As the temperature slowly drops, Faribault, MN is preparing for another magical holiday event. Winterfest is Faribault’s new holiday celebration of family fun and entertainment all throughout the town. Beginning Thursday, November 30th and continuing Saturday, December 2nd, the town of Faribault will welcome in the holiday season with a celebration for all.
The historic downtown of Faribault will be turned into a holiday spectacle with lights and laughter. From a parade of lights to ice carvings, this year’s Winterfest is shaping up to be a special event for everyone in attendance. In the rest of this article, you’ll find an itinerary outlining the times and events that will take place during this year’s celebration.
Thursday, November 30th
The festivities will begin Thursday night at 5:00 PM with free activities at the Buckham Center located at 11 Division St. E, Faribault, MN 55021. The activities include:
- Talking with Santa on a Firetruck. (Beginning at 5:30 PM)
- Christmas Caroling. (From 5:30 – 7:30 PM)
- Live Reindeer. (5:00 – 7:30 PM)
- Arts & Crafts (5:30 – 7:30 PM)
- Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus (5:30 – 7:00 PM)
In addition to the activities going on at the Buckham Center, you can also enjoy the Due North caroling group as they move up and down Central Avenue from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. There will also be complimentary horse drawn wagon rides through downtown until 8:00 PM.
Also on Thursday, you can participate in the annual window decorating contest between merchants going on from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Finally, watch a live Ice Carving Artist create a beautiful sculpture on the corner of Central Ave and 4th Street.
Saturday, December 2nd
The fun continues on Saturday with even more activities and events to entertain the whole family. Beginning at 3:00 PM, take your kids to watch a free family friendly movie at the Village Theater. Courtesy of Faribault Park and Rec, they will be showing Arthur Christmas. Also taking place at 3:00 PM will be a Vintage Snowmobile Slide-in on the 400 Block of Central Avenue.
Additionally, the Alexander Faribault House will have a holiday open house and the Paradise Center for the Arts will be performing the play, “Coconuts and Mistletoe.”
When the sun begins to go down is when the lights turn on! Make sure to watch the Parade of Lights beginning at 5:00 PM. The parade will begin at the Buckham Center and travel down Central Avenue, ending on 6th Street.
And you won’t want to miss the Parking Lot Party. The Faribault Sno-Go Club will be running the bar and serving drinks in the parking lot next to F-Town Brewing Company beginning at 5pm and Street Dance beginning at 6 :30 PM. The $5 cover charge will get you access to hear the Old Country Boys at parking lot #11 on 4th Street between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue NE, next to F-Town Brewing Co. Remember, this event is outdoors. There will be heaters and tents at the event, but make sure to bundle up!
A Day of Fun
Join us as we welcome the holiday season with a celebration for the entire family. Winterfest is a time to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the company of wonderful people. If you’d like to learn more about the event or any more event details visit the Faribault Main Street Facebook Event Page.
This event brought to you by: The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Faribault Main Street, Faribault Sno-Go Club, Faribault Park and Rec, Faribault Rent and Save, Community Coop Oil Association, Bauer’s Southside Liquor, Chappuis Jewelry, and Humfeld Chiropractic and Nutrition Center
