THROUGHOUT MINNESOTA, including in Faribault, December brings holiday and winter-themed events. In a typical year, I’d embrace all of these celebrations. But, like last December, we are still very much in the middle of a pandemic. And, for me, that means skipping most crowded events. Even those which are outdoors. If people masked and were mostly (all) vaccinated, I would feel more comfortable. But that isn’t happening. At least not locally.
With that as a disclaimer, I want to share that Faribault is celebrating Winterfest, which began on Thursday and continues through Saturday. It’s a wonderful celebration with a wide range of activities. And I expect because COVID-19 canceled Winterfest in 2020, lots of folks will join in this year’s festivities. I encourage you, if you attend, to remember that our county is still in a high community transmission rate for COVID and to take care to protect yourself and others.
Friday, December 3:
- Elf, The Musical, 7:30 pm at the Paradise Center for the Arts (Masks recommended per CDC guidelines.)
- Horse-drawn wagon rides along Central Avenue
- Shattuck-St. Mary’s snow sculpting by Burkhartzmeyer Shoes (weather permitting)
Saturday, December 4:
- 14th Annual French-Canadian Christmas Open House at the Alexander Faribault House, 11 am – 3 pm (Masks required.)
- Holiday Spirits Bazaar at 10,000 Drops Distillery, 11 am – 4 pm
- Sleds on Central Vintage Snowmobile Show, 1 – 4 pm, 400 block of Central Avenue (food and beverages available for purchase)
- Fireworks, launched near the viaduct, 5:30 pm
- Parade of Lights on Central Avenue between 1st and 6th Streets, 5:50 pm
- Street Dance with music by Fender Bender, 400 block of Central after the parade (food and beverages available for purchase)
- Elf, The Musical, 7:30 pm at the Paradise Center for the Arts (also showing at 2 pm Sunday, December 5, and other dates; check the Paradise website) Masks recommended per CDC guidelines.
Also check out the Faribault Parks & Rec Department Holiday Tree Display in Central Park, now through December 9.
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© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
looks like a great celebration
Past Winterfests have proven enjoyable.
I have no doubt-
Love the picture of the tree display. I am guessing that they are cut trees and not potted.?
These trees are artificial, if I remember correctly. Businesses, organizations, etc. sponsor/decorate them. And then the trees are given to families who would otherwise not be able to afford a tree. So it’s a win-win all around and a wonderful idea.
Cool idea.
Thanks for the info on this Faribault event.
You are welcome.
I love all these festive activites, I bet the tree display would be beautiful.
Photos will be forthcoming of the tree display.