style market where little houses are shops. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Four Seasons Minneapolis, 245 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.
Pop-up Holiday Market
Shop 11 local artists, including TruthLizard. 2-7 p.m. Resource Mpls, 512 E. 24th St., Minneapolis.
Slacker Sk8er Market
Enjoy last-minute panic shopping with chain mail, VHS, vintage clothing, and miscellaneous weird stuff. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pilllar Forum, 2300 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Wild Vintage Market
The monthly market returns in time for last-minute holiday stuff. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clapping Monkey, 7274 Commerce Cir. E, Fridley.
Winter Table & Open Studios
Explore open studios followed by a cozy potluck at 6:30 p.m. Noon to 10 p.m. Q.arma Building, 1224 Quincy St. NE, Minneapolis.
FARMERS MARKETS
Lowertown St. Paul Farmers Markets
Lowertown’s pride and one of the state’s largest markets. Find free parking on Prince Street. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat.; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sun. through Apr. 19. 290 Fifth St. E., St. Paul; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Mill City Farmers Market
The yearlong market moves indoors this weekend for its fall/winter schedule. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first and third Sat., Nov. through Apr. 750 S. Second St., Minneapolis; find more info at millcityfarmersmarket.org.
Minneapolis Winter Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon Dec. 6-20, Jan. 10 & 24, Feb. 7 & 21, March 7 & 21, and Saturdays through April. Minneapolis Farmers Market Site, 312 E. Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis; find more info at mplsfarmersmarket.com.
Richfield Winter Farmers’ Market
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; find more info here. Saturday’s through December 20
St. Paul Indoor Farmers Market
Shopping in nature? Pffft. This one lets you shop for greens without the weather. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through April 18. 308 Prince St., St. Paul; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
SUNDAY
Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk
A luminary walk witch visual messages from the community. Registration is required; you can sign up here. 6-8:30 p.m. Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park.
“Wrap Me in a Blanket”
Artist Olivia Morawiecki honors community stories of love and loss with a visual and sound installation. 4 p.m. Lowell Park, 201 Water St. N., Stillwater.
Longfellow Rising Midwinter Celebration
This friendly neighborhood walk features stops by murals with caroling, poetry, and more, ending with hot drinks from around the world at Pangea World Theater. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Meet at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E. 31st St., Minneapolis.
Home Alone
Free movie and popcorn. 7 p.m. Roxy’s Cabaret, 1333 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Featuring fire pits, beer poking, a new barrel-aged beer release, intention burning, and more. 2-6 p.m. Urban Growler Brewing Company, 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul.
Sunday with Santa
This one’s for the kids, gang. With ornament making and Santa photo ops. Noon to 3 p.m. BlackStack Brewing, 755 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul.
Clover and the Bee
3 p.m. Animales BBQ Co., 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.
eleven degenerates
10:30 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Switchyard
7 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Robert Wilkinson
3-5 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
East Lake Jazz Christmas Show
1-4 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Bingo With Pete
6-8 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Karaoke With Ally
9 p.m. to midnight. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Church of Cornbread
A weekly Cornbread Harris jam. 5-7 p.m. Schooner Tavern, 2901 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Drag Discovery Night
An open stage night for drag, hosted by Luna Muse and mentored by Rose Nylon. Sign up here. 7 p.m. LUSH Lounge & Theater, 990 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Gothmas
Midnight Creatures Market sets up a market with clothing, bone-themed home decor, risograph prints, and leather goods. Noon to 4 p.m. Odd Mart, 2520 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Vintage Market
Shop vintage on two floors. With coffee and DJ tunes. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Machine Shop, 300 Second St. SE, Minneapolis.
Unlimited Goes Hollywood Makers Market
Shop over 40 local vendors. Noon to 4 p.m. Hollywood Theater, 2815 Johnson St. NE, Minneapolis.
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