Miracle at Big Rock 2026: St. Croix Falls Holiday Lights Guide & Tips
Miracle at Big Rock in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, is one of the biggest holiday light shows within easy reach of the Twin Cities. More than 25 million lights fill the woods of historic Big Rock Creek, about 45 minutes northeast of the metro and just across the St. Croix River from Taylors Falls.
Beyond the light trail, there are food trucks, a heated barn full of local vendors, sledding, s’mores, live reindeer and fireworks every Friday night. My family visited in 2021, the show’s first season, and it has grown a lot since.
Last verified: Oct. 14, 2026. 2026 dates and prices come from Miracle at Big Rock. Details from my own visit are marked as 2021.
This post is based on our 2021 visit, when Miracle at Big Rock provided complimentary admission in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. There may be affiliate links within the post. Clicking on them doesn’t cost you anything more, but I may earn a small commission. I never promote things I don’t stand behind.
Miracle at Big Rock 2026 Quick Facts
- Dates: Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 2, 2027. Closed Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
- Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 5–10 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve: 5–10 p.m.
- Walk-through nights: Wednesday through Sunday, plus Tuesday, Dec. 22
- Drive-through nights: Mondays and Tuesdays, plus Dec. 2, 3 and 24
- Fireworks: Every Friday at 8:30 p.m., plus New Year’s Eve
- Tickets (posted 2026 prices; online prices apply after Oct. 31):
| Night | Ages 12+ | Kids 3–11 | Seniors & veterans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-through (Mon/Tue) | $17 | $17 | $15 |
| Walk-through (Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) | $22 online / $24 at the door | $17 | $17 |
| Friday fireworks walk-through | $27 online / $29 at the door | $20 | $20 |
Kids 2 and under are free. Buy early: online tickets bought before Oct. 31 are discounted further.
- Parking: Free general parking. VIP parking near the barn is $20 per car.
- Address: 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
- Tickets: Buy online to skip the line at the door.
What Is Miracle at Big Rock?
Miracle at Big Rock is a holiday light festival on the grounds of Big Rock Creek, a historic event venue in St. Croix Falls. On walk-through nights, you follow a trail more than a mile long through themed light areas. On drive-through nights, you see the displays from your car.
The 2025 season had 17 themed areas. Other extras include:
- Food trucks and holiday cocktails
- A heated vendor barn
- A sledding hill and s’mores
- Live music
- Private heated rentals
Why Miracle at Big Rock is Wisconsin’s best-kept Christmas light display
Great Location
Big Rock is about 45 minutes northeast of the Twin Cities, right across the St. Croix River from Taylors Falls. That’s close enough for an easy evening trip.
The property was once the summer retreat of the Siems Brothers, who worked alongside James J. Hill on the Great Northern Railway.Now it’s a popular wedding and event venue in summer. In winter, it becomes a magical holiday light show on a historic property.You’ll be right next to Taylors Falls if you want to explore before the lights. 17 Things To Do In Taylors Falls Minnesota | The Ultimate Guide
Amazing Staff
Big Rock is run by a small team, and on our 2021 visit the staff made a big difference. Along the walk, they were nearby to help, share tips and even take a family photo when we asked.
Beautiful Christmas Lights
Big Rock now advertises more than 25 million lights, with photo spots everywhere you look. From the moment you drive in, you’ll notice the details. Take plenty of pictures while you enjoy the event.
Both the drive-thru and the walk-through are great options.
A Closer Look: What Makes Miracle at Big Rock Unique
Themed Holiday Light Displays
There are tons of photo ops throughout the property.The 2025 season had 17 themed areas, including:
- Miracle Moon, a lit-up moon that has become a favorite photo spot and even a proposal spot
- S’moreland
- Whoville
- Singing Trees
- Frozenland
- The Ice Age Trail
Areas change from year to year. When I visited in 2021, my favorites were the Enchanted Forest and the light tunnel, and I burned through a full phone battery taking photos.
Enchanted Forest
This is the showstopper. The warm lights in the woods along the lake feel like a Hallmark scene. It’s simple and stunning.
Tunnel
The light tunnel syncs to music, and the designs shift as you walk. It’s a crowd favorite.
Whoville
Bright, quirky colors and curly trees make this area feel playful, like a set from your favorite holiday movie.
Food Trucks
You’ll find food trucks at the main entrance, S’moreland, and near the heated barn (locations can vary). Expect sweets, comfort food, and hot drinks. Adults can grab a cocktail or other beverage.Visit with Santa
Santa visits now happen through Cookies with Santa, a private photo experience you book ahead of time. It’s ticketed separately, so you’ll also need regular admission. Book Cookies with Santa early, because December weekends fill up first.
Horse-Drawn Rides
When we visited in 2021, horse-drawn wagon rides looped through the lights, a highlight for the kids. Big Rock now features a train ride through the light show. Check the event calendar for the current ride options and pricing.
Warm Up with Local Artisans
The heated barn features local makers with holiday goods. It’s a great stop for gifts. Holiday market vendors are now on site every night Miracle is open, including drive-through nights. Vendors change throughout the season.Visit with Maggie, the Highland Cow
On our 2021 visit, Maggie, a Highland cow, was a fun surprise. Ask on arrival whether she’s still around. These days, Big Rock highlights live reindeer as part of the experience.
Winter Fireworks
Fireworks go off every Friday at 8:30 p.m., plus on New Year’s Eve, which also has a barn dance. Friday tickets cost a few dollars more, but if your kids love fireworks, it’s worth it.
Sledding at Big Rock
There’s a sledding hill near the heated barn, and it’s great for kids doing run after run. Bring your own sled, depending on snow conditions. My favorite sleds for kids work well here.
Other Fun Add‑Ons
Miracle at Big Rock offers optional upgrades most seasons to make your visit extra special.Private Rentals
Book a private, fully decorated space as your home base for the night. Sizes:
- Tents: Up to 10 people
- Gnome Dome and Grinch’s Lair: Up to 20
- Clubhouse: Up to 40, good for corporate and big family parties
Kids 2 and under don’t count toward the limits. Entry tickets are sold separately. See rental options; weekend dates sell out.
Special Events
In past seasons, Big Rock has hosted themed nights such as a free Dog Night (the only night pets are allowed), a Veterans Night, Shop Small Saturdays and a New Year’s Eve barn dance. Check the 2026 event calendar for this year’s lineup.
Where is Miracle at Big Rock?
Miracle at Big Rock is in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, across the river from Taylors Falls. Come early to eat in nearby Osceola or explore Interstate State Park on either the Minnesota or Wisconsin side.Parking
General parking is free. VIP parking in the main barn lot is $20 per car and can be booked online. On Fridays and Saturdays, arrive early or book VIP parking.
Accessibility
If mobility is a concern, choose a drive‑thru night. The walk‑through includes a downhill section from security to the main display area and an uphill return. Paths are generally flat once you’re in the displays.- Track chairs: Big Rock has three track chairs for wheelchair users, first come, first served.
- Handicapped parking: Guests with a permit park in the barn lot.
- Getting up the hill: Staff can give you a golf-cart ride up and down the entrance hill.
- Strollers and wagons: The gravel trails are groomed for them. After fresh snow, a small sled is easier to pull.
- Drive-through nights: These are still the easiest option: Mondays and Tuesdays, plus Dec. 2, 3 and 24.
Tickets and Pricing
Prices depend on the night. See the 2026 Quick Facts table at the top of this post. Some practical details:
- Buying: Online tickets save money and skip the line, and you can arrive any time after the time on your ticket.
- Senior and veteran discounts: Available every night.
- Season passes: Sold online.
- Policies: Tickets are good for one entry only, and there are no refunds. If weather cancels a night, ticket holders get a gift card.
- Payment: Cash and cards are accepted; checks aren’t.
2026 Dates and Hours
Miracle at Big Rock runs Friday, Nov. 27, 2026 through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027. It’s closed Monday, Nov. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Hours are 5–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mondays and Tuesdays are drive-through only and Wednesday through Sunday are walk-through only, except:
- Dec. 2, 3 and 24 are drive-through.
- Dec. 22 is walk-through.
Weather closures are posted on Big Rock’s Facebook page.
Miracle at Big Rock FAQ
Can you bring dogs to Miracle at Big Rock?
No. Pets aren’t allowed, except on the designated free Dog Night.
What night has fireworks?
Every Friday at 8:30 p.m., plus New Year’s Eve.
How far is Miracle at Big Rock from Minneapolis?
About 45 minutes northeast of the Twin Cities, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, next to Taylors Falls.
Is Miracle at Big Rock a drive-through?
On Mondays and Tuesdays (plus Dec. 2, 3 and 24 in 2026), yes. Other nights are walk-through only.
Does admission include Santa?
No. Cookies with Santa is booked and ticketed separately.
Would I go back?
Yes. Since our 2021 visit, Big Rock has grown to more than 25 million lights and added weekly fireworks and private domes, so it’s high on our list for a return trip. I had to pull myself away from several displays so others could enjoy them too. If you love holiday lights, put this on your list. For more great holiday displays near Minneapolis, check out: Where to See Christmas Lights in MN.
