MINNEAPOLIS — A venerable holiday festival is getting back to its roots, as Holidazzle returns to Nicollet Mall after a year's absence.
Organizers on Wednesday announced that Holidazzle 2024 will be a 5-day free festival held on the mall from 6th Street to Peavey Plaza (11th Street) from Wednesday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 22. The event is billed as being a family-friendly holiday experience, with seasonal activities, food and entertainment that will offer a boost to small businesses.
Holidazzle highlights include:
- Light & art installations
- Holiday shopping pop-ups featuring Minneapolis Craft Market, Dayton’s Holiday Market, Chameleon Shoppes featuring BIPOC women-owned vendors and Minneapolis Vintage Market
- Two entertainment stages
- Free Roller Skating and Minne-Golf
- Visits with Santa
“Holidazzle is the perfect way to bring people together to celebrate our beautiful city in our winter season,” said Adam Duininck, who became Minneapolis Downtown Council president and CEO last November. “From Minnesota-made treats to community performances to families making their holiday memories, it’s a true showcase of the talent, creativity, and spirit that makes Minneapolis shine!”
While Holidazzle is free and open to the public, patrons can buy a “Friends of Holidazzle” pass that offers valet parking, access to indoor restrooms, a limited-edition souvenir and a Santa “fast pass.” The passes are available for purchase starting Nov. 1, and are partially tax-deductible.
Also new is a Holidazzle Hospitality Hub, a private indoor location designed to host holiday parties for groups from 50 to 1,000 guests. The Downtown Council will work with groups to provide festive seasonal decor, an audio system with playlists and more. Those interested can contact the council for more information.
Duininck said there will be plenty of activity in and around the 5-block event, including a special return at Target Center on Thursday, Dec. 19.
"The New York Knicks are gonna be here, which will mean Karl Anthony Towns is coming back to Minneapolis to play against his old home team," he said. "It's [all] a big boost, for especially the restaurants and bars. Sometimes even the hotels."
Interested in the complete schedule of events? Check out the Holidazzle website.
Holidazzle has its roots on Nicollet Mall, including the legendary parades, but in recent years has been held in Loring Park. In 2023, organizers announced that the holiday festival would not take place due to a lack of funding but promised it would be "a one-year situation." Wednesday's announcement shows the Downtown Council kept its word.