The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Minnesota That’s Nothing Short Of Magical

One of the best things about the holiday season is how much effort people put into creating the best holiday displays. Inflatable snowmen, huge, elaborately decorated Christmas trees visible from the street, reindeer staged on the roof - there is no shortage of creative ideas. Even a simple light display can be all it takes to turn a cold winter street into a cheerful winter wonderland. Minnesota at Christmas loves to take part in these cheerful displays, and with this Christmas road trip through Minnesota, you'll be able to experience some of the most magical holiday lights.

This route starts in Duluth and works its way south, then hooks back up toward Sleepy Eye. It's just over 400 miles, so it may take a few nights to see the whole thing. Feel free to do the entire route, or to use it to help you plan your own road trip. Use our map to light the way.

1. Holiday Spirit in the Lights - Duluth

Head over to an amazing light display in Duluth for the perfect way to kick off this road trip adventure. This light display is located on Park Point and is nestled right on the beach. You'll walk through arches of lights before being greeted by the amazing sights and sounds of Lake Superior. Visit the areas website for more information.

2. Bentleyville - Duluth

Duluth is lovely at any time of year, but there's something about it that makes the holidays particularly special. Perhaps the display most worthy of a road trip is Bentleyville. With thousands upon thousands of glittering lights to walk through, it is a must-see. Free food and beverages add to the atmosphere, as do the thousands of cheery holiday celebrants who pass through this spectacular display of lights each year.

3. Plymouth Lights - Plymouth

Next up is Plymouth Lights in the Minneapolis suburb of Plymouth. This huge display will brighten up even the darkest winter night. Better yet, it's programmed to play along with the radio. The lights are on for the entire month of December, except Christmas Eve.

4. Trista Lights - Minnetrista

A bit further south from Plymouth, the Trista Lights offer a trippy show to all who stop to see. It may be a newcomer, but the lights are nothing short of magnificent - definitely worth the stop. Check 'em out starting at 6:00 p.m. throughout the month of December.

5. Kiwanis Holiday Lights - Mankato

Kiwani's Holiday Lights may be a bit more off the beaten track than some of the displays on this trip, but it wouldn't be here if it weren't for good reason. This is one of the largest displays in Minnesota, with the elaborate lights taking over much of Sibley Park. Definitely, one to add to the bucket list.

6. Celebrate the Light of the World - Willmar

Celebrate the Light of the World kicks off on Thanksgiving night and runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until January. With more than 800,000 lights, this is one Christmas light display that is not to be missed. In fact, many have declared this light shop to be one of the best in the state! Plus, did we mention this light show is free?!

7. Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion - Sleepy Eye

We end this road trip in a BIG way with a visit to Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion. With over 300,000 lights, guests are able to tune in to 89.1 on the radio and drive through this synchronized light show. The music is also playing throughout the park too if you’d like to get out of your car and walk around!

Do you agree that these are some of the most stunning Christmas lights displays in Minnesota? Is there anything you'd add to the list? Let us know in the comments section! If you're hungry for more Christmas cheer, check out this list of the most charming Christmas towns in Minnesota.