Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Visitors can experience holiday light displays either on foot or by driving through the park. Attractions include a lighted driving tunnel with synchronized music, live reindeer in the farm area, and seasonal visits with Santa. Guests can also enjoy concessions such as hot cocoa, cider, and warm mini donuts.
What to Expect
Free walk-through and drive-through holiday light displays with live reindeer.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Mankato Kiwanis Club
Food & Drink
Park concessions offer cocoa, cider, soda, water, candy canes, warm mini donuts, and Little Debbie holiday treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and bright
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free and open to the public. Cash and non-perishable food donations are accepted; a suggested donation per bus is $50–100.
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 5:00–9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday 5:00–10:00 PM.
- Parking: Walkers can park in the CHS parking lots off Woodland Ave., near the ball fields off Sibley Pkwy., inside Sibley Park where availability is limited, or on allowed nearby streets. Drivers enter on Sibley Parkway; parking inside the park is limited. On busy nights, walkers are advised to enter from the south. Visitors must use designated parking lots or allowed on-street areas; no-parking zones are enforced.
- Accessibility: The displays include strobe lights that may trigger seizures in some people.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed in Sibley Park, but they may join visitors in their car while driving through.
Tips & Advice
- Come on a weeknight to avoid the line, or on weekends arrive early or park outside the park and walk in.
- On busy nights, walkers should enter from the south, under the train trestle at Park Lane and Woodland Ave.
- Bring cash or non-perishable food to donate at the entrances, since the event collects for area food shelves.
- Park only in designated lots or allowed on-street spots, because Mankato Public Safety enforces the no-parking zones around the park.
- Bus groups must call ahead for approval, then tune to 90.1 FM before the lighted driving tunnel to hear music timed to the lights.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night Parade on Friday, November 27.
- Visit Santa on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 27 through December 20.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk or drive through?
Both. Walkers enter off Mound Ave. and under the train trestle at Park Lane/Woodland Ave. Vehicles must enter on Sibley Parkway, and there are limited spaces inside if you want to get out and walk. Pre-approved bus groups use a special bus entrance.
Where should walkers park?
Park in the CHS lots off Woodland Ave., near the ball fields off Sibley Pkwy., inside Sibley Park (limited) or on allowed streets near the entrances. Follow the bright blue signs. No-parking zones are enforced.
Can we see Santa and reindeer?
Live reindeer are there nightly in the farm area near the driving entrance and restrooms. Santa visits Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 20.
What's at the concession stand?
Cocoa, cider, soda, water, candy canes, warm mini donuts, Little Debbie holiday treats and more.
Can I donate?
Yes. Cash and non-perishable food donations are accepted at all entrances, including the driving entrance.
More Christmas Events near Mankato
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.