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Nisswa City of Lights Celebration 2025 | Friday, November 28, 2025

  • Writer: Camp Nisswa
    Camp Nisswa
  • Nov 4
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 6


The countdown is on for one of the most-loved traditions in the Nisswa Lakes Area—the Annual Nisswa City of Lights Celebration. This magical kickoff to the holiday season feels straight out of a Hallmark movie: cozy train rides, picture-perfect light displays, captivating storytelling, delicious bites from local vendors, warm bonfires, hot cider, and those can’t-miss mini donuts. Strolling carolers set the soundtrack while kids share their wishes with Santa, and the night wraps with fireworks lighting up a crisp winter sky.


Hosted by the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce (big shoutout to their team and local sponsors), City of Lights transforms Downtown Nisswa as buildings and trees along Main Street glow with thousands of lights. It’s community. It’s tradition. It’s the start of the festive season in Nisswa.



Quick Details

Date: Friday, November 28, 2025

Location: Downtown Nisswa, MN


What to Expect

  • Dazzling Lights: Main Street trees, fences, and storefronts wrapped in holiday sparkle.

  • Cozy Activities: Train rides, storytelling, bonfires, hot drinks, sweet treats.

  • Santa Visits: Bring the wish list and the camera.

  • Live Holiday Music: Carolers roaming downtown all afternoon and evening.

  • Fireworks: A festive finale over Downtown Nisswa by North Star Firewor

  • Parking: Arrive early or use the shuttle service from Timberwood Church to Downtown Nisswa.

Schedule & Local Business Happenings

(Friday, November 28, 2025)

➡️ Local businesses: If you’ll be open or offering something special tied to City of Lights, send details (hours, offer, link) to info@campnisswa.com. We’ll keep this list updated as new activities roll in.


The Nisswa Chamber has released the official City of Lights schedule, which we’ve mirrored here along with additional activities taking place across the area.


  • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM – Christmas Acres at Cooper Creek

  • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM – Craft Fair at the Nisswa American Legion

  • 11:00 AM – Food Vendors open on Main Street near the Chamber

  • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM – Permanent Jewelry by Cherish Design at Lake Latitude Nisswa

  • 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM – The Cozy Corner at Just Juice – 5380 Merril Ave, Nisswa, MN

    • Warm up, create, and celebrate holiday joy for all ages! Enjoy the ultimate build-your-own hot cocoa bar, story time and FREE crafts with the Ice Princess, FREE glow-in-the-dark tattoos, and delicious sourdough soup bowls with bone broths and more.

  • 3:30 PM – Main Street closes (no parking!) – Big Axe Brewery to Main Street Ale House

  • 3:30 PM – Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

  • 3:30–6:30 PM – Santa’s Petting Zoo – Main Street near the Chamber

  • 4:00 PM – Bonfires will be lit along the Paul Bunyan Trail

  • 4:00 PM – Blinky Lights for sale at the Nisswa Chamber office

  • 4:00 PM – Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

  • 4:00 PM – Live music by Tequila Tom on the patio at Big Axe Brewing Co.

  • 4:00–5:30 PM – Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Nisswa Square Courtyard

  • 4:00–6:00 PM – Pequot Lakes High School Choir Carolers – Strolling

  • 4:00–7:00 PM – Train Rides through town – Turtle Track

  • 4:00–7:00 PM – S’more Holiday Fun – Up North Bike Rental

  • 4:30 PM – Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

  • 4:30 PM  - Meat Raffle at the Nisswa American Legion

  • 4:45 PM – Luminary Walk – Pioneer Village

  • 4:45 PM – Free Mini Donuts – Pioneer Village

  • 4:45–7:00 PM – Kids Crafts with Black Bear 4-H Club – Pioneer Village

  • 5:00 PM – Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) – Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

  • 5:00–7:00 PM – Live Nativity Scene by Our Lady of the Lakes Parish Youth – Pioneer Village (show starts every 30 minutes)

  • 5:00 PM - Prime Rib Dinner at the Nisswa American Legion

  • 5:30 PM – COUNTDOWN FOR TREE LIGHTING! – Pocket Park

  • 5:45 PM – Love Lights a Tree Ceremony – Pioneer Village

  • 6:00 PM – SANTA ARRIVES TO THE GAZEBO!

  • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Live music with the Tailgunners at Roundhouse Brewery

  • 6:30 PM - Live music with Seth Doud at the Nisswa American Legion

  • 7:00 PM – FIREWORKS! by North Star Fireworks – Nisswa Community Center (no parking due to safety zone)

PARKING


Off- Site Parking: Free off-site parking + free shuttle rides for the City of Lights

  • Park at Timberwood Church | 23084 MN-371, Nisswa, MN 56468

  • Hop on one of the rotating shuttles

  • Enjoy a quick ride to downtown Nisswa

  • Shuttles will run from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Timberwood Church, 23084 MN-371, Nisswa, MN 56468
Timberwood Church | Nisswa, MN

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