The 40th annual Nisswa City of Lights festival is Friday, Nov. 26, featuring annual shopping specials, bonfires, blinky lights and Christmas themed activities. Following is the schedule of events:
- All day: Write a letter to Santa at the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce office.
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m.: Shopping campaign buttons available at the Chamber of Commerce for $5.
- 3:30 p.m.: Main Street from Big Axe Brewery to Main Street Ale House closes to traffic to make room for vendors.
- 3:30-7 p.m.: Axe throwing at Roundhouse Brewery.
- 4 p.m.: Bonfires are lit along the Paul Bunyan Trail.
- 4 p.m.: Blinky lights are for sale on Main Street.
- 4 p.m.: Outdoor beer garden opens with grab and go food and build your own hot chocolate at Big Axe Brewing.
- 4-5 p.m.: Holiday brass band at Nisswa Square near Stonehouse Coffee.
- 4-5:45 p.m.: Photos with Santa in the Nisswa Square courtyard.
- 4-7 p.m.: Live reindeer on Main Street in front of the chamber building.
- 4-7 p.m.: Free s'mores and a warm fire at Up North Bike Rentals next to city hall.
- 4-7 p.m.: Gingerbread parade of homes at Woods to Water Real Estate.
- 4-7 p.m.: Salvation Army red kettles go up at four locations.
- 4:30 p.m.: "The Polar Express" storytelling (with limited seating) at the caboose.
- 4:45 p.m.: Luminary walk in the Pioneer Village.
- 4:45-7 p.m.: Kids crafts with Black Bear 4-H Club at the Pioneer Village.
- 5 p.m.: Main Street Ale House hosts an outdoor bar with fire pits.
- 5 p.m.: "The Polar Express" storytelling (with limited seating) at the caboose.
- 5-7 p.m.: Live Nativity Scene by the Our Lady of the Lakes parish youth at the Pioneer Village.
- 5:30 p.m.: Countdown for lighting displays begins.
- 6 p.m.: Santa arrives at the gazebo.
- 7:30 p.m.: Fireworks at the Nisswa Community Center.
