A giant illuminated ornament makes a photo stop along the light tour.
Just east of the Twin Cities, Sam’s Christmas Village & Light Tour fills a wooded property along the Apple River in Somerset, Wisconsin, with holiday lights. Sam’s has more than 26 million lights for 2026, plus a Christmas market, Santa, reindeer and a sledding hill. The season runs from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
Give Me The Mike received compensation for this article.
I’ve visited Sam’s many of times, and my favorite way to experience it is on a walk-thru night. You can stop for photos, explore at your own pace and take a break to warm up. Somerset is across the St. Croix River from Minnesota, making it an option for a holiday outing from the Twin Cities or Stillwater.
Is Sam’s Christmas Village walk-thru or drive-thru?
Most 2026 dates are walk-thru. The two drive-thru nights are Monday, December 14, and Tuesday, December 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Sam’s is closed November 30–December 2, December 7–9 and Christmas Eve. It is open on Christmas Day. Check the official event calendar for your specific date, especially during the final week of the season.
The gravel walking trails are about a mile long. Sam’s says wagons and strollers are allowed, though a small sled may be easier after snowfall. Guests who have difficulty using snowy trails can ask about a courtesy shuttle on walk-thru nights.
What else is there to do?
Beyond the lights, Sam’s offers a European-style Christmas market with vendors Thursday through Sunday, food and drinks, live reindeer and a sledding hill. Santa is scheduled to appear in the market through December 27. You can also reserve a heated S’more Cabin with supplies and a private campfire; cabins must be booked ahead.
Sam’s Christmas Village 2026 tickets and parking
Regular walk-thru admission is $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 4–10; children 3 and younger enter free. Sam’s offers $12 military admission with valid ID. Drive-thru admission is $15, with free admission for children 3 and younger. Parking on walk-thru nights is $10 cash per vehicle. Tickets are available online or at the entrance.
For visits planned early, Sam’s lists online early-bird walk-thru tickets through Oct. 31, 2026, at $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 4–10. Check the ticket page for the price that applies when you purchase.
Know before you go
- Address: 710 Spring St., Somerset, WI 54025
- Gate hours: 5–8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5–9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The lights stay on an hour after the gate closes; check the calendar for individual dates.
- Bring cash for parking: The $10 walk-thru parking fee is cash only.
- Dress for the trails: This is an outdoor experience with gravel paths that can become snowy.
- Pets: Friendly pets are allowed on leashes; clean up after them.
- Food: Food and drinks are sold on site. Sam’s does not allow outside food or beverages.
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