If you’ve spent even a small amount of time in Minnesota, you likely know about the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. This holiday lights spectacular is one of the biggest winter attractions in the region. But did you know that there are other impressive dazzling Christmas lights in Minnesota? One of the biggest and if I might add, my favorite, is Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato, Minnesota. This enormous drive-thru light display contains more than one million colorful lights. It’s completely free, and it collects cash and food donations to help the local community. Read on below to learn more about this dazzling holiday event that in my opinion belongs on your list this year!

Kiwanis Holiday Lights is an annual lights show at Sibley Park in Mankato, Minnesota. About 80 miles outside of Minneapolis, this would make a fun excursion for those looking to do something festive outside of the Twin Cities metro area.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights/Faceook
This display is made up of more than 1 million LED lights. This year, it runs from November 24 through December 31. Sunday through Thursday, the hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the display runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights/Facebook
The display is completely free to visit. Not only that, but it's also a drive-thru display! You don't even have to leave your car, though there are areas where guests can walk and take photos.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights/Facebook
Kiwanis Holiday Lights is produced 100% by volunteers, and while there's no entry fee, cash and non-perishable food donations are accepted and encouraged. What a great way to embrace the holiday spirit!

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The sight of the park lit up, from the bedazzled trees to the many displays brought in for the occasion, is nothing short of magical.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights/Facebook
If you visit the Kiwanis Holiday Lights before Christmas, we hear Santa will be making appearances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. There are even live reindeer in the farm area to check out!
rachel willcutt/Google
You'll get to go through tunnels of lights and see amazing, colorful scenes and characters on display throughout the month.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights/Facebook
People of all ages will enjoy this dazzling holiday light display. It is perhaps the largest drive-thru holiday light display in Minnesota, and it will quickly become a favorite holiday season tradition for your family!
Kiwanis Holiday Lights/Facebook
After you've driven through, be sure to take time to visit the concession stand for a warm cup of hot chocolate and have a family picture taken for your holiday card.

Watch this YouTube video by ConversationStarters Video for a quick tour of these enchanting Christmas lights in Minnesota.

Have you been to the Kiwanis Holiday Lights show before? What was your favorite part? Do you agree that it’s one of the best Christmas lights in Minnesota? Let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!

For more information about this dazzling display, including times, maps, and more, visit the Kiwanis Holiday Lights website and Kiwanis Holiday Lights Facebook page. If you have any other favorite holiday or winter attractions in Minnesota, be sure to let us know about them by filling out our nomination form.

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Christmas In Minnesota

Katie Feldkamp | December 07, 2022

Where are some of the best drive-thru light displays in Minnesota?

There’s no denying that Minnesota is gorgeous in the winter months, and there is also denying that it is cold! When you and the kids want to check out the holiday lights of the Christmas season, one of the easiest and warmest ways is from the comfort of your own car. Here are some of the best drive-thru light displays in Minnesota that will brighten your night and warm your toes:

  • Sever’s Holiday Lights in Shakopee
  • Sertoma Winter Wonderland in Baxter
  • Celebrate the Light Of the World in Willmar
  • Valley Lights at Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo

 

What are some of the best Christmas towns in Minnesota?

All across the country, small towns come alive during the holiday season. Here in Minnesota, there are dozens of charming small towns that capture the heart of Christmas. Some favorite places that are worth checking out include:

  • Stillwater
  • Little Falls
  • Buffalo
  • Winona
  • Pine City

 

For more information on these and several more, be sure to check out this article on Christmas towns in Minnesota.

What are some unique winter attractions in Minnesota?

Here are some of the most unique winter attractions in Minnesota that we recommend:

  • Eden Prairie Ice Castles, Eden Prairie 
  • Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
  • Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, Nisswa
  • Superior Ice Caves, Lake Superior
  • Holidazzle, Minneapolis
  • Waconia Snowmobile Show, Elk River

 

Read our previous article telling you more about these winter attractions in Minnesota.

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Featured Addresses
Kiwanis Holiday Lights, 903 Park Ln, Mankato, MN 56001, USA