Illustration of a light display scene (Bentleyville Tour of Lights)
Christmas Lights

Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Visitors stroll through a winter wonderland illuminated by over 5 million twinkling lights on the shores of Lake Superior. Guests can roast marshmallows at open firepits and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, and popcorn. Families can also visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, where children receive a knit hat and treats.

What to Expect

America's largest free walk-through holiday lighting display with 5 million lights.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Duluth

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Food & Drink

Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, freshly popped popcorn, and marshmallows for roasting are available.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Dazzling and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Bayfront Festival Park
700 W Railroad St, Duluth, MN 55802
Duluth, MN
55802

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free walk-through lighting display. No ticket prices or ticket types are stated.
  • Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 5:00pm–9:00pm; Friday–Saturday: 5:00pm–10:00pm.
  • Parking: Onsite parking is just $12 per vehicle—or save $2 when you pay with cash!

Tips & Advice

  • Check the Crowd-O-Meter before you go to see the busy and moderate times, then choose a quieter evening or a livelier crowd.
  • Bring cash for onsite parking, because paying cash saves you a little on the per-vehicle fee. Cards and Venmo are also accepted.
  • Wear layers you can take off, because Lake Superior brings strong winds and fast-changing temperatures, and removing a layer is easier than adding one.
  • Bring a nonperishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy to donate to The Salvation Army for families in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
  • Visit by December 23, Santa's last night, so children 12 and under can see him and get their Bentleyville knit hat and cookies.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa's helicopter arrival.
  • Tuesday Animal Nights.
  • Closing Night Fireworks.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What treats are free?

Hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and freshly popped popcorn are all free. There are also free marshmallows to roast at the firepits.

Can my kids visit Santa?

Yes. Santa and Mrs. Claus are there every night through December 23, and the visit is free. Children 12 and under who visit Santa get a new Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies. The Santa line closes early enough for Santa to leave on time.

What should I wear?

Everything is outdoors on the shore of Lake Superior, with strong winds and fast-changing temperatures. Bundle up in layers. If you need more, the Gift Shop sells hats and sweatshirts.

Can we donate while we're there?

Yes. Bentleyville partners with The Salvation Army, so bring a nonperishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy. Donations go to people in need in seven communities across Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Where can I buy souvenirs?

The main gift shop near the entrance sells clothing, ornaments and stocking stuffers. A smaller shop near the firepits has plush animals, hats and candy. You can also shop online.

Tags

holiday light displaysfree eventfamily friendlySanta visitsfestive foodcommunity celebrationcharity eventseasonal activitiesholiday traditionanimated displays

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 4, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team