Holidazzle returns to Nicollet Mall after a decade

MINNEAPOLIS — You might be thinking, “All I want for Christmas is for Holidazzle to be back on Nicollet Mall.” After a decadeit is.

Downtown businesses and residents are excited.

“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. It runs Wednesday through Sunday along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, but it spreads more than just Christmas cheer.

“The ‘why’ is that not only does it represent businesses, but it also brings life to the downtown neighborhoods,” Fahey said.

The festival expects around 100,000 attendees and will have a Peppermint Pub Crawl, pet rescue, performances by Vikings SKOL Line and even indoor Minne-Golf and roller skating if you get too cold.

But if you’re concerned about security, the event is working with the Minneapolis Police Department and will have private security on every block.

“It’s going to be perfect out there,” 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 will run from Wednesday 18 December to Sunday 22 December. It will be open between 16.00 and 21.00 from Wednesday to Friday, noon to 21.00 on Saturdays and noon to 18.00 on Sundays.

More information about Holidazzle can be found at their website.

Last year the organizers had to cancel Holiday due to lack of funding. Donating to the Minneapolis Downtown Council and helping fund events like Holidazzle, click here.