Last December 13, icy wind and frigid temperatures in Pine River sent much of the Parade of Lights crowd back to their parked cars. According to the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal's account of the night, people watched from their vehicles while floats in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" theme threw candy. Afterward they hurried into the Information Center for hot drinks, cookies, doughnuts and hot dogs, then went back out to the bonfire before the fireworks.
This year's parade is Saturday, Dec. 5, eight days earlier than last year's. The Pine River Chamber of Commerce calls it the town's biggest winter event, and nearly all of the plan is set. The fireworks are the exception. They are still being paid for, and the donations the Chamber collects will cover either the fireworks or more lights around town.
The finale has a price, and it went up
On Nov. 4 the Echo Journal reported that the Chamber needs $4,000 to fund this year's fireworks. The paper's explanation was short: "Like most things, the cost of fireworks has increased."
The funding is also coming from a wider group. Last year's Echo Journal schedule described the 5:45 p.m. fireworks as "sponsored by donations by chamber member businesses." This year, anyone can contribute. Here is how, according to the Echo Journal:
- Call Chamber Director Troy Gregory at 218-587-4000
- Email [email protected]
- Stop in at the Information Center office, 102 W Barclay Ave., Pine River
The Chamber has said what happens if it falls short. If not enough is raised for fireworks, "all donations will be used to support and expand light displays throughout the community." No donation is wasted either way. Reaching $4,000 pays for the show at the end of the night. Falling short means more lights around town.
What changes on Barclay Avenue this year
The fireworks are undecided, but the rest of the evening has a clear shape. The Brainerd Lakes Area events calendar listing runs it from 5 to 7:30 p.m. under the theme "A Vintage Christmas," with floats and decorated vehicles moving through town.
The biggest change from last year is about staying warm. In 2025 the warm places were inside the Information Center and at the bonfire after the parade. This year's listing adds "Warming Stations Along Barclay Ave," described as fire pits throughout downtown. With heat along the route, spectators have a reason to stand outside during the parade instead of watching from their cars.
| Dec. 13, 2025 | Dec. 5, 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | "A Charlie Brown Christmas" | "A Vintage Christmas" |
| Parade start | 5 p.m. | 5 p.m., event listed to 7:30 p.m. |
| Warming during the parade | Not on the schedule; many watched from cars | Fire pits along Barclay Ave |
| Treats | Free treats, hot chocolate and cider at the Information Center | Free hot chocolate, apple cider and Christmas treats at the Chamber |
| Kids' activities | Crafts and s'mores at Sherwood Florist, 2 to 5 p.m. | Christmas crafts and games at Sherwood Florist, before or after the parade |
| Bonfire | Paul Bunyan Trail, south of the Information Center | Giant bonfire on the Paul Bunyan Trail |
| Fireworks | Funded by chamber member business donations | Chamber seeking $4,000 from donors |
Several parts carry over. Sherwood Florist is again the kids' stop for Christmas crafts and games. The Chamber is again handing out free hot chocolate, apple cider and Christmas treats after the parade, and the night still ends at a giant bonfire on the Paul Bunyan Trail. The Chamber's calendar adds that the Pine River Lions sell food between the parade and the fireworks.
What the floats have to beat
Floats compete for awards, and last year's winners set the bar for a themed entry. The Echo Journal's 2025 results gave Best Use of Lights to Trussworthy Components. The Friends of the Pine River Library won Best Use of Theme with a Charlie Brown float that played the holiday special on a projector screen as it went by.
A vintage theme suggests different decorations than Snoopy and the Red Baron did last year. The year before that, Dec. 14, 2024, the theme was "Christmas Carol." Groups planning a first entry can look at past logistics for a sense of timing. In 2023, the Echo Journal reported a 4 p.m. lineup at Pine River Lutheran Church, with the parade leaving at 5 p.m. down Barclay Avenue. That was the 2023 arrangement, so check this year's lineup details with the Chamber at 218-587-4000.
Dec. 5 starts at the Legion, hours before the parade
The parade isn't the only event in town that Saturday. The Pine River American Legion Auxiliary Unit 613 is holding its 38th annual Christmas Arts and Craft Sale at the Pine River American Legion, 400 Front St., with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The two events cover most of the day. Here is how the published times fit together:
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lunch at the Christmas Arts and Craft Sale, Pine River American Legion, 400 Front St.
- Before 5 p.m.: Christmas crafts and games for kids at Sherwood Florist.
- 5 p.m.: Parade of Lights through town, with fire pits along Barclay Ave.
- After the parade: Free hot chocolate, apple cider and treats at the Chamber, plus food from the Pine River Lions.
- Through 7:30 p.m.: Giant bonfire on the Paul Bunyan Trail, and fireworks if the $4,000 is raised.
The craft sale gets the first look at handmade gifts. By the afternoon, kids can move on to the crafts at Sherwood Florist, and by dark the fire pits are lit along the parade route.
The following Saturday, Santa is at the same address
Families who bring kids to the parade will be back on Front Street a week later. On Saturday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the American Legion Fraser Nelson Post 613 at 400 Front St. is hosting Lunch with Santa. Children 12 and under get lunch, a picture with Santa and a goodie bag. The Pine River Women's Auxiliary sponsors the event.
This year the town's two big children's events land on back-to-back Saturdays at the start of December. What the Chamber raises decides one thing about the first of them: fireworks on Dec. 5, or more light displays throughout the community. Donations go to Troy Gregory at the Information Center, 102 W Barclay Ave.
We live here too, and the Sandy Smith Lakeshore Real Estate Group will be on Barclay Avenue for the parade with everyone else. If you're thinking about a lake place near Pine River, or about what your family cabin might be worth, we're happy to talk it over this winter. Schedule a Free Consultation.
