27 Best Christmas Lights in Minnesota 2023
Are you looking for the best Christmas lights in Minnesota to enjoy this year with your family?
One of my favorite parts of the holidays is climbing into the car with a cup of hot cocoa and driving around to see all of the twinkling lights around town. I’ve been to dozens of them since I live in Minnesota and am a Christmas fanatic.
Below I’ll highlight 27 of the best displays around the state from large events to private owners who have all created pure magic for the holiday season.
Best Christmas Light Displays in Minnesota Map
Best Christmas Lights in Minnesota
Here are some of the best Christmas light events around the state that are put on my churches, businesses, zoos, etc.
Some of them cost to visit while others are free. And some are walk-throughs while others are drive-thru events. Use the key below to understand what is what.
Drive-Thru: Stay in your car and follow a path through the display
Walk-Through: Follow a walking path through the display
Weekend Event: Only on very select weekends
Drive-Up: Drive up to and park to view the display
1. Bentleyville Tour of Lights
One of the most magical and popular light displays in the entire state is the Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth.
Bentleyville is a favorite for a lot of people, but I truly do love it. Every time I go, it’s just so magical, especially with the views of Lake Superior.
The event started in one man’s front yard before moving to the Bayfront Festival Park and has since surpassed welcoming over 300,000 people each year to view the beautiful displays.
There are over 3 million lights strung on entrances, buildings, tunnels, displays, and more to enjoy the winter time in Duluth.
Every year my family visits Bentleyville, and we always love stopping by the firepits to roast a marshmallow. I love being able to stay warm by the fire and talk with my family about our favorite parts of the light show so far.
Location: Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, MN
Type: Walk-Through
Cost: Free, pay to park; donations accepted
2. Nature Illuminated
Each year at the Minnesota Zoo, large light displays of your favorite animals fill the walking paths to make some of the best Minnesota holiday lights.
All of the animals are oversized and will surely light up the night as you walk or drive past them, feeling full of holiday cheer.
If you’d prefer not to go outside (I don’t blame you. It’s cold out there!), this one is perfect because you can drive through it and stay warm in your car. There’s a radio station to tune into so you can learn about the zoo animals as you drive through.
The drive-thru option takes place before the holiday season, typically until the start of January. After that, you can walk through the light show!
Location: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Type: Walk-Through or Drive-Thru
Cost: Paid
3. GLOW Holiday Festival
While this festival was once hosted at the Minnesota State Fair, it has now moved over the CHS Field, near the Union Depot.
This walk-through event features several displays with thousands of lights, making it the perfect family holiday adventure with some of the best Christmas lights Minnesota.
I really love GLOW because it’s so close to the Twin Cities. Plus, there are tons of activities going on so it’s great for kids and adults.
One of the best parts of GLOW is that each night, they choose a charity to donate a portion of their profits to.
In 2021, they donated over $100,000 to charitable partners including the Salvation Army, humane societies, and United Way.
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN
Type: Walk-Through
Cost: Paid
4. First City of Lights
With 25 years of experience in providing one of the best light shows in the state, the First City of Lights in Bemidji will have its largest show yet this year.
The event is kicked off with a parade featuring several holiday-themed floats, which leads into their Night We Light ceremony. Then you can watch as Paul Bunyan Park is lit up with bright holiday lights.
After the ceremony, there will even be a fireworks show to really kick off the holiday season. You might even get to see Santa Claus or listen to some live music!
Location: Paul Bunyan Park, Bemidji
Type: Weekend Event
Cost: Free
5. Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Kiwanis Holiday Lights is celebrating its 10th year in hopes of donating money to non-profit groups while showcasing its amazing light display.
After opening in 2012, the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Foundation has donated over $500,000 to non-profit groups that have volunteered their time to the event.
Each year on the night after Thanksgiving, an opening night parade kicks off the season. Then, visits with Santa happen each weekend and guests are invited to either walk or drive through the display.
During my visit to the Kiwanis Light Display a few years ago, I remember being so enthralled by all of the lights. My favorite was the giant tree in the center that really brings the whole event together.
Location: Sibley Park, Mankato, MN
Type: Walk-Through or Drive-Thru
Cost: Free
6. CSE Winter Light Show
On the University of Minnesota campus, the College of Science and Engineering puts on a light show one weekend in December each year.
The engineering students create a light show and tune it to their own music! It’s really fun to see, especially since my boyfriend Tyler is an engineer.
Several displays are set up and the show will be synchronized to music as it gives a 360-degree show around the building.
This is definitely a unique Christmas light display in Minnesota near the Twin Cities that you don’t want to miss!
Location: Civil Engineering Building Courtyard, 500 Pillsbury Dri. SE, Minneapolis
Type: Weekend Event
Cost: Free
7. Nights of Lights
This small light display is pretty far north, but because it’s located in Roseau I live, I love attending it every year.
Night of Lights is an intimate light show where you can drive through the park and see the many holiday decorations.
Tyler and I walk through Night of Lights multiple times a year, and we love getting to spend time together without the crowds that you see at other displays.
Location: Roseau City Park, Roseau, MN
Type: Drive-Thru
Cost: Free
8. Holiday Lights in Motion
What started with just 5 small light displays in 2014 has since turned into a magical display of Christmas lights MN with over 350,000 lights.
From cut-outs for photo ops, over 100 lit trees, trolley rides, concessions and more, you’ll have the perfect holiday celebration.
You can choose to drive or walk through the displays or head across the lake to see the lights reflecting in the water.
I personally love seeing the lights reflecting in the water. It’s such a unique perspective, and showcases Minnesota before the lakes freeze fully.
Location: Sportsman’s Park, Sleepy Eye, MN
Type: Drive-Thru or Walk-Through
Cost: Free; donations accepted
9. Spirit of the Lights
The historic Glensheen Mansion in Duluth is one of the best places to celebrate the holidays because it seriously just feels so magical.
You can walk around outside through their free outdoor display that sits right on the shore of Lake Superior.
You can also go inside the mansion and take a guided tour of the place. It’s really beautiful because there are dozens of Christmas trees and candles, so it just feels so peaceful.
I’m always freezing in winter, especially with the wind off of the lake, so they have a few small firepits that you can stop by and warm up as you walk through.
Location: Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, MN
Type: Walk-Through
Cost: Free
10. Sever’s Holiday Lights
From the Thanksgiving holiday weekend until the start of January, Sever’s Festivals puts on a fantastic light display.
With over 2.5 million lights dancing to some of the best holiday tunes, you can load your entire family into the car and enjoy the show.
You can see the show every night of the week during the holiday season, and be sure to look out for my favorite part – the singing penguins.
Location: 3121 150th Street W, Shakopee, MN
Type: Drive-Thru
Cost: Paid
11. Zoo Lights
Walk through the paths at the Lake Superior Zoo and see the giant inflatable animals as well as several different holiday-themed decorations.
Every once in a while, Santa and some Christmas carolers will make an appearance, which is really fun and makes the experience even more festive.
If you’re bringing kids to see a light show, this is one of the best ones, since they’ll love getting to see all of the light-up animals. And did I mention there are free s’mores?
Location: Lake Superior Zoo, Duluth, MN
Type: Walk-Through
Cost: Paid
12. Christmas in Color
If you love Valleyfair in the summer months, then you’ll also love getting to see it lit up at Christmas time for Christmas in Color.
Although you can’t ride the rides, you can check out the millions of Christmas lights, that are all synchronized to holiday music.
Fun Christmas characters, lighted arches, and giant trees are just a few of the pieces of decor that you’ll see.
And to make it even better, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Make a Wish Foundation to help kids with critical illnesses.
Location: Valleyfair, Shakopee, MN
Type: Drive-Thru
Cost: Paid
13. Holidazzle
** Update: Holidazzle has been canceled for 2023. This makes me so sad since it’s one of my favorite events and I know lots of people who love it.
What used to be one of Minneapolis’ most beloved Christmas parades has now become an annual festival held in Loring Park each year and one of the best holiday lights in Minneapolis.
Holidazzle is one of my favorite events since it’s all free! You can walk through the lights, ride the carousel, watch the fireworks after dark, and wander through the markets.
It’s such a fun event for the entire family, and we go every year, even as adults!
Location: Loring Park, Minneapolis, MN
Type: Weekend Event
Cost: Free
14. Celebrate the Light of the World
The Celebrate the Light of the World holiday light displays started as a family tradition for the Koosman Family to provide holiday cheer to their town.
Since then, they have handed it over to Willmar Fests, who will continue the great traditions that they have started for the community.
Their goal is to make the holiday season a bit brighter for their community, and they’re sure to do that with over 9,000 lights to enjoy.
Last year, it took over 1,000 volunteer hours to set up the entire, magical display.
Location: Robbins Island Regional Park, Willmar, MN
Type: Drive-Thru
Cost: Free; donations accepted for charity
15. Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting
Another of the great holiday light shows in Minnesota is a bit different because it’s a fun tree lighting, rather than a full-on display.
The Union Depot is known as the Hub for the Holidays in St. Paul, and really is the place to be if you’re looking for fun Christmas events.
They host a huge tree-lighting ceremony at the start of December each year, so you can watch as the massive tree outside of the Union Depot is lit up.
Then later in the year, there’s an amazing European Christmas Market, the North Pole Express, and so much more to do.
Location: 214 4th Street E, St. Paul, MN
Type: Weekend Event
Cost: Free; events cost extra
16. Winter Lights
Located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, you can enjoy some fresh air as you wander through the gardens that are decked out in holiday lights.
The self-guided walking route gives you the chance to admire the stunning lights and natural features that are found in the gardens.
In the visitor center, you’ll find a massive poinsettia tree that is made out of over 500 living plants, which is unique to this light display in Minnesota.
Location: 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN
Type: Walk-Through
Cost: Paid
Private Homes With Christmas Light Displays
Below you’ll find 12 light displays that are set up at individuals’ private homes who love to create joy for their community.
Important Tip: These are private homes, so we need to respect their rules and requests. Also, respect the neighbors and stay off of their lawns, driveways, etc.
17. Langeness Lights
This family sure knows how to do Christmas big! We lived in Forest Lake a few years ago and visited this multiple times because we loved it so much.
With lights synchronized to fun holiday music on 93.1 FM, you can enjoy the show with the tunes playing in the background.
They even have some fun characters that “sing” along to the music such as the Grinch and a gnome. Plus, the owners were there when I visited greeting visitors and handing out candy canes.
Location: 9610 223rd Street North, Forest Lake, MN
Type: Drive-Up
Cost: Free
More Info
18. Christmas on Savanna
Beautiful twinkling lights, large inflatables, and synchronized music make this home one of the best places to visit near Chaska.
They’ve got a huge nutcracker in the front yard that almost seems like it’s going to reach the top of their home!
I love that their yard is totally packed to the brim with decor. It’s such a fun display and you can see how much hard work is put into it.
Location: 4441 Savanna Trail, Chaska, MN
Type: Drive-Up
Cost: Free
More Info
18. Candy Cane Lane
This beautiful display was set up in memory of the family’s mom and grandma whose favorite movie was National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
They have a walking path to make your way through the features of some of their beautiful lights.
The best part about their display is that they collect donations for a fundraiser for Rescued Pets are Wonderful (RPAW). I love this so much because I’m a huge animal lover.
So if you visit, be sure to bring along a small donation to give to the animals.
Location: 1994 Herschel Street, Roseville, MN
Type: Walk-Through
Cost:
More Info
19. Shakopee Winter Wonderland
This beautiful holiday display has just about everything you could imagine to make the holidays special.
From a lit-up display Ferris wheel and train to a walk-through tunnel with hot chocolate awaiting you at the end.
Your kids can even visit with Santa when he’s around and isn’t too busy at the North Pole. It’s such a fun gathering and I really appreciate that this family puts it together each year.
Location: 921 Shakopee Avenue E, Shakopee, MN
Type: Walk-Through
Cost: Free
More Info
20. Palmer’s Christmas Light Display
You know someone really loves Christmas and putting a smile on another’s face when they handmake an entire display for others to enjoy. At Palmer’s Christmas Light Display, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
Drive through the display, enjoy the lights, and listen to holiday music. Driving through the displays is one of my favorite things, and it really gets you in the spirit.
Then before you leave, visit Santa around the fire pit and grab a candy cane to enjoy on the road home.
Location: 49307 Clover Trail, Rush City, MN
Type: Drive-Thru
Cost: Free
More Info
21. Trista Lights
This is a unique show if I’ve ever seen one! Run by Epic Light Shows, the same people who run the Sever’s Christmas light show, this will really blow your mind!
This is a fully computerized show in which the entire house is lit up in over 17,000 lights and synced to fun, upbeat music.
The show isn’t on every night, so you’ll want to check the schedule before going, but if you’re lucky enough to see it, you’ll see why it’s so popular. It’s amazing!
Location: 4386 Trista Bend, Minnetrista, MN
Type: Drive-Up
Cost: Free
More Info
22. Sauk Rapids Light Display
At this Sauk Rapids home, the entire family is at work to produce an epic Christmas display for their community.
Enjoy over 20,000 lights plus tons of inflatables that really bring out the holiday spirit in everyone.
Have your kiddos drop off a letter to Santa in the mailbox provided and get a letter sent back to you! This could be such a fun family tradition to start!
Location: 1101 10th Avenue N, Sauk Rapids, MN
Type: Drive-Up
Cost: Free
More Info
23. Christmas in Wadena
This display takes plenty of time (at least 400 hours!) to set up and make it as beautiful as it is, but the community sure loves the owners for it!
Since 2008, this Christmas light display in Minnesota has been providing holiday cheer to all of Wadena’s residents. It’s unique because of its animated nature.
The music and display have been carefully created and put together by a talented musician who has drawn in thousands of visitors over the years.
The second you get to Christmas in Wadena, you’ll be able to tell how much heart and love has been put into this display.
In the past 14 years, donations from visitors have raised a total of almost $25,000 and over 5,000 pounds of food, all of which is donated to the local food shelf.
Location: 414 3rd Street SW, Wadena, MN
Type: Drive-Up
Cost: Free
More Info
25. Holiday Lights Tour in Brooklyn Park
This display is a bit different than most of the others because it actually features many houses.
Each year in Brooklyn Park, residents can enter their homes to be included in the Holiday Lights Tour. So you won’t get to see just one house, but multiple!
You can find a map online of all of the houses participating and follow the route to see all of the homes at once.
In 2021, there were over 20 houses participating, and each year there continues to be more added to the list!
Location: Brooklyn Park
Type: Drive-Thru
Cost: Free
More Info
26. Armatage Holiday Light Tour
Similar to what’s done in Brooklyn Park, the Armatage neighborhood in Minneapolis puts on a light tour that residents can partake in.
Grab a map online, make a cup of hot chocolate, and set out for a night of light viewing!
Location: Minneapolis
Type: Drive-Thru
Cost: Free
More Info
27. Plymouth Lights
Here’s another great set of holiday light displays in Minneapolis is located in a suburb that has lights that dance to the music that you can tune into.
Sit in the warmth and comfort of your car as you watch the show happen before your eyes.
They truly provide a spectacular show and do a great job at bringing the Christmas spirit to the area of Plymouth.
Location: 16700 33rd Avenue N, Plymouth, MN
Type: Drive-Up
Cost: Free
More Info
When Are Christmas Light Displays On in MN?
Typically most Christmas light displays are turned on by the 1st of December, and some even earlier, starting the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Most of them then run until either Christmas Day or sometimes into January.
Each display is different, and typically has its hours and opening and closing dates listed on its individual websites.
FAQs
There are many places to see the best Christmas lights in Minnesota including Bentleyville, the Minnesota Zoo, Glensheen Mansion, and the MN State Fiargounds.
The largest holiday light show in Minnesota is Bentleyville, which is located in Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth.
The GLOW Holiday festival is the light festival that was once hosted at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It now is at the CHS Field and is no longer at the fairgrounds.
Yes, the MN Zoo hosts Nature Illuminated each winter during the holiday season.
Wrap-Up: Best Christmas Light Displays in Minnesota
There are so many fantastic places to view Christmas and holiday lights around the state of Minnesota. It’s such fun to gather your family and drive around to see all of the shows.
My family grew up taking a few nights a year to go around and see all of the lights in our neighborhood, and
Aside from just light shows, my home state celebrates Christmas in many ways, so be sure to check out a few of the other great holiday events in Minnesota to add to your list!
