Courtesy of Visit Mankato
The 8th annual Kiwanis Holiday Lights celebration has become a treasured holiday tradition for residents and visitors of Greater Mankato. This year, more than 1.8 million LED lights will illuminate Mankato’s Sibley Park from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, featuring all the fun festivities people have come to know and love with some exciting new additions guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit.
Event Activities
The Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade kicks off the celebration at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29. Santa will wrap up the parade and flip the switch to turn on the lighted displays and trees for a spectacular finish.
There is so much to see at Kiwanis Holiday Lights that it’s no wonder why more than 1 million people have traveled near and far to Visit Mankato and experience the animated lights dancing along to holiday music. Bring your ice skates and see the lights as you glide along the skating rink. Then, cozy up with some hot chocolate in the warming house. See Santa Claus and a few of his reindeer throughout the event and enjoy rides in a horse-drawn wagon for only $5.
Courtesy of Visit Mankato
New to the Event
Some exciting new additions to the 2019 Kiwanis Holiday Lights event include:
- A 60-foot colorful center tree sparkles as 2,100 white strobe lights flash every 15 minutes in the night sky.
- Bring your camera to take photos with the Explore Minnesota #onlyinmn monument and several festive holiday face cutout scenes.
- Drop letters to Santa in the mailbox by Santa’s House. He’ll write you back!
- See three additional displays honoring our veterans and those serving our country.
Be sure to check out the list of events including the Diamond Dash Holiday 5K on December 8, and watch skilled carvers create a holiday train ice sculpture from December 20-21.
Courtesy of Visit Mankato
Admission is free to walk or drive through the lights display, however, donations of cash and non-perishable goods are accepted and appreciated. Hours of operation are 5-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights is just one of the many spectacular events and activities taking place in the heart of Southern Minnesota this winter. Whether you want to go out with your friends, spend time with the kids, have a winter adventure, or find a romantic weekend getaway, you’ve come to the right place. Start planning your Mankato experience today.
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