7 Reasons to visit Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour 2024
If you’re looking for a festive and fun-filled evening out this holiday season, look no further than Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour in Somerset, Wisconsin! This charming little village is sure to get you into the holiday spirit, with its alluring shops, festive decorations, and beautiful light display!
The village is open daily starting Black Friday until New Year’s Eve, so you can easily fit a visit into your holiday plans. And, since it’s located just a short drive from the Twin Cities only 25 minutes west of St Paul along the Apple River.
It’s the perfect day trip destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This post was made in partnership with Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour. They provided us with complimentary admission in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. Clicking on them doesn’t cost you any, but I earn a small commission on any purchases. We never promote things we do not stand behind.
What is Sam’s Christmas Village & Light tour?
Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour is a holiday experience filled with music, enchanting lights, and ways to create magical memories with your family.
Reasons to visit Sam’s Christmas Light Tour
Christmas Lights
The main feature of Sam’s Christmas Village is the lights. They have over 10 million lights on a 1.5 mile walk through the property. They have unique displays I haven’t seen anywhere else. It all starts with a walk under Santa and into a magical tunnel.
Check out the oversized snowmen, holiday trains, angel wings, and more. And don’t forget to take a family photo in front of the massive Christmas tree.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays, Sam’s Christmas Village is sure to get you into the festive spirit.
Meet with Santa
At Sam’s Christmas Village, you can take a magical light tour and meet Santa Claus himself! This is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Not only will you get to see all of the amazing lights and decorations, but you’ll also get to meet Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas. Get your photo taken with Santa, tell him your Christmas wishes, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
It’s sure to be a holiday experience that you’ll never forget!
See Santa’s Reindeer
The highlight for my kids was getting to see Santa’s Reindeer. They had a couple of reindeer in an enclosure. They were just getting their nighttime snack and were very active.
S’more Cabins
Make some memories while you are there in your own private space. Sit around a campfire roasting s’more. Warm up inside the heated cabin. It’s all the best parts about camping, surrounded by Christmas Lights. The best part is, you don’t have to do any work!
You’ll even get a visit from Santa! Cabins are reservable online.
European Holiday Market
Sam‘s Christmas Village is the perfect place to find unique and affordable holiday gifts! With a wide variety of stores and vendors, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.
The holiday Market is like nothing I’ve seen. Usually, we skip these, but walking up to the outdoor market was so inviting. With warm firepits going for roasting marshmallows and getting drinks.
Stop over and find some handmade goods under the lights.
Full bar & restaurant
Get your fill inside the indoor restaurant. Sam’s is serving up warm soups, pizzas, and baskets of Burgers, Chicken, and more. They have a kid’s menu too.
Whether you are looking to warm up for a short bit or didn’t have the chance to eat before you leave. You’ll get something great!
To Walk or Drive?
One thing Covid got right was the addition of drive-through displays. It opened up these magical celebrations to a whole new group of people.
As much I love getting to be a part of the lights, when it gets cold, like blistering cold out, I’d rather sit in my car and watch everything.
Monday and Tuesday are drive-through nights!
Other Info About Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour
How much does it cost?
Tickets are priced at $20 for adults, and $10 for kids 3-10 (2 and under are free). Military discount is 1/2 with ID. Parking is an additional $10 Wednesday – Sunday.
Check their website for special nights. Early in the season, there are free military nights!
Tickets are purchased onsite only. They accept cash and credit cards. What’s nice about Sam’s Christmas Village is you don’t have to reserve a time to visit. Just show up!
The ticket booth is at the top of the hill. They’ll give you a pass that you attach to your coat like a chair lift tag.
When is the best night to visit?
Whenever possible I recommend going on a weekday. Otherwise, the earlier in the season the better!
Can you bring a Stoller/Wheelchair?
Bring a stroller or sled depending on the weather. Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour are on a campground road with class five gravel. The roads are groomed for cars.
If you have a wheelchair, it’s recommended to do the drive-through event. We did see wheelchairs there. Without the snow, it worked fine.
Early season, the roads were soft with a bit of mud mix. Make sure you have boots!
Interested in more great holiday light displays around town? Check out Where to See the BEST Christmas Lights in MN
Would I Visit Sam’s Christmas Village in Wisconsin Again?
I had an opportunity to visit Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour a few years now and passed it up. I’m kind of disappointed I didn’t go sooner. I had a great time enjoying the lighted displays.
They struck a good balance between childlike magical wonder and Instagram-worthy photoshoots.
My only disappointment was with other guests not respecting the displays.
