Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are back this year! 

It’s November 21st, 2024 through January 5th, 2025, and there are beautiful lights to see on a lighted path around the Arboretum. We have gone in previous years and it’s a winter wonderland! We got so many great pictures including these here.

Here is my recap and review, plus tips if you visit. 

Winter Lights

Winter Lights is an outdoor, walk-through event. In 2020 this was a drive-thru event, but since 2021 it’s been a walk-through event. It doesn’t go far away from the visitor building – so don’t worry about freezing in the middle of nowhere. But you do need to dress warm, even if it’s a mild day like when we went.

Thankfully, the visitors center is available for warming up, taking pictures in front of the giant poinsettia tree (check this out), dining in their eatery (they have a limited menu), shopping in their gift shop, enjoying live entertainment when available, and more.

As you walk along the path outside, you’ll see many beautiful light displays such as this very large, red apple.

We loved the “Frozen Falls” which reminded us of Disney’s Frozen! There are illuminated lights that make it look like blue waterfalls.

This tent of lights is a great place for pictures.

I took so many pictures of interesting lights including this Winter Willow Tree.

When we went they had Smores on the path. They were $7 for all you need. 

Don’t miss the Pollinator Path at the end! It’s easy to miss because it’s off the trail, but there are really cool lights for taking pictures.

My Instagram Reel:

Check out my Instagram Reel about our visit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lisa Baker (@twincitiesfrugalmom)

Our Review

What we loved:

❄️ Many beautiful lights
❄️ Tons of photos opportunities
❄️ All the lights are right outside the visitors center or a short walk from it
❄️ No crowds!
❄️ Kids can go FREE!

Is it wheelchair/stroller-friendly?

For the most part, I think it is, though there are some hills and it can get icy. On their website, it says “In good weather conditions, the route is wheelchair/stroller accessible. It becomes less accessible if it is snowing.” If it’s not a snowy or freezing day, and you don’t mind pushing a wheeled chair up and down some hills, then I say yes.

More info

They have themed nights too like Date Night, Family Night, Photographer night and more.

Also, dress warm! My only wish is that there was a place to get warmed up halfway through the experience. We went on a milder night and there were fires for smores but the path was all outside. My kids and I were getting cold toward the end, despite being dressed warm. Thankfully the walk isn’t too long though and we weren’t that far from the main building.

About Winter Lights

Winter Lights is from November 16th through December 31st.

It’s Mondays – Thursdays 5:00 – 9:00pm (closed some days), and Fridays – Sundays 5:00 – 10:00pm.

Here are special nights happening:

• Family Nights — Nov. 26 and Dec. 19th
• Date Nights — Dec. 5 & 12
• Photography Nights — Dec. 11 & 18
• New Year’s Eve Party — Dec. 31

Dress warm as it’s all outside – there are many outdoor light displays, featuring flowers, nature and winter fun, on an accessible, stroller-friendly walk that’s just over a half-mile. 

Tickets

Tickets cost $30 for non-members, $10 for members. Kids 15 and under are FREE, except for theme nights. On those nights, tickets are $5 for kids.

My Thoughts about the Price

Last year, some of you commented about the price. First, the price went up this year from $25 to $30 for nonmembers. $30 seems like a lot per person. Even $25 was a lot. I agree that it’s expensive. But from our visit, here’s what I have to say about that.

Yes, $30 is more expensive than you’ll pay at other lights events. BUT – 1) Kids age 15 and younger are free on most nights (just $5 on special nights) and 2) the best thing you get for that is SMALLER CROWDS. They limit ticket sales for each timeslot so it doesn’t get too busy. At free and cheaper events, like Bentleyville in Duluth, the crowds can get terrible, especially on weekends. The wait for Bentleyville can be up to 2 hours (I know – I tried going there on a Saturday last year but the lines of cars were ridiculous). 

PLUS, you get a lot for the price. Free parking – or you can take a free shuttle bus from another parking site. We parked in one of the lots onsite and didn’t have far to walk. Plus, there’s live entertainment. When we went, there was a Mandolin Orchestra playing.

Also, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum had to increase the price this year to keep up with costs, like many other attractions.

To Save Money

If you want to save money on visits here like Winter Lights and other visits year-round, consider purchasing a membership. It’s good for a year and gives you discounts on most major events and free general admission 363 days a year. 

Unfortunately, coupons aren’t accepted for the Winter Lights event.

Here’s a map of last year’s event!

Learn more on their website!

And join my Minnesota Holiday Lights Facebook group!