Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Minnesota
Just a short drive north from downtown Minneapolis, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul transforms into a winter wonderland as the holiday season arrives. About 10 minutes from downtown, this beloved spot offers a dazzling display inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, where tropical plants and desert flora shimmer beneath thousands of twinkling lights. Walking through the Sunken Garden, visitors encounter a setting that feels both fantastical and serene, with holiday-themed exhibits that blend nature’s beauty and festive decor. The combination of glass architecture and delicate illumination makes it a magical place to experience the holidays, especially on crisp winter evenings when the warm glow inside contrasts beautifully with the chilly air outside.
Heading west from the Twin Cities to the charming town of Stillwater, roughly 30 minutes northeast of Minneapolis along the St. Croix River, the historic Lift Bridge and downtown district sparkle with seasonal cheer. The bridge itself becomes a focal point, wrapped in strands of colorful lights that reflect off the water below, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a classic winter postcard. Strolling along the riverwalk, visitors can enjoy the quaint shops and eateries decked out in festive garlands and luminous displays. The old-world architecture combined with the natural beauty of the river makes Stillwater’s holiday lights uniquely inviting, capturing the nostalgic spirit of a cozy Minnesota winter night.
A bit further southwest, Rochester offers a spectacular holiday experience at Silver Lake Park, about 1.5 hours southeast of Minneapolis. This park hosts a classic drive-through light show that winds along the lake’s edge, showcasing hundreds of thousands of sparkling bulbs choreographed to music. The gentle loop around Silver Lake is perfect for families and visitors seeking a relaxed, immersive experience amid the bright seasonal colors. What sets this lights show apart is its lakeside setting; the reflections dance on the water, doubling the visual impact and creating an almost theatrical display of holiday cheer. Early evening visits provide the best contrast between fading daylight and the glowing lights.
In Duluth, on the northern edge of Minnesota’s Lake Superior shoreline, Canal Park offers a spectacular holiday illumination that brightens up the often gray winter skies. Situated about 150 miles northeast of Minneapolis, this vibrant district embraces its maritime heritage with festive lights strung across the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge and along the lakewalk, where the fresh, bracing air adds to the sensory experience. Visitors can watch ships coming into the harbor, their silhouettes framed by strings of holiday lights, while enjoying local eateries or browsing artisan shops. The combination of rugged lakefront, historic engineering, and festive decorations creates a singular holiday ambiance that is both lively and picturesque.
Further north, about two hours from Duluth, the town of Grand Marais on the shores of Lake Superior hosts a more intimate and artsy holiday lights scene. Known as an artist’s enclave, Grand Marais features galleries and boutiques that illuminate their windows with handcrafted decorations and soft, warm lights. During winter, the harbor area becomes particularly enchanting, with colorful lights reflecting on the icy bay and the Sawtooth Mountains standing silhouetted behind. The community’s embrace of handmade and locally inspired decorations sets this experience apart, making it less about overwhelming spectacle and more about cozy, heartfelt celebration. Evening strolls here offer a peaceful way to soak in the holiday spirit amid natural beauty.
In southern Minnesota, about an hour south of the Twin Cities, the town of Red Wing offers a historic charm with its downtown district glowing under the holiday lights. The city’s distinctive limestone buildings line the streets, their ornate facades outlined in twinkling white lights that highlight architectural details often overlooked. The scenic view from Barn Bluff, a prominent overlook just outside town, becomes even more magical at night when the town below is a sea of festive illumination. Visitors who hike the Bluff Trail during daylight are rewarded with panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley and the town’s lights emerging at dusk, blending natural grandeur with human celebration in a way unique to this region.
Lastly, about an hour west of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska offers a holiday lights experience grounded in nature. This expansive garden features miles of walking trails lined with creative light installations that emphasize the shapes and textures of trees and plants rather than just sheer brightness. The arboretum’s approach to holiday lighting celebrates the quiet beauty of the natural world in winter, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate subtle glimmers amidst the snow and evergreens. Crisp winter nights are ideal for this outing, as the frost and cold air enhance the sparkle and make the experience feel like stepping into a living holiday card. The Arboretum’s blend of horticulture and illumination creates a thoughtful, immersive festive experience distinctive from the usual flashy displays.