Christmas Parades in the Andover, Minnesota Area

As we move into this holiday season, holiday events that are inexpensive and involve the whole family are sure to be popular choices. Consider, then, a parade.

The parade float was so named because the first parades actually involved decorated barges that were towed along canals by marchers on the shore. There were attempts to use concealed oarsmen early on, but those attempts often resulted in drownings as the floats themselves were often made of unstable and lightweight material. Ironically, the first parade that involved horses to pull the floats was done in memory of a drowned oarsmen from a previous parade.

The longest parade takes place each year in Hanover, Germany. This parade takes place during their Schutzenfest. The parade is 12 kilometers long and has more then 12,000 participants including 100 bands and approximately 70 floats. The Schutzenfest is a festival that features a target shooting competition. The landmark of the fair is the highest transportable Ferris wheel in the world. (Wikipedia)

Unfortunately for those of us in Minnesota, the parades we offer may not come close to the Schutzenfest, but they are fun nonetheless.

Here is a list of the holiday parades in the Northern Minneapolis/St. Paul suburbs that you are sure to enjoy.

Snowflake Parade, November 21^st

This is the 13^th annual parade for the central Minnesota town of Cambridge, Mn. The event starts with a Chili Feed at the local American Legion at 4:00 pm. The parade will follow at dusk (likely around 6:00 pm) starting at Fern Street and Second Avenue. The parade will then follow Second Avenue to Main Street, then from Main Street south to the First Baptist Church.

Winter Nights and Lights Parade, December 5th

Presented by the St. Cloud, Mn downtown council, this parade begins at 5:00pm at West St. Germain Street in downtown St. Cloud. (www.stclouddowntown.com/page/76)

Target Holidazzle, November 27th to December 20^th

The 18^th annual Target Holidazzle parade is a delight for all ages. This parade goes along the Nicollet Mall from 12^th Street to 4^th Street in downtown Minneapolis, Mn. The parade offers marching bands, floats and over 200 costumed characters. It begins at 6:30 pm and is expected to last about 30 minutes each day. The parade runs Thursdays through Sundays during the holiday season. (www.targetholidazzle.com)

Nov. 27 to Nov. 29

Dec. 3 to Dec. 6

Dec. 10 to Dec. 13

Dec. 17 to Dec. 20

Consider bringing your family to one of these fun-filled events this year. You certainly will not be disappointed.