Updated September 2026
I asked Twin Cities Live viewers and my Facebook audience to share their favorite holiday light displays in Minnesota. Hundreds voted, and I featured these five destinations on Twin Cities Live’s Worth the Trip series. The original picks still make a fun starting point for a holiday outing, whether you want to stay warm in the car or walk among the lights.
Planning a 2026 visit? Three of these displays have published their 2026 schedules. Sleepy Eye has announced its return but has not posted dates, while Sever’s has not posted 2026 holiday tickets. Check each display’s website before you leave.
Five Holiday Light Displays in Minnesota Worth the Trip
Sleepy Eye
Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion
Where: Sportsman’s Park, 1000 3rd Ave. NW, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
Experience: Drive-thru and walk-thru
2026 dates and hours: To be announced
At Sportsman’s Park beside Sleepy Eye Lake, visitors can see animated holiday lights from their vehicles or explore the display on foot. Tune your car radio to 89.1 FM for music during the drive-thru visit. The organizers say the display will return in 2026; watch their website for the season schedule and special event nights.
Willmar
Celebrate the Light of the World
Where: Robbins Island Regional Park, Willmar, MN 56201
Hours: 5–10 p.m. daily
Dates: Nov. 26–Dec. 31, 2026
Experience: Drive-thru
This Robbins Island display grew from a light show at the Koosman family home into a Willmar holiday tradition. Drive through the park to see the lights, with places to pull over and spend more time watching the animated sections. Donations collected near the exit support four area organizations.
Mankato
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Where: Sibley Park, Mankato, MN
Hours: 5–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday; 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Dates: Nov. 27–Dec. 31, 2026
Experience: Drive-thru and walk-thru
Choose how you want to see this volunteer-run display: drive through Sibley Park or park nearby and walk among the lights. Admission is free, and organizers accept cash and nonperishable food donations. Drivers must enter from Sibley Parkway; walkers have separate entrances. If your schedule allows it, the organizers recommend a weeknight to avoid longer lines.
Shakopee
Sever’s Holiday Lights
Where: 3121 150th St. W., Shakopee, MN 55379
Experience: Drive-thru
2026 dates, hours and ticket prices: To be announced
Sever’s has offered a ticketed drive-thru holiday light show at its Shakopee festival grounds. Its holiday ticket page does not yet list a 2026 season. Check the official site for confirmation and current prices before planning a visit.
Duluth
Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”
Where: Bayfront Festival Park, 700 W. Railroad St., Duluth, MN 55802
Hours: 5–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday; 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Dates: Nov. 21–Dec. 26, 2026
Experience: Walk-thru
Bundle up for a walk along Duluth’s waterfront at Bentleyville. Admission is free, and the event offers complimentary hot chocolate and other treats. On-site parking costs $12 per vehicle, or $10 when paying cash. Bentleyville estimates that its three-quarter-mile route takes about 30–45 minutes to walk.
Want More Places to See Holiday Lights?
For more options, including neighborhood displays, explore my Minnesota Holiday Lights Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these displays can I see without leaving my car?
Celebrate the Light of the World is a drive-thru display. Kiwanis Holiday Lights and Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion also offer drive-thru viewing. Sever’s has previously offered a drive-thru show, but its 2026 season has not yet been posted.
Which displays can I walk through?
Bentleyville is a walk-thru event. Kiwanis Holiday Lights and Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion also offer ways to explore on foot.
Are these holiday light displays free?
Kiwanis Holiday Lights and Bentleyville offer free admission, though Bentleyville charges for on-site parking. Willmar welcomes donations. Check the organizers’ sites for current details about the other displays.
More Best of Minnesota Guides
- 5 best places to play bingo in Minnesota
- The 5 best meat raffles in Minnesota
- The 5 best restaurants for fried fish in Minnesota
- Hidden gems at the 5 best museums in Minnesota
- 18 Mexican restaurants in Minnesota worth the trip
- The best ice cream shops in Minnesota
- The best restaurant, brewery and winery patios in Minnesota
- The 17 best restaurants for breakfast in Minnesota
- The 5 best coffee shops in Minnesota
- The best pizzerias in Minnesota
- 7 top spots for a margarita in the Twin Cities
- 17 favorite bookstores in the Twin Cities
- 19 favorite meat markets in Minnesota and western Wisconsin
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
If you want more, sign up for my monthly e-newsletter!