Winterfest 2026

❄️10th Annual Winterfest❄️

December 3rd - 5th
Event Map

Thursday, December 3rd

Open House - South Central College

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Kick-off Winterfest with an afternoon of appetizers, drinks, and Dueling Pianos, hosted by the South Central College Foundation. 

Carriage Rides - Buckham Center

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Horse-drawn carriage rides around Faribault. 

Ice Carving - Buckham Center

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Be mesmerized as Sakatah Ice Carver transforms ice into a breathtaking sculpture. 

Hometown Holidays - Buckham Center

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, bounce in the bounce house and purchase gifts at the holiday pop-up shop. 
 

Friday, December 4th

Ice Rink Grand Opening - Viaduct Park

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Celebratory light refreshments provided, followed by the inaugural skate on the new ice. 

Meet the Grinch - Viaduct Park

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Get your picture taken with the one and only Grinch that stole Christmas.

Carriage Rides - Viaduct Park

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Horse-drawn carriage rides around Faribault. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Faribault Parks & Rec's tree lighting ceremony. 
 

Saturday, December 5th

Ugly Sweater Walk/Run - Viaduct Park

9:00 AM

The person with the ugliest sweater will win a basket of goodies. 

Register Here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/118379/ugly-sweater-5k-runwalk

Photos With Santa - Tony Langerud State Farm Insurance Agency

9:30 AM - 11:30 PM

Free pictures with Santa, Christmas Story Time, Christmas Coloring Station, MightyFine Coffee and Hot Chocolate, Christmas Cookies and other Christmas festivities.

Christmas Market - American Legion

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The perfect place to holiday shop. 

Craft Spirits Holiday Bazaar - 10,000 Drops Craft Distillery 

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Featuring 20+ Craftspeople showcasing their handmade goods 

Parade of Lights - Historic Downtown Faribault

5:30 PM

Experience the beautiful Parade of Lights followed by the firework display. 

Firework Display - View from Viaduct Park

Following Parade of Lights

Fireworks will be launched near Viaduct Park following the parade. 

Winter Street Dance

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

After the parade, boogie down with live music. Featuring a beer garden, heated tent, bonfires, and more.

Note: The Window Decorating Contest winner will be announced here.

Other Holiday Events

Holly Days Sale - Paradise Center for the Arts

November 19 – December 19

Wednesday–Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM

Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM

(Closed November 26 & 27 for Thanksgiving) 

Enjoy an evening filled with art, shopping, and holiday cheer as you explore beautiful, handcrafted creations from more than 30 talented Minnesota artists—each piece perfect for gifting or treating yourself!

Window Decorating Contest - Historic Downtown Faribault Windows

November 31st - December 5th @12:00 PM

Vote for your favorite Christmas window display. Submit your ballot at the Buckham Library. The winner will be announced at the Winter Street Dance on Saturday. 

Pick up/drop off your Ballot at Buckham Library
Business Sign up

Sponsor Winterfest

Help us make this year the biggest and best Winterfest yet! By becoming a sponsor, you directly support the community and gain visibility for your business.

Online Sponsorship Form

Or call: (507)- 334-4381