How it started: In 2016, as a way to encourage shopping local during the holiday season.

How it’s going: An annual event with 40+ vendors that draws in 30,000+ visitors, spreading cheer and giving local businesses a boost during the off-season.

With Mallory Moore of Duluth Loves Local and a small but passionate board of volunteers, we launched the Duluth Winter Village in 2016. Hosted on the grounds of Glensheen, the historic Congdon Estate, the Duluth Winter Village is an outdoor holiday market featuring only locally owned businesses, restaurants, bonfires, music, food, beer and more. In its first year, the event brought in 10,000 people. The second year? 17,250. Not bad for a city of 86,000.  

Over the years, the event required more space, and moved to the DECC in 2022. More parking, more possibilities for activities, and more bridge views.

Design
Yahya Rushdi

Photography
Jane Cane Photography