Written by Rachel Bundy
Get ready for a magical winter wonderland as the cherished Holiday on 44th makes its triumphant return to North Minneapolis on December 6 from 6-9 p.m.! This beloved community celebration along 44th Avenue from Morgan to Thomas, has warmed hearts since 1997, and is back with lots of sparkle and joy!
Born from a heartwarming gathering at Camden Coffee where local visionaries like Stephanie Gruver, Dean and Nancy Johnson, and Susan Tennessen dreamed of bringing neighbors together, Holiday on 44th has blossomed into one of the area’s most anticipated winter festivals. This group brought in dedicated volunteers, such as Ann Kaari, Debbie Nelson, Tim Nelson, Kevin Ogburn, Julie Gordon and Vance Engelstad to bring us the first Holiday on 44th. Despite a rainy December night and a slim budget, the first Holiday on 44th was a hit, thanks to these dedicated volunteers, and has grown into a dazzling celebration that captures the spirit of our diverse community.
This year’s 27th anniversary promises to be magical, as the Victory and Shingle Creek Neighborhood organizations join forces with beloved local establishments to create an unforgettable experience. From the sweet aromas at Dancing Bear Chocolate to the festive atmosphere at Faith Baptist, every stop along the route offers its own special magic.
A night of wonder awaits!
Hop aboard the festive trolley, with a community sing-a-long, and journey through a winter wonderland of activities:
At Loring Elementary, immerse yourself in the sounds of the season with stellar performances by Rachel Kurtz, Omar Abdulkarim, Nuestra Lucha Dance team, and the magnificent JD Steele with the MacPhail Youth Choir. Fun indoor craft activities, a great Cake Walk fundraiser for Loring PTA with amazing cakes, games, and displays of Loring scholars artwork! Outside, DJ SUPER BRUSH 427 will keep the energy high with a spectacular glow-in-the-dark dance party, while s’mores roast to perfection at the nearby bonfire. With a special visit from Santa!
The adventure continues at Faith Baptist, where an enchanting petting zoo and live Nativity scene await. With hot cocoa, caroling, with popcorn and warm socks for sale! At Hot Comics, little ones can meet their favorite characters, including the amazing Spidey Guy and the charming Frog Princess, while a real fire truck stands ready for photo ops!
The grand finale at Camden High School features an impressive craft fair with 50 vendors, toe-tapping tunes from DJ Lance, delicious egg rolls, a resource fair, and countless activities to delight visitors of all ages. All of these locations will include community food trucks like Rollin’ Nolens, DND Goodies, Wha’ Jamaican.
Thanks to generous sponsors like Pentz Homes, Stephanie Gruver Real Estate, and Webber Mart, this cherished tradition continues to grow. As we look toward the future, we invite more community partners to join in making Holiday on 44th even more spectacular in the years to come.
Don’t miss this magical celebration that truly embodies the spirit of North Minneapolis – where neighbors become friends, and winter nights become unforgettable memories!
See the full Holiday on 44th schedule for specs.