Minnesota Christmas Lights Guide 2025: Bentleyville, Glow, Kiwanis & More
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.
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.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights (Chaska)
Why go: Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum turns the gardens into a glowing outdoor art experience. It’s one of the most beautiful, nature-focused light walks in the state and is great for both couples and families.
What to expect: Stroll along illuminated paths lined with trees, sculptures, and themed light installations that change each year. You’ll find color-changing tunnels, lit-up garden structures, and photo-worthy scenes around every turn. Many nights include music, food and drink options, and indoor warm-up spaces.
Good to know: Winter Lights is a timed-ticket event, and peak nights often sell out. Dress for walking on winter paths and plan a little extra time for parking and getting into the grounds. Get current dates, prices, and theme details on the Arboretum’s official Winter Lights page at arb.umn.edu/winterlights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sertoma Winter Wonderland (Brainerd)
Why go: Sertoma Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd is a beloved drive-through display with dozens of themed light scenes created by local groups. It’s a favorite in the Brainerd Lakes and Baxter area.
What to expect: Drive slowly through the wooded arboretum as lights twinkle from both sides of the road. Displays range from classic Christmas scenes to fun local themes. Proceeds support local charities and the arboretum, so your visit gives back to the community.
Good to know: Tickets are sold per vehicle, with discounts often available in advance. Get current dates, hours, and pricing from the Northland Arboretum’s Sertoma Winter Wonderland page.
Sovereign Estates Spirit of Winter
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.
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.
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 200,000 lights. 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 at Nico’s Taco Bar transforms Nico’s locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul into bright, colorful Christmas scenes filled with ornaments, lights, and holiday cocktails. 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: Maudie MacBride’s Tea in West St. Paul offers English-style tea experiences in a storybook setting during its open season. The Mad Hatter Tea Room in Anoka often features winter and holiday tea menus with a Victorian feel.
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: Watch for light installations along Nicollet, pop-up markets, performances, and seasonal deals at downtown restaurants and shops. Events run across the whole winter season, not just December.
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.
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 and enjoy the lights and decorations around the grounds.
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.
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 behind a real steam engine (when operating), write letters to Santa, and meet him when you reach the “North Pole.”
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.
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&E Trees in Clear Lake, Krueger’s Christmas Trees near Lake Elmo, and Rum River Tree Farm in Anoka. Many farms offer wagon rides, Santa visits, and gift shops with wreaths and decor.
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.
Bemidji & the First City of Lights
Why go: Bemidji, the First City on the Mississippi, glows with the First City of Lights and plenty of small-town charm.
What to expect: Stroll downtown under thousands of lights, grab hot cocoa from local cafes, and take holiday photos with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Depending on the year, you may also find sleigh rides, parades, and local craft markets.
Trip tip: Bemidji makes a great base for exploring northern Minnesota in winter, especially if you want to mix lights, snowshoeing, and cozy cabin stays.
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.
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, but you will also find small-town shopping, holiday markets, and great places to eat. Many area resorts offer winter packages and indoor pools, which are a big hit with kids after a chilly light tour.
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.
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.
