Best Christmas Lights in Minnesota 2026: Dates for 20+ Light Shows & Holiday Events
The holiday season in Minnesota is pure magic. Snowy streets, glowing trees, and small towns that feel like Christmas movie sets make it one of the best places to celebrate. From huge light festivals to cozy tea rooms and historic mansions, there is no shortage of ways to get into the holiday spirit.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a full road trip, this guide will help you find the best Christmas lights, events, and winter activities across the state.
| Event | Where | 2026 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentleyville Tour of Lights | Duluth | Nov 21 – Dec 26 | Free (paid parking) |
| Northern Lights at the Arboretum | Chaska | Nov 20 – Jan 3 | $35; 15 and under free |
| GLOW Holiday Festival | St. Paul (CHS Field) | Nov 19 – Jan 3 | Timed tickets |
| Kiwanis Holiday Lights | Mankato | Nov 27 – Dec 31 | Free (donations) |
| Christmas at Glensheen | Duluth | From Nov 13; candlelight from Nov 27 | From $20 adults |
| Sam’s Christmas Village | Somerset, WI | Nov 27 – Jan 3 | $25 adults, $20 kids 4–10 |
| First City of Lights | Bemidji | Lighting Nov 27 | Free |
| Nisswa City of Lights | Nisswa | Nov 27 | Free |
| North Pole Express | St. Paul (Union Depot) | Dec 4–6 & 10–13 | Ticketed |
| Christmas City Express | Duluth | Fri–Sun, Nov 27 – Dec 20 | From $38 |
| An Eidem Farm Christmas | Brooklyn Park | Dec 6 | Free |
| Sertoma Winter Wonderland (final season) | Baxter | Starts Thanksgiving weekend | Per vehicle |
Jump to: Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Festivals | Cozy Holiday Experiences | Family-Friendly Christmas Activities | Charming Small-Town Christmas Getaways | Plan Your Minnesota Christmas Trip | FAQs
Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Festivals in Minnesota
These are the show-stopping Christmas light displays and festivals that are worth planning your whole trip around. Many of them run from mid or late November through late December, so you have plenty of time to visit.
Bentleyville Tour of Lights (Duluth)
Why go: The Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth is billed as America’s largest free walk-through light display. It fills Bayfront Festival Park with more than 5 million lights, a towering tree, and huge displays that glow along the shore of Lake Superior.
What to expect: Wander under light tunnels, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and warm up at fire pits while roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate. Kids can hand Santa their wish lists, and adults will love the views of the harbor and Aerial Lift Bridge lit up for the season.
Good to know: Admission is free, but there is a parking fee and donations are encouraged. Weeknights are usually less busy than Saturdays. For more planning tips, check out my full guide to the best Christmas lights in Duluth, and confirm current dates and hours on the official Bentleyville website.
For 2026, Bentleyville runs November 21 to December 26, open 5–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5–10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking is about $12, or $10 if you pay cash.
Northern Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)
Why go: For 2026, the Arboretum has replaced Winter Lights with a new event, Northern Lights, built around the theme “nature in the spotlight.” It’s still one of the most beautiful nature-focused light walks in the state, and it’s great for couples and families.
What to expect: S18 interactive displays use light projection, uplighting and synchronized sound to light up the gardens. Dress for walking on winter paths, and plan extra time for parking.
Good to know: Northern Lights runs November 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. (closed November 26 and December 24–25). Tickets are $35, or $25 for members. Kids 15 and under get in free but still need a ticket. Peak nights sell out, so book ahead at Northern Lights | University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Glow Holiday Festival at CHS Field (St. Paul)
Why go: The Glow Holiday Festival turns CHS Field into a massive walk-through Christmas festival with tunnels of lights, glowing sculptures, and a giant programmable tree.
What to expect: Walk through lit-up paths, slide down snowy slides, and fly over the field on a zipline. Kids can meet Santa on select nights, pose with huge glowing penguins, and explore themed zones. Food trucks and drink stands keep everyone warm and fed.
Good to know: Tickets are timed and must be purchased online. Glow is outdoors, so dress warmly and wear good boots. Find dates, ticket options, and new attractions on the official Glow Holiday Festival website. GLOW runs November 19, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with two new areas this year: Wand-er Land and Arctic Adventure.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights (Mankato)
Why go: Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park in Mankato is a community-run light show that feels big and heartfelt at the same time. It has millions of lights, animated displays, and plenty of ways to enjoy the magic.
What to expect: You can drive through the route or park and walk among the displays. On certain nights, Santa visits, real reindeer make an appearance, and a small holiday train gives rides to kids. Donations of non-perishable food and cash support local food shelves and nonprofits.
Good to know: Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. This is one of the most budget-friendly big light shows in Minnesota. Check dates, hours, and special event nights on the official Kiwanis Holiday Lights website.
The 2026 season runs November 27 to December 31, with a parade and lighting ceremony on opening night. It’s open 5–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Last year it had over 2 million lights.
Sever’s Holiday Lights (Shakopee)
Why go: Sever’s Holiday Lights is a drive-through show that wraps you in glowing tunnels, tall displays, and synchronized light shows, all choreographed to music you tune into from your car.
What to expect: Follow a miles-long route past animated displays, themed sections, and bright tunnels. After the drive, you can park to visit the selfie park, grab snacks, and let kids burn off energy at outdoor spots (on select nights).
Good to know: Tickets are sold online in advance by date and time, and pricing changes by day and demand. Find ticket details, peak times, and directions on the official Sever’s Holiday Lights website.
In 2025, Sever’s ran Thanksgiving through December 28, and carloads were $30 Sunday through Thursday, $45 on weekends and $10 on Tuesdays. I’m still trying to confirm 2026 dates.
Christmas at Glensheen Mansion (Duluth)
Why go: Glensheen Mansion on the shores of Lake Superior is beautiful any time of year, but at Christmas it becomes a storybook mansion packed with decorated trees, garlands, and vintage holiday charm.
What to expect: Tour multiple floors of the mansion at your own pace and admire historic decorations, twinkling trees, and hidden elves that kids will love to search for. Candlelight tours on select evenings make the mansion feel extra magical, with rooms lit by tree lights and soft lamps.
Good to know: Glensheen offers different tour levels and special holiday experiences. It pairs perfectly with a visit to Bentleyville on the same trip. Check current tour options and tickets on the official Glensheen website.
Christmas tours start November 13, 2026, and candlelight tours start November 27. A Classic tour is $20 for adults and $8 for youth, and candlelight tours start at $24. New this year: find all 25 hidden elves to win a prize. Book on the official Glensheen website.
Spirit of Winter at Sovereign Estate (Waconia)
Why go: Sovereign Estate’s Spirit of Winter turns this lakeside vineyard into an elegant, walk-through holiday light experience. It feels a little more grown-up than some displays, but it’s still very family-friendly and perfect for a cozy evening out.
What to expect: Follow lighted trails through the vines, past tunnels of lights, glowing trees, and lakeside views. Warm up at fire pits, grab hot cocoa or mulled wine, and enjoy snacks from the winery. Certain nights feature live music or themed events, which make it a great date night or small-group outing.
Good to know: Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance. Some nights sell out quickly, especially close to Christmas and on weekends. Check dates, ticket options, and special event nights on the official Spirit of Winter page.
Spirit of Winter run Thursday through Sunday from late November 21st through December 31, and tickets are $11.65 with fees online.
Sam’s Christmas Village (Somerset, WI – Great for East Metro Visitors)
Why go: Just across the border in Somerset, Wisconsin, Sam’s Christmas Village is close enough that many Minnesotans add it to their holiday plans. It features millions of lights, riverside views, and a European-style Christmas market.
What to expect: On walk-through nights, stroll under light tunnels, warm up at fire pits, and stop at cabins for snacks and drinks. On select nights, you can drive through instead. Families can also reserve heated “s’more cabins” with private campfires and visits from Santa.
Good to know: It’s about 25 minutes from the east Twin Cities metro and pairs well with a stop in Stillwater or along the St. Croix River. Find dates, ticket options, and walk-through vs. drive-through nights on the official Sam’s Christmas Village website.
For 2026, Sam’s is open November 27 to January 3 (closed December 24) and has more than 26 million lights. Walk-through tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for kids 4–10 ($20 and $17 if you buy by October 31), parking is $10 cash, and the drive-through nights are December 14–15.
First City of Lights (Bemidji)
Why go: As the First City on the Mississippi, Bemidji kicks off the season with the First City of Lights, wrapping downtown in more than 1 million lights for its 30th anniversary in 2026. The Night We Light ceremony is November 27 at 7 p.m. in Paul Bunyan Park, right after the parade, and three new displays debut this year. It has a classic small-town feel that makes everything feel extra cozy.
What to expect: Stroll past lit storefronts, take photos with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in their holiday glow, and enjoy seasonal events like parades, markets, and sleigh rides, depending on the year’s schedule.
Good to know: Check Bemidji tourism and city websites for current event dates and extra activities, and pair your visit with other December holiday activities in Minnesota.
Cozy Holiday Experiences in Minnesota
Lights are only part of the fun. Warm up with festive drinks, holiday teas, and big-time shopping that all fit perfectly into a winter trip.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars in the Twin Cities
Why go: Holiday pop-up bars are perfect for adults who want a fun night out surrounded by over-the-top Christmas decor and themed drinks.
Highlights: Nico’s Navidad has taken over Nico’s Taco & Tequila Bar locations in recent years, including Uptown Minneapolis. The Jingle Bar is a ticketed pop-up that moves to a new Minneapolis venue each year (Chilango on Lake Street in 2025), with wall-to-wall decor and festive drinks. The Jingle Bar turns its space into a full-on Christmas explosion with wall-to-wall decor, festive drinks, and plenty of photo ops.
Good to know: These pop-ups change details and locations from year to year, so check each bar’s official website or social media for current reservations, hours, and cover charges. They pair well with an evening of lights from the Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Festivals section.
Holiday Tea Experiences
Why go: If you prefer a calm, cozy setting, holiday tea is a dreamy way to slow down and enjoy the season.
Highlights: The Mad Hatter Curiosities & Tea Parlour in Anoka hosts its 27th annual Christmas Tea this year (from $60 per person, booked through Tock), plus a walk-in café, The Rabbit Hole.
Good to know: Both spots are popular and typically require reservations. Combine your tea outing with nearby lights or a small-town stroll. For more winter ideas, see 35 Unforgettable Minnesota Winter Activities.
Winterapolis & Downtown Minneapolis
Why go: While the classic Holidazzle festival is no longer held as a single big event, downtown Minneapolis now celebrates winter through Winterapolis, a citywide series of arts, lights, markets, and outdoor fun.
What to expect: Last season included a free Light Up & Winter Kickoff the Friday after Thanksgiving, Dayton’s Holiday Market and the Christkindl Market at North Loop Green.
Good to know: Check the official Winterapolis and Minneapolis Downtown Council pages for current event listings and downtown deals. You can easily combine downtown events with trips to Glow Holiday Festival or Sever’s Holiday Lights.
Mall of America at Christmas
Why go: The Mall of America in Bloomington is a one-stop spot for shopping, dining, and indoor fun, all dressed up for Christmas.
What to expect: See giant trees and holiday decorations throughout the mall, visit Santa photo experiences, and enjoy attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Aquarium without worrying about the weather. It’s a perfect backup plan on very cold or stormy days.
Good to know: You can easily spend a full day here. Check the official Mall of America website for holiday hours, events, and attraction info before you go.
Family-Friendly Christmas Activities in Minnesota
Traveling with kids? These activities mix holiday fun with learning, animals, and hands-on experiences that everyone can enjoy together.
Holiday Museums & Cultural Displays
Why go: Warm up indoors while exploring Christmas traditions from around the world.
Don’t miss: The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, which decorates the historic Turnblad Mansion with Nordic-inspired holiday rooms and trees; Norway House’s Gingerbread Wonderland, a gingerbread city created by local bakers; and Historic Eidem Farm in Brooklyn Park, which shares old-fashioned Norwegian-American farm traditions through seasonal programs.
Good to know: Check each site’s official page for hours and holiday programming: the American Swedish Institute website, the Norway House website, and Historic Eidem Farm’s page. You can often pair a museum visit with a nearby light display from the Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Festivals section.
An Eidem Farm Christmas is free on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. ASI admission is $17 for adults and $10 for ages 6–18. Last year, Norway House’s Gingerbread Wonderland was $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Why go: The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul offers a perfect mix of warm indoor gardens and outdoor animal exhibits.
What to expect: Step into the conservatory’s seasonal flower show, where poinsettias and evergreens fill the air with the scent of Christmas. Then bundle up to visit the zoo’s animals.
Good to know: Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Check the official Como Zoo and Conservatory website for current hours and any special holiday events.
The Holiday Flower Show usually runs early December into January. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $8 per adult and $5 per child. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Holiday Trains: North Pole Express & Christmas City Express
Why go: Holiday trains are some of the most memorable experiences for kids. Vintage railcars, stories, and Santa visits make it feel like you climbed into a Christmas book.
North Pole Express (St. Paul): Departing from Union Depot, the North Pole Express is run by Friends of the 261. Ride in historic railcars and meet Santa at the “North Pole.” The 2026 trains run December 4–6 and 10–13 from Union Depot, and tickets are on sale now. In past years, the steam engine pulled some weekends and a diesel pulled others, so check which train you’re booking if steam matters to your kids.
Christmas City Express (Duluth): The Christmas City Express from the North Shore Scenic Railroad starts at the Duluth Depot. You’ll hear a Christmas story, sip hot cocoa, visit Santa, and enjoy a short scenic ride along the harbor. It runs Friday through Sunday from November 27 to December 20, 2026. Coach tickets are $42 for adults and $38 for kids 3 and up (add $5 on Saturdays). The train passes Bentleyville but no longer stops there.
Good to know: Both trains sell out quickly, so buy tickets early. Find details on the official North Pole Express page and the Christmas City Express page.
Christmas Tree Farms
Why go: Cutting your own tree is one of the most classic Christmas traditions in Minnesota. Snow crunching under your boots, the smell of fresh pine, and a tree strapped to the roof make for an unforgettable day.
Where to go: Some favorite farms include B&J Evergreen in Clear Lake (opening November 27, with pines from $49.99), Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm in Lake Elmo (72nd season starts November 21, reservations required), and Rum River Tree Farm in Oak Grove, which also runs tree lots around the metro.
Good to know: Get more ideas and tips in my full guide to magical Christmas tree farms in Minnesota. Check each farm’s website or Facebook page for current hours, snow conditions, and what they offer each year.
Charming Small-Town Christmas Getaways
Big cities are fun, but Minnesota’s small towns are where you will find some of the most heartwarming holiday memories. Here are a few areas that are worth a dedicated trip.
Willmar, Spicer & WinterFest
Why go: The Willmar and Spicer area puts on a full calendar of winter events, anchored by Spicer WinterFest.
What to expect: Depending on the year’s schedule, look for fireworks over the lake, family fun days, ice activities, and visits with Santa. Willmar also hosts parades and community events filled with music, lights, and local flavor.
Trip tip: Check the Willmar Lakes Area and Spicer WinterFest websites for this season’s event dates, then pair the trip with a cozy cabin or lakeside rental to fully enjoy the snowy scenery.
Note that WinterFest is a January–February event (it ran January 16 to February 8 in 2026), so plan it as an after-the-holidays trip.
Baxter & the Brainerd Lakes Area
Why go: Baxter and the surrounding Brainerd Lakes area are full of winter fun, from light displays to resorts that cater to families.
What to expect: Sertoma Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum is the star holiday light event, and 2026 is its final season, so this is the year to go. Last year it ran Thursday through Saturday from Thanksgiving weekend plus nightly December 24–31, and it was $15 per vehicle in advance.
Trip tip: Use Baxter or Brainerd as a base, then day trip to nearby towns like Nisswa for their City of Lights celebrations and local holiday events.
Nisswa’s City of Lights is Friday, November 27, 2026, with Santa, bonfires and fireworks.
Plan Your Minnesota Christmas Trip
Best Time to Visit
- Mid-November to Early December: Great for smaller crowds and early-season light displays, plus many lighting ceremonies.
- Mid- to Late December: Peak lights, highest chance of a white Christmas, and lots of family events.
- Evenings after dark: Plan your main light visits for after sunset, usually around 5–6 PM.
What to Pack & How to Get Around
- Warm layers, waterproof boots, hats, and gloves for outdoor light shows.
- Hand warmers and a thermos of cocoa for long walks and drive-through events.
- An all-wheel-drive rental car if you plan to road-trip between Duluth, the Twin Cities, and small towns.
- Check MnDOT road conditions and weather before you drive, and build in extra travel time when it snows.
FAQs
What is the most Christmassy town in Minnesota?
Duluth often gets the top spot. With Bentleyville Tour of Lights, Christmas at Glensheen, and its decorated lakefront and downtown, it feels like a full Christmas getaway in one city.
What is Christmas like in Minnesota?
Christmas in Minnesota is snowy, festive, and full of choices. You can visit huge light festivals, cut your own tree, sip cocoa at holiday markets, explore winter trails, or stay cozy at indoor attractions like museums, tea rooms, and the Mall of America.
What is open on Christmas Day in Minneapolis?
Many attractions and small shops close on Christmas Day, but some restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and movie theaters remain open. Public parks and some outdoor skating rinks are also available. Always check hours in advance and make reservations where you can.
Where can I see Santa in the Twin Cities?
You can usually find Santa at the Mall of America, select Winterapolis events downtown, holiday markets, and some light festivals like Glow. Many locations now use timed reservations for photos, so plan ahead, especially on weekends.
Does Minneapolis usually have a white Christmas?
Snow is never guaranteed, but Minneapolis has a good chance of having snow on the ground by late December in most years. Pack for winter weather so you can enjoy outdoor lights and activities comfortably, no matter what the forecast brings.
How Will You Spend Christmas in Minnesota?
From giant light festivals to tiny tea rooms, Minnesota knows how to celebrate Christmas. You can fill your days with snow, lights, and small-town charm, then warm up with good food, cozy lodging, and time together.
Use this guide to pick a few favorite stops, map out your route, and start your own Minnesota Christmas tradition.
