5 BEST Christmas Lights in Duluth MN
Looking for the best Christmas Lights in Duluth MN? Look no further! Duluth has some of the best Christmas lights in the area.
With amazing free light displays and parades, train rides, and more. So be sure to get into the holiday spirit this winter in Duluth. Check out a lighting display this holiday season!
Duluth Minnesota is a stunning town any time of year, but during Christmas, they ramp up their game and put on a show. There are some great holiday celebrations throughout the season.
The Best Christmas Lights in Duluth MN
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Bentleyville Tour of Lights is the most well-known Christmas Light displays in Duluth, plus they have free admission.
The festival sits on the shores of Lake Superior in Bayfront Festival Park in downtown Duluth. Wander through the light show with over 5,000,000 lights.
Make sure to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Each child under 10 that visits with Santa will receive a knit stocking cap and cookies too! Before you go, make sure to sign up for their Naughty or Nice list so your kids can find their names!
Thanks to generous supporters enjoy treats on-site for free. Stop at the Cookie House for hot cocoa, coffee, and free cookies. The Popcorn Factory is popping hot fresh popcorn.
The Marshmallow Hut has plenty of Marshmallows to roast over the open fire pits! For those wondering, they sell Graham Crackers and Chocolate Bars for fresh s’mores!
Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Salvation Army. They are also collecting toys to be disrupted to seven communities in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Last year they raised over 17,995 lbs of food and 2,678 toys!
** Sleds are not recommended. The walking paths are paved sidewalks that are shoveled for ease of access to everyone. They do have strollers and wheelchairs available on a first come first serve basis. They are considered the Best Christmas Lights in Duluth MN.
Bayfront Park is close to Canal Park. Check out some of the fun things to do while you are there.
26 BEST Things to Do in Canal Park Duluth, MN
Christmas City of the North Parade
The Christmas City of the North Parade has been an annual holiday tradition in Duluth for six decades. It features marching bands, dance performances, colorful floats, and an appearance by Santa Claus.
This year’s parade begins in front of Fitger’s Brewing Complex at Sixth Avenue East and marches on Superior Street to Fourth Avenue West.
Christmas City Express
Looking for a fun new tradition. Why not ride a train? The Christmas City Express is running weekends in November/December. The short 30-minute ride up Lake Superior while listening to carolers and visits from specialguests guest on the train.
The North Shore Scenic Railroad puts on this fun holiday train along with others throughout the year. The train is decorated with holiday lights and is not to be missed.
Onboard snack on cookies and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. All the while listening to holiday music.
** The Bentleyville Shuttle Train transports visitors between the two-holiday celebrations.
Have you ever ridden a train before? Check out this great guide with helpful tips on taking a train ride with your kids. There are tons of other trains running in MN.
Spirit of the Lights
Spirit of the Lights is a free outdoor light display on the grounds of the Glensheen Mansion. The property is 12 acres and has fabulous gardens, and bridges with the backdrop of Lake Superior.
This is a unique walkthrough. I actually think it’s one of the best places to visit because of its unique backdrop. This is one of the Christmas Lights in Duluth MN.
Glensheen Christmas
Christmas at the Glensheen Mansion is magical. Inside this early 20th-century mansion are 25 Christmas trees, 25 hidden elves, and hundreds of feet of garland throughout the home.
The Glensheen Mansion is a stunning Mansion sitting alongside Lake Superior’s shoreline. Inside there are 39 rooms to explore, all restored to their original 1908 grandeur.
The home was that of Chester and Laura Congdon. The family opened up the northern region for iron mining.
While visiting the mansion during Christmas, you’ll get the opportunity to learn more about the history of the family and a special time of life then. After your time there, make sure to stop into town and see one of the other great restaurants.
Want to take a peak inside the Glensheen Mansion? It’s available year-round for tours.
Dress for Minnesota
Make sure to dress appropriately for outdoor winter events. Seriously!!! Nothing runs your fun more than cold toes and fingers.
I’m a huge proponent of layers. For fingers and toes, make sure to have a good pair of wool socks. My favorites are Darn Tough. They do a great job of keeping your toes warm. If you have extra room in your boots, throw in a warmer.
Looking for more great Christmas Lights displays around the state. Some of my favorites are listed below:
12 Reasons Why You Should Attend the Annual Glow Holiday Festival in St Paul
Date Night at Kiwanis Holiday Lights
The Newest Holiday Light Display in Wisconsin: Miracle at Big Rock
Where to See Christmas Lights in MN
What are my favorite Christmas Lights in Duluth MN?
In one weekend, you could easily see a few of the Christmas Lights in Duluth. My favorite is probably the Spirit of the Lights due to its relaxed atmosphere.
If you are looking for a revved-up family light experience, Bentleyville Tour of Lights is where you want to be. It doesn’t matter where you go, these events will fill you with holiday cheer.
