Posted in Minnesota
November 16, 2016
12 Christmas Light Displays In Minnesota That Are Pure Magic
We’ve been enjoying mild weather so far, but any day now Minnesota is about to turn into a true winter wonderland. Dozens of towns and hundreds of homeowners across the state get into the holiday spirit by stringing lights across their homes. But some take it a little bit further than others. Combined with the coming snow, these Christmas light displays make for a truly magical experience.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
As one of the biggest holiday light displays in the region, we could not leave out Bentleyville. This free walk on the Lake Superior shore features over 4 million lights arranged in a dazzling display. Walk through and enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn. Bentleyville goes from November 19 to December 26 - including holidays. Visit 5:00 to 9:00 on weeknights and 5:00 to 10:00 on weekends. Address: 700 Railroad Street, Duluth.
This beautiful light display in Eden Prairie is synchronized to music. Drive by listening to 88.1 FM and you'll notice that the lights pulse with the beat of the song. This house collects pop tabs from visitors to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The display begins November 23 and lasts until January 4. Visit on weeknights 5:00 to 9:30 and weekends 5:00 to 10:00. Address: George Morgan Drive & Donegal Cove, Eden Prairie.
The Kiwanis light show collects donations for local nonprofits. In 2015, the creators collected over $60,000 for local charities from over 180,000 visitors. Join the fun in the show's fifth season November 25 through December 31. Shows begin at 5:00 and go until 9:00 on weeknights and 10:00 on weekends. Address: Sibley Park, 900 Mound Avenue, Mankato.
This year, Celebrate the Light begins on Thanksgiving and lasts until New Year's Day. The intricate display stays on all night on Christmas Even and Christmas Day, with Santa making an appearance on December 10. Visit 4:30 to 11:00 each night. Address: 3903 60th Avenue Northeast, Willmar.
The thousands of lights that make up this synchronized light show dance in tune to dozens of songs. Clearwater Lights starts on November 24. Donations to the Clearwater light show go to the local food shelf. Address: Find directions here.
The show on Exhibition Drive in Duluth certainly lives up to its name. The beautiful lights sync to a radio station so that you can witness a stunning dance of color before your eyes. The show begins November 25. It will run nightly from 5:00 to 10:00. Address: Exhibition Drive, Duluth.
Wadena is a small town with a big light display. The dedicated creators have programmed the lights to blink in tune with 88.1 FM. Visitors can drive by or park and enjoy the show. Christmas in Wadena begins November 25 and goes until January 1. Check it out 5:00 to 9:00 on weeknights and 5:00 to 10:00 on weekends. Address: 414 3rd Street Southwest, Wadena.
This event in St. Paul's Phalen Park is a great way to enjoy the lights and support the local community. Visiting $10 per vehicle to see more than 60 whimsical light displays. Proceeds go to the St. Paul Police Foundation to provide safety and training opportunities for officers. Visit the park 5:00 to 10:00 on November 22 through January 1. Address: 1615 Phalen Drive, St. Paul.
The tenth year of Sertoma Winter Wonderland is sure to bring as much joy as the previous nine. This drive features many exciting light displays that can be viewed from the warmth of your car. The cost is $15 per vehicle. Sertoma Winter Wonderland is open 5:30 to 8:30 on December 21 through 31. Address: 14250 Conservation Drive, Brainerd.
SnoMutt is a free light display featuring vivid lights set to music. Visitors can expect jaw-dropping color twinkling to well-known songs. The display is expected to open on December 2. Address: 1913 Waterford Circle, Chanhassen.
Shakopee Winter Wonderland is a stunning display of holiday spirit that also features crafts, sweet treats, and hot cocoa. As an added bonus, visitors can walk a glittering path among the lights to meet Santa. The display is set to open on the weekend after Thanksgiving. Address: 921 Shakopee Avenue East, Shakopee.
The second year of Trista Lights promises to be just as magical as the first. The operator truly goes all out with synchronized lights and animations dancing across the house. Last year's display was out of this world, and this year's is sure to follow. Trista Lights will open on December 1.
Address: Minnetrista, Minnesota. Find map here.
Have you seen any of these displays? Would you add any to the list?
