Holidazzle Opens Friday In Loring Park

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The turkey has been carved, the midnight shopping has been done and the snow has fallen, the holiday season is here and so is the Holidazzle.

On Friday, Minneapolis will kick off its annual holiday tradition when the Holidazzle opens in its new Loring Park location.

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. when community leaders will offer up a few brief comments, followed by live music and fireworks.

As with last year's inaugural holiday village, local vendors, including Fulton Brewery and Love Your Melon Hats, will be scattered throughout the park. Guests can eat, shop and wander throughout the winter wonderland.

New to this year's Holidazzle is the skating rink! The rink is free to all, but those hoping to enjoy the ice should bring their own skates as rental is not available.

The rink is open during Holidazzle hours, and will remain open throughout the winter season.

The other new addition for 2015 is screenings of holiday films.

Beginning Friday, a movie will be shown during village hours. Friday's film is "Elf," which will start at 7 p.m. On Sunday, "It's A Wonderful Life" will be shown at 5 p.m. The full list of movies can be found on the Holidazzle's website.

And don't miss Santa!

The Man in Red will be visiting the Holidazzle for opening weekend. Kids can give Santa their wish list from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Holidazzle is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It opens Friday and runs through Sunday, Dec. 20. Admission is free.

For more information, visit Holidazzle online.