The special-event train will leave Big Lake Station at 3:06 p.m. both days and, after stops at Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley, will arrive in downtown Minneapolis at 3:55 p.m., giving parade goers extra time to enjoy downtown attractions. The popular parade kicks off on Nicollet Mall at 6:30 p.m.

The free-ride offer is available on Northstar trains after 3 p.m. on both days. Metro Transit buses and light rail will be free from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 17 as well.

Once Northstar customers reach downtown Minneapolis, getting to Nicollet Mall is an easy ride on light rail, which connects at Target Field Station. Return Northstar service leaves downtown Minneapolis at 8 p.m.

This year’s Holidazzle season begins Friday, Nov. 25, and continues every Thursday through Sunday night through Dec. 18. Now in its 20th season, the parade features colorful displays, lights, costumes, music and dancing to celebrate the holidays.

City.Mobi

Also in US today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Minneapolis.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Minneapolis.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.