Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights
Visitors follow a curated, one-way path through the grounds to experience 18 interactive installations that bring the winter trees to life with projection, radiant uplighting, and synchronized sound. Along the trail, guests can admire a sparkling canopy of lights at Glittering Gorge, gather by crackling bonfires overlooking glowing arborvitae, and interact with a 60-foot color-changing shadow wall. The route also showcases large-scale geometric sculptures by HYBYCOZO in the Perennial Garden and glowing indoor lanterns at Rootstock cafe.
What to Expect
Interactive lighting installations and projections illuminating the winter landscape and trees.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Food & Drink
Rootstock offers family-friendly food options and cozy beverages for warming up indoors.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of immersive light displays
Vibe
Immersive and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Members $25; non-members $35; children through age 15 free, but a ticket and accompanying adult are required. Pay-at-the-gate tickets cost an additional $10 per ticket if space is available. Parking is free. Rescheduling costs $10 per order each time. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4:30-9:30 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is free.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets in advance for the date and time you want, because gate tickets cost more and are sold only if space is left.
- Get a ticket for every child through age 15 too, because they're free but still need a ticket and an adult with them.
- Members should choose a date and time, then sign in to finish the reservation, because the member discount only shows up once you're signed in.
- Dress warmly for the outdoor trail, and plan to warm up at the Vibrant Vitae bonfires or indoors at Rootstock café.
- Don't plan a visit on November 26 or December 24–25, because Northern Lights is closed on those nights.
Special Events & Promotions
- Northern Lights is new this season, with 18 all-new interactive installations in its first year.
- Arboretum members get a discounted ticket price when they sign in to book.
- Children through age 15 get in free with a ticket and an accompanying adult.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What will we see along the trail?
There are 18 all-new interactive installations on a one-way path. Highlights include Glittering Gorge, Canopy Pass's color-changing trees, the Vibrant Vitae arborvitae with bonfires, HYBYCOZO geometric sculptures in the Perennial Garden, and a 60-foot shadow wall.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, it's designed for all ages, and the 60-foot Shadow Play wall invites everyone to play. Children through age 15 are free but still need a ticket and an adult with them.
Where can we eat or warm up?
Rootstock café has food for the whole family and is lit with HYBYCOZO lanterns. Outdoors, there are bonfires at Vibrant Vitae. The Gift & Garden Store, the AppleHouse Holiday Boutique and three indoor art galleries are also open.
Can we just show up without tickets?
Advance tickets are strongly recommended to get the date and time you want. Gate tickets cost extra and are sold only if space is left.
Can I change my date?
Yes. Each order is charged a fee every time it's rescheduled, and changes must be made by the day before your visit.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.