The holiday season is the perfect time to get out, enjoy the sparkle of lights, and make new memories — whether you’re staying local or planning a weekend escape. Below are some of the best light displays in and around our area, from walk-through botanical wonderlands to festive stadium spectacles and even a must-visit in Duluth.
Here are some of the top holiday light destinations to feature on your blog, plus details, pricing, and links — great for families, couples, or prospective clients looking for local charm.
🎄 Magic of Lights – Omni/Viking Lakes, Eagan
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Dates: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
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Times: Mon–Thu 5:30–9 PM | Fri–Sun 5:30–10 PM
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Price: Online: $31–$36 per car | Gate: $42
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Experience: Drive-through LED light show with animated holiday scenes. Fun for all ages! The Omni Viking Lakes hotel also offers festive “Lights & Nights” packages.
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Website: Magic of Lights
🌟 Winter Lights – Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
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Dates: Nov 20 – Dec 31, 2025
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Times: 4:30–9 PM
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Price: Members: $10 | Non-members: $25 | Children under 16: Free
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Experience: Walk-through gardens and buildings decorated with holiday-themed lights. Enjoy s’mores, hot drinks, seasonal food, and special family or adults-only nights.
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Website: Arboretum Winter Lights
✨ GLOW Holiday Festival – CHS Field, St. Paul
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Dates: Nov 20, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
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Times: Entry 5–8 PM | Festival closes at 9 PM
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Price: Adults (13+): $21.75 | Kids (3–12): $12.75 | 2 & under: Free
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Experience: Walk-through festival with over a million lights, synchronized light shows, giant tree, zip line, snowy slide, heated suites, and charity contributions.
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Website: GLOW Festival
🎅 Bentleyville Tour of Lights – Duluth (Weekend Getaway!)
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Dates: Nov 22 – Dec 27, 2025
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Times: Sun–Thu 5–9 PM | Fri–Sat 5–10 PM
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Price: Free admission | Parking: $10 per vehicle
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Experience: Minnesota’s iconic walk-through display with tunnels, Santa visits, gift shop, fire pits, hot cocoa, and cookies. Perfect for a festive weekend trip.
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Website: Bentleyville Duluth
🎁 Sever’s Holiday Lights – Shakopee
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Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 28, 2025
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Times: 5–9 PM daily
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Price: Sunday–Thu: $30 (1–7 people) / $45 (8+) | Fri–Sat & peak: $45–$60
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Experience: Drive-through with 2.5M+ synchronized lights, plus a “Woods Walk” of larger installations. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Seasonal treats available.
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Website: Sever’s Holiday Lights
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Plan ahead for timing
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For busy spots like Bentleyville, check their Crowd‑O‑Meter to pick quieter nights.
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For ticketed events (like GLOW), reserve entry times in advance — especially on weekends.
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Dress warm
Walking displays (Arboretum, Bentleyville) can be chilly. Bring layers, comfortable shoes, and maybe skip the stroller for kids if you want to get the full experience. -
Use public parking or shuttle options
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At GLOW (CHS Field), there are multiple ramp/lot options, but expect some traffic.
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For Bentleyville, parking lots fill up fast. Consider arriving after 7 PM or on a weekday if you want an easier entry.
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Make it a weekend getaway
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Pair a trip to Bentleyville in Duluth with dinner in Canal Park, a walk along the shore, or staying overnight to make the most of the drive.
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