Holiday Gift Ideas

From the Great Minnesota

Get-Together!

Lowest price of the year! State Fair admission tickets make great gifts for all the fair fans on your list (don’t forget about yourself)! This $13 Flash Sale offer is only good TOMORROW, Tuesday, Nov. 21, while supplies last. Limit of 12 tickets per order, one order per customer. Flash Sale tickets will only be delivered via email for printing at home or via text message for mobile download (read below for information on receiving tickets in the mail). Buy now! 

If you miss tomorrow’s flash sale, 2024 pre-fair admission tickets will go on sale Monday, Nov. 27, at the pre-fair discount price of $15.

Pre-fair admission tickets will be available via free print-at-home or mobile download delivery options. If you’d like tickets mailed to you, select “regular mail” delivery for an additional fee; order by Dec. 13 to ensure mail delivery by Dec. 23. 

Please note: No refunds or exchanges. Tickets are valid any one day of the 2024 State Fair. Ticket holder agrees to comply with all Minnesota State Fair policies and protocols (including health, safety and security) in place at the time of the 2024 State Fair, and acknowledges that policies and protocols may be updated between time of ticket purchase and the State Fair as the State Fair finalizes its 2024 plans. More information about tickets and the Flash Sale can be found at mnstatefair.org.

Here’s a free print-at-home holiday greeting card to accompany your gift!



Give the Gift of Warmth

Get together with the fair in support of our neighbor across Como Avenue – the International Institute of Minnesota! We’re collecting coats, hats and gloves for this nonprofit working to help immigrants and refugees make Minnesota their home.

Wish List:

• New or very gently used and laundered Minnesota-hardy winter coats – especially all children’s sizes, women’s sizes (except medium) and men’s sizes (except large)
• Store-bought hats and gloves, especially waterproof varieties in all sizes (please, no handmade items)

Drop Off Your Donations at the State Fairgrounds:

• Monday, Nov. 27 to Friday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Administration Building (1292 Cosgrove St., across from the Bandshell); look for the box inside the front door
• Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Admin Too Building (1312 Cosgrove St., the brick building just inside the main gate on Snelling Avenue)

Questions? Contact fairinfo@mnstatefair.org. Thank you for your generosity!



What Every Fair Fan Wants for the Holidays – a Friends of the Fair Membership!

For the State Fair fans on your list, how about gifting them with a membership to the Friends of the Fair program of the nonprofit Minnesota State Fair Foundation? 

For as little as $25, membership benefits include a 2024 Blue Ribbon Bargain Book of coupons or Annual Friends of the Fair pin, discount at State FairWear Gift Shops during the fair, and a Friends of the Fair ribbon. Benefits at higher membership levels include State Fair admission tickets, presale access to 2024 Grandstand shows, and more! 

Our Friends are an important part of the support we count on to further the Foundation’s mission to preserve and improve Minnesota State Fair buildings, grounds and educational programs. Thank you for your support!

More information on how to join Friends of the Fair



FairWear to Deck the Halls – at a Discount!

There’s something for everyone at StateFairWear.com. Get exclusive Minnesota State Fair merchandise, as well as other State Fair-themed goodies at holiday sale prices. Save 25% off $50 when you use code SALE25. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Sales prices valid online only through Nov. 21 - 27 or while supplies last.



Celebrate Family, Friends and Special Moments With a Place at the Fairgrounds

What can you give people who have everything? How about a personalized recognition bench or table – their own unique place to visit when they come to the State Fair? Each bench and table comes with a certificate to share as a holiday gift (place your order by Dec. 12 to receive your certificate by Dec. 23).

More than 2,000 benches honoring loved ones and commemorating special occasions have been added to the fairgrounds through the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. For details, email info@msffoundation.org, call 651-288-4339, or visit the Foundation website.



Commemorative Art Prints and Posters Make Great Gifts

Each year, dating back to 2004, the Minnesota State Fair has commissioned a local artist to create commemorative art to celebrate the Great Minnesota Get-Together. A limited number of select posters and artist-signed prints from past years are still available. 

The 2023 Official Commemorative Art poster and other merchandise featuring the 2023 commemorative art - including a puzzle(!) - can be purchased online at statefairwear.com. Order by Dec. 4 for delivery by Dec. 23.

For posters from years prior to 2023, visit our website for a gallery of past artwork. If you’re interested in making a purchase, email info@msffoundation.org or call 651-288-4327. Place your order by Dec. 4 to ensure delivery by Dec. 23.



Treat Yourself (and Friends and Family) to Blue Ribbon Goodies

Whether you’re looking for tasty eats to give as gifts or to enjoy on your own, check out our “Blue Ribbon Recipes & Tips” board on Pinterest. You'll also find award-winning delectable delights on the Blue Ribbon Group’s Blue Ribbon Foodies blog, which includes a recipe for Healthy Power Bars (pictured). Amy Ellenberger won top honors with this recipe at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair in the new UnitedHealthcare Healthy Cookie Contest. This winter is the perfect time to try your hand at blue-ribbon baking and canning!



Find Gifts Galore at Fairgrounds Special Events

Stop by the fairgrounds in December!

• For horse lovers and those who love horse lovers, the popular Horse Crazy Holiday Market returns to the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum Dec. 1-3.
• Featuring 80 local artists and lots of family fun, the brand-new Minnesota Merry Market comes to the North End Event Center Dec. 16-17.

Need another gift idea? How about tickets to an upcoming fairgrounds event? From the Winter Beer Dabbler to North Star Roller Derby bouts to the Winter Antique Spectacular and more, a variety of great outings to experience with friends and family are happening this winter.

Check out our fairgrounds events calendar for more information.