The sights, sounds and flavors of Target Holidazzle have returned to downtown Minneapolis for the 21st year, running on Nicollet Mall at 6:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 23 (don't forget your food or cash donations to the Emergency Foodshelf Network, collected just before showtime; details at www.holidazzle.com).
Inside tiny La Belle Crepe, owner Alain Lenne is offering crepes, naturally, and an intensely decadent sipping hot chocolate. Outside on Nicollet Mall, beat the cold with hot chocolate, pho and fresh-from-the-popper popcorn.
825 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-333-1100, www.labellecrepe.com
Masa is a prime indoor Holidazzle-watching venue, so plan ahead and book a table with a view. Better yet, slip in for a pre-parade happy hour (weeknights, 4 to 6 p.m.) and enjoy $2.50 tacos, $5 small plates and half-price margaritas, tap beers and wines by the glass.
1070 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-6272, www.masa-restaurant.com
Outside Vincent, sidewalk superintendents can feast upon made-to-order crepes and hot dogs stuffed inside baguettes. Meanwhile, the restaurant's dining room -- another fine viewing platform -- is featuring live music (courtesy of the Four Voices string quartet) on Sunday evenings through Dec. 23.
1100 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-630-1189,
