The town of Nisswa is eagerly preparing for the Annual Nisswa City of Lights Celebration! This magical event kicks off the holiday season, creating an experience that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Throughout the day and into the night, you’ll find cozy horse-drawn wagon rides, picture-perfect moments with live reindeer, captivating storytelling, delicious bites from local vendors, warm bonfires, hot cider, and irresistible mini donuts, all set to the cheerful tunes of strolling holiday carolers. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa, and families will be awed by fireworks lighting up the crisp winter sky. The entire town sparkles with beautiful holiday lights, transforming each building and tree along Main Street into a dazzling display. Hosted by the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce and supported by local sponsors, this event is truly a celebration of community and holiday spirit! Check out our in-depth recap of last year's Nisswa City of Lights Celebration! Read all about the highlights and memorable moments here: Nisswa City of Lights Celebration 2023 Recap.
Here is the schedule provided by the Chamber's website:
City of Lights Celebration Nisswa 2024 - Downtown Nisswa
Schedule of Events Friday, November 29th
*subject to change
Timeline:
In addition to the Chamber's schedule of activities for the day, we'll be curating a list of local businesses hosting activities and special promotions in conjunction with the event or during the event. These will be highlighted with a special symbol (➡️). If your business will be open or offering something special, let us know, and we’ll add you to the list! Email details to info@campnisswa.com, and we'll keep updating as more activities are discovered.
➡️10:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Christmas Acres at Copper Creek
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
4:00 PM - Blinky Lights for sale on Main Street
4:00-5:00 PM - Wadena/CLC Community Bands Brass Ensemble
4:00 PM - Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)
4:00-5:30 PM - Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Nisswa Square Courtyard
4:00-6:00 PM - Pequot Lakes High School Choir Carolers - Strolling
4:00-6:30 PM - Live Reindeer - Turtle Track
4:00-7:00 PM - Train rides - Nisswa Square
➡️4:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Live Music on the Patio with Tom Havek at Big Axe Brewing Co
➡️4:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Prime Rib Dinner at Nisswa American Legion
4:30 PM - Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)
➡️4:30 PM - Meat Raffle at Nisswa American Legion
4:45 PM - Luminary Walk - Pioneer Village
4:45 PM - 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)
5:00-7:00 PM - Live Nativity Scene by Our Lady of the Lakes Parish Youth - Pioneer Village (show starts every 30 minutes)
5:30 PM - COUNTDOWN FOR DOWNTOWN LIGHTING DISPLAY!
5:45 PM - Love Lights a Tree Ceremony - Pioneer Village
6:00 PM - SANTA ARRIVES TO THE GAZEBO!
➡️6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Live Music by Tailgunners at Roundhouse Brewery
➡️6:30 PM - Karaoke at Nisswa American Legion
7:00 PM - FIREWORKS! by North Star Fireworks - Nisswa Community Center (no parking due to safety zone) | Camp Nisswa Tip: For a close up view, head to the Ye Old Pickle Factory. (Truly, there is not a bad spot to see the fireworks in town).
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the entire town and everyone who attends! It’s just one of the many highlights in the Lakes Area, showcasing the incredible spirit of the Nisswa Lakes community!
Off- Site Parking: Free off-site parking + free shuttle rides for the City of Lights
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
