Christmas Lights 2024-2025 in Minnesota

Minnesota during Christmas is all about fresh snow, towering pines, and real winter fun. As night falls, the state transforms into a wonderland of illuminated tunnels and dazzling light displays. While Minneapolis shines especially bright during the holiday season, festive lights can be found throughout the entire state, casting a magical glow over snowy landscapes. Whether you’re strolling through twinkling tunnels or admiring intricate displays, Minnesota offers a wide array of enchanting Christmas light events.

Winter Lights at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Select Evenings November 21, 2024–January 5, 2025)

The Winter Lights display at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is a popular holiday event, which features a one-mile, self-guided walk through gardens lit with festive displays. Highlights include new woodland-themed lights, the 16-foot Weeping Willow, and a walk-through apple celebrating the Honeycrisp apple. Visitors can enjoy roasting marshmallows at the S’mores Village and find snacks and drinks at the Oswald Visitor Center. Inside, the center and Snyder Building will showcase a 25-foot Poinsettia Tree made from over 500 plants. Live music performances will be held on select evenings.

Operating hours vary, with most nights running from 4 pm to 10 pm. Special themed nights are available throughout the season, including Family Nights on November 26 and December 19, Date Nights on December 5 and 12, and a New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31. Opening Night on November 21 promises an exclusive first look at the displays. For photography enthusiasts, Photographer Nights on December 11 and 18 will offer the opportunity to capture the magic without the usual crowds.

General admission tickets are priced at $10 for members, $30 for non-members, and $5 for children ages 15 and younger. Indigenous peoples receive member pricing when reserving tickets by phone. Parking is available at the Arboretum, but on certain nights, a heated bus service from the East Creek Transit Station in Chaska is provided via SouthWest Transit.

Glow Holiday Festival (2024 Dates TBA)

One of the newest Minnesota holiday light displays, located at Minnesota State Fairgrounds, has already become quite popular. Glow Holiday Festival includes an impressive one-mile drive-thru with a whopping million light holiday display. Garlands are placed over trees lining the way. There are also art installations and an illuminated gingerbread house. After exploring light displays, visitors can get a warm drink and a snack in a drive-thru food court.

Celebrate Lights of the World (November 28–December 29, 2024)

Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar transforms into a winter wonderland each year with the Celebrate the Light of the World display. Originally started by the Koosman family, this drive-thru light display has become a beloved tradition, now managed by Willmar Fests. Running from Thanksgiving to just before New Year’s Day, the event features nearly 900,000 lights, covering the park in festive brilliance from 5 pm to 10 pm daily. Visitors can park in designated areas to enjoy the dancing lights before rejoining the flow of traffic.

The light show is not only a visual spectacle but also a community effort. Over 1,000 volunteer hours go into setting up the display, which spans seven miles of extension cords. In addition to admiring the lights, visitors are encouraged to make donations to local charities like the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf, and United Way. Donations can be made at the Koosman Chapel near the exit, either in cash or via Venmo.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights (November 29–December 31, 2024)

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park in Mankato offers a festive celebration of holiday lights for the Greater Mankato area. Visitors can choose to walk or drive through the illuminated displays, with specific entrance routes for each. The event, which supports local food shelves, is free for all, though non-perishable food donations are encouraged each night. The light display is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm, with a special lighted parade on opening night, November 24, at 6 pm.

Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” (November 23–December 28, 2024)

Bentleyville, America’s largest free walk-through lighting display, features 5 million lights at Bayfront Festival Park on Lake Superior’s shores. The Tour of Lights is open from 5 pm to 9 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and from 5 pm to 10 pm on Fridays to Saturdays. Visitors can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn, and roasted marshmallows. Kids can have their photo taken with reindeer and receive a knit hat from Santa if they are ten and under. Bentleyville also serves as a collection site for the Salvation Army, encouraging donations of non-perishable food items or new toys. While admission is free, parking costs $10 per vehicle. Bentleyville, celebrating its 21st year in 2024, aims to spread holiday cheer through community and charitable efforts.

Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion (2024 Dates TBA)

The Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion at Sportsmans Park features over 300,000 dazzling lights. Located on the west side of State Highway 4, visitors can drive through the park and enjoy synchronized music by tuning their car radio to 89.1 FM, or explore on foot with music broadcast throughout the park. Admission is free, including wagon rides and concessions, with horse-drawn carriage rides available in December. Donations are welcome to support the event.

Sever’s Holiday Lights (2024 Dates TBA)

Sever’s Holiday Lights offers a dazzling drive-through experience with over 2.5 million lights synchronized to festive music. The half-mile route is lined with sparkling displays, making it a memorable family outing. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal treats like hot cocoa, mini donuts, and caramel popcorn from Drew’s Concessions. This festive display promises a joyful experience for everyone, with plenty of food and holiday cheer to enhance the spectacle.