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For over 20 years, the Holidazzle Parade was one way that Minnesotans could come together to celebrate the Christmas season. During the month of December, crowds would gather along the streets of Nicollet Mall and watch the floats go by. This tradition, however, came to an end in 2013 when the Minneapolis City Council decided to end the annual parade. However, in its place, the Holidazzle Village was founded the following year, and is currently open at Loring Park.

One reason why the Holidazzle Parade became the Holidazzle Village was to give people a better way to celebrate the holiday season. “Holidazzle transitioned from the parade as a way to provide a more interactive experience for those who come downtown to enjoy the holidays in Minneapolis. Instead of a 30 minute parade where people stand or sit and watch, then go home, this version of Holidazzle offers a way for people to engage in different activities that they can enjoy,” Minneapolis Downtown Council communications manager Mark Remme said.

An advantage of having a Village is that it will provide families with a chance to bond for a greater period of time. “Instead of a 30-minute visit, Holidazzle is open 5-9 pm on Thursdays, 5-10 pm on Fridays, 11 am-9 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am-7 pm on Sundays, so people can spend more time downtown and enjoy all the great offerings at Holidazzle then take in a show, a sporting event, shop or dine downtown at different times during the day. We feel it offers something for everyone, and it is an outing that people can enjoy for longer periods of time,” Remme said.

The Holidazzle Village has a variety of different attractions that people of all ages can enjoy. “The skating has been a huge hit this year, as skating is free and there are also complimentary skates available for use inside the warming house. Santa is always a big hit, and people young and old stop to visit him,” Remme said.

At night, the Holidazzle Village tries to do interesting events outside, so people can enjoy the bright and colorful lights. “[The movie] ‘Frozen’ is playing December 18, and that’s always a very popular movie for families to come out and enjoy. Carriage rides in the park are very popular, and people are always just enjoying the lighting,” Remme said.

With the shift from a parade to a village, Holidazzle allowed for more food and shopping options to be open during Village hours. “Kramarczuk’s has several sausages and all-beef hot dogs on hand, but one in particular that is a big draw is their specially-made Holidazzle Sausage that includes cranberries and wild rice. K-Town Street Foods has amazing Korean-infused taco bowls and poutine-like fries. There are Polish Pierogis, little pancakes with whipped cream, chocolate and strawberries, pizza- flavored cheese curds, and more. The food is incredible at Holidazzle, and there is something for everyone,” Remme said.

The public reception to the Village has been mostly positive. “There are people who do miss the parade, but the response to this year’s Holidazzle has been overwhelmingly positive. People are enjoying the lighting, the variety of foods and shops, and all the fun activities that they can do with family and friends,” Remme said.

For the community at BSM, the Holidazzle village is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and to have a bonding experience with friends and family. “Holidazzle is a great way for family and friends to join together and enjoy the holiday spirit. The lighting coupled with the outdoor feel, the snow, the music and the festivities make it a winter wonderland for people to enjoy with the people they care about. Our biggest hope is that people will make memories that they’ll take with them for years to come, and that’s really what the holiday season is all about,” Remme said.