Mandan Holiday Nights on Main Celebrates Its Third Year With Even More Events and Lights

One of the best winter experiences in Bismarck-Mandan is Mandan Holiday Lights on Main, a free event in Dykshoorn Park that runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from November 29 until January 4. Visitors can walk through the immersive light displays that are bigger and more complex than anything else in North Dakota. Even the Grinchiest Scrooge can get caught up in the holiday magic.

“We wanted people to get out of their cars and walk around through these displays,” says Matt Schanandore, Executive Director of Mandan Progress Organization (MPO), which runs Visit Mandan. “We also took steps to feed all five senses during their time in the park.”

Along with visually enjoying the lights and hearing holiday songs, guests can feel the warmth of cozy fires, enjoy classic Christmas scents, and taste delicious free hot cocoa on select nights – provided by generous sponsors.

The Holiday Lights event is so impressive that it’s hard to believe it's only entering its third year. Learn more about this event and how the MPO organizers are Making Their Mark on the community.  

Mandan Holiday Nights Has Grown Significantly Each Year 

Mandan Holiday Nights on Main debuted in 2022 after a year of planning by MPO. Schanandore joined The MPO in January and worked carefully with the board of directors to approve funding and resources for this project.

“We really wanted this to be awe-inspiring and offer things you don’t normally see at these types of events,” says Schanandore. “We knew if we did something like that, we could be one of the top holiday attractions in the state.”

Mandan Holiday Nights on Main started with 12 signature displays and other lights and decorations. It attracted 23,000 visitors in its first year and 50,000 in its second.

This year kicks off phase two of Mandan Holiday Nights. There will be three new signature displays, expanded decorations, and connections to the Morton Mandan Public Library. The annual Bismarck-Mandan Santa Run, now the North Dakota Santa Run will be organized by MPO, is also part of this event and has moved to Main Street for the first time.

“We’ve got an attraction. Now we can build out the themed activities that go along with it,” says Schanandore.

Mandan Holiday Nights on Main is expected to expand beyond Dykshoorn Park and the event calendar is filling up with sponsor nights, activities, and even a grand lighting on the Friday after Thanksgiving. 

Businesses and Residents Can Support Mandan Holiday Nights

The community response to Mandan Holiday Nights on Main has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only do residents show up and enjoy the lights, but they often ask Schanandore and his team how they can support the event.

The first way to show your support is to attend Mandan Holiday Nights on Main. Invite your friends and family so more people get to experience the beauty of Dykshoorn Park lit up. This event is completely free, but there are donation boxes around the event if you would like to help cover the various operating costs. The MPO also collects non-perishable food items for the Aid Inc. Local Food Pantry each night.

Businesses and individuals can also sponsor the event. Schanandore asks that if you buy from a sponsor or use their services, thank them for their support. Giving back to the sponsors is a great way to keep Mandan Holiday Nights alive.  

“We rely both on sponsors and annual funding to pay for all of our expenses,” says Schanandore. “A project like this isn’t cheap. We pay for lights, insurance, maintenance, storage – and enough Holiday Cheer to keep everyone warm.”

Visitors to Mandan Holiday Nights on Main can also support MPO by attending other events throughout the year. All Visit Mandan events are free for visitors except for the Haunted Fort. This way, residents of Mandan and surrounding areas have equal opportunities to enjoy what MPO puts together. The holiday season can be expensive, but MPO ensures there is a free way to tap into that seasonal magic. 

Mandan Holiday Nights Proves This Region is a Great Place to Live

MPO works tirelessly to put together events throughout the year, from Mandan Market Nights in the summer to Touch-A-Truck in the spring. While the organization wants to bring tourists to Mandan, the long-term vision is that visitors turn into residents.  

“We highlight the quality of place and quality of life in Mandan,” says Schanandore. “We prove that this is a vibrant community with things that people who want to move here can do.”

Essentially, MPO is a sales team for visiting and living in Mandan. They present the community to people who could be future business owners or local leaders in the area. Come for the cocoa and stay for a few years. 

Discover Other Ways Residents Make Their Mark

Mandan Holiday Nights on Main is a great event for families, couples, and friends. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday season for free while exploring everything Mandan has to offer. Check out other fun activities and seasonal events in Bismarck-Mandan. Residents of North Dakota don’t let snow slow them down and continue playing through the winter months. See how you can Mark Your Mark.