‘Tis the season to get LIT! One of the most fun holiday traditions I had growing up was driving around to see Christmas Lights with my family. Nowadays, there’s SO much magic in the light shows across Minnesota. From drive-throughs to walking trails, Minnesota has QUITE an array all over the state! Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle and make sure to fit these in during the holiday season! Several are ticketed events so make sure to double-check the dates, times, etc, to plan your best night out! Please note, some get very busy during the holidays and may sell out. Just plan a bit or be flexible 🙂
Minnesota Holiday Light Shows:
Bentleyville USA
Have you really been to a Minnesota light show if you haven’t been to Bentleyville?! Just kidding, of course! The walk-through tour is so magical and I love stopping for free hot cocoa, cookies, and more! One of the most iconic shows to attend – just get there early! Use their website to check their “Crowd-o-meter” to find the best viewing time. Find more info on Bentleyville here.
Location: Duluth, MN
Cost: Free admission, $12 per vehicle to park
Dates: Nightly 11/22 – 12/27
GLOW Holiday
GLOW holiday is fun for young and old and there’s so many activations throughout! Featuring over 1 million lights across the display, experience the enchanted forest, slide down the snowy slide, or try one of their bright bikes to experience the night and warm up by the s’mores campfire! Find more info on GLOW holiday here.
Location: CHS Field in St. Paul
Cost: $12.75-$21.75/per person
Dates: Select Nights 11/20 – 1/4
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
A classic and personal favorite of mine the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato are truly something special! Not only can you choose your adventure by walking through or driving through the lights, but this 100% volunteer-produced event, has had almost 2 million visitors since opening in 2012. I chose the walk through and it was just magica. Go at your own pace, stop for a light up drink or hot cocoa, and then contine to wander and even find the reindeer! Find more about Kiwanis Holiday Lights here.
Location: Mankato
Cost: Free
Dates: Nightly 11/28 – 12/31
Winter Lights at the Arb
Walk through the magical gardens at the Arboretum with several vignettes across the property! I did this a few years ago and have loved to see it grow! There are hot cocoa + bonfire stations as well for s’mores! Super fun for families as you can go at your own pace and it’s spaced out nicely! Find more info about the Arb Winter lights here.
Location: Arboretum in Chaska
Cost: Member $10 or Non-Member $25 (15 and under free)
Dates: Select Nights 11/20 – 12/31
Severs Holiday Lights
One of the largest drive-through light displays, Sever’s also has activities out of the car too! Drive through and park in the observation lot to see more or warm up with some festive food and drink vendors! Find more info about Sever’s Holiday Light Show here.
Location: Shakopee
Cost: $10-$60 (per vehicle)
Dates: Nightly 11/27 – 12/28
Spirit Of Winter
The Winery at Sovereign Estate debuts its light-up event, Spirit of Winter again for another season! The Estate is transformed into a majestic, illuminated winter wonderland, with over twenty miles of musical, synchronized lights strung over 20 acres of their lakeside vineyard. Add on more fun with Christmas Cabanas to rent or their Nutcracker Suite – a holiday bar pop up! (21+) Find more about the Spirit of Winter here.
Location: Waconia
Cost: $15-$25 per vehicle
Dates: Wednesdays – Sundays 11/21 – 12/31
Magic of Lights
Enjoy this unique, dazzling drive through with more than a mile of light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters! You’ll see a larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie display, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas! Find more information about Magic of Lights here.
Location: Viking Lakes, Eagan
Cost: $31-$36 per vehicle
Dates: 11/21 – 1/3
Outside the Metro:
Christmas Acres – Day to Night!
I had to include Copper Creek Garden Center in Nisswa here as I think this is just a fun family friendly event where if you come near night time you can see their magical lights! Special events take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights plus they have a magically lit ice rink, weather permitting. Do a little shopping, visit Santa, take a horse carriage ride and more all under their magically lit acreage at the garden center. Find more information about Christmas Acres here.
Location: Nisswa
Cost: Free (some activities may incur a small charge)
Dates: 11/28 – 12/21
Sam’s Christmas Village at Light Tour
Tour the 10+ million lights either by car or foot! (check dates for options) There’s a holiday market, bar + grill, and even an option to rent a s’mores cabin which includes goodies for up to 8 people, a personal fire, and a special surprise from Santa! Find more info about Sam’s Christmas Village here.
Location: Somerset, WI
Cost: $15-$25 per person + $10 parking (cash only)
Dates: Select Days – 11/28 – 1/1
Miracle at Big Rock
Miracle at Big Rock is really just one big party! Open for drive-thru or walk-through on select days. Enjoy Christmas lights galore, local food trucks, artisans, sledding, s’mores, and even fireworks, cocktails, and more! Find out more info about Miracle at Big Rock here.
Location: Big Rock Creek, St. Croix Falls, WI
Cost: $17-$22 per person
Dates: Daily 11/28 – 1/3
Celebrate the Light of the World
Once started by one family at their personal home, this light display grew into an amazing family tradition. Each year it grew and grew and now it’s so big it has moved to Robin’s Island for everyone to experience and cherish the tradition. This drive through display has all your Christmas favorites to keep the nostalgia alive. There are several places to park for festive photo ops too! Find more information about Celebrate the Light of the World here.
Location: Willmar
Cost: Free + donations encouraged
Dates: 11/27 – 12/31
Now, what did I miss?! Happy Holiday Light Season! If you want more ideas, make sure to check out my Holiday Market + Events list or my Holiday Pop-up Bar list!