Events Up North Nov. 24-29: Aitkin Fish House Parade, Tree lightings

Published November 20, 2025 at 10:48 AM CST

Events this week include "A Very Good Christmas Carol" and the Heartland Lakes Community Tree Lighting in Park Rapids, Night We Light in Bemidji and Festival of Lights in Walker.

The holiday season is ramping up in Northern Minnesota, with plenty of non-holiday events, too. Here's what's happening this week:

Holiday Book Boutique - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Area Library. Shop gently used books, puzzles and games.
Health Fair - 2-5 p.m. at the Itasca County Family YMCA in Grand Rapids. Several free screenings will be offered, including bone density and glucose testing.
Spirit of Unity Parade - 6 p.m., primarily on Howard Street in downtown Hibbing
Trombone choir concert - 7:30 p.m. in Bangsberg Hall at Bemidji State University

Free Thanksgiving meal - 4-6 p.m. at the Salvation Army in Hibbing
Lights in the Pines opening night - 5-8 p.m. at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids

16th Annual Brainerd Turkey Run - 9 a.m. at the Brainerd Armory
Free Thanksgiving meal - 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Rapids
Winter Wonderland opening night - 5:30-8 p.m. at Northland Arboretum in Baxter. Presented by the Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club.

Free park day at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas
Aitkin Fish House Parade - 1 p.m. in downtown Aitkin, with many other activities throughout the day. Full schedule.
Festival of Lights - 5 p.m. parade on Main Street in Walker, tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Heartland Lakes Community Tree Lighting - 5 p.m. Yuletide Sampler at local businesses in Park Rapids, 6 p.m. tree lighting and Light of Hope ceremony, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus to follow at Bella Cafe
Night We Light Parade - 6 p.m. in downtown Bemidji with lighting ceremony at the waterfront to follow
Nisswa City of Lights - Activities starting at 3:30 p.m. in downtown Nisswa. Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., Santa at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 7 p.m.
A Very Good Christmas Carol - 7 p.m. at Armory Arts & Events Center in Park Rapids

Northern Lakes Chapter of the Minnesota Dark House and Angling Association's Fish Decoy and Sporting Show - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids
Festival of Lights - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Walker
A Very Good Christmas Carol - 2 p.m. at Armory Arts & Events Center in Park Rapids

What's going on in your community? Let us know!

Events Up North is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.