New 2023 holiday activities in Mankato

This year, in preparation for Christmas, the Mankato Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mankato have teamed up to add some new activities for Jewell County residents to enjoy!

On Friday, Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving, there will be Downtown Shopping from 3 to 5:30 p.m., but unlike the past couple of years, instead of going straight to the park for the tree lighting, there will be many new activities.

Some of the things you can look for between 3 and 5:30 p.m., are free popcorn and a drawing for a free t-shirt and ornament at the Jewell County Historical Society Museum, $1 ice cream sundaes all day at Sweden Creme, refreshments and discounts at Hair & More, double punches on drinks and a 20 percent discount off purchases at Possibilities.

But don’t wear yourself out shopping because there’s more to do after 5:30. Starting at 4 p.m., the Ute will be showing a free movie, “Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure.” At 5:30, experience the Fa-la-food court, free lighted carriage rides and the North Pole Post Office. After that there will be a reading of “The Polar Express,” followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at 6:30. At 6:30 p.m. the Stocking Stroll also starts for youngsters 10 and under. The Stocking Stroll will start with the youngsters getting a stocking and a sticker to put on their shirt. They will then go down Commercial Street making stops and getting their stocking filled. At 7:45 p.m., the Santa Serenade will begin, following Santa and Mrs. Claus’s carriage to the park where the tree lighting will occur at 8 p.m.

There is much to experience this year for Christmas in Mankato 2023. Plans for Christmas in Mankato 2024 are already in the works, so if you don’t find this year’s activities to your liking, stay tuned to keep up with the plans for next year. Otherwise, come downtown on Friday, Nov. 24 to experience the new activities that have been planned!