Minnesota Lights: A Quick Guide to 7 Lights Displays

Glittering Lights and Cold Nights! Get in the Christmas spirit with these 7 spectacular lights displays in the great white north.

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!

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 19th to December 23rd

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 25-December 17th, December 22nd, 23rd, & 26th-31st

Hours: 5pm-8pm

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 31st

Hours: 5pm-8pm

Location: 7120 Freemont Street, Duluth, MN 55807

Admission: $5 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 17th to January 1st

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

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 22nd to January 1st

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 $20.75, 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 24th 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: November 25th- January 1st

Drive-Through Only Days: Mon. & Tues. November 28th- December 13th ($15 per adult)

Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm

Location: 710 Spring Street, Somerset, WI 54025

Admission: Adult $20, Child (3-10) $10, 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!

Leave a Reply

1 Shares
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin1
%d bloggers like this: