Upcoming Events #OnNicollet
Jingle Bell Junction
Thursdays-Sundays, November 23 through December 23, at 6th Street
Thursdays/Fridays 5:30–9p
Saturdays 12–9p
Sundays 12–5:30p
Jingle Bell Junction is a free holiday pop-up event at 6th Street and Nicollet that offers downtown fun for all ages. Get a behind the scenes look at downtown art inside the Traveling Museum, enjoy a Street Show, and challenge your friends in ladder ball, Connect Four or chess. Stop by on a Thursday or Friday night in December to participate in live metal casting and create your own souvenir. Catch the exciting new holiday light show each evening every half hour and take in the scene as the lights of Nicollet pulse to a musical soundtrack—all while you await your bus or free sleigh ride to Holidazzle in Loring Park.
Join the fun! Get your game on with giant Connect Four and chess. Or test your throwing skills at bean bag toss, ladder ball or washers. With craft activities and games for all age levels and abilities, Jingle Bell Junction will have you smiling in no time.
Be inspired! The Traveling Museum is a mobile exhibition space that offers an insider’s take on the Made Here and Nimbus art installations, as well as Nicollet stories captured by Storymobile last winter. Enjoy a quick taste of art and education in the heart of downtown.
Get wowed! Young and old alike will be amazed by the Nicollet Holiday Light Show, a dazzling synchrony of music and light featuring the Light Walk and Nicollet Lanterns. Whether you’re a passerby or you’re staying for a while, this 10-minute extravaganza will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit even on those cold winter nights. Performances happen every half hour 5–10p.
Take a ride! Enjoy a complimentary sleigh ride to and from Holidazzle. Sleighs depart every 20-30 minutes from 6th and Nicollet, and near Willow and Grant in Loring Park. Sleigh rides are available Thursday through Sunday, but begin at 7p on Thursdays and Fridays.
Feel the heat! Pedal to the Metal is a traveling foundry that brings an engaging metal casting experience to the public. Not only is it fascinating to watch the metal casting process, but you’ll also get to design a mold for a metal souvenir of your own! On Thursdays and Fridays in December only.
Nicollet Lighting
The Nicollet lighting system, including the Light Walk, Nicollet Lanterns and street light beacons, is a key architectural and experiential element of the new Nicollet. The Light Walk and Nicollet Lanterns bring light, color and movement into Nicollet Center, the busiest and most urban area of downtown.
The DID routinely programs this system to support activation and operations on Nicollet. Check out our Lighting Events Calendar to find out which events are supported by our lighting system. If you are interested in requesting a lighting scene on Nicollet for a civic celebration or event, please refer to our guidelines.
Along with these events, watch for more routine activities coming to Nicollet in 2018, including the Nicollet Makers Market, Street Show performances, the Hennepin County mobile bike library, and more.
If you have ideas for activities #OnNicollet, please contact Lisa Middag.