MINNEAPOLIS — Holidazzle is back in Loring Park starting Friday, Nov. 25. This year, at least 30 vendors will be on-site each day, selling locally-made gifts and unique foods.
Northern Drift, a Minnesota-based clothing company with a brick and mortar store in Excelsior, has returned for the first time since the pandemic. Owner Lisa Jane says she's excited to sell new sherpa jackets at the market that has held great meaning to her business.
"We really had launched our brand not long before we did our first Holidazzle," Jane said. "And since that time, we've grown our business tremendously, including opening our own retail store."
Hector Ruiz, a local restaurateur, will be selling Latin American foods from two of his restaurants: Cafe Ena and El Meson Bistro. Menu items include a choripan -- an Argentinian sausage chimichurri steak -- as well as tamales and street tacos.
"For me, it is a passing through of cultures," said Ruiz, who hails from the Mexican state of Morelos. "Trying to show more cultures of different countries."
This year, free carnival rides return, as well as the 17-foot-tall interactive Yeti.
"We love it when people let the yeti dance, they move its arms and legs," Mark Remme, of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, said. "It's just a really fun, interactive way to let people enjoy art here in Loring Park."
This year, Metro Transit will provide free rides to Holidazzle on Saturdays, the same days they'll host weekly fireworks displays at 7:15 p.m. If you park at Minneapolis College during Holidazzle hours, it's a $5 flat-rate fee.
Holidazzle is open Fridays from 5-9, Saturdays from 12-9, and Sundays from 12-6, from Nov. 25 - Dec. 18.
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