Holidazzle Parades. Each of these parades on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis features brightly lit floats, marching bands, celebrity grand marshals and costumed characters from popular children’s stories. Parades begin at 6:30pm and run from 12th Street down to 4th Street (lasting approximately 30 minutes). Parades begin on 11/26 and run through 12/19 every Thursday-Sunday.
“Santa Paws” DVD Release. Celebrate the release of “Santa Paws” on DVD as part of Toddler Tuesday at the Mall of America Best Buy Rotunda on Tuesday, 11/30 from 10am-12pm. Watch the movie at 10:30am, plus enjoy a Christmas cookie and make a jolly Santa craft.
Toys for Tots through Stages Theatre Company. The Stages Theatre Company’s toy drive ends Sunday, 12/12. Drop off a new and unwrapped toy in the box at the Hopkins Center for the Arts main lobby and you can sign up to win a gift bag. Register during regular box office hours Tuesday-Saturday from 12-6pm and one hour prior to all performances. Winner will be drawn 12/14.
Free Photo with Nickelodeon Characters. Get a free photo of your family with cardboard cutouts of your favorite Nickelodeon characters at the Mall of America across from Best Buy on Level 3. Photos can be taken Wednesday-Saturday from 12-8pm or Sunday from 11am-7pm now through December 12. You’ll also get free Nickelodeon-themed picture frames. (I wouldn’t make a special trip just for this, but it’s good to keep in mind if you’re already going to be at the MoA.)
*Reminder* Maple Grove Indoor Farmers Market. The farmers market moves indoors for most Thursdays in October, November and December from 3-6pm. Obviously you won’t be able to get much fresh produce, but you can still purchase meat products, gluten-free items, jams/jellies and other goodies to keep for yourself or purchase for gifts.
Your turn: Have you been to the Holidazzle Parade before? What tips do you have for parade newbies (like me)?
About Laura Wales
I have been going to the Holidazzle since my son was 3 and he is now 17! We have made it a family tradition. I recommend getting there early, dressing warmly, bringing several blankets and buying some hot cocoa – YUMMY! It is more fun to see it from the front row! Also, if you are planning on seeing the 8th floor Macy’s exhibit, you might want to go on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday when the Parade is not running. The lines can get long… Have fun!!
Lynette- I as well did this parade with my older boys every year…until they said “not again” around age 16, now I get to do it with my younger ones:) Always fun…AND FREE!!
My tip is don’t stand next to Macys that is where the line is thickest. Toward the end down by the library there is hardly anyone.
Is there free parking downtown that time of night?