Check out Give Me The Mike’s 2023 Minnesota Holiday Lights Guide, featuring nearly 150 displays. Powered by Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour
If you’re looking for a magical spot to celebrate the holiday season, head just a few minutes of the St. Croix River to Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour in Somerset, Wisconsin.
Don’t let crossing the State line stop you from visiting. It took me only 40 minutes during rush hour to get to Somerset from St. Paul. Once you’re in Stillwater, it’s less than 20 minutes. If you’re familiar with Somerset, Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour sits on the site of Float Rite Park, along the banks of the Apple River.
With more than 12 million lights, Sam’s is open 7 nights a week from November 24 through December 31, 2023 (closed Christmas Eve). On select Monday and Tuesday nights, the one-mile route is drive-through only, giving people who may not want to or be able to walk through the display the chance to enjoy it. Then from Wednesdays through Sundays, it is walk-through only and is closed off to cars. From my experience, it’s best as a walk-through experience, as there are a lot of photo opportunities along the route.
In addition to the typical lit trees, there’s a great light display dedicated to the armed forces and first responders. There’s a 53 foot tall Santa to greet you as you enter, and a 55 foot tall Christmas tree. When you go on a walk-through night, you can do the display in whatever order you wish and go at your own pace, which is really nice if you want to take breaks to warm up or use the restroom.
The one-mile light display is just the beginning at Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour. Thursday-Sunday nights, Sam’s is home to an European-style Christmas Market with beverages, treats and gifts for sale. Santa is there, and he’s the real deal. There are reindeer on site, too. And if the kiddos are wishing for snow, they have a sledding hill that’s ready to go, despite the lack of snow from Mother Nature so far this year.
There’s also a restaurant on-site offering a family-friendly menu, beverages for kids and adults, and a place to warm up.
If you’re heading up there with a group, you have the option of renting out a heated cabin for the evening. It includes a s’mores kit, a visit from Santa and a private home base for your group. New this year are bluff cabins, which allow you to park your car right next to your cabin, allowing for easy access in and out of the display.
You can buy tickets to Sam’s online. If you decide not to go the night you buy them for, don’t worry, you can use them another day this year. Tickets are also available at the gate. There was no wait time for us on a Friday night at the ticket window. Note that on walk-through nights, there is a $10 cash only parking fee.
The details
Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour
710 Spring Street
Somerset, WI 54025
November 24-December 31, 2023 (closed Christmas Eve)
Sunday-Thursday 5:00-9:00 P.M. (must arrive by 8:00 P.M.), Friday-Saturday 5:00-10:00 P.M. (must arrive by 9:00 P.M.). Click here for details
Drive-through available November 27-28, December 4-5, December 11-12. All other nights are walk-through
12 million lights
Drive-through tickets: $15 adults, $10 kids ages 3-10, free kids 2 and under (available at entrance, cash or credit card)
Walk-through tickets: $20 adults, $10 kids ages 3-10, free kids 2 and under (available at entrance, cash or credit card)
50% off for members of the military (bring your military ID)
$10 parking on walk-through nights (cash only)
Includes on-site vendor market
Know before you go
- If you go on a walk-through night, remember that parking is $10, cash only.
- You can order tickets online in advance, but we had no issue getting them at the door on a Friday night. If you order them online, you can use them for any night.
- You will have to walk a bit from the parking lot to the entrance and the property is 40 acres! Sam’s offers free courtesy shuttles that will take you around — you just have to ask!
- Dogs are welcome!
- If you have little kids, find a wagon vs a stroller. Some of the paths are gravel, and it’ll be much easier to get around. If it does snow, a sled would be your best bet.
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Click here for the 2023 Minnesota Holiday Lights Guide, featuring nearly 150 displays
I have a question about the drive through only nights. Can you hop out and take pics along the way?
You can’t really pull over and stop the flow of traffic, but typically you’re driving slow enough where someone in your car can get a good photo.
This year has been so hard and I really wanna be able to bring my kids here this year. Is there any places that have coupons for this?
Do you think this display is worth the money? Also, how long do you estimate it would take to cover this by foot?
I do think that Sam’s is worth the $12 admission fee. Even when you toss in the $10 for parking, it’s cheaper than other displays. I would give yourself a good 30-45 minutes to walk the route if you want to take pictures.
Can I have a free ticket for grandparents
Hello
So we can pay upon arrival?
Thankyou
Correct! Tickets are available at the gate.
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