Minnesota’s Top 5 Unmissable Christmas Light Shows for 2025—Discover Hidden Gems and Festive Magic Near You!

Every year, Minnesota absolutely lights up for the holidays. People who love Christmas lights flock here, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Towns and neighborhoods go all out with their displays. Locals and out-of-towners pile in to see what’s new each season.

Here’s what you need to know about the best Christmas light display shows in Minnesota for 2025. I want you to have the inside scoop on where to find the most memorable light events this holiday season.

1) Hayden’s Holiday Lights (Formerly Holiday Light Show On Lyndale)

I check out Hayden’s Holiday Lights every year, and honestly, it never disappoints. A local high school student runs the whole show—this kid really loves decorating.

I always see the lights covering every inch of the yard, not just a couple of trees. The show kicks off at Thanksgiving and goes strong through the holidays.

When I pull up, I notice other cars parked along the street. People usually tune their radios to hear the music synced with the lights—it’s a nice touch.

The event happens in a quiet neighborhood, so parking can be tricky if you’re driving. Show hours start around 4:30 p.m. and wrap up at 10 p.m. each night.

I’d say get there early if you want a good spot. There’s no admission fee, which is great.

If you’re into creative holiday displays and want to support local efforts, this is the spot.

Rating: 4.3 (76 reviews)
Location: 5205 Washburn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Starting Thanksgiving	4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (daily)	5205 Washburn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410	Free	Nearby Hotels	https://holidaylightslynda.wixsite.com/holidaylightslyndale

2) Schultz Family Lights

I make it out to Schultz Family Lights in St. Paul every year. The displays fill the yard with lots of creative scenes—these folks don’t mess around.

The lights go up on a regular house, and the show runs nightly from 5:00 to 10:00. Most people drive by, but I like to park and watch from the sidewalk if I can.

They ask visitors to bring food donations for the Merrick Food Shelf. It’s a small thing, but it helps the local community.

I like that the display entertains and gives back. For weather updates or show info, I check their Facebook page.

Organizers post photos and videos sometimes, which helps me plan if the weather’s iffy.

Rating: 4.8 (239 reviews)
Location: 1526 York Ave, St Paul, MN 55106
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Christmas season (annual)	5pm-10pm	1526 York Ave, St Paul, MN 55106	Free	Booking.com Nearby Hotels	http://www.schultzfamilylights.com/

3) Carter Christmas Lights Display

I swung by Carter Christmas Lights Display in Albert Lea to see their huge light show. They use over 50,000 LED lights, all synced up to music.

Anyone can tune their radio and hear the songs as the lights dance along. This year, they’re running two different shows.

You’ll hear everything from “Drummer Boy” by Justin Bieber to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee. The show runs from late November until just before New Year’s Eve.

They put up clear signs for traffic and parking, which definitely helps. Visitors shouldn’t block driveways or walk on neighbors’ lawns.

You’re welcome to walk and snap photos on paved areas, but stick to those—lots of wires and safety stuff are on the grass.

Rating: 4.9 (43 reviews)
Location: 1905 Brookside Dr, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Contact: (507) 320-1801
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 23–Dec 30, 2024	Evenings	1905 Brookside Dr, Albert Lea, MN	Free	Booking.com: Albert Lea Hotels	https://www.carterxmas.com/

4) Celebrate The Light

I checked out Celebrate The Light of the World in Willmar for its annual holiday display. They light up every evening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, starting on Thanksgiving and running through December 31st.

The Koosman family started this as their own tradition, but now it draws people from all over. Willmar Fests manages the event these days, so the tradition keeps going strong.

Donations go to local non-profits like the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, and United Way of West Central Minnesota. I noticed plenty of local sponsors step up each year to make it happen.

It’s a drive-through display, so I just stayed in my car and took it all in. There’s no entry fee, but if you want to donate, you can do that at the Koosman Chapel on site.

Rating: 4.1 (22 reviews)
Location: 5498 County Road 9 Northeast, Willmar, MN 56201
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Thanksgiving – December 31	5:00 PM – 10:00 PM	5498 County Road 9 NE, Willmar, MN 56201	Donation-based	Willmar hotels	http://celebratethelight.net/

5) Mr. Creed’s Light Show

I checked out Mr. Creed’s Light Show in Albertville, and honestly, I get why people flock here every year. Locals and out-of-towners both show up, which says a lot.

They set everything up at a private home, not some big commercial spot, so it feels a bit special. The lights sync up with cheerful music that plays all night long—pretty hard not to smile.

Parking happens along the street. It fills up quickly, so if you want a good spot, you should probably get there early. Some people watch from their cars, but plenty walk up closer for a better look.

The show runs only on select December nights, and they post updates on their social media. You won’t pay to get in, and everyone seems to keep things quiet for the neighbors’ sake.

Families show up every year, and it’s kind of become a holiday ritual for a lot of folks. I can see why—there’s just something about it.

Rating: 4.9 (35 reviews)
Location: 6813 67th St NE, Albertville, MN 55301
Contact: (952) 381-4758
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	Evenings (TBA)	6813 67th St NE, Albertville, MN 55301	Free	Hotels near Albertville on Booking.com	https://www.facebook.com/MrCreedsLights