GLOW Holiday Festival is back at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds from November 18th, 2021 to January 2nd, 2022!

Last year it definitely cheered us all up after a tough year, and I’m so glad it’s back!

This year it’s in-person instead of a drive-thru. So you can walk around the winter wonderland.

And this year the ticketing is different. Instead of paying one fee per vehicle, you pay PER PERSON.

Tickets are:

Adults $20.75
Kids $12.75
Kids 4 and under (Free)
VIP $75

When you purchase on their website, you also pay ticketing fees, but you can skip the ticketing fees and get them CHEAPER on Groupon!

GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS ON GROUPON HERE!!

What is GLOW?

GLOW is an outdoor walk-through festival event and entry is available hourly every day from 5-8 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at GLOWHOLIDAY.com. On-site parking is included. All ticket prices include a $1 donation to local charities including the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Minnesota State Fair Foundation, and others.

Highlights of GLOW Holiday Festival 2021 include: 

• Tremendous Tree – A 60 ft. tree with moving lights and imagery;
• Charity Flame & Art Park – Spotlight on community charities and local artists;
• Santa Land – Includes the 20 ft. original display from the 1960’s-era Dayton’s Nicollet Mall store;
• Gingerbread House – A family-friendly holiday light spectacular;
• Tinsel Tower – A festive story projected onto the Minnesota State Fair 4-H Building;
• GLOWPalace – Take in spectacular views of the Fairgrounds in this three-story lighted palace;
• Video Jukebox – 20 ft. LED screen featuring holiday hit music videos and stars of past and present;
• Enchanted Forest – A mystical land of festive elves and glowing trees;
• sELFie Plaza – An area dedicated to capturing your best selfies and family photos;
• Glitter Critters & Lil’ Farmstead – Lighted woodland and farm creatures;
• Sky Glider – Chairlift rides with panoramic views of the entire festival. Available at added cost;
•  The Home Depot Slide – Sponsored by Home Depot, sliders will enjoy magnificent views, and a fun ride too. Available at added cost;
• Arctic Circle – Featuring lighted polar bears, penguins, icicles and an illuminated tree;
• Bright Bikes – An interactive tree powered by riding the bicycles;
• Northern Lights – This interactive display includes 1,000 LED light tubes;
• Color Blossoms – 2,400 vibrant blossom lights accompanied by classical music;
• Reindeer Run – Navigate your way through a twinkling holiday maze;
• Live Music – Performances on the Wagon Wheel stage by local church choirs;
• Minnesota State Fair Food Court – Featuring Minnesota State Fair food and beverage vendors;
• Outdoor Fire Pits – Warm up and relax, plus onsite s’mores stations;
• Beverage stations throughout the festival, including hot chocolate, cider, beer, and wine;
• Hot chocolate igloo sponsored by Kowalski’s Markets;
• GLOWStore – Special merchandise available for purchase, including “ugly sweaters” from the local team at Ragstock.

GLOW benefits charities

Each night of GLOW benefits a local organization working to keep our world glowing. During the 2020-2021 season, 188,000 people attended GLOW as a drive-through event and over $95,000 was donated to local charities. 

GLOW is kicking off the 2021-2022 season of giving with these donation drives:

Winter apparel donation nights benefitting the Epilepsy Foundation, will take place Nov. 18-21. Please donate gently used apparel.

Thanksgiving food drive benefitting Second Harvest Heartland, will take place Nov. 25-28. Please bring non-perishable food items.

Holiday Toy drive benefitting The Salvation Army, will take place Dec. 3-5. Please donate gently used toys to be collected and distributed by the Salvation Army.

SAFETY DURING COVID

This is an outdoor walk-through event with a limited hourly capacity. Masks are required in indoor spaces for all guests ages three and up. Masks are encouraged at all outdoor displays. 

Our experience last year

Last year it was a fun, beautiful experience. 

There were several food trucks but this year there will be a state fair food court! 

Here are some of the goodies we got last year (you do pay separately for food).

Read about our visit last year.

TICKETS AND DISCOUNTS

Tickets are:

Adults $20.75
Kids $12.75
Kids 4 and under (Free)
VIP $75

• VIP admission includes:
  • Access to exclusive VIP parking area
  • Event center exclusive VIP gallery
  • Exclusive full liquor service
  • Exclusive indoor restroom facilities

When you purchase on their website, you also pay ticketing fees, but you can skip the ticketing fees and get them CHEAPER on Groupon!

You’ll pay no more than the prices listed above.

GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS ON GROUPON HERE!!

Update (11/26/21): Groupon seems to be giving the wrong link for redeeming tickets. It shouldn’t say “Glow 2021 Test” at the top. Go to the Glow Holiday website to redeem or contact Glow Holiday Festival with any issues.

Visit the GLOW Holiday Lights website for more info!

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you! All opinions are 100% mine.)