MINNEAPOLIS— You may be thinking, “All I want for Christmas is for Holidazzle to be back at Nicollet Mall.” After a decadeit is.
Entrepreneurs and residents in the city center are enthusiastic.
“People have really been looking forward to this coming back. We hear about it every day,” said Kittie Fahey of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Holidazzle is a free event with lights, stage performances, Santa Claus, nearly 200 vendors and more. The route runs along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis from Wednesday through Sunday, but it spreads more than just Christmas cheer.
“The ‘why’ is that it not only represents businesses, but it also brings vibrancy to the downtown neighborhoods,” says Fahey.
The festival is expecting around 100,000 visitors and will feature a Peppermint Pub Crawl, animal rescue, performances by the Vikings SKOL Line and even indoor Minne-Golf and roller skating if you get too cold.
But if you’re concerned about safety, the event partners with the Minneapolis Police Department and has private security on every block.
“It’s going to be perfect,” Fahey said.
With the Nutcracker at Hennepin Arts, a Timberwolves game on Wednesday and more, downtown will be busy. Metro Transit offers free rides and many parking discounts are available.
Holidazzle runs from Wednesday December 18 to Sunday December 22. It is open from Wednesday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, on Saturday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
More information about Holidazzle can be found on their website.
Last year the organizers had to Cancel Holidazzle due to a shortage of financing. Click here to donate to the Minneapolis Downtown Council and help fund events like Holidazzle.
Frankie McLister
