Nothing sets the scene for the season like holiday lights. But an elaborate home holiday light display can be an expensive proposition. Between purchasing decorations and the energy needed to power them night after night, the costs add up. If you’d rather not invest the time or energy in your own holiday display, there are still plenty of ways to get your dose of holiday sparkle! The Twin Cities are full of holiday light displays that make the season merry and bright. Here are some of our favorites.
Rice Park in St. Paul
As befits the home of the Wild hockey team, St. Paul embraces winter and makes a spectacle of it. Every year, Rice Park hosts the St. Paul city Christmas tree, and the whole park is decorated with twinkling lights. Any visit to see the lights is incomplete without taking a few turns around the Wells Fargo WinterSkate ice rink, a free outdoor rink set up in Rice Park and open through February 5. Learn more.
Holidazzle Celebration in Minneapolis
The Holidazzle Celebration is an institution of the holiday season in Minneapolis. The beloved annual Christmas festival and holiday market takes place in Loring Park. In addition to light displays, there are food and shopping booths from local vendors, musical performances, visits with Santa, holiday movies, carriage rides, and an ice rink. Holidazzle takes place Thursdays through Sundays until December 23rd. Visit the Holidazzle website for schedules and details.
Summit Avenue in St. Paul
If you want to see holiday light displays that have gone all out, Griswold family style, look no further than Summit Avenue. The grand Victorian homes lining the street get decked out with some of the most elaborate home displays in the Twin Cities. Some even keep with the Victorian theme and use Victorian-style lights! After you’ve walked the streets and gawked at the displays, head to the Governor’s Residence to enjoy free entrance to see the mansion’s holiday decorations.
Christmas Lights in the Park at Lake Phalen
Each year, the scenic drive around Lake Phalen gets the holiday treatment with an elaborate display of over 60 holiday light sculptures and animatronic displays sure to delight the whole family. The display is open for visitors from 5-10pm every night through January 1st. There is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle, but all proceeds are donated to benefit the Saint Paul Police Foundation. Purchase advance tickets online, or by cash only at the gate.
Lyndale & Nicollet Avenues in Minneapolis
A fun outing any time of year, Lyndale and Nicollet Avenues become extra special during the holiday season. Enjoy supper at one of the many restaurants on Eat Street, then take a post-dinner walk to experience the beautiful white lights twinkling along the trees, street lamps, and shop fronts. It’s a recipe for a magical Twin Cities evening that is sure to put you in the festive spirit.