Festival Hours:
Friday, November 27, 2026: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
We hear the sleigh bells ringing already!
Kick off the holiday season in style with River Dazzle, River Falls’ premier holiday celebration! This festive event transforms downtown into a winter wonderland, featuring a dazzling light parade, chili crawl, family-friendly activities like pictures with Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Visitors can enjoy local shopping, delicious food, and seasonal treats while experiencing the warmth and charm of our community. Whether you're here to eat your weight in chili samples, watch the downtown tree lighting before the parade, the Santa run, or simply to soak in the holiday magic, River Dazzle is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Don’t miss this beloved annual tradition!
2026 Festival Features
Chili Crawl
1:00 PM - 5:00 PMÂ |Â Downtown River Falls
Kick off the holiday season with the annual River Falls Chili Crawl, part of our festive River Dazzle celebration! Explore downtown and sample delicious chili recipes crafted by local businesses. Don't forget to vote for your favorite! Bring your family, friends, and appetite for a flavorful adventure as we celebrate the season in River Falls!
2026 Chili Crawl Participants:
Comforts of the Home at Mel’s Midtowner
Junior’s Restaurant & Tap House
Lazy River Bar & Grill
Holiday Trolley
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Stillwater Trolley Co. | Downtown River Falls
Maximize your event experience with the Holiday Trolley! Running on a continuous loop, this free shuttle service connects you directly to all the Chili Crawl locations and the main activity stops across town.
Hours: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Santa Fun Run
6:00 PMÂ |Â Veterans Park |Â Free Registration
Get ready to jingle all the way! The Main Street Santa Run is the most festive 1/2-mile fun run of the season, where participants of all ages don their best Christmas costumes and spread holiday cheer.
Whether you’re a running elf, a sprinting Santa, or a prancing reindeer, this lighthearted event is all about fun, community, and celebrating the holiday spirit.
Join us for a memorable dash down Main Street, complete with music, laughter, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Don’t miss this merry tradition—register today and make your season bright!
2025 Official Schedule of Events
Friday, November 28, 2025
| Event Name | Time | Location |
| Free Holiday Film "The Grinch" (2018): a Who-ville Family Matinee | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Falls Theatre |
| The Warming Express: River Dazzle's Holiday Trolley | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | River Dazzle Event Zone |
| A Very Merry Photo Op: Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Junior's Restaurant & Tap House |
| The Quick Sketch Corner: Free Caricatures | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Junior's Restaurant & Tap House |
| Chainsaw & Chisel: Ice Art Live | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Veterans Park |
| River Dazzle Cocoa Stop | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Veterans Park |
| River Dazzle Chili Crawl | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | River Dazzle Event Zone -Â See list above |
| Dazzle & Drink Responsibly: Open-Container Event | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | River Dazzle Event Zone |
| Holiday Harmonies: Costumed Carolers | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | River Dazzle Event Zone |
| Free Bear Hugs & Photo Ops | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Veterans Park |
| 'Up On The Rooftop' Reindeer Drop | 5:30 PM | Family Fresh Market |
| Chilli Crawl Award Presentation | 5:45 PM | Veterans Park |
| Mascot Run | 6:00 PM | Veterans Park |
| Santa Fun Run | 6:05 PM | Veterans Park |
| River Dazzle Lighted Parade | 6:30 PM | Main Street & Livestream - See link above |
Thank You 2025 Sponsors!
Applications & Sign Ups
Volunteer
Be part of the magic!
Volunteers play a crucial role in making this festive event a success, from helping with the Chili Crawl and Main Street Santa Run to assisting with family-friendly activities like photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling, and more.
Whether you’re spreading holiday cheer or lending a helping hand behind the scenes, your efforts create a memorable experience for the entire community.
Sign up today and help bring the joy of the season to life!
Lighted Holiday Parade
6:30 PM | Downtown River Falls
Join us for the highlight of River Dazzle—the spectacular Lighted Parade! Watch as dazzling floats, festive costumes, and holiday lights bring Main Street to life in a celebration of community and holiday cheer. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, this tradition is sure to light up your holiday season.
Want to be part of the magic? Stay tuned for our parade sign-up, where you can register your float, group, or organization to shine in this year’s Lighted Parade. Don’t miss the chance to spread joy and showcase your creativity to the entire community!
Chili Crawl
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Downtown River Falls
Get ready to serve up your best recipe! We're looking for local businesses and organizations to participate in our annual Chili Crawl. This is your chance to showcase your culinary skills and engage with hundreds of community members who will be tasting and voting for their favorite chili. Registration is required to participate and serve chili at this year's event.
Submission Deadline: October 30, 2026