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Faribault Winterfest

    Home Portfolio Faribault Winterfest
    Event Schedule, Faribault Winterfest, Downtown Faribault, Faribault festivals, Winter Festival
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    Close-up of the Grinch in a red Santa suit with furry green hands waving to the crowd during the parade of lights.anta Claus and the Grinch in a fireman's jacket waving from a brightly lit float during the parade of lights.The Grinch in a Santa suit posing aggressively next to a tall, white decorative nutcracker statue inside a store or event space.Three people dressed in holiday costumes—a snowman, the Grinch, and a reindeer—posing next to a vintage car heavily decorated with yellow lights and an inflatable snowman.A colorful, highly decorated float themed as "Welcome to Whoville," complete with Christmas lights, trees, and character cutouts, moving through downtown Faribault during the night parade.Woman wearing a white Santa hat and red sweater, smiling while playing a dark-colored ukulele indoors at a community eventIce carving of a fleur-de-lis with a snowflake design carved into the center, sitting on a pedestal in downtown Faribault.Three friends smiling and posing with festive lights wrapped around them, wearing "Santa Baby" and "Ho Ho Ho" sweaters in front of a Faribault Police vehicle and parade floats.Close-up of a vintage Fleck's Cave Aged Beer and Orange Crush delivery truck decorated with festive Christmas lights and tinsel for the parade.A young girl in a blue winter coat smiling with excitement while holding a glowing green light stick, watching the night parade alongside a group of spectators.

    Winterfest

    ❄️ Embrace the Magic: December 4th – 6th

    Get ready to experience the most wonderful time of the year at the 9th Annual Faribault Winterfest!

    From Thursday, December 4th to Saturday, December 6th, Historic Downtown Faribault will transform into a festive winter wonderland, offering three days of dazzling lights, family-friendly fun, and unique holiday shopping. Join us for classic traditions like the spectacular Parade of Lights and the mesmerizing Ice Carving. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, cheering on the Ugly Sweater Run/Walk, or discovering unique gifts, Winterfest is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

    The 2025 Winterfest will be proudly led by Grand Marshal Heidi Ernste – Earnest Effort Christmas Wish, recognized for her tireless commitment to the community.

    Event Page: https://members.faribaultmn.org/events/details/the-9th-annual-faribault-winterfest-2025-20322
    Event Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1QsIVP4Wh5ide2v836dZC_vLEUhe2QeE&usp=sharing
    Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BtEynfGyp/

    Phone

    (507) 334-4381

    Winterfest Sponsors 2025

    🗓️ Full Event Schedule

    Multi-Day & Pre-Winterfest Events

     

    Annual Holly Days Sale

    • When: November 20th – December 20th
    • Where: Paradise Center for the Arts (321 Central Ave N)

    • Description: A month-long shopping opportunity for handcrafted art.

    Window Décor Contest

    • When: December 1st – December 6th

    • Where: Downtown Faribault

    • Description: Vote for your favorite Christmas window display. Submit your ballot at the Buckham Library. The winner will be announced at the Winter Street Dance on Saturday.

    • Business Sign-up

    Thursday, December 4th: Kick-Off

     

    Holiday Open House

    • When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

    • Where: South Central College Event Center (1225 Third St. SW)

    • Description: Enjoy an afternoon of appetizers, drinks, and music, hosted by the South Central College Foundation.

    Ice Carving

    • When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Where: Buckham Center

    • Description: Be mesmerized as the Sakatah Ice Carver transforms ice into a breathtaking sculpture.

    Carriage Rides

    • When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Where: Buckham Center

    • Description: Enjoy old-fashioned, horse-drawn carriage rides around Faribault.

    Hometown Holidays

    • When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Where: Buckham Center

    • Description: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Activities include a bounce house, singalongs, and make-your-own winter crafts.

    Friday, December 5th: Lights and Magic

     

    Meet The Grinch

    • When: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Where: Viaduct Park

    • Description: Get your picture taken with the one and only Grinch that stole Christmas.

    Carriage Rides

    • When: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Where: Viaduct Park

    • Description: A second chance for horse-drawn carriage rides around Faribault.

    Tree Lighting Ceremony

    • When: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

    • Where: Viaduct Park

    • Description: Faribault Parks & Rec hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony. Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate are provided.

    Saturday, December 6th: Parade and Celebration

     

     Christmas Market

    • When: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • Where: American Legion Post 43 (112 5th St NE)

    • Description: The perfect place to holiday shop. Event hosted by We Bead.

    Little Biker Santa Party

    • When: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

    • Where: Faribault Harley-Davidson (2704 West Airport Drive)

    • Description: Snap a pic with Santa, dive into a coloring contest, and enjoy mac n’ cheese and hot cocoa. Accepting non-perishable food items for donation.

    Craft Spirits Holiday Bazaar

    • When: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    • Where: 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers (28 4th St NE)

    • Description: Shop from 20+ craftspeople showcasing their handmade goods.

    Christmas Tea

    • When: 12:00 PM

    • Where: Apple Creek Orchard (5524 185th Street West)

    • Description: A $30/person buffet of soups, sandwiches, treats, and tea. Tickets are required.

    Shopping with the Grinch

    • When: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    • Where: Runamuck Workshop (214 Central Ave N)

    • Description: Visit Historic Downtown Faribault’s newest toy shop, Runamuck Workshop, to shop unique gifts and meet the one and only Grinch! Bring your camera for a special photo opportunity with our favorite holiday humbug.

    Holiday Food Drive

    • When: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

    • Where: Legacy House (318 Central Ave N, above Good Day Coffee)

    • Description: Donate non-perishable food items and receive a free cookie and cocoa.

    Alexander Faribault House Christmas Open House

    • When: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

    • Where: Alexander Faribault House (12 First Ave. NE)

    • Description: The 18th Annual Traditional French-Canadian style Christmas Open House. The house will be decorated in the 1850s traditions of the Faribault family.

    Ugly Sweater Run/Walk

    • When: 4:30 PM

    • Where: Downtown Faribault

    • Description: Wear your ugliest sweater for this fun run/walk and compete to win a basket of goodies.

    • SIGN-UP HERE

    Parade of Lights

    • When: 5:30 PM

    • Where: Downtown Faribault

    • Description: Experience the beautiful parade of lights. (Special Event)

    • Business Sign-up

    Firework Display

    • When: Immediately following the Parade

    • Where: Downtown Faribault

    • Description: Fireworks will be launched near the Viaduct Park.

    Winter Street Dance

    • When: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    • Where: Crooked Pint (125 1st Ave NE)
      Description: After the parade, boogie down with live music from Saint Suburbia. The event includes a beer garden, heated tent, and bonfires.

    Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

    530 Wilson Avenue
    Faribault, MN 55021

    Contact Information

    Local: (507) 334-4381
    Email: Chamber@Faribaultmn.org

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