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Holiday Lights in Minnesota – A Big Alphabetized List!

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See where to take the family to enjoy the beautiful holiday lights with this big list of Minnesota Holiday Light Shows!

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HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN MINNESOTA.

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is viewing the beautiful holiday lights. Our family’s tradition when I was a child was to drive around and see beautiful Christmas light shows after the Christmas Eve service.

It’s so fun to oooh and ahhh over the lights from the comfort of your vehicle. Thankfully this tradition can continue today!

Through the season we mention several holiday light displays already here at Thrifty Minnesota, but we thought it would be helpful to put the MN holiday lights displays all together in one spot for easy reference.

While there are lots of Twin Cities Christmas lights to see in the areas near Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s definitely not the only location!

There are light displays all throughout the state of Minnesota at churches, city parks and even private homes and businesses.

MN Holiday Lights Display - White Star on Branch.

Most of these Minnesota holiday lights shows are drive-thru events, while a few are available to walk-through. Plus, many of them are FREE!

If you know of any light displays that are missing from our list, please e-mail chrysa@ thriftyminnesota.com with the details and we’ll get them added!

Minnesota Holiday Lights List

This list is alphabetized by city. Please let us know of any attractions we can add to this list!

christmas lights outline of santa head.

Albany | Lights in the Country

  • Opens November 26
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Carter Christmas Lights image.

Albert Lea | Carter Christmas Lights Show

  • November 28 – December 30, Daily 5 – 9 pm / Fridays and Saturdays (and Christmas Eve + Christmas), 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Martinson's Holiday Lights in Apple Valley decorated with festive holiday lights, featuring a large illuminated tree shape with a star on top in the front yard. Blue and white arches and snowflakes adorn the house's eaves and roofline, creating a bright and cheerful display.

Apple Valley | Martinson’s Holiday Lights

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Apple Valley Ray's Holiday Light Show.

Apple Valley | Ray’s Holiday Light Show

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Sertoma Winter Wonderland | Baxter (Northland Arboretum).

Baxter (Northland Arboretum) | Sertoma Winter Wonderland 

  • $20/vehicle, cash or check only
  • $15/vehicle advance tickets available in person and at Cash Wise Liquor – Baxter and Brainerd
  • You can also purchase passes on their website
  • Drive-thru
city christmas lights display.

Bemidji | First City of Lights  

  • Opens November 27
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru or walk-through
a house decorated with christmas lights.

Bloomington (Martin Luther Senior Living & Care) | Holiday Lights Drive-Thru

  • November 27 – January 3, Daily 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
A house with a snowy yard decorated with colorful cartoon character cutouts celebrating a festive scene. The house is adorned with multicolored lights, and the scene is illuminated against a dark night sky.

Bloomington | Winter Lights Tour

  • Grab the map of Bloomington addresses with festive decorations
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Burnsville Christmas Lights on Big Oak Drive.

Burnsville | Christmas Lights on Big Oak Drive (2012 Big Oak Drive)

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru

Chanhassen | Tour of Lights

  • December 5 – 31
  • Free
  • Drive-thru
A brick pathway at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is adorned with vibrant holiday lights and leads to a festive building. Illuminated trees and shrubs line the path, creating a colorful, welcoming scene on a clear night.

Chaska (Minnesota Landscape Arboretum) | Northern Lights

  • November 20 – January 3, 4:30 – 9:30 pm
  • $25/person for members, $35/person for non-members, ages 15 and under free
  • Walk-through
a house decorated with christmas lights.

Chaska | Snook Family Lights

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
A festive house adorned with colorful Christmas lights, featuring a large tree with a glowing red star on top. Smaller lit-up trees and arches create a vibrant display in the front yard against the night sky.

Coon Rapids | Holiday Lighting Contest

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru (Map to follow mid-December at link above)
a house decorated with christmas lights.

Crystal | Crystal Light Show

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
A vintage gas station at Dalton Pioneer Village Tour of Lights is festively decorated with colorful Christmas lights. Snow covers the ground and roof, while holiday figures stand near the pumps. A retro Skelly sign is visible against the night sky.

Dalton | Pioneer Village Tour of Lights 

  • November 26 – January 1, Daily 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Walk-through or Drive-thru
Delano Light the Night.

Delano | Delano Light the Night

  • November 28 – end of January
  • FREE
  • Walk-through or Drive-thru
Bentleyville Tour of Lights Duluth Minnesota.

Duluth | Bentleyville Tour of Lights 

  • November 21 – December 26, Sunday – Thursday 5 – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Walk-through
The house at Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show in Duluth Minnesota is decorated with bright Christmas lights. The lights outline the roof and windows, creating a festive glow. A Christmas star shines above, and a snowman decoration is visible in the front yard. Snowflakes are patterned at the bottom edge.

Duluth | Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Magic of Lights car driving through display.

Eagan | Magic of Lights

  • November 2 – January 2, Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 5:30 – 10 pm
  • Prices start at $21.99/vehicle (November days are cheapest)
  • Drive-thru
Christmas in the Village at Dakota City.

Farmington (Dakota City Heritage Village) | Christmas in the Village

  • December 5, 6, 12, and 13, Saturday 3 – 8 pm, Sunday 3 – 7 pm
  • $5/person, ages 5 and under free
  • Walk-through
A historic building with two turrets is brightly illuminated at night at Fergus Falls Festival of Lights. In front, two people stand between large hedges adorned with strings of warm white lights and colorful ground lights, creating a festive atmosphere. Snow covers the ground.

Fergus Falls (Kirkbride Park) | Festival of Lights

  • December 2 – 12
  • FREE
  • Walk-through and Drive-thru
Fridley Winter Lights.

Fridley | Winter Lights Contest

  • Tour maps available at City Hall or online starting December 12
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Adelaide Landing Holiday Lights.

Hugo (Adelaide Landing Neighborhood) | Holiday Exterior Illumination

  • Free
  • Drive-thru
A vibrant holiday display, part of Inver Grove Heights Light Up the Heights, featuring numerous inflatable Christmas characters, bright blue and multi-colored lights covering a house and trees, and snow on the ground. The scene creates a festive and cheerful winter atmosphere.

Inver Grove Heights | Light Up the Heights

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Valley Lights | Lake Elmo (Rockpoint Church).

Lake Elmo (Rockpoint Church) | Valley Lights

  • November 26 – December 31, Daily 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Kiwanis Holiday Lights | Mankato (Sibley Park).

Mankato (Sibley Park) | Kiwanis Holiday Lights

  • November 27 – December 31, Sunday – Thursday 5 – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru or Walk-through
Maple Grove Rotary Light Display.

Maple Grove (Central Park) | Rotary Holiday Light Display

  • FREE
  • Walk-through
christmas lights.

Marshall (Independence Park) | Light Up the Night

  • Opens November 27
  • FREE
  • Walk-through or Drive-thru
Trista Lights in Minnetrista features a house adorned with vibrant holiday lights, predominantly blue and red, illuminating the night. The decorations include a glowing Christmas tree shape and candy cane lights on the lawn, creating a festive and colorful display.

Minnetrista | Trista Lights

  • FREE
  • Drive-thru

North Suburban Holiday Light Map

  • Includes Arden Hills, Columbia Heights, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Roseville
  • The updated 2026 map will be available on December 4
Night scene of a river with colorful lights at Pelican Rapids Peteyville. A large, lit-up pelican wearing a hat and scarf is in the foreground. In the background, a bridge adorned with green and red lights crosses over, with people walking nearby.

Pelican Rapids | Peteyville

  • November 27 – January 6
  • FREE
  • Walk-through and Drive-thru
The house at Plymouth Lights is brightly decorated with colorful Christmas lights in a snowy night scene. Trees and bushes are adorned with lights, featuring a "Remember Jesus" sign. Snowflakes are visible in the air, adding a festive touch to the winter landscape.

Plymouth | Christmas at the Fischer’s Place

  • December 1 – 31 (except 12/24), Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 9:30 pm, Friday – Saturday 5:30 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
a house decorated with christmas lights.

Princeton (Mille Lacs County Fairgrounds) | Light Up Princeton

  • November 28 – December 24, Thursday and Sunday 6 – 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 6 – 9 pm, Christmas Eve 5:30 – 8 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
A cozy wooden cabin at Roseau Nights of Lights is decorated with glowing string lights and a large star. A sign reads "Merry & Bright." Snow covers the ground, and two wooden trees frame the entrance, creating a festive winter scene at night.

Roseau (Roseau City Park) | Nights of Lights

  • December 18 – 26, 5 – 8 pm
  • FREE
  • Walk-through (12/18 – 12/23) or Drive-thru (12/24 – 12/26)
MINNESOTA HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS.

Roseville | Candy Cane Lane

  • Opens November 28
  • FREE
  • Walk-through
family looking at light display at GLOW Holiday Festival in St. Paul.

St. Paul (CHS Field) | GLOW Holiday Festival

  • November 19 – January 3
  • $22.75/adult, $12.75/child ages 3-12, Free for ages 2 and under
  • Walk-through
Rice Park Holiday Lights, St. Paul, Minnesota.

St. Paul (Rice Park) | Holiday Lights

  • November 15 – January 6, Daily 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Walk-through
A large tree adorned with blue and white lights stands in Mears Park at night. The scene is illuminated by the vibrant lights, with benches and a pavilion in the background. The surrounding trees and grass are dimly lit.

St. Paul (Mears Park) | Holiday Lights

  • Opens November 19
  • FREE
  • Walk-through
a house decorated with christmas lights.

St. Paul | Holiday Lights on York Ave/Schultz Family Lights

  • November 27 – December 31, Daily 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
A tree at the Sartell Country Lights Festival is adorned with multicolored Christmas lights stands beside a calm Lake Francis at dusk. The shoreline is decorated with festive lights, and the reflections shimmer on the water, creating a serene holiday scene.

Sartell (Lake Francis Park) | Country Lights Festival

  • November 28 – January 1
  • FREE
  • Walk-through
Sever's Holiday Lights | Shakopee (Sever's).

Shakopee (Sever’s) | Trista Lights at Sever’s

  • November 26 – January 3, Daily 5 – 10 pm
  • Prices start at $15/vehicle
  • Drive-thru
Holiday Lights in Motion | Sleepy Eye (Sportsman's Park).

Sleepy Eye (Sportsman’s Park) | Holiday Lights in Motion

  • November 6 – January 1, Daily 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru
Aerial view of the Spirit of Winter event at Sovereign Estate Winery in Waconia with a snow-covered landscape with trees and buildings adorned in colorful holiday lights, including green, red, blue, and purple. The illuminated display creates a festive and vibrant atmosphere in the night.

Waconia (The Winery at Sovereign Estate) | The Spirit of Winter

  • November 21 – December 31 (select dates), 4 – 9 pm
  • $10/person ages 3 and up
  • Walk-through
The Christmas in Wadena house brightly decorated with Christmas lights, featuring an illuminated tree-shaped pole, American flags, and various light displays. The decorations cover the house and surrounding trees, creating a festive and colorful scene at night.

Wadena | Christmas in Wadena

  • Opens November 26
  • Free
  • Walk-through or Drive-thru
At Willmar's Celebrate the Light of the World, a large Christmas tree decorated with colorful lights stands by a light display reading "Celebrate The Light" in the foreground. The scene is set in a dark outdoor area.

Willmar (Robbins Island Regional Park) | Celebrate the Light of the World

  • November 26 – December 31, 5 – 10 pm
  • FREE
  • Drive-thru

St. Croix Falls (Wisconsin) | Miracle at Big Rock

  • Opens November 27, 5 – 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, 5 – 10 pm Friday and Saturday
  • Prices start at $6/adult, $6/child ages 3 – 11, Free for ages 2 and under
  • Walk-through (Wednesday through Sunday) and Drive-thru (Monday and Tuesday)

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HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN MINNESOTA.

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  1. Steven Beaumont says

    Hello,

    Many people have shown an interest in observing my holiday light display so I’m providing the information below.

    The schedule is daily 12/18-1/10

    5:00 – 11:00 pm on Monday-Thursday
    5:00 – Midnight on Friday-Sunday

    Address is:

    229 21st Avenue South
    South Saint Paul, MN 55075

    The display is choreographed to music which is broadcast on 97.1 FM

    Links to what the show will look like this year similar to the 2015 display, please note that the Big Ash trees were replaced three years ago

    o https://vimeo.com/169037197 – 2015 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Canon

    o https://vimeo.com/151365295 – 2015 – Tran Siberian Orchestra – A Mad Russian’s Christmas

    o https://vimeo.com/174597837 – Christmas Lights 2015 – Eric Cartman Sings Oh Holy Night

    o https://vimeo.com/172919648 – Christmas Lights 2015 – Coca Cola Christmas Theme

    o https://vimeo.com/167971123 – 2015 – Skrillex – First Of The Year Equinox (Note: Starts on New Year Eve as it’s not exactly holiday music I did this for the teenagers)

    o https://vimeo.com/92787098 – 2012 Christmas Light Show – Joy To The World – Mannheim Steamroller South Saint Paul-AVI

    Reply

  4. Roger palmer says

    How can I get on your list of light displays, I have a big light display in rush city please let me know, thanks

    Reply