Grand Forks' kickoff to the holiday season returns Sunday, Nov. 22, when the HollyDazzle Festival of Lights takes over downtown Grand Forks.
When and where
The Visit Grand Forks and ND Tourism listings put the 2026 festival on Nov. 22 in downtown Grand Forks. ND Tourism lists it from 3 to 7 p.m.; Visit Grand Forks lists a 3:30 p.m. start, so confirm the opening time before you head out. Both listings describe the event as free and open to the public.
The schedule, per the organizer
The Downtown Forks event page lists:
- Holiday Parade of Lights: 5:30 p.m. on Demers Avenue.
- Tree lighting: in Town Square immediately after the parade.
- Fireworks: a winter fireworks show over the Red River, following the tree lighting.
What to expect, based on past years
These details come from earlier festivals and are not confirmed for 2026. The Grand Forks Herald has reported large crowds along the parade route, and its 2024 coverage said the parade continued into East Grand Forks. Visit Grand Forks described an earlier edition as including s'mores, ornament decorating, a lighted parade and fireworks.
Check ahead
- Start time: listings differ (3 p.m. vs. 3:30 p.m.); check downtownforks.com/hollydazzle.
- Parade route, parking and street closures: none were confirmed in the sources we reviewed. Expect Demers Avenue closures around the parade.
- Other activities: the organizer's page had not confirmed additional 2026 activities such as markets or photo booths in the sources we reviewed.
Dress warmly: late November evenings in the Red River Valley get cold fast.
