5 Amazing Holiday Light Shows in Minnesota

We have entered the most wonderful time of the year in the Minnesota! One of the most magical ways to experience the season is to visit one of the beautiful holiday light shows in Minnesota . While there are many displays happening across the state, I’ve narrowed it down for you to 5 stunning displays that should be at the top of your list (and one bonus one just across the border in Wisconsin!). Feel free to add any other light displays in the comments and be sure to follow my instagram instagram.com/planetwithsara for real-time updates and stories as I experience the Twin Cities this season.

Sever’s Holiday Lights

Shakopee, Open Nov 28-Dec 25; 5-9PM 

Sever’s Holiday Lights is a fantastic drive through holiday lights show. The course is 0.5 miles long with 2.5 million lights and you can go through as many times as you’d like. Tickets must be purchased online for a specific time slot in advance.  Pricing varies based on day of week and peak demand times.

Bentleyville

Duluth, Open Nov 23-Dec 28; Sun-Thurs 5-9PM and Fri-Day 5-10PM

Bentleyville is a FREE Walk through light show is a Minnesota classic. Along the route, there are also free cookies, popcorn and hot cocoa available. Plus, there will be fireworks on the first and last nights (Nov 23 and Dec 28). Parking is $10 per vehicle. Non-perishable food and unwrapped toys can be donated to The Salvation Army on site.

GLOW

St. Paul at CHS Field, Open Nov 21 – Jan 5

GLOW is a fantastic walk through lights display at CHS Field with over 1 million lights.  They also have a zip line, giant slide and food vendors on sight.  Tickets are reserved for a specific time slot and can be purchased in advance here.

Kiwanis

Mankato, Open Nov 29-Dec 31; Sun-Thur 5-9PM, Fri-Sat 5-10PM

Kiwani’s is another FREE holiday light show that you can either walk or drive through. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted on site.  Weeknights are the best to avoid crowds.

Winter Lights

Chanhassen, Minnesota Arboretum, Open Nov 21-Jan 5

The Arboretum is an amazing in every season but the holiday season is extra special.  Winter lights is a one-mile long path with S’mores, dinner and snacks options are available on sight for an extra cost. Purchase tickets for a specific time slot here.

BONUS! Sam’s Christmas Village

Somerset, Wisconsin, Open Nov 29-Jan 1

Sam’s Christmas Village is right across the border and an awesome light show with 16 million lights! There are other fun activities on site too like visits with Santa, reindeer and s’mores.  While generally a walk-through experience, certain nights are drive through.  

Tickets are available here and are less expensive online than purchasing at the gate.

Which of these amazing holiday light shows in Minnesota (or Wisconsin!) are you checking out first?

For more Minnesota holiday ideas, check out my guide to holiday markets,  outdoor ice rinks around the Twin Cities and five winter staycation ideas around Minnesota here. Happy Holidays!