Minnesota Christmas Lights Displays

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. The excitement my son Wyatt, 4, and my daughter, Harper, 7, have for this activity is the best. They get filled with holiday cheer, usually we stop for coffee and hot chocolate at Caribou off Pinecone Rd in Sartell before we head out on our adventure.

I came across a list of places to visit in Minnesota. I know this will come in handy this holiday season for our family. I wanted to share these locations with you. I hope it helps.

Here is a list of Holiday spots to hit up (included is links to the attractions): 

Rice Park – St. Paul MN
Rice Park captures the spirit of the holiday season with a tree as tall and bright as the iconic Rockefeller Center tree in New York City. The gigantic tree in Rice Park will be lit 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 15,000 energy-efficient LED lights. The park will sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights and other holiday décor. WinterSkate Ice Skating Rink.

Winter Lights at the Arboretum, Chanhassen MN
Winter Lights is a family friendly display that welcomes all ages. Strollers and wagon are permited. Many display areas are conducive to walking and enjoying the lights. The Winter Farm has larger area for running around. The Winter farm will have a kiddie haybale maze designed to let the kids run and play.

The Oval – Roseville MN
The OVAL glows! Come on out and enjoy the Holiday lights in the Twin Cities most beautiful skating venue!

The Spirit of Winter Holiday Light Show at Sovereign Estate Wine – Waconia MN
Over 10 acres of the beautiful estate is illuminated with LED lights synchronized to music powered the their solar energy array. Many attractions include live petting llamas, Santa’s photo sleigh, the Holly Trolley Tractor ride, deck hockey, Nana’s Gingerbread playhouse, Illuminated Angel Garden, children’s snow maze, and a life size Nativity.

Shakopee Winter Wonderland – Shakopee, MN
A place where a family can visit with Santa and walk the path of amazing Christmas lights. Also we have crafts, cookies, hot cocoa and coffee in the garage. Owned by Roger Schmidt.

Holiday Lights on York Ave (aka Schultz Family Lights) – St Paul MN
Neighborhood holiday light extravaganza. Free

Kiwanis Holiday Lights – Mankato MN
Walk or Drive Through the Animated Lights. Free admission for all vehicles and walkers. Food and cash donations accepted. Skating Rink, Warming House, Heated Restrooms.

Bentleyville Duluth – Duluth, MN
Bentleyville is America’s largest, free walk through Christmas light display. You can also ride the train to Bentleyville!

Winter Wonderland – Brainerd MN
Breathtaking lights, reflecting off of the sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays will delight visitors as they drive through the Sertoma Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum.

Create your own route. MNHolidayLights.com has maps to homes that have Christmas Holiday Light Shows Synchronized to Music.

I am hoping this year to make the 2.5 hour drive to Duluth to visit Bentleyville. I have heard great things about it and haven't been there before. So hoping to check a few of these destinations off my list.