the BEST Christmas Lights in MN 2023 edition
Ok, I know what you are thinking, “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet and I’m already talking about Christmas Lights!” Well, in my neighborhood, that has stopped no one yet from putting out their lights. A lot of cities would agree based on the number of displays of Christmas lights in MN going up around town.
Because of that, I wanted to ensure you had plenty of opportunities to plan your fun. This year everyone has found socially distant ways to enjoy Christmas Lights in MN, including drive-thru experiences.
Here is your guide to all the Winter Wonderlands, Tree Lighting Celebrations Festivals, and Parades.
Winter Wonderlands and Christmas Lights in MN
Severs Holiday Lights | Shakopee
Location: 3121 150th Street West, Shakopee, MN 55379
Open: November – January
Tickets: Online
Cost: $35 per carload of 7 or less. $50 for groups larger than 7
If you’re looking for a holiday tradition the whole family will love, look no further than our massive 2,500,000+ holiday light display at Severs Holiday Lights in Shkoapee. With festive food & drink vendors, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be merry.
Severs makes the process so easy. No need to worry about getting cold. Reserve your time slot and drive on down. They are right off highway 62 making it easy to get to.
Once you are done with the drive-thru, head over to their observation lot and watch again, or take another drive-through! so go ahead and pile into the car – this is one show everyone will want to see.
GLOW Holiday Festival, St Paul
Location: 360 N. Broadway Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
Open: November 16, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Tickets: Online or in Person
Cost: $20.75 for adults, kids (4-12) $12.75
Glow Holiday Festival is a walk-through exhibit that you don’t want to miss. with so many interactive exhibits it’s the perfect place to take family photos.
Flower Gardens, Northern Lights, Enchanted Forests and so much more. It’s held CHS Field making it easy to get to. There are two levels of lights to explore.
They have a great selection of food as well. Get a hot chocolate and stroll around. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Glow is a great Holiday Light Festival in Minnesota. Check out my full review: 12 Reasons Why You Should Attend the Annual Glow Holiday Festival in St Paul
Bentleyville Tour of the Lights | Duluth
Location: 4313 Haines Rd, Hermantown, MN 55811
Open: November 18, 2023 – December 26, 2023
Cost: FREE but parking is $10 per car
The Bentleyville Tour of lights enjoys 20 acres of walk-thru lighted displays. This is the largest Holiday Light Display in MN, and it’s right next to the waterfront.
This year it’s free admission, but parking is $10. No advanced tickets. Weekends are the busiest, so be prepared. More Info
Duluth MN is a great place to explore for the week. I recommend staying close by at the Pier B Resort. They are family and pet-friendly! You can find the best rates by clicking here.
Winter Lights at the Arboretum | Chaska
Location: 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Open: November 16, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Tickets: Online
Cost: $25 non-members, $10 for members
Winter Lights at the MN Landscape Arboretum are back again. They decorated the full front portion of the grounds with hundreds of thousands of lights.
What I love about this lighted display is the ability to get up close to everything. They also have s’mores and other treats in the main building.
Each year there is a new theme which is why I keep coming back. Check out their 25-foot Poinsettia tree, created using more than 500 red, white and pink poinsettias. Listen to some music and drink some hot chocolate!
Online Reservations are required for all events at the Arboretum and this one will sell out. Make sure to check out my full guide, Making Spirits Brighter at the MN Landscape Arboretum
Magic of Lights | Eagan
Location: 360 N. Broadway Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
Open: November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Tickets: Online or in Person
Cost: $25 – $35 per car online, or $40 – 45 at the gate
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday light experience. There are many different holiday scenes and characters, using LED and digital animation.
Before you arrive, make sure to download their Magic Vision. You can transform yourself into a gingerbread character and get a sneak peak of the show on social media channels.
Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion
Location: Sleepy Eye, MN
Open: Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day from 5-10pm
Cost: Free
This lighted display is a true winter wonderland. Synchronized to music, guests can drive through the park to view over 100,000 lights. On special days there are free Hay Wagon Rides.
Tune in to 89.1FM to get to hear the music. In addition, there were concession stands and bonfires to warm up at. More Info
Sertoma Winter Wonderland | Baxter
Location: 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Open: November 23, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Tickets: Cub Foods Baxter, Cub Foods Brainerd, Super One Foods Baxter, SuperValu Pequot Lakes, Northland Arboretum
Cost: $10 per car online or $20 at the Gate
The Sertoma Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Display is an immersive experience that features over 80 animated displays and a 45-minute drive-through.
The display includes a horse-drawn carriage, snowman, penguin, and more. One of the main reasons for doing the event is to give back to the community. This is a fun one at an affordable rate.
Nature Illuminated | Apple Valley
Location: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Open: December 2nd – January 16th
Tickets: Online
Cost: $35 – $60
Back again due to popular demand. Nature Illuminated is a narrated journey through oversized displays of your favorite animals. They offer both driving or walking experiences.
I love that there are multiple options. Make sure to book in advance as this Christmas Lights in MN is sure to fill up!
Lighting Festival | Taylor’s Falls
Location: Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Open: November 24, 2023 – November 26, 2023
WEBSITE: Online
Cost: FREE
The town of Taylor’s Falls comes alive during Thanksgiving weekend. Filled with all kinds of wonderful activities including parades, music, theater, and even some Irish Dancing.
While in Taylors Falls, make sure to check out all the other great things to do. Also, check out Miracle at Big Rock holiday lights just a few miles away!
The Spirit of Winter – Festival of Lights | Waconia
Location: 9950 N Shore Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
Open: November 17, 2023 – December 30, 2023
Tickets: Online
Cost: $10 per person
The winery at Sovereign Estates has a spectacular winter light show with synchronized musical lights throughout its 20 acres.
Enjoy wine or hot chocolate while walking through their winter wonderland. The Holly Troll Tractor will give rides through the vineyard.
They have s’mores, hot dogs and kid treats, too. You can visit with Santa, walk through Candy Cane Lane or so the Snow maze.
Explore all the fun on the winey! This holiday light display has a great mix of adult fun and kid magic. The Spirit of Winter Christmas Light Display in Waconia
Home Light Tour at Adelaide Landing in Hugo
I don’t normally do this, but when a neighborhood goes out of its way to light up over 30 houses, synchronized to music, you gotta check it out. They do this all to raise money for the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf.
Lights are on every day 12/1 – 1/1 from 5 pm to 10 pm. In front of each home, guess the song/movie/book, then scan the QR code in front of each house to get the “answer” and for some fun trivia. Check out their Facebook Page for more info.
Bonus: A few just across the border
Miracle at Big Rock, St Croix Falls Wisconsin
Location: 1674 WI-87, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
Open: November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Tickets: Online
Cost: $20 online or $25 at the gate. Kids 4-12 are $15
Miracle at Big Rock is one of the newest light displays that I’m very impressed with. They have some tremendous lighted tunnels, larger-than-life displays, and a little magic hiding all over the property.
It’s only 45 minutes from St. Paul, just on the other side of the river from Taylors Falls. You have to check it out.
My husband and I both argue over which one is better, Glow or Miracle at Big Rock. They both have some amazing elements to them and I think you get a lot of bang for your buck here! Check out my full review: The Newest Holiday Light Display in Wisconsin: Miracle at Big Rock
Sam’s Christmas Village, Sommerset Wisconsin
Location: 710 Spring St suite c, Somerset, WI 54025
Open: November 24, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Tickets: At The Gate Only
Cost: $20 per adult, Kids 3-10 are $10, Parking is $10
With over 10 million lights, Sam’s Christmas Village made a big splash when it first started a few years back. The good news is people are still talking about the fun light displays they put on.
In addition to the lights, they also have a European-style Christmas market, Smore’s Cabin rentals, Reindeer, Santa, and more. More info.
For a full review, check out 7 Reasons Why Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour Is a Must-Visit During the Holiday Season
Making a New Tradition
I hope some of these great Christmas Lights in MN bring your family into the Holiday spirits a little more this year. For more outstanding events and things to do this winter, don’t forget to check out 28 Things to do in Winter in MN.
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