Everyone in the town of Nisswa is gearing up for the Annual Nisswa City of Lights Celebration! This incredible event marks the start of the holiday season and is an experience not to be missed. It's like stepping into a Hallmark movie! The day and night are filled with cozy horse-drawn wagon rides, photo opportunities with live reindeer, storytelling, delicious food from local merchants, warm bonfires, hot cider, and mini donuts, all accompanied by the melodies of strolling holiday carolers. The little ones can share their wishes with Santa, and the entire family can marvel at fireworks illuminating the crisp winter sky. The entire town is adorned with beautiful holiday lights, turning every building and tree on the main street into a mesmerizing sight that must be seen in person. This event is hosted by the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce along with local sponsors, whose support and time contribute to making this celebration truly wonderful!
In addition to the Chamber's schedule of activities for the day, we've curated a list of local businesses hosting activities in conjunction with the event:
Wildflower Chocolate and North Root Studio | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Join them on the Turtle Track in Downtown Nisswa, at the North Root Studio patio. Enjoy the campfire, complimentary warm beverages, and their "made in Nisswa" handcrafted products! This is also a fabulous location to enjoy the fireworks. LINK
Up North Bike Rentals | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join them for S’more Holiday Fun as part of the Nisswa City of Lights Celebration. Come roast your own s’mores treats and enjoy their warm, cozy fire! Have your family photo taken by lakesphotography218 against their outdoor Holiday backdrop! LINK
Pre-Party at The Shed | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Before you bundle up and head out, stop in for some holiday cheer and hot beverages. They will have hot lifted tea options, soup, and all of their other great items available at special pricing. LINK
Just Juice at the Nisswa Totem Pole | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Need a new healthy option for the Nisswa City of Lights celebration? Stop into the Nisswa Totem Pole for fresh-pressed organic juices, superfood smoothies, wraps, kombucha, Booch juice, and much more! LINK
Lake Latitude | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
S'mores by the fire, coffee & hot cocoa, and extended shopping hours. LINK
The Fun Sisters Nisswa | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
In-store sales and extended shopping! LINK
Northern Gifts & Sweets | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Extended shopping hours!
Glen’s Ice Cream Parlor | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Extended shopping hours! Plus $2 Cake Cones & $3 Waffle Cones
Martin's Sport Shop | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Black Friday specials and extended shopping hours!
Lark Nisswa | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
In-store specials: all regular price merchandise 50% off, all clearance merchandise 75% off.
Found: a curated life | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
In-store specials: all regular price merchandise 50% off, all clearance merchandise 75% off.
The Chocolate Ox | Open till 8:00 PM
If your business is open or has a special promotion, please let us know, and we will add it to our list! You can email us at info@campnisswa.com. We will continue to add to the list as we discover new activities.
Here is the schedule provided by the Chamber's website:
11:00 am - Food Vendors Open on Main Street near the Chamber
3:30 pm - Main Street Closes (No Parking!) – Big Axe Brewery to Main Street Ale House
3:30 pm - Polar Express Storytelling (Limited Seating) - Caboose (Across the street from Pioneer Village)
4:00 pm -
Bonfires will be lit along the Paul Bunyan Trail
Blinky Lights for Sale on Main Street
4:00 - 7:00 pm - Wagon Rides - Nisswa Square
4:00 pm - Polar Express Storytelling (Limited Seating) - Caboose (Across the street from Pioneer Village)
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Wadena/CLC Community Bands Brass Ensemble - Nisswa Square near Stonehouse Coffee
4:00 - 5:45 pm - Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Nisswa Square Courtyard
4:00 - 6:00 pm - Pequot Lakes High School Choir Carolers - Gazebo
4:00 - 6:30 pm - Live Reindeer - Turtle Track
4:00 - 7:00 pm -
S’more Holiday Fun - S’mores and Fun at Up North Bike Rental (Next to City Hall)
Salvation Army Kettles
4:30 pm - Polar Express Storytelling (Limited Seating) – Caboose
4:45 pm -
Luminary Walk - Pioneer Village
Free Mini Donuts - Pioneer Village
4:45 - 7:00 pm - Kids Crafts with Black Bear 4-H Club - Pioneer Village
5:00 pm - Polar Express Storytelling (Limited Seating) - Caboose (Across the street from Pioneer Village)
5:45 pm - Love Lights a Tree Ceremony - Pioneer Village
5:00 - 7:00 pm - Live Nativity Scene by Our Lady of the Lakes Parish Youth - Pioneer Village (Show starts every 30 minutes)
5:30 pm - COUNTDOWN FOR LIGHTING DISPLAY!
6:00 pm - SANTA ARRIVES TO THE GAZEBO!
7:00 pm - FIREWORKS! by North Star Fireworks - Nisswa Community Center (No parking due to safety zone)
Again, this event wouldn’t be possible without the town’s support along with everyone that attends! This is one of many highlights in the Lakes Area and it goes to show you how awesome the Nisswa Lakes Area is! Off- Site Parking: The Chamber announced they will be offering free off-site parking + free shuttle rides for the City of Lights! LINK Here is how it works:
Park at Timberwood Church | 23084 MN-371, Nisswa, MN 56468
Hop on one of the rotating shuttles
Enjoy a quick ride to downtown Nisswa
Shuttles will run from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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