Mandan residents and families across Morton and Burleigh counties can mark their calendars for the upcoming holiday season in downtown Mandan, as Super Talk 1270 – Accurate News, Stimulating Talk – Bismarck News Radio reported that the 2026 Mandan Holiday Lights on Main grand lighting ceremony has been officially scheduled. According to details published in the Mandan Newsletter, the annual community event will take place on Friday, November 27, 2026, centering its grand lighting ceremony at Dykshoorn Park beginning with evening festivities.
The grand lighting celebration is set to take place immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday. Organizers are wasting no time ushering in the holiday season right after Thanksgiving, bringing festive events, Christmas music, and family gatherings to downtown Mandan. The Mandan Holiday Lights on Main is a seasonal event that Bismarck-Mandan residents routinely look forward to, bringing their families into the city center to share in Christmas joy and magic.
Organizers have established a specific schedule of events for the grand lighting ceremony on Friday, November 27, 2026. The evening schedule is structured as follows:
• 5:00 PM: Members of the public are invited to gather on Main Street, where Christmas music will be played to welcome early arriving crowds.
• 6:00 PM: Santa Claus will make his official arrival at the event, accompanied by opening remarks.
• 6:20 PM: The official Grand Lighting of the Holiday Lights will take place, illuminating the park display.
• 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Attendees can participate in family activities, including the opportunity to chat with Santa, receive free hot chocolate, and go on wagon rides.
• 10:00 PM: The Holiday Lights on Main close for the night.
During the hour-long activity window between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, visitors can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while taking a wagon ride around the area. Children who have been good will also have the opportunity to meet Santa directly following the 6:20 PM tree-lighting program.
For residents who are unable to attend the initial grand lighting ceremony on Friday, November 27, 2026, the display will remain open for extended visiting throughout the remainder of the holiday season. The park will remain open to visitors for 45 nights continuously through the New Year holiday. The ongoing light display in Dykshoorn Park is free to the public, allowing residents to drop by at any point during its 45-night run to enjoy the holiday lights at their convenience.
Members of the public who are interested in obtaining more information regarding the grand lighting ceremony or the overall schedule for the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main can contact the Mandan Progress Organization directly. The Mandan Progress Organization can be reached by phone at 701-751-2983 for additional details regarding the celebration.
