Holiday Lights
Let Minneapolis dazzle you this holiday season. This year drive-thru events, private tours and outdoor viewings are the way to get immersed in the beauty of the city as the streets transform into a holiday oasis. Check out what Minneapolis has going on to make your holiday season sparkle.
Last Updated: 10/28/24
Holiday Trolley Ride
Thursdays-Saturdays, November 29-December 21, 2024
Venture into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday cheer with an enchanting "Merry & Bright Christmas Light Tour". This heartwarming experience will transport you to a world of holiday magic, all from the comfort of a cozy, festively adorned Trolley.
Winter Lights
November 21 - January 5, 2025
Stroll through the Arboretum gardens decked out in Winter Lights. Enjoy fresh air as you explore outdoor light displays, highlighting flowers, trees and the beauty of nature, on a .75-mile walking route. See the 16-foot weeping willow tree and walk through the giant apple, which pays tribute to our Horticultural Research Center’s apple research. Stop by s’mores village to warm up near a fire and buy s’mores kits to roast marshmallows. Tickets are required for all and are selling fast, so reserve yours now.
GLOW Holiday Festival
November 21 - January 5, 2024
Get up close and personal with this holiday light experience and must-see holiday attraction at St. Paul's CHS Field. GLOW features over a million lights, Enchanted Forest, Bright Bikes, Tremendous Tree, the GLOW Spectacular, and so much more!
Magic of Lights
November 22 - January 5, 2024
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Viking Lakes’s new holiday tradition. One carload, one price.
Holidazzle
December 18 - 22, 2024
A free and fun-for-the-whole-family experience transforming Nicollet Mall into a winter playground complete with twinkling lights, colorful shows, tasty bites from local food trucks, holiday shopping pop-ups and more
Tree Lighting Ceremony at West 50th Street
November 30, 2024
Join the annual Holiday Tree Lighting, presented by Gateway Bank! This year's ceremony features roaming carolers, sleigh rides, cookies and cocoa with santa, holiday retail windows and a performance from Kat Perkins!
Festive Holiday Lights Tour
Thursday - Sunday, from November 29-December 22, 2024
5:00pm & 8:00pm
Treat yourself to the magic of the holidays by viewing beautiful light displays on this cozy 2.5-hour tour! Ride in a comfortable coach bus while viewing twinkling lights and nibbling peppermint candy canes. With Santa at the wheel and sing-along-able music, it’s fun for the whole family!
Executive Transportation Holiday Lights Tour
November 30 - December 31
Looking for a festive way to celebrate the season? Join Executive Transportation's highly anticipated holiday lights tour. Step aboard one of their luxurious vehicles and settle in for a night of holiday magic, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Twin Cities’ best holiday lights, festive onboard activities like holiday trivia, and the chance to bring along your favorite treats and warm beverages. Tours are available nightly from November 30 through December 31. Book your unforgettable holiday experience now.
Gray Lines Minnesota Holiday Lights Tour
Friday-Sunday throughout December 2023
Ride aboard a warm and cozy deluxe motorcoach from Gray Lines Minnesota and tour the city's streets, beautifully decorated by lights. You'll have a knowledgeable tour guide providing commentary on all the fascinating holiday traditions and local lore. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the quaint residential neighborhoods and glittering streets of the Twin Cities.
All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour
Thursday - Sunday, from November 29-December 22, 2024
4:45pm, 5:30pm, 6:15pm, 7:00pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm, 9:15pm each night
Don't let this cold and crazy winter stop you from having fun, Minnesota! Let's be bold, embrace the cold and make your holidays brighter in the Twin Cities' only open-air fun bus. We have holiday lights, music, AND Santa as your chauffeur! It's a perfect outing for families. Choose your date and time slot to book the bus for your private party! Tours last 30 minutes.
Holiday Tree Lighting & Movie Night at Union Depot
December 7, 2024
See the sparkle of the lights at this annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration. The event will begin at 5 pm. Enjoy live entertainment and holiday activities. At 7 pm, head outside for the official tree lighting celebration! Afterwards, stick around for the holiday movie night – featuring a classic favorite: Elf. The tree will be lit through the remainder of December on the North Plaza — the perfect back drop for family holiday photos!
