It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Although our days are getting shorter and the air is getting colder, there are still a lot of heart-warming activities going on in Minneapolis during the winter season. Just a 10-minute bus ride from the heart of campus is Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis's shopping and dining district, where the City of Minneapolis hosts the Holidazzle Parade. Going on 19 years strong, the Holidazzle is a brilliant display of favorite storybook characters brought to life in sparkling costumes. 

This wonderful Twin Cities tradition is brought to us by several Twin Cities-based companies and organizations. Starting November 26th and going through December 18th, the parade lights up Nicollet Avenue between 12th and 4th street, Thursday through Sunday starting at 6:30 pm.

Grab some friends, go see the parade, and spend the evening walking the warm skyways connecting the stores and restaurants of Nicollet Mall. If you have time, head up to the 8th floor of Macy's department store to see their annual holiday display, "A Day in the Life of an Elf," which tells the story of Santa's little helpers getting ready for the holiday season in the North Pole. 

An evening in Minneapolis viewing the Holidazzle Parade and Macy's holiday display is a wonderful way to spend a wintery evening! (And it's totally free!)