When people hear “Minnesota” they think: Snow, Winter, Cold. However, no one can celebrate the holidays by embracing the winter wonderland like Minnesotans can! We try to find creative ways to enjoy the cold months. During the holidays, driving or walking through a holiday lights drive thru is a magical experience. Here are some of the best places to see drive thru holiday light show in Minnesota.
Disclaimer: Everything in my blog is based on my own opinions, experiences and perspectives. We are all different and my hope is you can go out and create experiences and perspectives of your own. I also have some affiliate links with Adobe, Back Country and Kayak.com throughout my blog and advertisements for brands I partner with and use such as Just Strong, Goli Vitamins and DIFF Eyewear. I make a very small commission if you purchase through the link & offer a discount code.
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BENTLEYVILLE LIGHTS IN DULUTH (Walk Through)
700 RAILROAD STREET
Hours: Evenings Nov 19th- Dec 26th, Sun-Thurs 5p-9p & Fri to Sat 5p-10p
Cost: $10 parking & bring canned goods to donate
Along the shores of Lake Superior in downtown Duluth, a holiday display of over 5 million lights decorating Bayfront Park. Each child 10 years old and under gets a knit hat and cookies when they visit Santa Claus. There is also a popcorn factory, cookie house and a spot for roasting marshmallows. This light display may not be a drive thru, but it’s one you do not want to miss!
Sam’s Christmas Village in Somerset, Wisconsin
Sam’s Christmas Village is a one of a kind experience. We stayed in Stillwater, MN, and made the short drive to the Christmas village. Stroll through an iconic light show featuring over 16 million lights from princess castle themes, to dinosaurs and of course a winter wonderland. You can also see the reindeer & visit Santa Claus, then stroll the Christmas Market. Enjoy some food by visiting the bar & grill, vendors and roast some marshmallows as part of you light tour. Kids can also go sledding or tubing (these are provided there), and can try to find Sammy the Elf!
LARGER THAN LIFE LIGHTS IN DULUTH
LAKE SUPERIOR ZOO
Hours: December 2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18, 23, 30,31, 5p-8p
Cost: $5 (2 and under is free)
If you have any animal lovers in your family or friend circle, the Larger Than Life Lights at Lake Superior Zoo is your destination. Experience the light displays, visits with Santa and the Grinch, Safari Cafe with treats and S’Mores, live music and large inflatable animals.
FIRST CITY OF LIGHTS IN BEMIDJI
PAUL BUNYAN PARK
Hours: Each evening, after 5 pm through New Years
Cost: None
Drive by or park and walk through Bemidji’s display of half a million lights spanning from Paul Bunyan & Library Parks, downtown and Lake Bemidji South Shore. Fun events also included for the holiday are the Night We Light parade downtown, Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Window Display contest, holiday marketplace and fireworks over Lake Bemidji. Click the link below to schedule your visit!
SLEEPY EYE HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN SLEEPY EYE
SPORTSMANS PARK, WEST OF STATE HIGHWAY 4
Hours: Open daily 5 pm to 10 pm, Thanksgiving thru New Year’s Day
Cost: None
Sleepy eye has over 200,000 lights that takes over Sportsmans Park and a myriad of different activities offered each year such as hay rides, decorated camper cabins and dance competitions. Turn your FM radio dial to 89.1 prior to entering for a magical experience.
CELEBRATE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IN WILLMAR
ROBBINS ISLAND REGIONAL PARK, HIGHWAY 71 NORTH
Hours: 5pm to 10 pm daily
Cost: None- bring canned goods to donate
This drive thru light show has over 800,000 lights, a forest of Christmas trees in the rolling hills and a 50 foot Christmas tree. This will be it’s 7th year operating!
MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM IN CHANHASSEN (PARK & WALK)
2675 ARBORETUM DRIVE
Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm on week nights, 5 pm to 10 pm November 17th through January 1st
Cost: $15 per person (even members)
The arboretum transforms into a beautiful winter village with a lovely light show. The Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder building will be open. S’mores will be offered and the Eatery at the Arboretum will be open and serving their dinner menu.
KIWANIS LIGHTS IN MANKATO
SIBLEY PARK
Hours: 5pm to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday & 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday & Saturday, open November 25 through December 31st
Cost: None- canned good donations suggested
Drive thru or walk through a lovely light display in Mankato, MN Sibley Park. You can visit Santa Claus on the weekend, enjoy the live reindeer, go ice skating and view the Christmas tree decorating contest. We usually park and walk through the light display-especially since they have an awesome playground for the kids. It’s a family tradition that we go to see the Kiwanis Lights every year- it’s one of our favorites in Minnesota!
SEVER’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN SHAKOPEE
3121 WEST 150TH STREET
Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5 pm to 10 pm Friday & Saturday, November 24-January 1
Cost: Weekends: $40 per vehicle, Weekdays: $25 per vehicle
Over 2 million lights play songs that give a light show you won’t forget! The drive is .5 miles long with the option to park and walk afterwards. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS IN ANOKA
ANOKA FAIRGROUNDS
Hours: December 9th through 12th, 5 pm to 9 pm
Cost: Free
Enjoy the lights display and competition in Anoka, MN. Other activities are Christmas music, hay rides, the Grinch Experience, visit with Santa along with food and beverages. Donations of toys and non perishable food items are welcome.
WINTER TIME DISPLAY IN STILLWATER
DOWNTOWN AREA
Hours: November 26 through March, 5 pm to 10 pm
Cost: Free
Stillwater is a hallmark holiday town-especially their downtown area! Enjoy the cutest store fronts and downtown walk to the riverside of the St. Croix River. Make sure to check out the vintage candy shops along the way! Enjoy thousand of lights synchronized to music the Hallmark town of Stillwater spanning from Main Street to the historic lift bridge. In February the lights turn to red and pink and in March, shades of green!
GLOW HOLIDAY FESTIVAL IN ST. PAUL
CHS FIELD (MAIN ENTRANCE OFF NORTH BROADWAY)
Hours: November 23-January 1st, 5 pm to 9 pm
Cost: $20.75 per adult and $12.75 for 12 and under
Visitors usually spend 60-90 minutes experiencing the light displays at GLOW Fest. There are over a million lights, a selfie plaza, enchanted forest, bright bikes, tremendous tree and more! Check out the snowy slide, penguin playground and food as well!
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