There’s some chatter floating around blog-land and Facebook-town concerning the Christmas City Parade. This doesn’t surprise me since we are only three days away from the best holiday event north of the Twin Cities. (Well, in our opinion, it’s the best darn holiday event in the Midwest! But, that’s here nor there.)
Let me tell you friends, things are lining up nicely and just in time: we’ve received some of the fluffy white stuff to add to Duluth’s winter wonderland spirit; children have colored beautiful pictures in anticipation of the big day; the community has downloaded the Christmas City song to their cell-phones; the buzz of parade night floats through the crisp November air…
We are excited!
However, there are concerns surrounding our holiday kick-off. Where to park? Where’s the best place to watch? Where can we get some hot cocoa? Fortunately, some folks over at Northland’s NewsCenter are Christmas City veterans–many have over 20 years into Christmas City parades and they are willing to share a few tips with you.
The Best Parade Parking Spots
We can’t stress enough: get here early. We repeat: get here early! Free parking downtown at these ramps and meters free after 5:00 pm:
Fitger’s
Tech Village
Shoppers Auto Park
Lake Superior Plaza
Fourth Avenue Auto Park
Wells Fargo Bank
US Bank
Fond-du-Luth Casino
If I were you, I’d avoid parking in Canal Park –it’s just a zoo which adds stress takes away from the fun-factor. We don’t want you stressed, just happy.
The Best Place to Watch
Speaking of zoo, the corner of Lake and Superior tends to be a popular viewing location. However, we recommend crossing the bridge over to canal park. Near the Northland’s NewsCenter, bleachers are set up and anyone may sit there. Strangely, they are usually empty; I guess some people think it costs money. It’s free! I think it’s the perfect location if you have little ones so they can sit up and view the parade without issue.
There’s always the skywalk. Once again, Lake and Superior=chaos, but I would recommend (once again) arriving early and scoping out a wind-proof spot with an aerial view.
If you Need a Warm Up
Down in Canal Park, Arco will have a coffee stand set up near the Northland’s NewsCenter. Just around the corner, Caribou Coffee will be staffed to whip up some frothy treats for you. Of course, all the Canal Park restaurants will be open if you need to get a quick bite or a hot beverage.
Care to share any ideas or tips? We’d love to hear them.
be courteous and respectful of the kids…don’t stand up and block their views. Stay on the curbs.
Good advice, Lakeside mom. Thanks for the help.
I couldn’t agree more! Please be respectful of the little ones. This parade is for everyone, but ESPECIALLY the Children! :)
Hi,
I had a question as someone taking part in the parade. Last year, our group (made up mostly of teenagers) were to be at the lineup about an hour before the parade started. Despite dressing warmly and really enjoying the experience, there were many that were very cold throughout the parade mostly because of waiting before the parade began. Is there away that a rep from our group that is marching can have the vehicle down at our check in spot and then have the kids dropped off at that spot closer to the parade start time? Or does that simply cause back up in the lining up process?
Thanks!
Who’s the idiot who thought the Sobe water sponsorship was a good idea again? Here’s a tip, when you put a big ad surrounding the screen and the banner of the dance company, you can’t see any of dancers in the parade! You don’t do this for any other type of entry like the bands, etc., so please stop doing it for the dance entries. We’re interested in the parade, not that your ad account exec got Sobe to pay for an onscreen ad that makes impossible to see our kids.