If you’re looking for a magical spot to celebrate the holiday season, head just a few minutes east 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 Minneapolis. 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 16 million lights, Sam’s is open 7 nights a week from November 28, 2025 through January 2, 2026 (closed closed December 1-3, 8-10 & Christmas Eve). On select Monday and Tuesday nights (December 16 – 17, 2025), the one-mile route is drive-thru only, giving people who may not want to or be able to walk through the display the opportunity to view the lights from the warmth of their vehicle. Wednesdays through Sundays, it is walk-thru only and closed off to cars. From my experience, it’s best as a walk-thru 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. You’ll also find a 32 foot tall Sam’s Christmas Village sign that will be a great photo opp.
When you go on a walk-thru 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, no matter if there isn’t snow in your yard.
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. Bluff cabins, which allow you to park your car right next to your cabin, allows for easy access in and out.
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. On a Friday night, there was no wait for us at the ticket window.
Note that on walk-thru 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 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (closed December 1-3, 8-10 & Christmas Eve)
5:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday – Thursday (must arrive by 8:00 pm), 5:00 – 10:00 pm Friday – Saturday (must arrive by 9:00 pm)
December 15 – 16 are drive-thru, all other nights are walk-thru
16 million+ lights
Drive-thru tickets: $15, free kids 3 and under
Walk-thru tickets: $25 adults, $20 kids ages 4-10, free kids 3 and under
Members of the military receive admission for $12 (bring your military ID)
$10 parking (cash only)
Includes on-site vendor market
Know before you go
My advice for planning a trip to Sam’s:
• If you go on a walk-thru 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. Note that tickets are cheaper when you buy them online!
• You will have to walk a bit from the parking lot to the entrance. 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 instead of using 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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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.