The Holidazzle Parade is in the middle of its annual run, and is an annual tradition for many families. If you'd like to go and watch the Holidazzle Parade but wonder about the sense of a winter parade, this might help you out.
How long does the Holidazzle Parade last? The parade starts at 6.30 p.m., and it's quite short, lasting for about 20-25 minutes. There's only so long you can stand in the cold. If that's too short, you can come back and watch it all over again.
So how cold is it standing outside? Can you take little children to the parade, will it be too cold? It really depends on the wind. Even when it's very cold, it's usually bearable to be outside if you have enough layers on. But once the wind starts blowing, that's another story. I bundled up three small children well enough for them to happily watch the entire parade from the sidewalk when the temperature was about 20 degrees. There was no wind though - we couldn't have stuck it out with any kind of wind chill. Wear lots of layers, warm gloves and boots, bring handwarmers, maybe a flask of hot chocolate, and you'll be fine.
What if it's really cold? What if it's -10, or the windchill is -30? Go another night. Or watch the parade from one of the skyways above Nicollet Mall. You won't be the only one who had that idea though...
Where can you park for the Holidazzle Parade? There is plenty of parking all over downtown Minneapolis, and parking ramps all up and down Nicollet Avenue. Or, ride the bus or light rail to downtown Minneapolis.
Do they throw candy? No. But the Winter Carnival parade, in St. Paul in January, is a good bet for beads, candy and parade swag.
The Holidazzle Parade runs for the next two weeks - every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 18. More information at the Holidazzle website.
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