Light It Up: Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota Christmas & Holiday Light Displays
Who knew there were this many homes decorated with amazing Christmas lights out there? The people who create this Holiday magic year after year are Christmas heroes. They don’t do this for money (although some collect a little something for a charity), but year after year they get out in Minnesota weather and put up displays for the community to enjoy. Why sit home and watch The Great Christmas Light Fight, when you can experience the magic up close.
2021 is looking promising. Events are coming back and homeowners are feeling good about getting out there and decorating. Enjoy these dancing lights on your own schedule anytime before Santa’s sleigh arrives (or at least by New Year’s day).
We have also included some paid tours and Twin Cities-area community Christmas tree lightings in our lists of holiday light displays. Even if you can’t make the tree lighting event, check out these locations during December. Displays will be up all month.
Submissions are open for 2021. Feel free to recommend your own home or a particularly beautiful Christmas Lights display. Tell us what sets your display apart. If you want us to link to your website or Facebook page, include that information, and we would be happy to share photos.
We always appreciate the feedback if you find any holiday light displays that are no longer happening or have a site to add, leave a comment, and we’ll share.
(Most recently updated 10/26/21)
Christmas Lights Map
Table of Contents
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
Minneapolis & St. Paul 2021 Holiday Light Displays & Christmas Tree Lightings
Saint Paul Holiday Displays
GLOW Holiday Festival
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108
This year, there is more than a drive-through: Over a million lights, photo plaza, ice palace (3 stories), bike-powered tree, food court, Sky Glider rides. November 18, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Pre-purchase Tickets. $20.75/Adult General Admission; $12.75/Children (ages 5-12) Admission; $75.00/VIP Adult. Children ages 4 & under are Free!
Governor’s Residence
1006 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
A 25-foot evergreen tree and 400-feet of garland will be on display on the front of the Residence with over 15,000 colorful lights. No scheduled tours this year, but you can still drive by and see the beautiful decorations. Take a drive down summit avenue, for an extended tour of the beautiful historic homes on this block.
Rice Park
109 West 4th Street, St Paul, MN 55102
Rice Park is filled with thousands of lights each year. The public is invited to drive by or walk through the park to enjoy the lights.
Mears Park
221 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
If you have half an hour for a stroll, consider a walk from Rice Park to Mears Park. They are less than a mile apart and both are beautifully decorated.
Union Depot Holiday Tree Lighting
North Plaza, 4th Street between Sibley and Wacouta, St. Paul, 55101 Usually the first weekend of December. Drive by the North Plaza any evening after that date to see the the tree, which will be lit through December.
Schultz Family Lights/Holiday Lights on York
1526 York Ave, St. Paul 55106
Comprised of 9 yards on both sides of the street dancing to holiday favorites you can listen to on your car radio. Synchronized to 91.5. Collecting food shelf donations for the holiday season. 5-10 pm. Verified by Homeowner for 2020.
Cathedral Illuminated: The Manger
Cathedral of St Paul, 239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Last year, the Christmas story was told with large-scale light murals accompanied by uplifting music projected on the front of the Cathedral of Saint Paul for one week in mid-December. We’ll watch for it again in 2021.
Grand Meander Tree Lighting
Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
The great tree is lit outside Charlemagne Fine Jewelry around 5pm. The whole day is filled with exploring the shopping district, soup tasting, carolers, trolley rides, Santa visits and more. Dec. 5, 2021.
Minneapolis Holiday Lights
House on Howard
2418 Howard Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Also does a Halloween Show. Verified for 2020 by homeowner.
Hayden’s Holiday Lights
(fka Holiday Light Show on Lyndale)
5205 Washburn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Mon-Thu: 4:30-9pm; Fri-Sat: 4:30-10pm. All of December. Verified by Homeowner for 2020, beginning Thanksgiving weekend.
Seward Tree Lighting Ceremony
Triangle Park, 1489-1519 E 54th St, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Gather in Triangle Park to light up the park, part of the annual Seward Winter Frolic. 2021 TBA.
CSE Winter Light Show
University of Minnesota, Civil Engineering Courtyard, 500 Pillsbury Dr. S. E., Minneapolis 55455
A dazzling light show designed by science and engineering students. The high-tech light show features more than 250,000 LED lights set to music written and recorded by University of Minnesota students. FREE and open to the public! 2020 was virtual. Take a look at a video highlighting the last 10 years while you wait for 2021 TBA.
Reader Recommendation
53rd and Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55430
“…it’s his 25th year of lighting up the house. There are 39,000 lights just on the trees alone and some great vintage displays.” – Lisa 2019.
Northwest Metro Holiday Light Displays & Christmas Tree Lightings
ANDOVER:
Cairl Family Christmas Lights
2342 145th Avenue NW, Andover, MN 55304
Sun-Thurs 5:00-9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 5:00-10:30. Collects donations for 23rd Veteran.
Andover Christmas Lights
2347 141st Lane NW, Andover, MN 55304
Confirmed by homeowner for 2021. The show runs December 1st through 31st; 5-10 pm Sunday- Thursday and 5-11 pm Friday and Saturday.
Brastrup Display
3452 133rd Lane NW, Andover, MN 55304
Another big display in Andover. Confirmed by homeowner for 2021.
ANOKA:
Anoka Tree Lighting
Anoka City Hall River Plaza, 2015 First Avenue Anoka, MN 55303
Tree Lighting is traditionally Friday evening. Enjoy horse-drawn trolley rides, holiday music, bonfires, and Santa. All Day. Dec. 4-5, 2021.
BLAINE:
Durrant Family Lights
1750 130th Avenue NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Tune in to 87.9. Verified for 2021 with homeowner (Also does a Halloween Show)
Lights on Duke
12057 Duke Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55434
Run by the Hanson Family Lights family.
Winter Celebration & Lighting
Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Dr. NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Besides the lighting of Tom Ryan Park, families can enjoy costumed carolers, a swing band, s’mores by the fire, hot chocolate and an appearance by Santa and his reindeer.
BROOKLYN PARK:
Night Lights Tour
Last year, Brooklyn Park shared an interactive map of participating homes in its Night Lights Tour. We’ll watch for 2021 information, but in the meantime, last year’s participating homes are a good bet for creating your own lucky tour this year.
CHAMPLIN:
Deck the House – Holiday Decorating Contest
Champlin created a google map of Deck the House participants last year. Whether or not the city offers a similar contest in 2021, these homes are good places to check on your holiday house tour.
COON RAPIDS:
Hope Lights: Hallvenbruersen’s Christmas Display
12401 Partridge St NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Usually up and running by the last weekend of November. Lights run 5-10 pm nightly.
Hanson Family Lights
555 120th Lane NW, Coon Rapids MN 55448
Facebook page will be updated with hours once lights are up. We hope to see them back in 2021.
ELK RIVER:
Warnke Christmas Display
17978 Fresno St NW Elk River, MN 55330
Lights to music 5-10 daily. The homeowners tell us that there is also another nice display on Main straight just around the corner. Submitted by homeowners in 2020.
FRIDLEY:
Winter Lights Contest & Tour
Residents are again invited to participate in Fridley’s Winter Lights Contest in 2021. This year’s map will be a available December 16, 2021.
In the meantime, print a PDF Map of the 18 households that participated in last year’s winter lights contest. Make the trip more fun by printing a Winter Lights Bingo Card for the kids of all ages to mark off. While we can’t guarantee that all these homes will decorate again this year. They make a good probability when heading out for a holiday lights house tour until the new list comes out.
MAPLE GROVE:
6809 Cottonwood Ln N., Maple Grove MN
Tune to radio station 87.9, Show times are on the half hour. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 every night added show at 9:30 on Friday and Saturday. Static lights when not running. Verified by owner for 2020.
Montrose:
Mindy Lane Holiday Display
135 Mindy Ln, Montrose, MN 55363
Light show runs from 5pm-10pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm-11pm Friday and Saturday evenings. Confirmed for 2021.
NEW HOPE:
Larson’s Lights
3549 Ensign Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427
Synchronized to 87.9. Shows scheduled to begin November 26, 2021, 4:30pm-11pm.
OSSEO:
Osseo MiniDazzle Tree Lighting
Boerboom Veterans Park, 416 Central Avenue Osseo, MN 55369
2021 Details coming. Light Parade and tree lighting at 6pm. Pictures with Santa, a bonfire and other entertainment follows. Dec 3, 2021, 6-8pm
PLYMOUTH:
PD Shimmers
4320 Ithaca Lane N, Plymouth MN & 4100 Juneau Ln N, Plymouth MN
The show covers 8 homes on Ithaca Lane featuring over 60,000 lights and 200 channels of computer animation. Synchronized to 90.9. Accepts donations for Charity. Verified for 2020.
Plymouth Lights: Christmas at the Fischer’s Place
16700 33rd Ave N, Plymouth MN
Sun-Thurs: 5:30-9:30; Fri-Sat: 5:30-10pm. Runs Dec 1-31 (except Christmas Eve). Confirmed for 2020.
Joy to the Season
4810 Orchid Ln N, Plymouth, MN
Nightly 6pm-Midnight. Thanksgiving night through New Years. Confirmed for 2020.
Deck the Yard Contest
Participants can enter until December 18th and a Map and List will be published for the week of December 28th.
Things To Consider When Planning Your Family's Holiday Light Tour
1. Each year, we lose a couple more awesome light shows because the traffic gets too heavy. We beg our readers to please remember to be respectful of the homeowners and their neighbors when viewing these light displays.
Northeast Metro Holiday Light Displays & Christmas Tree Lightings
CIRCLE PINES:
Barno Family Lights
4102 88th Ln NE, Circle Pines, MN 55014
Opening Night: Friday, November 26, 2021.
HAM LAKE:
Mellem Family Christmas Light Show
301 173rd Ln NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
Use the address listed above to get close enough to spot the house.
LAKE ELMO:
Valley Lights at Rock Point Church
5825 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo MN 550422020 Friday, Runs Friday, November 26th through December 31st in 2021. Tune in to 97.9. Drive through only this year.
LINO LAKES:
Cinnamon Teal Ct Neighborhood
7188 Cinnamon Teal Ct, Lino Lakes MN 55014
Join their group to find out when special events, like Santa visits, may be happening.
STILLWATER:
Wintertime in Stillwater
Downtown Stillwater, MN 55082
- Twinkle Parade & Tree Lighting – Dec. 4, 2021; 4-6pm
- Enjoy the snowflake décor down Main Street
- Visit Lowell Park to see the Christmas Tree
- Enjoy the LED light show set to music on Chestnut Street (5-10pm)
- Visit the Historic Lift Bridge, lit up with Hollywood-style lights.
TAYLORS FALLS:
Taylors Falls Lighting Festival
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Annually on Thanksgiving weekend when families are home for the beginning of the holiday season. Grand lighting of the main street and Santa Parade Friday with celebrations all weekend. Nov. 26, 2021 6pm.
WHITE BEAR LAKE:
Fillebrown House
Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
The White Bear Lake Historical Society historically decorates the pine tree in front of the Fillebrown House.
Southeast Metro Holiday Light Displays & Christmas Tree Lightings
AFTON:
Afton Village Holiday Tree Lighting
Town Square Park, Afton, MN 55001
The village hosts a tree lighting ceremony (Fri, 6pm), horse and wagon rides, a family photo booth and roving carolers throughout the weekend downtown Afton. Dec 3-4, 2021.
APPLE VALLEY:
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Complete with caroling, cookies and cider. Nov 23, 2021, 6:15-7pm.
Lights on Flagstaff
13452 Flagstaff Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Sun-Thu: 5-9:30pm; Fri-Sat: 5-10pm. Tune to 87.9 FM while watching. (Also does a Halloween show some years, but not in 2021.)
Porter’s Holiday Lights Show
13596 Hollins Ct., Apple Valley, MN 55124
Tune to FM frequency 87.9. Confirmed for 2021. Also Halloween.
Lights on Gardenview
927 Garden View Dr., Apple Valley, MN 55124
Tune to FM frequency 99.1. • Taking 2019 & 2020 off – Look for them in 2021.
Minnesota Zoo Illuminated
This was a huge hit last year, so we are hoping to see it return in 2021. Keep checking back because you’ll want to purchase your advanced tickets to reserve a time slot as early as possible. Last year sold out often.
Cottage Grove
Rottage Grove Christmas
8831 Grenadier Av S, Cottage Grove 55016
While other sites we trust have this added to their verified list, we hesitate to verify it since the website does not list the year and videos haven’t been updated in several years. If you visit and verify, we would love to hear from you!
EAGAN:
Eagan Community Tree Lighting
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
Traditionally the first Thursday of December. Tree lights up at 6pm followed by holiday music, free cocoa and an outdoor lighted trail. TBA.
Burdick’s House
3863 Mersey Way, Eagan, MN 55123
Toy donations for Sharing & Caring Hands will also be collected that day. Submitted by homeowner in 2019.
FARMINGTON:
Dakota City Heritage Village
Dakota City Heritage Village, 4008 220th Street W, Farmington, MN 55024
Buildings will be illuminated inside and out throughout the village. The public is welcome to drive through the Village any evening in December to enjoy this holiday tradition from the comfort of your own car. Christmas in the Village Event: December 4-5 & 11-12, 2021.
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS:
Holiday in the Heights: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Tree lighting followed by free swimming with Santa in The Grove Water Park. Dec. 2, 2021, 5:30-8pm with tree lit at 6pm.
Light It Up the Heights Holiday Contest
The City’s annual holiday light contest draws more than a dozen participants. Registration ends December 6th, and a map of all entries will be available on the city’s website on 12/15/2021.
Feeling Adventurous? Try these homes: PDF Map of 2019 Light Up the Heights Contest Participants.
Strandlof’s Christmas Lights
7050 Blaine Ave Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Tune to 87.9. 5:00pm-10:00pm. They also have a Ferris Wheel.
SHAKOPEE:
Folkways of the Holidays
The Landing, 2187 County Rd 101, Shakopee, MN 55379
Take a self-guided windows tour of historical holiday traditions of the many cultures of Minnesota, past and present. Interpretive signs help guide your visit. On display December. Open 5am to 10pm daily.
Shakopee Winter Wonderland
921 Shakopee Ave East, Shakopee MN 55379
Runs mid-December through 24th, 6-9:30pm. There are often Santa visits, crafts, cookies and hot cocoa in the garage.
Sever’s Holiday Lights
3121 150th St W, Shakopee, MN 55379
Holiday light shows, Winter Carnivals, and more. Nov 26, 2021-Jan 2, 2022; Sun-Thur 5pm-9pm; Fri-Sa 5pm-10pm. $25-$50/car.
Holiday Fest Tree Lighting
Downtown, Shakopee 55379
Christmas carolers, Santa, a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks, Dec 4, 2021; 1-5pm.
Christmas in Color
Valleyfair, 1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379
Drive through decorations including millions of lights synchronized to holiday music. Nov 19, 2021-Jan 2, 2022. Tickets $35-$60/vehicle.
WOODBURY:
Holiday Lights of Woodbury
8846 Glacier Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Runs October (Halloween) – End of the Year. Sun-Thurs: 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm.
Southwest Metro Holiday Light Displays & Christmas Tree Lightings
BLOOMINGTON:
Founders Ridge Senior Community
6600 Auto Club Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Trees and decorated and lights throughout the entrance of the campus along circular drive, including a 12-foot tree at the entrance of the building. Collecting Toys for Tots in a collection box under the awning of the front entrance. Submitted by the community in 2020.
BUFFALO:
Deck The Halls Tree Lighting
Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S Buffalo, MN 55313
Tree Lighting set for December 4, 2021 at 5pm. Come early for festivities and view the lights any evening after that.
BURNSVILLE:
Winter Lighting Ceremony
Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
Traditionally held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with music by local choirs, refreshments, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, 200,000+ lights, and a 30-foot-tall tree.
CHANHASSEN:
Tree Lighting Ceremony
City Center Plaza, 7700 Market Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Light up the plazas and celebrate with bonfires, refreshments, carolers, gingerbread house contest display, and a special visit from Santa!
CHASKA:
Arboretum Winter Lights
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Opening Day: November 18, 2021. Walking tour through the arboretum grounds. Displays will feature flowers, nature and winter fun. Gate admission: $15/adult (extra on special days); Family Night Dec 2 & 9: $10/Children & $25/Adults. Tickets available Nov. 1st.
Image courtesy of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Snook Family Lights
1188 Wildwood Way, Chaska, MN 55318
Synchronized to 91.9 FM. The homeowners ask that you respect the neighbors by parking on the opposite side of the street, keeping your volume down and turning off your lights if you park.
Christmas on Savannah
4441 Savanna Trail, Chaska, MN 55318
Synchronized to 91.9 FM. Runs approximately November 20th through December 26th.
EDEN PRAIRIE:
Christ Lutheran Church
16900 Main St., Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Synchronized to 87.9. Runs dusk to dawn, beginning in late November.
Christmas Lights at Sunrise
15482 Sunrise Circle, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Nightly: Dusk to midnight. Thanksgiving weekend thru Epiphany (Jan. 6).
EXCELSIOR:
Christmas in Excelsior
Excelsior Commons, 135 Lake St, Excelsior, MN 55331
November 26, 27, 28, & December 3, 4, 5 2021. Tree lighting is traditionally held the first evening.
Jordan
Lights on Forest Edge Drive
816 Forest Edge Dr, Jordan, MN 55352
MINNETRISTA:
Trista Lights
4386 Trista Bend, Excelsior, MN 55331
Tune your radio to 97.5 FM
PRIOR LAKE:
Lights at the Cove
3490 Cove Point Cir NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Tune to 91.9FM. Sun-Thur 5-10pm; Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm.
SHOREWOOD:
Krebs Kristmas Lights,
19785 Near Mountain Boulevard Shorewood, MN 55331
Tune to 89.7 FM. Nightly 6-9pm. (This was canceled in 2019 and not announced in 2020).
WACONIA:
Spirit of Winter – Festival of Lights
Sovereign Estate, 9950 N Shore Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
All-ages walking stroll through holiday lights displays and more outdoor attractions plus food and beverage for purchase. $7.50/pp. Online pre-registration required. Usually runs mid-November through early January.
WAYZATA:
The Christmas Story in Lights
Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Boulevard East, Wayzata, MN 55391
The Christmas story in lights. A Drive-through experience. 2021 Details TBA.
Greater Minnesota Holiday Light Displays
North to Duluth:
Linwood Covenant Church
6565 Viking Boulevard NE, Wyoming, MN 55092
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
700 Railroad St, Duluth, MN 55802
Open Evenings Nov. 20th – Dec. 27th, 2021. Make this tunnel of lights a part of a Holiday Weekend in Duluth • 5-9 Sun-Thurs 5-10 Fri-Sat.
Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound + Light Show
2725 Exhibition Drive Duluth, MN 55811
Runs late November through the end of the year. Open 5-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 5-11pm. Friday and Saturday.
South to Albert Lea:
Nevala Family Christmas Show
405 6th Street Ct NE Kasson, MN 55944
Big Light show is Kasson. Runs 6:30pm-9pm, 7 days a week. Confirmed in 2020.
Carter Christmas Lights
1905 Brookside Drive, Albert Lea Minnesota 56007
Traditionally runs from the Friday after Thanksgiving through December 27th. (M-Th 5-9pm; F-S 5-10pm; Collects for charity)
West to Wilmar:
Celebrate the Light
Robbins Island Regional Park, Hwy 71 S N, Willmar, MN 56201
An annual family tradition in Willmar.
Northwest to Wadena:
Christmas in Wadena
414 3rd St. SW, Wadena, MN 56482
Runs Thursday, November 25th, 2021 until Sunday, January 1st, 2022; Monday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday, Saturday & Sunday:
5:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Holiday Lights on 20th Street
11594 20th St NE, St. Michael, MN 55376
Tune into 99.3FM. 2021 Holiday lights begin November 26th; M-Th 5:30-9:00; F-S 5:30-9:30.
Kneeland Lights
4168 Jansen Ave NE, Saint Michael, Minnesota 55376
Submitted by homeowner 2018; still running as of 2020.
Southwest to Glencoe or Mankato:
Pederson Family Light Show
1815 Red Oak Rdg Carver, MN 55315
They have not updated their Facebook since 2018, but they were still active as of 2020.
GRHS Trees of Lights
1805 Hennepin Ave. N., Glencoe, MN 55336
The annual Trees of Lights is a fundraiser for scholarships that honors friends and loved ones of donors.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights display
Sibley Park, 900 Mound Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001
Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, 2021! Sunday – Thursday 5:00-9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday 5:00-10:00 PM. Free.
Southeast to Rochester & La Crosse:
Peace Plaza
1st Ave SW & 1st St SW (Street Level), Rochester, MN 55902
Tree lighting party and Santa arrival is November 26, 2021. View the lights any time in December.
Rotary Lights
410 Veteran Memorial Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601
Begins November 26, 2021
Lighting Ceremony calendar
Nov 26, 2021: Taylors Falls Grand Lighting | 6pm (Festival runs all weekend)
Nov 26, 2021: Light Up the Lake Celebration | 4-7pm
Nov 26, 2021: Rochester – Here Comes Santa Claus – Tree Lighting at Peace Plaza | 4-8pm
Dec 2, 2021: Inver Grove Heights Tree Lighting Ceremony | 5:30-6pm
Dec 3, 2021: Osseo MiniDazzle Tree Lighting | Boerboom Veterans Park | 6-8pm
Dec 3, 2021: Afton Village Holiday Tree Lighting | Town Square Park, Afton, MN 55001. 6pm.
Dec 4, 2021: Shakopee Holiday Fest Tree Lighting | Carolers, Santa, a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks, 1-5pm.
Dec 4, 2021: Buffalo Deck the Halls | Santa and reindeer, carolers, wagon rides & treats. Lighting ceremony at 5pm. 3-5pm.
Dec 5, 2021: Grand Meander Tree Lighting | St Paul. The great tree is lit outside Charlemagne Fine Jewelry around 5pm.
TBA: Chanhassen Tree Lighting Ceremony | City Center Park | 5pm.
TBA: Seward Tree Lighting Ceremony | 2021 TBA.
TBA: Rogers Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
TBA: Savage Tree Lighting Ceremony
TBA: Chaska Firemen’s Park Tree Lighting
Featuring crafts, holiday treats & Santa Claus. 6pm.
TBA: Tree Lighting Ceremony | 50th & France, Edina
Holiday Market featuring local vendors is open 12-5pm followed by tree lighting, carolers and visits with Santa. 2020 TBA.
