The 9th Annual Faribault Winterfest 2025

 

❄️ 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 Map

🗓️ 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.
  
  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.