Sauk Rapids Downtown
Join us in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota for a magical day and night of holiday festivities! Our city celebration includes the sparkle of downtown lights, an artisan market, business market, horse-drawn wagon rides, a llama wonderama, holiday creations classes, a living nativity, two very merry meat raffles, a lighted grand parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Christmas concert of the season, endless shopping specials, Jingle Bingo, and more!
Enjoy a variety of menu items from our downtown eateries and warm up during the parade with free hot chocolate and candy for the kids!
Lighted Parade
The Lighted Parade starts at 5:00 pm on 2nd Avenue downtown. Enjoy the sparkle of festive floats, vehicles, and performers from community businesses and organizations as they light up the night! Free hot chocolate along the route and candy for the kids. Watch for Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage, too!
Winter Coat Drive
Donations of new and gently used winter outerwear are being collected at three locations in Sauk Rapids through December 5, 2026:
• Living Waters Lutheran Church
• Harvest Fellowship Church
• SR Government Center
Click the button below to learn more about the Winter Outerwear Distribution date, time and location.
Benton County Historical Museum
Go back in time to learn about the fascinating history of Sauk Rapids and its residents who shaped the community. Visit the Benton County Historical Museum at 202 2nd Ave South from 1:00pm-4:00pm and enjoy free cookies and beverages! Enjoy sounds of the season by "Friends in Harmony" Victorian singers, too!
Christmas Concert by SRR Area Musicians Collective
A collective of Choirs, Ensembles, Bands, and musical groups will perform an unforgettable Christmas Concert for the community at 6:30pm at the SRR High School. The musicians come from all over the state to fill the evening with sounds of the season for all ages to enjoy! FREE ADMISSION–with goodwill donations accepted to support the Sauk Rapids-Rice Music Boosters. (SCAN THE QR CODE TO CONTRIBUTE)
Toys For Tots
Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Sauk Rapids Fire Station, 408 N Benton Drive, from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Enjoy cookies, coffee and hot chocolate. Firefighters also will be collecting Toys for Tots at 5:00pm at the start of the Jingle & Mingle Lighted Parade! Thank you for your generosity to Toys for Tots!
Photos with Santa
All kids "from one to 92" are invited to visit with SANTA CLAUS at the Sauk Rapids Government Center on Summit Ave N from 9:30am-4:00pm. (Lunch break from Noon-1pm.)
Mom/Dad will want to take photos of these magical moments as Santa shares this most beloved tradition with young and old alike.
Also, watch for Santa in the Jingle & Mingle Parade at 5pm on 2nd Avenue where he will be joined by Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage!
Corporate Fundraising Campaign for LED Tree
A major community and corporate collaboration is in the works for the future purchase of a 30-40ft commercial LED LIGHTED and ANIMATED TREE! Imagine this spectacular sight at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids during the Jingle & Mingle event and holiday season.
We are seeking grants, foundational partnerships, and sponsorships to help us obtain the funding towards this venture for the entire Sauk Rapids community, neighboring cities, and visitors to enjoy!
Sleigh Bell Fundraiser
Purchase these glistening 3" Sleigh Bells to commemorate the 6th Annual Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & Mingle! Come to the SR Government Center from 9:30am-3:00pm to get YOURS for a minimum $10 donation each. This is a community fundraiser with proceeds going towards the future purchase of a commercial LED LIGHTED and ANIMATED TREE! Limited Supply.
