There is nothing quite like the sparkle of holiday lights in the city, such as you can see in this view of the IDS Center Crystal Court.
But these lights pale next to the Holidazzle Parade, which has been enchanting spectators since it made its debut down Nicollet Mall in 1992. About 400,000 spectators come each year to this family friendly event which features lighted floats and fairy tale creatures.
Many community and school organizations take part each night. The circus train below featured different groups of live 'kid' animals in each car…a delightful train! A group I used to sing in used to sing on one of the floats each year…believe me, it was not just cool fun, it was cold!!
Target Center sponsors a 'hot seat' tent for those who want to watch in comfortable warmth…and the skyways are lined with spectators who not only stay warm but have a great bird's eye view.
We joined the crowd on Friday evening, which was perfect…not too cold with gently falling snow to make it feel like Christmas…streets lined with people to make it festive…but not so crowded you couldn't see.
The parade runs Thursday – Sunday evenings at 6:30 down Nicollet Mall between 12th and 4th Streets through December 21st.
Click here to see properties currently for sale in downtown Minneapolis. (Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings…pass your cursor over the dots on the map for property information.)
