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The Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau will bring back the annual Holiday Bazaar Thursday downtown, offering a festive evening filled with activities, holiday shopping and entertainment for all ages.

Visitors are invited to celebrate the season and enjoy the following events at various downtown locations:

Horse-drawn trolley rides (4 to 6 p.m.)
Enjoy a scenic ride starting near the Marion Ross statue on Broadway Avenue. Sponsored by Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Albert Lea, and the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Live reindeer visit (4 to 6 p.m.)
Stop by the Williams Street Plaza to see real reindeer up close. Sponsored by Home Solutions Midwest.

Photos with Santa (4 to 6 p.m.)
Bring your family to the Williams Street Plaza for a chance to meet Santa and take photos, courtesy of Albert Lea American Legion Post 56, DAV and photoshoots by Angie’s Photography & Creations.

United Preschoolers caroling (5:30 to 6 p.m.)
Listen to the adorable voices of United preschoolers as they perform carols in downtown Albert Lea, spreading holiday cheer.

Albert Lea High School carolers (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Enjoy performances by the Albert Lea High School Carolers throughout the downtown area at 5 p.m. The evening concludes with a special caroling performance at Central Park during the tree-lighting ceremony.

Tree-lighting ceremony (6:30 p.m.)
Join the community at Central Park for the annual tree lighting and experience the magic of the season. The Santa Cruise will end at Central Park just in time for the ceremonial lighting of the tree!

Holiday Market at The Broadway (4 to 8 p.m.)
Find unique holiday gifts and support local vendors at Events at The Broadway located at 201 S. Broadway Ave.

Kids Makers Market (4 to 7 p.m.)
Bring the family to shop handmade creations crafted by young entrepreneurs at All the Things – Studio & Boutique at 136 S. Broadway Ave. and The Outlet at 137 S. Broadway Ave.

Hot chocolate stand (4 to 6 p.m.)
Stop by the Albert Lea CVB Office at 132 N Broadway Avenue for a free cup of hot cocoa, sponsored by Arcadian Bank.

Santa Cruise (6 p.m.)
Watch festive vehicles cruise along Broadway Avenue with Santa leading the way. Registrations are still open for additional floats — sign up at the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Grinch visit (4 to 7 p.m.)
Meet the Grinch near Taco King on Clark Street, made possible by T-Mobile.

Hat & Glove Giveaway + Hot Cocoa & Bracelets (4 to 6 p.m.)
Visit Hope Church at 244 S. Broadway Ave. for free winter hats, gloves, hot cocoa and bracelets.

“We’re excited to bring the Holiday Bazaar back to downtown Albert Lea for another year of festive activities,” said Konrad Hawkinson, an event coordinator with the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This event showcases the spirit of the season, local craft and maker talent, and the charm of our historic downtown. We encourage everyone to come out, make memories and support our community.”

The Holiday Bazaar is free to attend, with activities sponsored by local businesses and community partners.