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Water Street will be aglow with lights and holiday cheer.
On November 28 and 29, downtown Excelsior will transform into a festive winter wonderland with a little help from the Excelsior Lions Club. The inaugural Christmas in Excelsior was designed with the community in mind, according to club president Jim Flattum. “We support all of the wonderful businesses in Excelsior and have the goal to provide a family-friendly destination to usher in the holiday season for many years to come,” Flattum says. Attendees can stroll through the Holiday Market, enjoy seasonal treats, meet Santa and more. Flattum takes us behind the scenes to share additional details about the new event and what visitors can expect.
What was the impetus behind the Excelsior Lions Club planning a holiday celebration in the heart of Excelsior?
We are very passionate about shopping locally, supporting the local economy and helping people in need. Christmas in Excelsior is the ideal way to check off many of the boxes on our must-do list. In addition to providing the perfect venue to celebrate the holiday season, this festival will enable the Excelsior Lions Club to focus on our philanthropy to raise funds for our giving programs. Donations from the event will support local charities throughout the holiday season and beyond.
What kinds of vendors can attendees expect to see at the holiday market?
Guests may expect a curated assortment of gift vendors to help them check off their holiday gift list(s). There will be a wonderful assortment of merchandise for everyone. We purposely chose gift vendors (and not business vendors) to enable us to provide an artisan marketplace that complements the merchants on Water Street for our guests’ shopping and gift-giving pleasure.
What’s one of the activities you’re most excited for?
Honestly, there are so many exciting things happening, it is difficult to choose one. As an animal lover, I am very excited for the llamas, reindeers and huskies. We have carefully chosen other attractions, such as live music, a bean bags tournament, carriage rides and even fire jugglers at the close of each day. There is definitely something for everyone! It will be great to see the delight and joy on the faces of our guests as we bring the spirit of the season and holiday cheer to Excelsior.
Photo: Silent Run Adventures
How can kids locate Kris Kringle?
We are excited to announce that Santa will make his appearance in the Masonic Lodge on Water Street, as has been his tradition for many years. The Masonic Lodge is a beautifully decorated, warm space for a photo with Santa and kids activities in the lodge. Step outside onto Water Street for Frosty’s Funland, where there will be outdoor games and activities for the kids as well.
How are local downtown businesses participating in the festivities?
The businesses of Excelsior are participating in the festivities by decorating their businesses and offering specials and discounts for the event. There are few retailers who are even expanding their assortments into our vendor marketplace with new and different products just for Christmas in Excelsior. Many businesses have been heavily involved in the planning and marketing of the event. This has truly been a collaboration between the Excelsior Lions Club, the City of Excelsior, local civic groups and the businesses of Excelsior to bring the first annual Christmas in Excelsior to life. It is our goal to create a truly new, unique and special holiday event that will become a tradition for families for years to come.
Christmas in Excelsior
Instagram: @christmasinexcelsiormn
