As Christmas approaches, Minnesota is alight with festive cheer! In just about every city and town across the state, gorgeous Christmas light displays blink on and off, putting just about any passerby in a good mood. If you’re looking to add some last-minute festivity to your Christmas to-do list, try taking a stroll through any neighborhood to see the efforts people have gone to in order to instill a little Christmas cheer. Read on to find our list of some of the prettiest neighborhood Christmas light displays in Minnesota:

1. Holiday Lights on York - St. Paul
1526 York Ave, St Paul, MN 55106, USA
Holiday Lights on York
In St. Paul, Holiday Lights on York is a perfectly magical neighborhood Christmas light display. It spans 7 yards on York Avenue and is made up of more than 50,000 lights synchronized to music. There is also a huge collection of Christmas characters that are sure to delight. This display goes until December 31. Click here for more information.
2. Carter Christmas Lights Show - Albert Lea
1905 Brookside Dr, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA
Carter Christmas Lights Show
The Carter Christmas Lights Show is a family tradition in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Since 2014, the display has gotten better and better each year. This year, the show features more than 35,000 synchronized lights including Santa and his reindeer on the roof. Read more about this display on their website.
3. PD Shimmers - Plymouth
PD Shimmers/Facebook
EDITOR'S NOTE: Instead of a holiday lights show in 2022, PD Shimmers will be a Halloween projection mapped show.

PD Shimmers is a light display in Plymouth, Minnesota, that is sure to dazzle. Around 25,000 lights are synchronized to holiday music on 90.9 FM. The display typically runs through December. Guests are encouraged to make donations to contribute to Parkinson's Disease research.
4. Cairl Family Christmas Lights - Andover
2342 145th Ave NW, Andover, MN 55304, USA
Cairl Family Christmas Lights/Facebook
Here's another beautiful display that is synchronized to music. These lights have a distinctly modern look, setting the display apart from others on the list. You'll love the changing colors and festive music of this beautiful neighborhood display! Check out their Learn more about it by clicking the Facebook page to find out all the details.
5. Lights on Flagstaff - Apple Valley
13452 Flagstaff Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA
Lights on Flagstaff/Facebook
In the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities, many light shows are on display. This one in Apple Valley is among the most festive. Thousands of synchronized lights are strung up across the yard, which is also decorated with more than 100 festive blow molds. The display is colorful, creative, and nostalgic. People of all ages will love it! Learn more about Lights on Flagstaff through their Facebook page.
6. Durrant Family Lights - Blaine
Durrant Family Lights/Facebook
EDITOR'S NOTE: The family has made the decision to close this event for this year.

This Blaine, Minnesota, display is a modern, magical Christmas wonderland! More than 15,000-pixel lights make up the show, which is synchronized to 87.9 FM. Enjoy the show seven nights a week through December 31!
7. Haakenson House Light Display - Circle Pines
8900 Syndicate Ave, Circle Pines, MN 55014, USA
Haakenson House Light Display/Facebook
This light display in Circle Pines is sure to delight just about anyone! It's super colorful, with lights strung up around trees and throughout the yard. Favorite characters, including the Abominable Snowman, also make an appearance. A pathway through the yard is open to guests, so you can see the whole display up close! For more information, visit their Facebook page.
8. Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show - Duluth
2725 Exhibition Dr, Duluth, MN 55811, USA
Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show/Facebook
People looking for holiday lights in Duluth usually seek out Bentleyville. But there are some great neighborhood displays in the city, too. For example, the Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound 7 Light Show features 10,000 lights that are synchronized to music. There are even inflatable characters that blow up on demand! For more information about the display, check out their Facebook page.
9. Barrett Lights - Minnetrista
Barrett Lights/Facebook
In Minnetrista, Minnesota, the Barrett Family Lights is a spectacular display that you'll adore. There are more than 25,000 lights synchronized to 91.9 FM. Simply turn the radio on and enjoy the show! This colorful display is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Will you go look at the lights before Christmas? Do you know of any other neighborhood displays that should be added? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for an even more impressive Christmas lights experience, also be sure to check out our list of 8 drive-thru Christmas light displays in Minnesota. And if you are feeling up for a bit of adventure this holiday season, this Christmas lights road trip through Minnesota is miles of holiday cheer!

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Christmas in Minnesota

Katie Feldkamp | October 26, 2022

What makes Minnesota unique at Christmastime?

Here in Minnesota, we pride ourselves on quirks and traditions that people in other states may not understand. It is no different at Christmas when we have our own Minnesota Christmas traditions. From indulging in some of Pearson’s Mint Patties to hoping there’s lefse on the holiday dessert table, we love our traditions that others may not understand.

Where are some of the best Christmas towns in Minnesota?

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen at least one Hallmark movie during the holiday season. These charming towns display all of the ideal Christmas cheer and decorations, and it just so happens we have rounded up a list of some Christmas towns in Minnesota that are just as picturesque as what you would see in the movies! From the historic river town of Stillwater to the picturesque small city of Winona in Southern Minnesota, there’s no end to Christmas charm.

Are there any Christmas train rides in Minnesota?

The short answer to this question is yes! The Christmas City Express in Duluth is one of the best Christmas train rides in Minnesota. It begins in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and takes its riders on a magical journey complete with hot chocolate, Christmas carols, and of course, Christmas lights. While it does not stop in Bentleyville, you can still see the holiday lights in the town, which is one of the largest holiday light displays in the Midwest. So, what are you waiting for?  Climb aboard!

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