Shine on Minneaplis to Feature Free Nicollet Mall Block Party on Black Friday to Kick Off a Season of Festive Shopping, Dining, Music and Entertainment

Kickoff Block Party on Nicollet Mall, Friday, November 27, 5–10pm. Holiday Tree Lighting at 7pm.

Downtown Minneapolis is getting ready to shine bright this winter with the launch of Shine On Minneapolis, a new holiday and winter activation campaign designed to showcase the city's beloved traditions, introduce new experiences, and invite residents and visitors to rediscover everything downtown has to offer. The campaign will feature a festive lineup of new and time-honored winter events, holiday programming, music, entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences throughout downtown Minneapolis.

Shine On Minneapolis also reflects a shared commitment to supporting downtown businesses encouraging people to rediscover all that downtown Minneapolis has to offer.

"Shine On Minneapolis is a fun and engaging opportunity to bring people together. Let’s celebrate our city at this wonderful time of year and at the same time, support the businesses, restaurants, and shops of downtown Minneapolis.” Mayor Jacob Frey

The Shine On Minneapolis celebration will officially kick off with a free, open street block party on Nicollet Mall on Black Friday, November 27, from 5–10pm. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to gather between 7th and 12th Streets for an evening of activities, music, and community celebration.

Start the night at 5pm in the IDS Center Crystal Court for family activities such as crafts for the kids, mascot visits, and live music thanks to Artrageous Adventures and YMCA Downtown. Then, stroll down to Peavey Plaza for the lighting of the artist-made illuminated holiday tree at 7pm. Both activities are generously supported by Target.

Other highlights of the Kickoff Block Party will include: 

• The First Official Snowball Toss
  • Legend has it that the team at Minneapolis Parks and Recreation produces the annual first snowball in a secure and secret location: the Minneapolis Strategic Snow Reserve.
  • Once the first official snowball has been ceremonially tossed, the public is invited to join in the fun and toss snowballs in the throwing range.

• The World Marshmallow Roasting Championship where contestants will see how well they can roast the tasty treat in pursuit of the prestigious champion title and trophy.

• Minneapolis Farmers Market will host a Christmas tree lot on Peavey Plaza. It will be open every Friday through Sunday, throughout the season, while supplies last. 

• After the tree is lit, guests can take it to the street for a DJ Dance Party from Dance Agenda from 7–10pm.

Beyond the kickoff, Shine On Minneapolis will showcase more than 530 holiday season and winter events on its website, ShineOnMinneapolis. Highlights include:

• “Sounds of the Season,” a new program showcasing live music and the local musicians that perform it. From Thanksgiving through December, Minneapolis musicians will play seasonal music in downtown bars, restaurants, and other venues. Sounds of the Season is presented by the City of Minneapolis and produced by Cantus Presents and Twin Cities Jazz Festival. It is being funded by the Small Business Resiliency Fund and as part of Minneapolis Forward. For details, check them out on social @mplslivemusic.

• Signature Minneapolis holiday arts and culture performances including “A Christmas Carol” at Guthrie Theater, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” at Children’s Theater, holiday-themed shows at Hennepin Arts and Dudley Riggs, “All is Calm” at Theater Latte Da, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus “Carols by Candlelight,” Thornton Wilder’s “The Long Christmas Dinner” at Mixed Blood, The Dakota Jazz Club’s line up of holiday concerts, Roxy’s Holiday Cabaret, VocalEssence “Welcome Christmas,” and presentations of “The Nutcracker” by Twin Cities Ballet, North Ballet Theater, and “Loyce Houton’s Nutcracker Fantasy.”

• Holiday shopping opportunities include Dayton’s Holiday Market, Holidays On Nicollet at IDS, Roho Collective, and the Minneapolis Christkindl Market in the North Loop.

• Giant musical instruments and holiday symbols will adorn Nicollet Mall as part of the Nicollet Next prototype festival. From snowflakes to stars, each work of art is human-powered and plays holiday tunes.

• An illuminated projection will be on display on the Zero Empty Spaces building between 8th and 9th Street on Nicollet.

• Minnesota Orchestra’s current Nordic Soundscapes Music Festival and many other holiday musical performances. 

• The City of 10,000 Flavors – a culinary competition featuring professionals and home cooks at Minneapolis Convention Center.

• Special holiday themed events at hospitality venues, including jingle bars and Santa visits at the Marquette Hotel.

• Post holiday happenings include The Great Northern Festival, The Luminary Loppet, Art Shanty Projects, and the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival.

Shine On Minneapolis was created and supported by the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Foundation. For more information about Shine On Minneapolis, including its winter events and holiday programming in downtown Minneapolis, visit ShineOnMinneapolis.com or follow @shineonminneapolis on social media.