Xmas in Bismarck... (Mandan, Lincoln, Center: homes, shop, activities)

[mahler3]

Hi y'all. I moved to Bismarck in July (Lincoln, actually.) Loving it so far. I was wondering if there are any special Christmas/holiday traditions in Bismarck - tree lighting, city-sponsored wassailing, etc. Just curious. Thanks!

Also, are there any good stores for Xmas paraphernalia in town?

[Roloff1976]

I'm not sure of the dats, but usually right after Thanksgiving or first of December...The Downtowner's Association, holds the annual Lights on Broadway Parade . The parade takes place usually before they open up Christmas in the Park, the Sertoma Club's month-long light show where local businesses and organizations set up Christmas lights and displays...and you pay a small fee per vehicle to drive through the park and look at the lights and displays. It is very cool. Also... you can just drive around Bismarck and many people go all out with Christmas decorations. There is a street in NE Bismarck near the corner of 26th and Divide...(a couple block west of 26th) I think it is Northview Lane. It is a vey hilly residential street, where all the residents on the street cover all their trees, shrubs, homes with lights...when you walk or drive through the street, you feel you are in a dream. As far as specialty stores, you will need to watch the adds. Many set up in the mall, and many local stores stock mega Christmas stuff...but I'm not a shopper, so not to keen on Christmas specialty stores. You will find plenty of Christmas during the Christmas Holidays in Bismarck.

[magiccity]

You should contact the Chamber of Commerce and the Bismarck Tourism office. They can supplyl you with the December activities. Also, the Chamber has a web site with the local activities. ct

[Roloff1976]

Ooops...I accidently called it "the Sertoma clubs"...my mistake...it is Sertoma Parks Christmas in the park...not club.

[Heather Littrell]

I have to agree with Roloff1976 the parade is something to see, although it is usually quite cold. Norhthview Lane is truly something to behold. So those have been answered already for you. Shopping places, there is/was a place in Mandan called Paula's Plants that has a really quaint store with really cool Christmas stuff. If you really want to go big though you NEED to go to the Holly Berry Fair at the Civic Center the weekend after Thanksgiving. I don't know know when but the Pride of Dakota Showcase is huge as well, you can also try deer and elk in most ways. They are crowded but if you go later in the afternoon on Sundays it is usually not as busy.