11 Beautiful Light Displays To Visit This Winter

Illuminating Minnesota - Winter Wonderlands Await!

Prepare to go through the twinkling lights and festive displays that make Minnesota a wonderland each holiday season. With many displays in this list featuring 1+ million lights, there's something to make everyone’s face light up.

So, bundle up, grab a hot cocoa and let's start living your Ideal Life with some of the best light displays the North has to offer!

Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour

With over 12 million lights, this show at Somerset, right along the Apple River, promises an unforgettable experience. Imagine wandering through a half-mile walk-through light tour, exploring the woods adorned with holiday lights and marveling at a 500-foot light tunnel and a 50-foot animated tree. The sheer scale of this display across 40+ acres of holiday beauty makes it a must-see destination this festive season.

Where: 710 Spring Street, Somerset, WI 54025
When: November 24 - December 31
Hours: Open seven days a week. Drive-thru only on select Mondays and Tuesdays; Walk-through on Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 – 9 pm (Sundays through Thursdays) and 5 – 10 pm (Fridays and Saturdays).

Miracle at Big Rock

Miracle at Big Rock is a holiday event that embodies the essence of festive cheer and family fun. Open from November 24 to December 31, this event in St. Croix Falls, WI, dazzles visitors with 12 million lights and a variety of activities and attractions. The experience includes Christmas lights, food trucks, artisans, sledding and fireworks, all set in a picturesque winter setting.

Where: 1674 State Highway 8, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
When: November 24 to December 31
Drive Through Hours: Monday & Tuesday: 5 - 9 pm
Walk Through Hours:

• Wednesday & Thursday 4 - 9 pm
• Friday: 4 - 10 pm (Fireworks)
• Saturday: 4 - 10 pm
• Sunday: 4 - 9 pm

Sever’s Holiday Lights

Sever’s Holiday Lights in Shakopee offers a beautiful experience for the entire family. Imagine driving through a path illuminated by over 2.5 million lights, where each turn brings a new, inspiring view. This display isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it's a family tradition in the making. Don't forget to check their website for specific hours and ticket prices, which range from $30-60 per vehicle.

Where: 3121 W 150th St, Shakopee, MN 55379
When: November 22 to December 31, open 7 nights a week, though hours vary 

Bentleyville "Tour of Lights"

Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" is a remarkable holiday event, illuminating Duluth with its festive spirit. This enchanting display, featuring over five million lights, is set to run from November 18th through December 26th, 2023. The lights turn on each evening at 5:00 PM, with visitors invited to join in the countdown to the magical moment when the park comes alive with radiant colors.

Where: 700 Railroad St, Duluth, MN 55802
When: November 18 - December 26, 2023
Hours:

• Friday – Saturday: 5 - 10 pm
• Sunday – Thursday: 5 - 9 pm

Mankato Kiwanis Holiday Lights

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato is a breathtaking holiday event that transforms Sibley Park into a luminescent wonderland. With a staggering 2 million lights, this display offers a mesmerizing experience whether you choose to drive through or walk. Running from November 24 to December 31, it's a fantastic way to immerse yourself and your loved ones in the magic of the holiday season.

Where: Sibley Park, 900 Mound Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001
When: November 24 to December 31
Hours:

• Friday – Saturday: 5 - 10 pm
• Sunday – Thursday: 5 - 9 pm

Perham Lights in the Pines

Lights in the Pines in Perham is a captivating holiday experience that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. With 400,000 lights illuminating the pines, this enchanting display creates a winter wonderland that's perfect for a festive evening stroll. Open from November 24 to December 23, it's an ideal destination for families, friends, or anyone seeking a little holiday cheer.

Where: 1251 1st Avenue N, Perham, MN 56573
When: November 24 - December 23
Hours:

• Friday – Saturday: 5 - 9 pm
• Sunday: 5 - 8 pm

Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion

Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion transforms Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Park into a symphony of lights and music. Visitors can drive through and watch as 500,000 lights dance in sync with tunes on 89.1 FM. Special Event nights every Friday and Saturday in December add to the festivities with free wagon rides and concessions. The best part? It’s completely free, though donations are welcome on Special Event nights.

Where: 1000 3rd Avenue NW, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
When: November 23 to January 1
Hours: Nightly from 5 - 10 pm

GLOW Holiday Festival

The GLOW Holiday Festival in Downtown St. Paul is an enchanting experience that transforms CHS Field into a radiant wonderland. Running from November 16 to December 31, GLOW boasts an impressive display of over 1 million lights, creating a mesmerizing evening spectacle. Open from 5pm to 9pm, this event is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Remember to grab your tickets and enjoy this glowing extravaganza!

Where: 360 N Broadway Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
When: November 16 to December 13, Thursday to Sunday, 5 to 9 pm
December 14 to December 31, 7 nights a week, 5 to 9 pm

Mears Park: A Glimmering Oasis in St. Paul

Mears Park, nestled in the heart of St. Paul, offers a unique urban holiday experience with its display of 50,000 lights. From November 18 to February 24, the park becomes a glimmering oasis, illuminated each night from 4:30 pm to 2 am The display not only brightens up the cityscape but also fosters a sense of community as Friends of Mears Park accept donations to support this beautiful display.

Where: 221 5th Street E, St. Paul, MN 55101
When: November 18 to February 24
Hours: 7 nights a week from 4:30 pm to 2 am

Rotary Lights in La Crosse

Rotary Lights in La Crosse is a beloved annual tradition, now in its 29th year, lighting up Riverside Park with over 3 million lights. This stunning display offers a variety of experiences, including driving, walking, or taking a carriage ride through the park. Santa and his reindeer will be present every night until December 23, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event also features a Live Nativity on select nights, an ice rink with free skate rental (weather permitting), carriage rides and free s'mores at the fire pits.

Where: 410 Veteran Memorial Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601
When: November 24 to December 31
Hours:

• 5 to 10 pm daily
• Christmas Eve and Day: 5 to 9 pm
• New Years Eve: 5 pm to 1 am

The Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights

The Spirit of Winter Festival of Lights at The Winery at Sovereign Estate in Waconia offers a mesmerizing experience. This outdoor walking event showcases over 1 million lights strung over 20 acres, creating a visual delight. Visitors can stroll the vineyards, enjoy attractions like Candy Cane Lane, Santa’s Sleigh and meet winter llamas. With Santa's nightly visits up until December 23, it's a magical event for the whole family. The festival also offers a range of food and drink options, making it an ideal holiday outing. Don't forget to check ticket availability for this enchanting vineyard light display.

Where: 9950 North Shore Road, Waconia, MN 55387
When: November 17 to December 30
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 8 pm

A Season of Sparkles and Joy Across Minnesota

Each display you see this season, from the vast, synchronized shows to the more intimate neighborhood arrangements, contributes to the festive atmosphere that envelops Minnesota during Christmastime. These lights are more than just beautiful spectacles; they are symbols of community. So be sure to wrap up warmly and explore these radiant displays that light up the Minnesotan winter nights. Happy holidays from Ideal Credit Union and may your season be filled with joy and light!