An early December event has become a new annual festive tradition in Rochester.
Downtown Dazzle: Feel the Magic of the Season is a parade presented by the Rochester Downtown Alliance. The parade was started in 2024, featuring 40 floats and groups. This year, that number is expected to increase to 70. The units will all be decked out with colorful holiday lights and other festive details.
The route will start from the school district offices and travel through the downtown area of the city, with the end being set for Rochester’s Central Park. Attendees are welcome to line up along the parade’s path to take in the show as it passes by. Early arrival is suggested to get better spots. A more detailed description of the exact parade route is available on the website for Experience Rochester, Minnesota.
Donations to the Rochester branch of the Salvation Army are encouraged. The parade is being run as a way to support the organization’s Red Kettle Campaign. Any money left after event expenses will also be donated to this cause.
The event is free and open to all ages. Many locally run parades like this make use of promotional techniques like poster and flyer printing.
The holiday celebration will be taking place between 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm on Saturday, December 6.
