If you live in south central Minnesota or are up for taking a road trip, Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato should definitely be on your list of holiday excursions! This is the 8th year for this event which takes place at Sibley Park.
The event runs nightly from November 26 through December 31, 5 – 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 5 – 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. They have special events and attractions planned for nearly every night, and it’s all FREE! They do accept cash and nonperishable food donations. You are able to drive through the park or walk.
My brother has been volunteering at this event since the start and it is really something! We drove through it after Christmas (December 28, to be exact) and the initial hubbub had died down by that point so we were able to take our time and not have to wait in line. Another tip is to visit during the week or go earlier in the evening to avoid the larger crowds.
This celebration of holiday lights for the Greater Mankato area and region builds on past traditions and promotes the communities we serve, while raising non-perishable food donations for those in need. Admission is free for all vehicles and walkers. Food and cash donations are accepted and appreciated. *Please note we only collect cash and food donations within the lights display area in Sibley Park. No other organizations or individuals have been approved to collect donations on behalf of Kiwanis Holiday Lights.
Attractions include a display of over 1.8 million LED lights, animated lights, skating rink and warming house, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa Claus, live reindeer, ice sculpting and more! Be sure to check out our Events page to learn what each day includes.
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