Tis the season for towns throughout the country to start putting up their festive holiday decorations and preparing for the most magical celebrations of the year. Only one town in Nebraska has earned the honor of being the state’s official Christmas City, and it’s all decked out in colorful lights. It’s the perfect place to visit for some holiday cheer.
Minden is known year round as Nebraska’s Christmas City, but it doesn’t truly live up to the name until right after Thanksgiving.
Facebook/Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
That’s when more than 12,000 colored lights twinkle above the Kearney County Courthouse. This century-old tradition has become one of the most beloved in Nebraska.
flickr/Rich
It all kicks off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving with a weekend of festivities celebrating the season.
Facebook/Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
The nighttime parade is a highly anticipated part of the kickoff party. Floats and groups are adorned with twinkling lights and Santa crowns Miss Christmas City for the year.
Facebook/Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
Various other kid and family activities delight the whole family during the Christmas Traditions Festival, which spans the whole weekend after Thanksgiving, including Friday.
Facebook/Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
But the Christmas celebration doesn’t end there - far from it, in fact. The entire month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is full of fun activities like ice skating, a 5K, an art show, a craft fair, various public feeds, and other family-friendly events keep Minden hopping all season long.
Facebook/Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
One of the highlights of the Christmas festivities in Minden is the Light of the World Pageant, which takes place on the public square. There are several performances on different days, which helps ensure that everyone has the chance to see this traditional Christmas pageant.
Facebook/Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
The Christmas Traditions Festival in Minden runs from the weekend after Thanksgiving to Christmas. Find out more about the festivities on the Minden Chamber of Commerce’s website right here.
Facebook/Minden, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
flickr/Rich
Have you visited Minden during the Christmas festival? What are your favorite memories? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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