(The following is a release from the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce.)

Those in the Shakopee community and surrounding areas are invited kick off the holidays with the annual Shakopee Holiday Festival on Friday, November 30th, in Historic Downtown Shakopee at 1st Avenue West and Lewis Street.

Get in the holiday spirit with your friends and family by coming to the festival! Enjoy traditional caroling, the ever popular Velodazzle Bike Parade, photos with Santa Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, Shakopee Chamber Food Drive kick-off benefiting the CAP Agency (nonperishable food donations will be accepted that night to kick off the drive), ceremonial tree lighting and much more!

Hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies will also be served.

Schedule of Events

6 p.m. - Velodazzle Parade (Parade starts at 2nd Avenue and Holmes Street. Interested persons should sign up at Paul’s Bike Shop, 120 Holmes St. 952-688-6820.)

6:30 p.m. - Traditional Caroling & Ceremonial Tree Lighting

Immediately Following Tree Lighting - 8 p.m. - Photos with Santa (Photos will be taken in the community room of the River City Centre for $5.)

Immediately Following Tree Lighting - 8 p.m. - Horse Drawn Carriage Rides (Carriage rides will begin in front of Turtle’s Bar & Grill)

Plus, enjoy free admission to the Scott County Historical Society from 6-8pm for their Holiday Open House. Enjoy a holiday decorated Stans House while you take part in an ornament craft, holiday scavenger hunt with prizes, treats and hot cocoa in the Stans House and bonfire in the Stans Garden!

The festival is free to attend and open to the public. Learn more at www.shakopee.org.