‘Tis the season for colder weather, snowfall, and seasonal events. 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 best Christmas light displays in MN make for a truly magical experience.

1. Bentleyville - Duluth
704 W Railroad St, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
Isaac Bowen/Flickr
As one of the biggest and best Christmas light displays in Minnesota, we could not leave out the Bentleyville "Tour of Lights." This free walk on the Lake Superior shore features over four million lights arranged in a dazzling display. Walk through and enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn. While the event is free, there is a charge for parking in a lot at and surrounding the event.
2. Kiwanis Holiday Lights - Mankato
Sibley Park, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
Kiwanis Holiday Lights/Facebook
The Kiwanis light show collects donations for local nonprofits. In just 2015 alone, the creators collected over $60,000 for local charities from over 180,000. It's one of the most wonderful Christmas events in Minnesota and we can't talk it up enough. Keep an eye on the official Facebook page as well for more information, including dates and times.
3. Celebrate the Light of the World - Willmar
Robbins Island Regional Park, Hwy 71 S N, Willmar, MN 56201, USA
Celebrate the Light of the World/Facebook
This year, Celebrate the Light of the World begins on Thanksgiving night and lasts until New Year's Day. The intricate display of more than 800,000 lights stays on all night on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is one of the best Christmas events in Minnesota!
4. Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show - Duluth
2725 Exhibition Dr, Duluth, MN 55811, USA
Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show/Facebook
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. It's even won awards for the best Christmas lights in Minnesota.
5. Christmas in Wadena - Wadena
414 3rd St SW, Wadena, MN 56482, USA
Christmas in Wadena/Facebook
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 on Thanksgiving night and goes until January 1st, and if you drop by, you will see why this house is considered to have one of the best Christmas light displays in MN.
6. Sertoma Winter Wonderland - Brainerd
14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
Sertoma Presents Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum/Facebook
This year, Sertoma Winter Wonderland is set to bring as much joy as it has in previous years. This drive features many exciting light displays that can be viewed from the warmth of your car. There is a set admission fee per vehicle. Sertoma Winter Wonderland is one of the best events for holiday lights in MN.
7. Shakopee Winter Wonderland - Shakopee
921 Shakopee Ave E, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA
Shakopee Winter Wonderland/Facebook
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 usually set to open on the weekend after Thanksgiving. Come visit and see why these are some of the best ways to spend Christmas in Minnesota.
8. Trista Lights - Minnetrista
4386 Trista Bnd, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA
Trista Lights/Facebook
The last on our list of the best Christmas lights in MN is the Trista Lights. This new year of Trista Lights promises to be just as magical as the first. The operator truly goes all out with over 17,000 synchronized lights and animations dancing across the house. You can tune into 97.5 FM in your car and watch as the lights dance to the music. Each year's displays are out of this world, and this year's display is sure to follow. Visit the Facebook page for updates about this year's show.

Have you seen any of these best Christmas light displays in MN? Would you add any to the list? Please start a discussion in the comments!

If you enjoy driving around the state to see light displays during the holiday season, you may want to take our Christmas lights road trip through Minnesota. 

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Best Christmas Light Displays In Minnesota

Melissa M. | November 12, 2021

What are some of the best things to do in the winter in Minnesota?

You may not think there’s a lot to do in Minnesota during the winter, but there are plenty of things to do between winter festivals, holiday light displays, skiing, ice skating, sledding, and a whole lot more! Explore the beautiful trails at one of the many parks around the state like the 256-acre Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls where you can find a 33-foot frozen waterfall. You can even try something you haven’t done before like curling. Did you know that Minnesota is home to 23 curling clubs? If you prefer the great indoors, how about some fun at an indoor waterpark or head to a museum you haven’t yet visited? The possibilities are endless during winter in Minnesota.

What other holiday events can I attend in Minnesota?

The holidays are quite magical in Minnesota and there are plenty of events around the state to keep our calendars full all season long. Head to the Minnesota Zoo to see its Nature Illuminated event. You can also attend the European-style Christmas market at Union Depot in St. Paul where you can enjoy a variety of vendors, food, entertainment, shopping, and some spiced mulled wine! You may also wish to visit one of Minnesota's small towns known for its holiday lights and Christmas spirit. Visiting a Christmas tree farm is another fun and festive thing to do during the season as well! 

What is winter like in Minnesota?

Winter is obviously COLD in Minnesota with below-freezing temperatures on many days. The state experiences quite a bit of snow although rain and sleet have also been known to make an appearance. The coldest month is January which is known to have single-digit temperatures. If you live in or are visiting Minnesota, make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a good pair of snow boots - you’re gonna need them!

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