Spend an evening outside and make the best of winter with these outdoor candlelight events in Minnesota! Walk, snowshoe or ski through candles, luminaries or lanterns.
We thought we would share several fun outdoor candlelight events coming up throughout Minnesota. The common thread is that each of them includes some sort of luminary or candlelight.
Some are hiking or walking, while others include snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Each event is unique with different scenery offered. Several are free, however some have a small admission or advance registration required to participate.
We have provided links to each event for more information. It’s also important to mention that the weather does not always cooperate, so check with the individual event if there’s no snow or bad weather conditions.
We are sharing this list a little early so you can plan ahead but also so we can get a longer list. If you know of others that we have not mentioned, please let us know as we would love to include them in our roundup.
December 2022
Dec 21: Dayton – Eastman Nature Center – Winter Solstice Luminary Trail
Celebrate the winter solstice and experience the beauty of the longest winter night by walking along a luminary lit trail.
Dec 21: St. Louis Park – Westwood Hills Nature Center – Be The Light Winter Solstice Walk
Follow the luminary walk through the forest guided by visual messages from the community. Discover artist created lantern sculptures expressing the peace of wild things. Light a candle in honor or memory of someone who struggles with or struggled with mental health. Gather around a fire in the glowing winter light while surrounded by a dreamy winter soundscape.
Dec 31: Richfield – Woodlake Nature Center – Candlelight and Ice
Follow hundreds of candle-lit luminaries on a walking trail through cattails, forest, and prairie. Warm up from the brisk winter evening with roasted marshmallows and hot cocoa by a crackling fire back at the amphitheater.
Dec 31 – Jan 2: St. Paul – Fort Snelling State Park – Counting Moons: A Journey Through the Seasons
Immerse yourself in a self-guided walk along the trail to discover hand-painted, illuminated tapestries set into the landscape, each with its own “lunar” designation. The names and imagery will encourage you to reflect on a year passed and the year to come.
January 2023
Jan 1: Preston – Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park – First Day Candlelight Hike
Meet at the picnic shelter for a candlelight hike. See Historic Forestville lit up and hike under the moon along the river and through the woods. Telescopes will be set up to see some planets visible during this time of year.
While hiking along the trail discover some of the reasons why the dark sky is so precious. Snowshoes will be available to use for free. The event is free but a state park vehicle permit is required.
Jan 6: Plymouth – Luce Line State Trail – Candlelight Walk
Winter wonderland and flickering candles come together for a magical experience on the Luce Line State Trail during the candlelight hike! This self-guided, self-paced trail is two miles round trip, out and back. Refreshments will be at the east end of the candle lit portion near Vicksburg Lane.
Jan 13: Fridley – Springbrook Nature Center – Lantern Light Hike
Bundle up and get ready to hike at Springbrook using the light of glowing lanterns to guide your way. Listen for owls hooting, keep your eyes peeled for elusive nocturnal animals, and warm up by the fire along the way. If snowpack allows, snowshoe rental will be available as supplies last.
Jan 20: Hastings – Spring Lake Park Preserve – Trails by Candlelight
Enjoy parks by flickering candlelight. A variety of cross-country ski, snowshoe, hiking and walking trails will be lit with hundreds of candles. Warm up with hot cocoa and crackling bonfires. Cocoa provided.
Jan 21: New London – Sibley State Park – Luminary Hike
Enjoy the evening on a self-guided, lantern lit hike. The Pond View Interpretive trail will be illuminated for the evening. It is a 0.7-mile loop with a maximum grade of 7 percent over 190ft.
Before or after hiking, drop by the campfire at the amphitheater to socialize and warm up.
Jan 21: Park Rapids – Itasca State Park – Lantern Lit Snowshoe and Ski
Come out and ski or snowshoe by the light of the stars and kerosene lanterns along the trail. Snowshoe, walk, or ski at your own pace along the lantern lit route during this drop-in program.
Bring your own hot dogs, thermos of hot chocolate, marshmallows and snacks for enjoying around the outdoor campfire before or after the walk (don’t forget your roasting stick).
Jan 6: Faribault – River Bend Nature Center – Full Moon Luminary Snowshoe Hike
Enjoy the full moon with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or rent from River Bend!
Jan 27: Mahtomedi – Gateway State Trail – Candlelight Walk
This walk along Gateway State Trail will be lit with hundreds of candle luminaries – from near Wildwood Elementary school to one mile down the trail (roundtrip will be a 2 mile walk). Enjoy bonfires for warmth and roasting marshmallows on both ends of the lit trail section; hot chocolate, cider and marshmallows will be available at the Stillwater Rd end.
Jan 28: Bemidji – Lake Bemidji State Park – Candlelight Snowshoe
Explore the winter woods along a candle-lit trail! This year’s Candlelight Snowshoe starts and ends at the Visitor Center, where refreshments will be available. Stop along the way and warm up by the magical crackling of a toasty campfire.
Jan 28: Nerstrand – Nerstrand Big Woods State Park – Candlelight Event
Grab your cross-country skis, snowshoes, or warmest winter boots to experience the beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park through 3.5 miles of candle lit trails! Complete your night by warming up next to a bonfire along with some snacks.
Jan 28: Norwood Young America – Baylor Regional Park – Candlelit Ski and Hayride Event
Join in the longstanding Carver County tradition and venture out to Baylor Regional Park for a wintery adventure! Glide through candlelit trails on cross-country skis, take a luminary lit hayride, and enjoy bonfire treats like cider & s’mores.
February 2023
Feb 3: Faribault – River Bend Nature Center – Full Moon Luminary Snowshoe Hike
Enjoy the full moon with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes.
Feb 4: Fairfax – Fort Ridgely State Park – Candlelight Trail
The candle lit trail will be marked for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and walkers winding its way through prairie and forest areas. A blazing bonfire will be part of this festive, family-friendly event.
Feb 4: Frontenac – Frontenac State Park – Candlelight Ski and Hike
Feb 4: Hastings – Afton State Park – Candlelight Walk
This walk through Afton State Park will be lit with hundreds of candle luminaries for 3 mile loop trail. Enjoy bonfires at the visitor center and half way point.
Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight! Snowshoe, ski, or hike the trail along the bluff top with beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley, light by dozens of ice luminaries and the light of the full moon. Warm up at campfires at either end of the trail or enjoy some light refreshments by the wood stove in the warming shelter.
Feb 4: Minneapolis Luminary Loppet
Walk, snowshoe, or ski on the candlelit trail winding across Lake of the Isles. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features and much more
Feb 4: Onamia – Mille Lacs Kathio State Park – Candlelight Event
Enjoy snowshoeing (skiing or hiking if conditions permit) by the light of the moon, with candle luminaries to help guide the way.
Feb 4: Owatonna – Rice Lake State Park – Candlelight Event
Feb 10: Fridley Springbrook Nature Center – Lantern Light Hike
Bundle up and get ready to hike at Springbrook using the light of glowing lanterns to guide your way. Listen for owls hooting, keep your eyes peeled for elusive nocturnal animals, and warm up by the fire along the way. If snowpack allows, snowshoe rental will be available as supplies last.
Feb 11: Bemidji – Lake Bemidji State Park – Candlelight Ski
Tour the park trails by the warm glow of candlelight! Up to 5 km of easy and intermediate groomed ski trails will be lit from 6 pm to 9 pm for this magical night of skiing. Participants over the age of 16 who will be on skis will need a Minnesota Ski Pass, available at the park office. Refreshments will be served in the Visitor Center.
Feb 11: Bloomington – Richardson Nature Center – Candlelight and Chocolate
Snowshoe through the winter woods along a lantern-lit trail and kicksled under the stars. Warm up inside while savoring a chocolate dessert sampler and listening to live music from singer-songwriter Josh Cleveland and multi-instrumentalist Dustin Smith.
Cozy up outside around a crackling fire and make your own s’mores. Sip hot cider, cocoa, coffee or tea and explore our exbibits and live raptors. Bring your own bottle of wine or beer (for ages 21+). Snowshoes, kicksleds and ice cleats provided. Reservations required by four days prior.
Feb 11: Henderson – Ney Nature Center – Candlelight Event
Enjoy a beautiful winter night snowshoeing or hiking by candlelight along our peaceful groomed trails. All ages. Free event, but if you are renting snowshoes it is $3 for members, $5 for non-members. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase for some great items!
No registration is required, but snowshoes are first-come, first-serve.
Feb 11: Preston – Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park – Candlelight Hike
Celebrate your love for nature and your valentine with a candlelight hike. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served by the fire afterwards. The hike is 2 miles and snowshoes will be available to use for free.
Feb 17: Eagan – Lebanon Hills Regional Park – Trails by Candlelight
Enjoy parks by flickering candlelight. A variety of cross-country ski, snowshoe, hiking and walking trails will be lit with hundreds of candles. Warm up with hot cocoa and crackling bonfires. Cocoa provided.
Feb 18: Park Rapids – Itasca State Park – Lantern Lit Snowshoe and Ski
Come out and ski or snowshoe by the light of the stars and kerosene lanterns along the trail. Snowshoe, walk, or ski at your own pace along the lantern lit route during this drop-in program.
Bring your own hot dogs, thermos of hot chocolate, marshmallows and snacks for enjoying around the outdoor campfire before or after the walk (don’t forget your roasting stick).
March 2023
March 10: Fridley Springbrook Nature Center – Lantern Light Hike
Bundle up and get ready to hike at Springbrook using the light of glowing lanterns to guide your way. Listen for owls hooting, keep your eyes peeled for elusive nocturnal animals, and warm up by the fire along the way. If snowpack allows, snowshoe rental will be available as supplies last.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Laura is a former high school English teacher turned avid deal shopper following the birth of her first child. Now she’s a work-from-home mom of six which keeps her plenty busy!
Laura grew up in southern Minnesota and has called the Twin Cities home for over fifteen years. On the off chance she gets some free time you’ll find her with her nose in a book, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
Jerry Nappin says
I was just wondering if nerstrand state park and Frontenac state park are going to have candle lite walks this winter please let me know