The Most Dazzling Christmas Light Displays in Minnesota & Wisconsin

 

Embrace the Magic of Holiday Lights

The holiday season is a time of joy, wonder and togetherness, and nothing feels quite like an enchanting light display. Across Minnesota and neighboring western Wisconsin, families and friends gather to experience dazzling Christmas lights that transform parks, gardens and cityscapes into winter wonderlands. Whether it's a million twinkling lights or a glowing pathway of music-synced light tunnels and trees, these displays are fun for all ages. Join us on a journey to explore some of the most captivating holiday light displays in Minnesota and beyond!

 

Bentleyville Tour of Lights - 5 Million Lights in Duluth

Bentleyville Tour of Lights, located in Duluth, MN, is known as America’s largest free walk-through lighting display, and it certainly lives up to that reputation with over 5 million lights! Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior at Bayfront Festival Park, this enchanting event runs from November 23rd to December 28th, 2024.

Visitors will experience a variety of mesmerizing holiday-themed light installations, including a 128-foot Christmas tree, dazzling animated displays and illuminated tunnels that create an unforgettable atmosphere. Santa and Mrs. Claus make regular appearances, adding to the festive magic for kids of all ages. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or unwrapped toys for donation to local charities. Don’t forget to grab some hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows to complete your experience!

Details:

• Dates: November 23rd - December 28th, 2024
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, MN
• Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
• Special Features: 128-foot Christmas tree, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, free hot cocoa

 

Magic of Lights, Eagan - 2 Million Dazzling Lights

Magic of Lights, held at Viking Lakes in Eagan, MN, brings holiday spirit to the Twin Cities with 2 million dazzling lights! This drive-through light experience, running from November 22nd, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, features classic holiday scenes, a 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights and festive displays such as Toyland and the 12 Days of Christmas.

Several of the most notable highlights of Magic of Lights is the inclusion of iconic figures like Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie™, life-size dinosaurs for a Prehistoric Christmas and the BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Guests can enjoy the displays from the comfort of their vehicles, perfect for chilly winter evenings. Tickets are priced per vehicle, making it easy to bring the whole family.

Details:

• Dates: November 22nd, 2024 - January 5th, 2025
• Hours: Monday-Thursday: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Sunday: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Viking Lakes, Eagan, MN
• Admission: Ticketed per vehicle
• Special Features: 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, animated displays, Waving Christmas Barbie™, BIGFOOT® Monster Truck

 

Kiwanis Holiday Lights, Mankato - 2 Million Sparkles of Joy

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park in Mankato, MN, showcases 2 million sparkling lights that captivate visitors throughout the Greater Mankato area and beyond. Running from November 29th to December 31st, 2024, this family-friendly event features an impressive variety of displays, including animated light installations, illuminated pathways and a holiday village setting. Admission is free, and the event is designed to give back to the community, raising non-perishable food donations for those in need.

Visitors can walk through the vibrant wonderland and enjoy concessions such as cider, cocoa and more. The event also aims to create a sense of community and promote charitable giving, making it a truly meaningful holiday experience for everyone involved.

Details:

• Dates: November 29th - December 31st, 2024
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Sibley Park, Mankato, MN
• Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
• Special Features: Holiday village, visits from Santa, charitable food drive

 

Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights, Waconia - 1 Million Lights

The Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights in Waconia, MN, is a fun holiday event featuring 1 million twinkling lights. This enchanting display, running from November 22nd, 2024, to December 29th, 2024, allows visitors to walk through a winter wonderland filled with colorful lights.

The Festival of Lights is great for families, particularly with young children (kids under 6 are free), offering a festive mix of sights and experiences that include beautiful Christmas decorations, themed displays and photo opportunities. Make sure to stop by the holiday market for some local treats and unique holiday gifts to complete your winter experience.

Details:

• Dates: November 22nd, 2024, to December 29th
• Hours:

• Monday: Closed (except December 23rd, open 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
• Tuesday-Thursday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Friday-Saturday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• Location: Waconia, MN
• Admission: Ticketed per person
• Special Features: Walk-through light displays, holiday market, themed photo opportunities

 

Celebrate the Light of the World, Willmar - 1 Million Lights

Celebrate the Light of the World in Willmar, MN, is a beloved holiday tradition that runs from November 28th to December 31st, 2024. Featuring over 1 million lights, this free event is designed to bring families together in the spirit of the holidays while providing opportunities to donate to local causes. Visitors can stroll through Robbins Island Park and marvel at the light-covered trees and elaborate holiday displays.

This family-friendly event also offers the opportunity to enjoy holiday music, take memorable photos and experience the joy of the holiday season in a community-driven environment. Donations are encouraged to support local charities and give back to the community.

Details:

• Dates: November 28th - December 29th, 2024
• Hours: Daily: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Robbins Island Park, Willmar, MN
• Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
• Special Features: Illuminated walking paths, holiday music, community charity drive

 

GLOW Holiday Festival, St. Paul - Over 1 Million Lights at CHS Field

The GLOW Holiday Festival, held at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN, transforms the ballpark into a winter wonderland featuring over 1 million dazzling lights. Running from November 21st, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, this event offers an immersive holiday experience with stunning light displays, illuminated tunnels and festive decorations that create a magical atmosphere for all ages.

Visitors can enjoy rides, holiday-themed photo opportunities, festive displays and ballpark favorites like hot chocolate and holiday treats. GLOW Holiday Festival is excellent for families and friends looking to make cherished holiday memories together, with numerous opportunities for fun and entertainment.

Details:

• Dates: November 21st, 2024 - January 5th, 2025
• Hours: Daily: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Location: CHS Field, St. Paul, MN
• Admission: Ticketed per person
• Special Features: Holiday rides, festive food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic

 

Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour, Somerset, WI - 16 Million Lights

Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour, located in Somerset, WI, is one of the largest holiday light displays in the region, featuring over 16 million lights! This holiday event, running from November 29th, 2024, to January 1st, 2025, offers a breathtaking combination of walking and drive-through light tours. Guests will experience a European-style Christmas market, sledding hills and a festive atmosphere that truly embodies the magic of the season.

Visitors can explore the sprawling light installations, enjoy hot beverages and take part in unique activities such as the sledding hill and shopping local artisans at the market. Sam’s Christmas Village creates an immersive and festive experience that is accessible to all ages, ensuring a night of holiday magic that will not be forgotten.

Details:

• Dates: November 29th, 2024 - January 1st, 2025
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Friday-Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Somerset, WI
• Admission: Ticketed per person (prices vary for walking or drive-through tour)
• Special Features: European-style Christmas market, sledding hill, 16 million lights, food and beverages

 

Rotary Lights, La Crosse, WI - 3 Million Twinkling Lights

The Rotary Lights in La Crosse, WI, is a spectacular event that brings the holiday spirit alive with 3 million twinkling lights. Held at Riverside Park from November 29th, 2024, to December 31st, 2024, this annual event aims to spread holiday cheer while raising non-perishable food donations for local food banks.

Visitors can walk or drive through the dazzling displays featuring animated scenes, light tunnels and a beautiful holiday village. Additional activities include visits with Santa, live reindeer and horse-drawn carriage rides. Admission is free, though visitors are encouraged to bring donations for local charities to support those in need during the holiday season.

Details:

• Dates: November 24th - December 31st, 2024
• Hours: Daily: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI
• Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
• Special Features: Visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer, holiday village

 

Miracle at Big Rock, St. Croix Falls, WI - 25 Million

The Miracle at Big Rock in St. Croix Falls, WI, is one of the most extravagant holiday light displays, featuring 25 million lights spread across a mile-long trail. This event runs from November 29th, 2024, to January 4th, 2025, and offers visitors a chance to walk or drive through a dazzling winter wonderland. The festive atmosphere includes live music, sledding, food trucks and a holiday market featuring local artisans.

Families can enjoy a walk-through or drive through the expansive light displays, take a ride down the sledding hill, or gather around fire pits to roast s’mores. With so much to do, Miracle at Big Rock offers something for everyone, making it an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages.

Details:

• Dates: November 29th, 2024 - January 4th, 2025
• Hours of Operation:

• Monday & Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Drive-Through Only)
• Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Walk-Through Only)
• Friday & Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Walk-Through Only)
• Sunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Walk-Through Only)

• Location: St. Croix Falls, WI
• Admission: Ticketed per person (prices vary for walking or drive-through tour)
• Special Features: Sledding hill, holiday market, food trucks, live music, s’mores

 

Sever’s Holiday Lights, Shakopee - 2.5 Million Lights

Sever’s Holiday Lights in Shakopee, MN, is a drive-through holiday light display featuring over 2.5 million synchronized lights that dance to holiday music. Running from November 23rd, 2024, to December 31st, 2024, this drive-through display is set to Christmas music and includes colorful tunnels, animated figures and sparkling holiday scenes.

Families can enjoy the holiday cheer from the comfort of their vehicles as they drive through Sever’s elaborate light installations. The event also features festive treats like hot chocolate and mini donuts, which are available for purchase, making it the perfect way to enjoy a cozy winter evening with loved ones.

Details:

• Dates: November 28th - December 25st, 2024
• Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Location: Shakopee, MN
• Admission: Ticketed per vehicle
• Special Features: Synchronized lights set to music, treats like hot chocolate and mini donuts

 

Plan Your Holiday Light Tour

With so many spectacular holiday light displays across Minnesota and western Wisconsin, there is no shortage of festive magic to explore. From walk-through winter wonderlands to drive-through light extravaganzas, these holiday events offer unforgettable experiences for families and friends. Plan your holiday light tour to make the most of this beautiful season, and let millions of twinkling lights help you create treasured holiday memories.