{"id":491,"date":"2015-12-20T20:58:39","date_gmt":"2015-12-21T02:58:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=491"},"modified":"2023-07-22T16:15:22","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T21:15:22","slug":"holiday-lights-and-date-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/holiday-lights-and-date-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Date Night at Kiwanis Holiday Lights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s hard to believe that Christmas is this week\u2026 Not next week, THIS week! (Is anyone else in panic mode??) It seems that every year I have a bucket list of things that I\u2019d like to do to celebrate the season and yet, year after year, I leave so many of those items on the list unchecked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this year, I was determined to bring out my inner \u201cClark Griswald\u201d and scope out the holiday lights. Kiwanis Holliday Lights was the place to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our de-LIGHT-ful trip turned out to be a last minute plan. I convinced my husband to go on a tour of holiday lights, but given that it was the weekend before Christmas, we had missed out on a few festivals already. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We wanted\u00a0to check out some of the other Holiday Lights Festivals still going on. We decided on\u00a0the Kiwanis Holiday Lights<\/a> at Sibley Park in Mankato, MN.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Kiwanis<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With hot cocoa in hand, my husband and I embarked on our trip to Sibley Park. We learned online that the lights go on from 5:00pm \u2013 10:00pm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But we were also instructed by friends who had previously gone that we should get there right at 5:00pm due to crowd control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I highly recommend this as well. If you choose to make this adventure a romantic date, you\u2019ll get there shortly after sunset (which is of course, a beautiful sight to behold as well). Parking did not appear to be an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you arrive at the Kiwanis Holiday Lights, you have the option to walk them through the park to get a closer look at the lights or you can drive around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make the most of your adventure, it is recommended that you do both. A few things to consider: dress warm and wear comfy shoes! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ladies, this is not the time to be fashionably cold. Also, I wish I would\u2019ve had my i-phone friendly gloves. I kept having to remove my mittens in order to take pictures and consequently, my hands were numb after a while. While admission is free, it doesn\u2019t hurt to bring cash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This event is presented by the small businesses of Mankato to help raise money for non-profits. Cash donations and\/or non-perishable food items are greatly encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you walk into the park, the lights are animated and coincide with music. If you drive the loop, you can tune into Mankato\u2019s radio station. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll notice right away as you walk in that the designated path is lined with trees that were decorated by various community groups and the small businesses of Mankato. You cannot help but feel the pride of this community and the personality that comes through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activities to enjoy:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n