A Willmar Winter Preview: Upcoming Holiday Events & Festive Fun Around the Lakes
Winter is arriving in the Willmar Lakes Area, and with it comes an exciting lineup of seasonal celebrations, glowing lights, and warm moments waiting to be shared. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a meet-up with friends, or simply a scenic escape, the region offers holiday magic around every corner. Here’s a quick guide to all the festive fun happening in the Willmar Lakes Area.
HOLIDAZE – a Downtown Willmar Celebration
📅 Saturday, November 22
Kick off the season with the annual HOLIDAZE celebration in downtown Willmar. The evening starts with a Festival of Trees at the Barn Theatre, pictures with Santa at 4th Avenue Homes, and “Touch a Truck” from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, followed by the lighted parade at 6:30 PM.
Gather your group, grab hot cocoa or a warm meal at local restaurants, and enjoy the magic of a downtown street lit with holiday lights and community spirit.
Turkey Leg 5K Run
📅 Thursday, November 27
On Thanksgiving morning, with a crisp fall breeze in the air, the Turkey Leg 5K Run takes over Willmar’s streets. Runners in costumes make their way through the course, families come out to cheer them on, and the race becomes a fun tradition for participants and spectators alike.
Celebrate the Light of the World at Robbins Island
📅 November 27 – December 31
As the sun sets, the Celebrate the Light of the World display at Robbins Island Regional Park transforms the night. Starting on Thanksgiving Day, more than 800,000 lights illuminate the park, with visually stunning features like a tunnel of light synced to music, giant Christmas trees, and seasonal displays that enchant visitors of all ages. Drive through at your leisure and soak in the glow.
Photo courtesy of Explore Willmar Lakes Area
Kandi Kane Lane
📅 December 1 – January 2
The Kandi Kane Lane event at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society & Museum turns the venue into a candy-cane wonderland. Guests visit decorated trees, take part in crafts and scavenger hunts, and tour historic homes beautifully decorated for the season.
Atwater Passport to Christmas
📅 Saturday, December 6
Nearby in Atwater, the Passport to Christmas event offers a full afternoon of fun: medallion hunts, a children’s market, Santa’s parade, s’mores, and festive fireworks, all within a charming, small-town setting.
Plan Your Stay, Get into the Holiday Spirit & Experience the Magic
With all these delightful seasonal events happening in the Willmar Lakes Area, why not extend your visit and stay a while? Cozy hotel options make it easy to turn a day trip into a full weekend of fun and relaxation. Book stays at welcoming properties like the Best Western Plus Willmar, the Country Inn & Suites Willmar (ideal for families), or the Hampton Inn Spicer Green Lake for a lakeside escape.
From parades and races to dazzling light displays and charming town celebrations, the holiday season in the Willmar Lakes Area is a joy to experience. Plan your visit now, stay a little longer, and embrace the warmth of the holidays in one of Minnesota’s most festive destinations.