Willmar welcomes the season with Holidaze parade Nov. 19
Nov. 12—WILLMAR
— Willmar will kick off the 2022 holiday season with its downtown
Holidaze parade
Nov. 19.
The lighted parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., following an afternoon of free activities in the downtown area. The parade has been held each year since 2006, with a year off in 2020 during the pandemic.
"It's a great way to kick off the season," said James Miller, president of Willmar Fests, which organizes the parade. "We usually have a nice crowd."
Many downtown businesses will be open during the event, which will give people a chance to shop or eat out if they are interested.
Miller said it's important to him that the Holidaze be a free event and open to all.
The afternoon begins with a free movie, "The Grinch," at 2:30 p.m. at the Barn Theater. The theater will be a dropoff point for Toys for Tots gifts from 2 to 7 p.m. that day.
At 4 p.m., free hot chocolate and cookies will be served at Selvig Park while supplies last.
A Holidaze edition of "Touch a Truck" will be on Fourth Street downtown from 4 to 6 p.m. Free and family-friendly games and crafts will be found along Fourth Street during that time.
Santa and Mrs. Santa will be available for pictures from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Goodness Coffee House at 333 Litchfield Ave. S.W.
Santa's official arrival in Willmar for the season will be at the end of the parade, which is the highlight of the celebration, Miller said.
The three-block-long parade begins at the corner of Fifth Street and Becker Avenue, travels north for one block on Fifth Street to Litchfield Avenue, turns east on Litchfield to Fourth Street and turns south for one block to Becker Avenue.
After the parade, the First Presbyterian Church at 312 Sixth St. S.W. will serve free hot chocolate and cookies.
A Super Smash Brothers Event will start at 7 p.m. at Spurs Grill & Bar at 313 Fourth St.
Miller said planning for the event continues, and other music or activities may still be added. For the full schedule, go to
