Everything to know about Holidazzle's return, from peppermint pub crawls to how to get there
Holidazzle is back this year, ready to light up its new home along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.
The winter festival, which takes place from Dec. 18–22, has unveiled details about the lineup of events that will bring a little razzle-dazzle downtown after funding issues forced its cancelation in 2023.
Here's a look at what's happening during Holidazzle, including new events, how to get there for free, and more.
Interactive lights at Holidazzle
Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council
What's new at Holidazzle
Holidazzle has added an opening ceremony, which will take place on Dec. 18. It'll feature the voices of the Minnesota Chorale and the thunderous beats of the Vikings' SKOL Line. They'll be followed by a live, if chilly, outdoor performance from local hip-hop favorite Nur-D, who takes the stage at 6:15 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 21, Peppermint Pub Crawl will delight revelers with a tour of downtown Minneapolis bars from 5–9 p.m. with seasonal cocktails featured at each location.
Tickets for the pub crawl are $25 per person or $80 for a group of four. That admission comes with a peppermint-striped beanie and three drink tickets for cocktail samples.
Roller skating at Holidazzle
Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council
Markets and live entertainment
In addition to those new events, there will be pop-up holiday markets with more than 200 local vendors. The Minneapolis Craft Market at IDS Center, the Dayton's Holiday Market at The Dayton's Project, and the Chameleon Market, featuring BIPOC and women-owned businesses at the Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA, will take place throughout Holidazzle's run.
Meanwhile, the Very Vintage Holidazzle Market inside City Center will take place on Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21.
Live music and entertainment will hit the outdoor U.S. Bank Stage and indoor IDS Crystal Court stage daily. That includes a silent disco on Thursday, karaoke on Friday and Saturday, a kids dance party on Saturday and Sunday, performances from Twin Cities Trapeze each weekend day, and, on Saturday, the Children's Theatre Company will host a performance of songs from its classic "Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
At City Center, grab some roller skates — available to rent for free — for Roll-A-Dazzle, the free indoor roller rink.
Minne-Golf, a free nine-hole mini golf course designed to showcase iconic Minneapolis locations, will also be open inside City Center daily.
Food and drinks will be available at the markets, and food trucks will set up shop around Nicollet Mall. Additionally, the Holidazzle Bar will serve drinks between 7th St. and 8th St.
Holidazzle light tunnel
Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council
See holiday lights and Santa
Santa will post up on Nicollet Mall between 8th St. and 9th St. each day of Holidazzle. Visiting the man in red will be free, though a fast pass is available as well. (More on that below.)
While many changes are taking place with the revamped festival, light displays won't be going away. Interactive light displays will be set up on Nicollet from 11th St. . to 10th St.
And, not to bury the lede, but Holidazzle is known for having spectacular lights. While things are different in 2024, there will still be plenty of lights, including interactive displays in Nicollet from 11th St. to 10th St. Between 9th St. and 8th St., revelers can walk under and through Passage, an immersive lighting display.
Getting there and more
The festival is free, but Friends of Holidazzle passes, which support the non-profit Vibrant and Safe Downtown, offer free valet parking, access to indoor restrooms, and a fast pass to see Santa.
Discounted parking is available at select downtown parking ramps, and Metro Transit will offer free rides to and from Holidazzle.
