Outdoor Candlelight Events in Minnesota

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 2025

Friday, 12/5: 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. Register online, by calling 763-572-3588, or pay at the door. Please check in at Springbrook’s front desk for the event.
**$5/person, children 2 and under are free.

Friday, 12/19: St. Paul – Fort Snelling State Park – Make and Take: Winter Solstice Paper Lanterns
Get ready to light up the longest night and welcome the return of the sun by joining us to create nature themed, paper lanterns, also called luminaries. We will be creating our luminaries out of paper and decorating them utilizing a variety of nature inspired techniques and patterns.

Sunday, 12/21: Dayton – Eastman Nature Center – Winter Solstice Luminary Walk
Celebrate the winter solstice and experience the beauty of the longest winter night by walking along a luminary-lit trail. Whether you choose to walk in the early evening at dusk or embrace the night, your senses will help you connect to the natural world in a new way as you slow down. Stop in anytime from 5–8 p.m. (last entry onto the trail will be 8 p.m.)

Sunday, 12/21: Duluth – Enger Park Golf Course – Solstice Luminary Hike
Celebrate winter with a self-guided, candlelit walk! Drop-in anytime between 5-8 p.m. Start from the Enger Park Golf Course and follow the luminaries along a snow-stomped path. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as we welcome in longer days ahead! Limited parking; please carpool. Trail will be less than a mile. Conditions and length will vary based on weather leading up to the event.

Sunday, 12/21: Prior Lake – Cleary Lake Regional Park – Winter Solstice Campfire & Luminary Labyrinth
Celebrate the longest evening of the year in the park around a campfire with tea, hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows. Usher in peace during this winter season by walking a candle-lit luminary labyrinth. This family-friendly event is free. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, 12/21: Prior Lake – Cleary Lake Regional Park – Winter Solstice Yoga, Campfire & Luminary Labyrinth
Usher in peace and strength with a fireside yoga session on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. Following yoga, we will enjoy tea, a community campfire and an opportunity to walk through a candle-lit luminary labyrinth outside open from 6:30–8 p.m.
**$10/person, registration required by 24 hours prior.

Sunday, 12/21: Richfield – Wood Lake Nature Center – Solstice Luminary Walk
Enjoy a quiet walk through the forest and marsh of Wood Lake on the winter solstice. Warm up by the fire with a cup of cocoa and roast a marshmallow. This event will be a calm addition to the festive season.
**$8/person, purchase tickets online.

Sunday, 12/21: St. Louis Park – Westwood Hills Nature Center – Be The Light Winter Solstice Walk
Join us on the shortest day of the year to remember that many in our community aren’t able “to see the light” because of struggles with mental illness or difficult situations. Follow the luminary walk through the forest guided by visual messages from the community. Light a candle in honor or memory of someone who struggles with or struggled with mental health.
**Preregistration is required.

Daily, 12/21 to 1/4: Eagan – Lebanon Hills Regional Park – Trails by Lantern Light
Experience the beauty of park trails in winter. Bundle up and take a walk through hundreds of lanterns lighting up the trails at night. Enjoy these lit trails for free at both Lebanon Hills and Whitetail Woods regional parks during select dates. Enjoy the Schulze Lake Loop at Lebanon Hills by Lantern Light!
Cozy up and take a stroll through lighted woods to experience the magic of winter in Minnesota.

Saturday, 12/27: Becker – Sherburne History Center – Candlelight Walk
Experience the beauty of the trails on the Oak Savanna by candlelight! Hike, ski, or snowshoe the Legacy Trail lit by luminaries on December 27 from 4:30pm to 8pm. Skiing and snowshoeing is snow-permitting. Hiking is available to all, including leashed dogs. No cost to attend. You don’t want to miss this once-a-year unique experience!

Wednesday, 12/31: Eagan – Lebanon Hills Regional Park – Family New Year’s Eve Party by Candlelight
The New Year’s Eve Party is back again, and we are so excited! Celebrate all things winter with candlelight walking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Hang out at the A-frame, and warm up with crackling bonfires. Stay for the FAMOUS ball drop at 7:59 PM. 1,000+ candle luminaries & lantern-lit trails! Bring your own sled and ice skates. S’mores and hot cocoa provided. Dogs are not permitted.
**$8/person, youth ages 5 and younger are free. Tickets on sale beginning December 1.

January 2026

Thursday, 1/1: Preston – Forestville Mystery Cave State Park – First Day Hike Candlelight Hike
Half the Park is After Dark! Kick off the New Year with an adventure under Southeast Minnesotas best night skies. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park is one of the rare places where the Milky Way still shines bright. Wander at your own pace beneath star – filled skies on a self-guided walk past Historic Forestville and along the South Branch Root River.

Friday, 1/2: 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. Park at Wayzata Gleason Elementary School, 210 County Road 101 North, Plymouth. Get directions from Google.

Saturday, 1/3: Little Falls – Charles A. Lindbergh State Park – Candle Light Hike & Snowshoe
Trade your screens for scenes! The Little Falls Chamber and Tourism invites you to experience the magic of Charles Lindbergh State Park after dark at our annual FREE Candle Light Hike/Snowshoe event! Walk, wander, and explore our historic park along a trail lit entirely by the beautiful, soft glow of hundreds of lanterns. This is a perfect, unique winter outing for the whole family!

Saturday, 1/3: Montevideo – Lac qui Parle State Park – Candlelight Hike
Hike by candlelight at Lac qui Parle State Park on January 3rd. Minnesota state parks and trails will host candlelight events across the state this winter, including one at Lac qui Parle State Park on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. Drop by any time between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm for hiking as stars twinkle overhead and candles flicker in the snow.

Monday, 1/5: Brooklyn Park – Historic Eidem Farm – Luminary Snowshoe
Explore the farm at night on snowshoes under the full moon! Walk the back loop and warm up by the campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores. This is a pre-registration event, limited quantities of snowshoes are provided. Feel free to bring your own if you have them.
**$8/person, register online.

Friday, 1/9: 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. Register online, by calling 763-572-3588, or pay at the door. Please check in at Springbrook’s front desk for the event.
**$5/person, children 2 and under are free.

Friday, 1/9: Lakeville – Ritter Farm Park – Illumination Walk
Walk or snowshoe the luminary trail at Ritter Farm Park in the glow of the candles and the light of the moon. Hundreds of flickering candles light the way around the trail. Bring your own snowshoe equipment or stroll on foot. Afterward, swing by the Ed Mako Environmental Learning Center cabin for a cup of cocoa. Strollers are not advised. Young children must be carried or pulled in a sled.

Saturday, 1/10: Park Rapids – Itasca State Park – Lantern Light Event
Bundle up to walk, snowshoe, or ski and let the glow of candlelight guide you through towering pines under a starry night sky. The lantern-lit trail will begin and end at the Forest Inn. Warm up by a campfire placed at the mid-point of the trail before heading back to the Forest Inn, where we invite you to gather outside on the heated patio or inside to enjoy live music.

Friday, 1/23: Bloomington – Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – Candlelight Trail & Community Night
Enjoy the warmth of community on a winter evening at the refuge! Take a walk on our candle lit luminary trail and get cozy in the Visitor Center and explore We Are Water exhibit as we celebrate the season with activities for all ages. Free snacks and cocoa courtesy of the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends! No registration required. This program has both indoor and outdoor activities.

Friday, 1/23: Stillwater – 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. Come and enjoy a walk along this Minnesota State Trail!

Saturday, 1/24: Duluth – Hartley Nature Center – Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe & Bike
Save the date for Hartley’s annual fundraiser event: Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe & Bike. Join us Saturday, January 24th, for an evening of winter fun. More details coming soon.

Saturday, 1/24: Maple Lake – Robert Ney Regional Park – Lantern Ski
Join us at Ney Park for a night of Cross-Country Ski fun! The trails will be groomed and lit to help guide you through the winter wonderland of Ney Park. Inside the Nature Center, there will be sweet treats and warm drinks to enjoy. Once you have your treats and drinks, you can head outside to sit by the fireside to warm your toes. In the event of no snow event will be turned into a hike.

Saturday, 1/24: Minneapolis – Old Highland Peace Garden – Northside Luminary Light Up
Come enjoy beautiful ice luminaries created by Northsiders and others for this new annual winter tradition for our community. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and s’mores around a bonfire. This event is free and open to the public. If you plan to come, please sign up and we will keep you apprised of any updates. Walk ups are welcome, too!

Saturday, 1/24: Mora – Nordic Center Ski Area – Lantern Loppet
Come out for a beautiful night to ski by lamp light! Events will start at dusk. There will be fires, friendship, marshmallows, hot chocolate, and of course some skiing. The Lantern Loppet will be held at the Nordic Center ski area in Mora. There will be a beautiful course through the woods lit by lanterns. Come and enjoy. Join us as the sun goes down and ski into the night.

Saturday, 1/24: Nerstrand – Nerstrand Big Woods State Park – Candlelight Event
Grab your warmest winter boots and snowshoes to experience the beauty of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park by candlelight! Complete your night by warming up next to a bonfire with some hot chocolate or cider provided by the Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. A limited number of snowshoes are available to rent on a first come-first served basis.

Saturday, 1/24: Owatonna – Brooktree Golf Course – Luminary Hike
Take a peaceful nighttime walk through Brooktree Golf Course, lit by hundreds of glowing luminaries beneath a blanket of stars.

Wednesday, 1/28: Bloomington – Richardson Nature Center – Lantern-lit Kicksledding
Try out a Scandinavian-style kicksled on a lantern-lit pond. Kicksleds have been described as chairs with ice skates or dogsleds without the dog. Bring your own s’mores ingredients to enjoy by a campfire. The nature center will stay open during the program to warm up and check out the exhibits. No reservations needed; drop in anytime. Participants ages 11 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday, 1/29: Faribault – River Bend Nature Center – Luminary Snowshoe and Hike
Enjoy the quiet of winter with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes. Then relax by a warm bonfire with a complimentary hot chocolate! In the event we do not have snow, the event will be held as a luminary hike. Anyone who rents snowshoes will be reimbursed for their rental only.
**$10/member, $15/member with rental, $15/non-member, $20/non-member with rental, 5 and under free.

Thursday, 1/29: Winona – Unity Park – Luminary Hike
Guests are invited to stroll along a clear, safe, hard path trail that is a three-quarter–mile loop within Unity Park at East Lake Winona. The hike is designed for all ages to enjoy at their own pace. As you walk, prepare to be amazed by a majestic wall of ice at the Winona Ice Park that will illuminate the night sky in brilliant, shifting colors—a spectacle that is sure to bring the winter season to life.

Friday, 1/30: Carver – Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – Light and Seek Luminary Walk
Enjoy a family-friendly and peaceful night that includes crafts and activities indoors and a full moon luminary hike on the trails! Please leave flashlights and dogs at home. This program is coordinated and led by Funky Minds, with support by refuge staff. Meet us at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. No registration required. This is a drop-in event. This event has activities indoors and outdoors.

Friday, 1/30: Duluth – Bay View Elementary School – Luminary Night
Join us for a FREE magical winter family fun night! We will have a story loop lit with hundreds of luminaries lighting the way. Also enjoy a campfire, s’mores, & hot chocolate!

Saturday, 1/31: Bemidji – Lake Bemidji State Park – Glow in the Snow Candlelight Snowshoe
Step into a winter wonderland and experience the magic of the season guided along a trail lined with flickering luminaries as you snowshoe through quiet woods and sparkling snow. Come enjoy the peaceful beauty of a winter night. Stop by the Lavinia Group Camp to warm up around a cozy campfire and at the Visitor Center for live music, hot cocoa and other refreshments.

Saturday, 1/31: Carlos – Lake Carlos State Park – Candlelight Event
Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight and moonlight. Walk the trail where you will be guided by the full moon, candles and lanterns. Then come warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview warming shelter.

Saturday, 1/31: Fairfax – Fort Ridgely State Park – Candlelight Hike
Fort Ridgely will hold its annual Candlelight Hike on January 31, 2026. As conditions allow, two looped trails will be open – one hilly and 1 mile in length, the second flatter and .75 mile in length. Snowshoers and skiers are welcome to bring their own equipment. Hot cocoa will be available at the chalet. The main trails start at the chalet, but if parking fills up there please park at the picnic area.

Saturday, 1/31: Little Falls – Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – Candlelight Ski
Mark your calendars for January 31, 2026 for our annual candlelight ski. The past few years have been candlelight hikes, but this year is starting out with a wealth of snow. Refreshments and a bonfire will be available.

Saturday, 1/31: Lynd – Camden State Park – Candlelight Hike
Come enjoy a magical winter night under the moon and stars at Camden State Park. Let the glow of hundreds of luminaries guide you on a 1-mile snow covered path through the trees. Then stop by the North Picnic Shelter to grab a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie while soaking up the warmth of a crackling campfire. Free-will donations go to support the Friends of Camden group.

Saturday, 1/31: 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. Trails will be determined closer to the event date. After exploring the trails, visitors can warm up near a crackling bonfire while they enjoy hot cider and cookies at the Interpretive/Visitor Center.

Saturday, 1/31: Red Wing – Mississippi National Golf Links – Friends of the Bluffs Luminary Hike or Snowshoe
Join us! Come out for an evening hike or snowshoe around the golf course with friends, family and the Red Wing Community. The fires will be lit and Mississipi National will have the bar open with great drink prices along with all you can eat chili for $9 per person. Hosted by RW Friends of the Bluffs and Mississippi National Golf Course. The event is free.

February 2026

Friday, 2/6: 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. Register online, by calling 763-572-3588, or pay at the door. Please check in at Springbrook’s front desk for the event.
**$5/person, children 2 and under are free.

Saturday, 2/7: Minneapolis – Luminary Loppet
Take a candlelit walk around Lake of the Isles, where more than 1,200 glowing luminaries guide you past dazzling ice features like the iconic ice pyramid, glowing enchanted forest, dazzling Luminary hall. Walk amidst giant penguins and polar bears, warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores and be mesmerized with fire dancers all in the heart of Minneapolis.
**$25/adult, $15/youth.

Thursday, 2/12: Brooklyn Park – Historic Eidem Farm – Luminary Snowshoe
Explore the farm at night on snowshoes under the full moon! Walk the back loop and warm up by the campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores. This is a pre-registration event, limited quantities of snowshoes are provided. Feel free to bring your own if you have them.
**$8/person, register online.

Thursday, 2/12: Edina – Centennial Lakes Park – Lakeside Luminary Walk
Join us for a Lakeside Luminary Walk at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina on Thursday, February 12, from dusk to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a candlelit stroll along the lake and a glowing winter evening. This is a free event. Registration is not required.

Thursday, 2/12: Faribault – River Bend Nature Center – Luminary Snowshoe and Hike
Enjoy the quiet of winter with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes. Then relax by a warm bonfire with a complimentary hot chocolate! In the event we do not have snow, the event will be held as a luminary hike. Anyone who rents snowshoes will be reimbursed for their rental only.
**$10/member, $15/member with rental, $15/non-member, $20/non-member with rental, 5 and under free.

2/13 to 2/14: Collegeville – Saint John’s Outdoor University – Luminary Hikes
Join Outdoor U in a community celebration of winter with an illuminated walk across Lake Sagatagan to the Stella Maris Chapel. There is NO registration needed and NO fees, but donations in support of Outdoor U programming on campus and in the community are welcomed and encouraged!

2/13 to 2/22: Duluth – Lake Superior Zoo – Luminary Walk
Walk through the Zoo, lit with 1,000 glowing ice luminaries! Experience a magical winter evening as you stroll candlelit paths surrounded by the beauty of the season. Warm up along the way with festive beverages from the Porcupine Pub, relax in cozy gathering spaces, and soak in the golden glow of a thousand lights.
**$10/person, $5/member, add-ons available for select nights.

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 2/13 to 3/29: Farmington – Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Trails by Lantern Light
Experience the beauty of park trails in winter. Bundle up and take a walk through hundreds of lanterns lighting up the trails at night. Enjoy these lit trails for free at both Lebanon Hills and Whitetail Woods regional parks during select dates. Enjoy the Empire Lake Loop at Whitetail Woods by Lantern Light!
Cozy up and take a stroll through lighted woods to experience the magic of winter in Minnesota.

Saturday, 2/14: Bemidji – Lake Bemidji State Park – Twilight Trails Candlelight Ski
Come on out to Lake Bemidji State Park for our annual candlelight ski! Glide through the winter woods lit by the soft glow of candles and enjoy a peaceful evening on groomed ski trails. Afterwards, warm up by the bonfire and roast marshmallows at the Dining Hall and stop by the Visitor Center for live music and refreshments.

Saturday, 2/14: Park Rapids – Itasca State Park – Lantern Light Event
Join us for the Lantern Light Event at Itasca State Park this holiday weekend! Bundle up and let the glow of candlelight guide you on an enchanting stroll to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Linger by the campfire and listen to the river flow across the frozen landscape. The Headwaters Trail is a 0.5-mile loop that is easy to follow, hard-packed, and flat.

Saturday, 2/14: Starbuck – Glacial Lakes State Park – Candlelight Event
Walk or snowshoe the trail if conditions allow. You will be guided by lantern light along the way or come take in the views of the stars overhead with help from GLASS. If the weather/sky conditions allow, Glacial Lakes Astronomy and Stargazing Society (GLASS) will be on hand to point out a few neat stars and constellations that are in view.

Saturday, 2/14: Two Harbors – Gooseberry Falls State Park – Candlelight Event
Join us for a special evening of winter fun at Gooseberry Falls State Park for an unforgettable experience skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking. Begin at the Visitor Center and follow glowing luminaries along the trail. A bonfire and marshmallows await at the Lady Slipper Amphitheater and hot beverages and cookies are available at the Visitor Center.

Friday, 2/20: Cottage Grove – Dodge Nature Center – Light Up the Night Luminary Hike
Experience the winter woods aglow at Shepard Farm and help shine light on local need! Bring one non-perishable food item to enjoy a self-guided luminary hike through the woods. Stop by the Education Center to drop off your donation and warm up by the bonfire with a cup of hot cocoa. This program is free—just bring one non-perishable food item per person.

Friday, 2/20: Norwood Young America – Baylor Regional Park – Candlelit Night at Baylor
Glide through candlelit trails on our cross country skis or throw on a pair of snowshoes and check out the luminaries. Climb aboard the hayride for a trip to the Eagle Lake Observatory and view the stars with the Minnesota Astronomical Society. Slide around on some kicksleds, and then warm up with hot cocoa, cider, and s’mores! This event is fun for the whole family, however, skiing is best for ages 6+.
**$7-$12/person, ages 2 and under free.

Saturday, 2/21: Eyota – Chester Woods Park – Candlelight Snowshoe/Hike
Meet at the boat ramp kiosk with your snowshoes and join park staff on a leisurely stroll along one of the parks groomed, multi-use trails. This will be an informal hike and time to learn about and enjoy Chester Woods. If snow/weather conditions are not favorable this program will be cancelled.

Saturday, 2/21: Waskish – Big Bog State Recreation Area – Winter’s Glow Candlelight Snowshoe
Experience the magic of a winter evening on a serene snowshoe walk along the Old Caribou Camp Trail illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. Wander in peace under the starlit sky, surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter. This enchanting woodland experience is perfect for all skill levels, providing a unique way to enjoy the season’s tranquility.

2/27 and 2/28: Wabasha – Izaak Walton Park – Luminary Trail
During this year’s Grumpy Old Men Winter Festival, Scouting America Pack 62 is creating a magical Luminary Trail that connects the festival fun at Izaak Walton Park to the heart of Downtown Wabasha. As the sun sets, the trail will come to life with glowing luminaries lining your path — a little winter sparkle guiding you from the ice-fishing, curling and live music excitement to Wabasha’s warm and welcoming Main Street.

Saturday, 2/28: Carlos – Lake Carlos State Park – Candlelight Event
Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight and moonlight. Walk the trail where you will be guided by the full moon, candles and lanterns. Then come warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview warming shelter.

Saturday, 2/28: Norwood Young America – Baylor Regional Park – Candlelit Night at Baylor
Glide through candlelit trails on our cross country skis or throw on a pair of snowshoes and check out the luminaries. Climb aboard the hayride for a trip to the Eagle Lake Observatory and view the stars with the Minnesota Astronomical Society. Slide around on some kicksleds, and then warm up with hot cocoa, cider, and s’mores! This event is fun for the whole family, however, skiing is best for ages 6+.
**$7-$12/person, ages 2 and under free.

March 2026

Friday, 3/6: 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. Register online, by calling 763-572-3588, or pay at the door. Please check in at Springbrook’s front desk for the event.
**$5/person, children 2 and under are free.