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Home Sponsored Destinations Itinerary Explore Alexandria Tourism
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Explore Alexandria Tourism

The holidays in downtown Alexandria are extra special thanks to seasonal events and light shows
By
Explore Alexandria Tourism
-
December 1, 2025
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    Amazing fall colors give way to red and green in the Alexandria Area. Yes, the fall colors are beautiful, but the holidays in downtown Alexandria are extra special thanks to a host of events starting Thanksgiving weekend.

    “Christmas in Alexandria” starts Friday, November 29th at the Runestone Museum’s Fort Alexandria and then out onto Broadway Street. Talented carolers perform both at the Fort and at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum Gardens. Watch the Holiday lights get flipped on to begin the season. Enjoy the Lights on Broadway holiday parade, then enjoy the Garden of Lights until New Years.

    Scroll through the gallery below to find ideas for the perfect itinerary in Alexandria.

    PrevNext

    1. Garden of Lights

    Brought to you by the Friends of Christmas and located at the Legacy of the Lakes Gardens, the Garden of Lights is a season-long free display.

     

    2. Free Holiday Lights Display

    The museum gardens are receiving more and more lights and displays each season for this walkable, free display that runs Nov. 29th through News Years Eve.

     

    3. Christmas in the Fort

    Each year on the day after Thanksgiving the community gathers at the Runestone Museum’s Fort Alexandria to bring in the holidays.

     

    4. Carolers Perform at Both Museums

    The Zion Kid’s Choir is a warm up to the Alexandria Carolers. Both groups sing at the neighboring museum’s outdoor stages.

     

    5. Flip That Switch

    At 5:15pm on the day after Thanksgiving the town gathers for the Lighting Up of Broadway. All downtown holiday lights come on for the season after the big switch is flipped on.

     

    6. Lighted Holiday Parade Down Broadway

    Immediately following the lighting of Broadway, a lighted Holiday Parade takes off down the street in front of thousands.

     

    7. Meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus

    Inside the Runestone Museum building that houses a large Viking replica ship, families can come and say hi to the royal North Pole couple.

     

     

    ExploreAlex.com
    324 Broadway St, Suite 101, Alexandria, MN 56308
    (320) 763-0102

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