Midwest
Ilhan Omar says she’s frustrated since Somalis are also victims in ‘Feeding Our Future’ scam
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Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., expressed frustration Sunday with the framing of the massive “Feeding Our Future” fraud scheme that’s embroiled members of the Somali community in her state, saying many Somalis were victims as well since they could have benefited from the program.
“Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan called the extent of the scam “shocking,” noting it was the Biden-era Department of Justice that said it was the largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the nation and the majority of the reported offenders were Somalis, adding to the “spotlight” on Omar’s community.
“Why do you think this fraud was allowed to get so widespread?” Brennan asked.
“I want to say this also has an impact on Somalis, because we are also taxpayers in Minnesota,” Omar said. “We also could have benefited from the program and the money that was stolen. So it’s been really frustrating for people to not acknowledge the fact that we’re also, as Minnesotans, as taxpayers, really upset and angry about the fraud that has occurred.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., has condemned the brazen fraud in Minnesota as “reprehensible.” (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MINNESOTA’S ‘FEEDING OUR FUTURE’ FRAUD AT THE CENTER OF TRUMP’S LATEST CRACKDOWN
Brennan asked Omar if there had been a failure by the Minnesota state government, which is dominated by Democrats.
“That is what I alluded to in my letter that I had sent to the Secretary of AG was to see where things were going wrong. How can this amount of money disappear fraudulently without there being alarms set off?” Omar asked. “And it is something that, you know, we have to continue to investigate. We have to continue to ask those questions.”
President Donald Trump and other officials have zeroed in on this and other alleged fraud schemes in recent weeks, arguing that the criminal activity is a result of mismanagement and “incompetence” from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat and former vice presidential candidate.
MS NOW HOST CALLS MASSIVE MINNESOTA FRAUD SCHEME ‘ISOLATED’ IN INTERVIEW WITH M ATTORNEY GENERAL
Trump and Omar have traded barbs in recent days as well, with Trump calling Somalis “garbage” and saying they should return to their home country. Omar and other critics have called the remarks bigoted and said Trump is trying to distract from his own policy failings.
The back-and-forth comes as Minnesota has come under fresh scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of federal funds, including in distributing money for the nonprofit “Feeding Our Future” program.
Prosecutors have labeled the fraud scheme in the state as the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the country, stemming from allegations that the Minnesota nonprofit and its associates defrauded federal child-nutrition programs for hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 aid.
The New York Times reported last month, “Over the last five years, law enforcement officials say, fraud took root in pockets of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora as scores of individuals made small fortunes by setting up companies that billed state agencies for millions of dollars’ worth of social services that were never provided.”
Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (Yuri Gripas/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
$1 BILLION REPORTEDLY STOLEN IN FRAUD UNDER MINNESOTA GOV. WALZ
Omar said she was one of the first members of Congress who inquired about what she called a “reprehensible” scam.
Omar previously told local outlet KARE 11 News, “The alleged fraud scheme orchestrated by ‘Feeding Our Future’ is reprehensible. Using the guise of feeding children to funnel millions of dollars toward extravagant expenses is abhorrent, and anyone who participated in this scheme must be held accountable.”
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Fox News Digital’s Brenna Deppisch and Hanna Panreck contributed to this report.
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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.
Milwaukee, WI
Tips for Milwaukee Mitchell holiday travelers: Don’t bring wrapped gifts
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.
Minneapolis, MN
Freeloader Friday: 129 Free Things To Do This Weekend – Racket
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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