Glittering lights and Cold nights make for a magical experience in the great white north of Minnesota. Pull on your boots and zip up your coats, Minnesota is lit up and ready to celebrate the Christmas season with spectacular lights displays and festive activities!
**Updated for 2024**
Bentleyville USA
Of course we’ve all heard of Bentleyville here in Minnesota. Many families make a yearly tradition of visiting the walk-through lights display in Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth. A great addition to a weekend getaway to Duluth.
When: November 23th to December 28th
Hours: Sun-Thurs. 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat. 5pm-10pm
Location: 700 Railroad Street, Duluth, MN 55802
Admission: Free admission, $10 for parking
Highlights: (All Free) Marshmallow roasting station, visit/pictures with Santa, hot cocoa & coffee, Cookies and popcorn, complimentary strollers
**To beat the crowds, hit this event midweek.
Glensheen Candlelight Tours
Soak in all of the Christmas magic this historic estate has to offer on this self-guided Glensheen Candlelight Tour. This tour includes the lower level, 1st floor, and 2nd floor of the festive Christmas mansion.
When: Fri & Sat November 29-January 5th
Hours: 5pm-8pm (Tour Dates and Times vary)
Location: Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Road, Duluth, MN 55804
Admission: Adults $25, Children (6-17) $13, Children under 6 are free
Highlights: Informative signs throughout tour, downloadable app for information on the tour, admission includes Spirit of the Lights outdoor exhibit on the Glensheen grounds
**Do not bring your own flashlights
Lake Superior Zoo Lights
Experience the Lake Superior Zoo‘s twinkling lights and displays. An event the kids are sure to enjoy.
When: Friday-Sunday Evenings until December 21st
Hours: 5pm-8pm
Location: 7120 Freemont Street, Duluth, MN 55807
Admission: $10 per person, free parking (Ages 2 & under are free)
Highlights: Free s’mores, GIANT inflatable display, Santa & Grinch visits, hot cocoa at the Safari Café
Minnesota Arboretum
The Winter Lights at the Minnesota Arboretum is a whimsical outdoor winter experience. The summer loving flower enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the arboretum in this new light.
When: November 21st to January 5th
Hours: Dates and hours vary with numerous events and specials, investigate further here.
Location: 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Admission: Regardless of membership, all visitors must have a Winter Lights ticket ($10 members, $25 non-members)
Highlights: S’mores kits available for purchase (includes 4 s’mores for $7), .75 mile stroll through visitor center grounds and gardens, warm up inside visitors center
Glow Holiday Festival
Venturing north isn’t the only way to get a full holiday experience. This massive display of lights will have your holiday spirit beaming! Now being held in the CHS Field in St. Paul, this display is bigger and better than ever.
When: November 21st to January 5th
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm (last entry time at 8pm), Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
Location: CHS Field 360 N. Broadway Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Admission: Adult $21.75, Child(4-12) $12.75 (cashless event, purchase Tickets online)
Highlights: Giant Slide (extra cost), S’mores package available for purchase, enchanted forest, penguin playground, interactive northern lights display, Trolly ride
Celebrate the Light of the World
‘Tis the season of giving and the Willmar Celebrate the Light of the World event is all about giving back to the community. The drive through Christmas display is free for all but there is an opportunity to give a gift to four non-profit organizations; Salvation Army, Kandiyohi County Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way.
When: November 25th to December 31st
Hours: 5pm-10pm
Location: Robbins Island Regional Park, 945 US Business 71, Willmar, MN 56201
Admission: Free Event, Donations accepted for 4 non-profit organizations
Highlights: Drive-through lights display (great for take out Dinner and a show, one of our family traditions)
Sam’s Christmas Village, WI
Hop over the border for a whimsical Christmas experience at the popular Sam’s Christmas Village in Somerset, Wisconsin.
When: Dec. 9th- Dec. 31st
Drive-Through Only Days: Mon. & Tues. Dec. 9th- December 10th ($15 per adult)
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
Location: 710 Spring Street, Somerset, WI 54025
Admission: Adult $25, Child (3-10) $20, 2 & under are free, $10 Parking on-site (cash only for parking)
Highlights: 10 Million lights on display, Christmas Market Thurs-Sun nights, Visit Santa in Christmas Market, sledding hill, S’mores Cabins available for rent ($119+)
**Bonus: Friendly dogs are welcome on leash!
