Festival Hours:
Friday, November 28, 2025: 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!
Food & Beverage
Kick off the holiday season with the annual River Falls Chili Crawl, part of our festive River Dazzle celebration! On Friday, November 28, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, explore downtown and sample delicious chili recipes crafted by local businesses. Don't forget to vote online for your favorite! Bring your family, friends, and appetite for a flavorful adventure as we celebrate the season in River Falls!
While we are locking in our 2025 vendors, take a peek at who was with us in 2024:
- Adoray’s Treasure from the Heart
- Briss Boutique
- Broz Bar
- Comforts of the Home at Mel’s
- Emma’s Bar
- Johnnie’s Bar
- Junior’s Restaurant
- Lazy River
- Mariachi Loco
- Nutty Squirrel
- Streeters
- Shooter’s
- Swinging Bridge Brewing
- Tarnation Tavern
- The Garage Bike + Brews
- Waystone Coffee
Check back here for our list of vendors. If you're a vendor wanting to apply for a food vendor space, please click here for your online application.
Costumed Carolers
Spreading holiday cheer with every note! Our costumed carolers bring the spirit of the season to life. Find them downtown on Main Street!
Photos with Santa & Mrs. Clause
Come get your picture taken with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Capture the magic of the season with a FREE photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring your family and friends for a jolly good time as Santa and Mrs. Claus spread holiday cheer. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories!
Holiday Trolley
Hudson Trolley Company
There will be a FREE holiday trolley running downtown and stopping at various locations around the Chili Crawl route! Hop on, warm up, and enjoy the afternoon heading around River Falls!
Trolley Stops:
-The Garage Bikes + Brews
-Heritage Park
-Veterans Park
-Junior's Restaurant (Spring Street)
-Glass Express/Tarnation Tavern (Corner of Maple & Main)
Free Holiday Movie
Falls TheatreÂ
Celebrate the season with a free holiday movie at the theater! Bring the family, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a festive favorite on the big screen. Check back here for the announcement of our 2025 holiday film!
Schedule of Events
Friday, November 28, 2025
| Festival Hours (beer garden, food trucks) | 4:00-10:30pm | Heritage Park |
| Bacon Central (get your strips of bacon!) | 4:00-8:00pm | Heritage Park |
| Face painting Merry Magpie Face Painting | 4:00-8:00pm | Heritage Park |
| Emery Express Train | 4:00pm | Maple Street |
| Howard Luedtke & Blue Max | 5:00-7:00pm | Main Stage |
| Lamont Cranston Band | 8:00-10:30pm | Main Stage |
Saturday, September 23rd
| Festival Hours (beer garden, food trucks) | 11:00am-10:30pm | Heritage Park |
| Bacon Bash Welcome & Pig Pardon | 11:00am | Activity Stage |
| Booth Fair | 11:00am-2:00pm | Maple Street |
| Tasting – Swinging Bridge Brewery | 11:00am-12:00pm | Heritage Park |
| Kids Tent (corn box, coloring, photo opportunities, etc.) | 11:00am-6:00pm | City Hall Plaza |
| Bacon Central (get your strips of bacon!) Sponsored by:Â Green Oasis | 11:00am-7:00pm | Heritage Park |
| Face painting Merry Magpie Face Painting | 11:00am-7:00pm | Heritage Park |
| Emery Express Train | 11:00am | Maple Street |
| Peter Kavanaugh Group | 11:30am-2:00pm | Main Stage |
| When Pigs Fly Sponsored by:Â Steiner Plumbing, Electric, & Heating | 11:30am | Maple Street |
| Trivia/FFA Game Show | 12:00pm | Activity Stage |
| Tasting – Rush River Brewing | 12:15-1:15pm | Heritage Park |
| Pig & Bacon Dress Up Contest | 12:30pm | Activity Stage |
| Piggies on the Kinni | 1:00pm | City Hall Plaza |
| Eating Contest – Kids; Cupcake Sponsored by: 3 Schweet Sisters | 1:30pm | Activity Stage |
| Tasting – KUL MOCKS | 1:30-2:30pm | Heritage Park |
| Tasting – Belle Ame Vineyard | 2:45-3:45pm | Heritage Park |
| Piggies on the Kinni | 3:00pm | City Hall Plaza |
| Eating Contest – Adult; Bacon Sponsored by: Smokey Treats BBQ | 3:30pm | Activity Stage |
| Vivian Hayes & The Hi-Praise | 4:00-6:00pm | Main Stage |
| Trivia/FFA Game Show | 4:00pm | Activity Stage |
| Pig Calling Contest | 4:30pm | Activity Stage |
| When Pigs Fly Sponsored by:Â Steiner Plumbing, Electric, & Heating | 5:00pm | Maple Street |
| Piggies on the Kinni | 6:00pm | City Hall Plaza |
| Hitchville | 7:30-10:30pm | Main Stage |
Sunday, September 24th
| Car Cruze | 11:00am-4:00pm | Downtown River Falls (Maple-Locust Street) |
Booth Fair
Saturday, September 23 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Maple Street
Come down to the Booth Fair at Bacon Bash! It’s the perfect place to find unique and delicious gifts for your loved ones, or to simply treat yourself to something special.
We have a wide variety of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to baked goods to fresh produce. You’re sure to find something to everyone’s taste.
Car Cruze
Sunday, September 24 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Downtown
Join us for the Bacon Bash Car Cruze! Bring your favorite summer ride, friends, and family to enjoy a great afternoon full of cars, music, bars & restaurants, and fun shops all in historic downtown River Falls!
Same day registration.
Volunteer
Join our team of awesome volunteers and have a front row seat to all the fun and festivities!
Each volunteer will have the opportunity to vote for a chamber member non-profit to receive a donation on their behalf.
This is a great way to get involved in the community, meet new people, and donate to a local nonprofit! We thank you in advance for signing up!
Sponsors
River City Stitch • Royal Credit Union • Steiner Plumbing Electric & Heating • UW-River Falls • WESTconsin Credit Union
3 Schweet Sisters • Belle Ame Vineyard • Kwik Trip The Nutty Squirrel • Rush River Brewery
Smokey Treats BBQ • Swinging Bridge Brewery