VIEWING A HOLIDAY LIGHT display on an unseasonably warm mid-November afternoon of nearly 70-degrees in southern Minnesota seemed odd. But, in many ways, it was ideal to walk leisurely through the massive Kiwanis Holiday Lights exhibit at Sibley Park in Mankato before its official opening on November 24. There were no pressing crowds. No concern about parking. No sensory overload for me.
Sure, Randy and I missed the full affect given our day-time visit. Yet, even without holiday lights aglow, the Mankato Kiwanis Club’s gift to the greater Mankato community and beyond impressed.
There are painted plywood cut-outs of Disney, Peanuts, Dr. Seuss and many other popular characters to delight the kids, especially.
There are tunnels of light and a field of snowmen and candy canes shaped from PVC pipes.
There are snowflakes twisting from tree branches, lights twisting around tree trunks, a Christmas tree towering 80 feet tall.
Holiday lights are strung seemingly everywhere.
Admittedly, this would be beautiful to view in the dark of a southern Minnesota winter evening. Viewing hours are 5-9 pm Sunday – Thursday and 5-10 pm Friday and Saturday through December 31. Mondays and Tuesdays are lighter traffic days. This is a drive-through or a walk-through display, although I’d suggest walking to get a full, immersive experience.
There are places to stop inside the park. The concessions building serves beverages like hot cocoa and cider, plus candy canes, mini donuts and even Little Debbie holiday treats. The souvenir shop offers snow globe ornaments, lighted snowflake wands, ceramic campfire mugs and much more. Oh, how Minnesotan.
On weekends, Santa is on-site for visits. So are live reindeer.
Admission is free. But cash and non-perishable food donations are welcomed.
I can only imagine how magical the Kiwanis Holiday Light Display feels at night, when lights burst color into the darkness, when families and couples and singles view the lights and feel the pulse of the holiday spirit. I experienced a bit of the magic on that warm mid-November afternoon. How magical it all must feel on these December evenings so near Christmas.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
That walk through will put you in the Christmas spirt. Merry Christmas dear Audrey.
Even on a nearly 70-degree day in mid-November, this display put me in the Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas to you also, dear friend!
I can picture families walking through the magic at night and loving every second of it
I can, too. I can also hear the conversations, the oooohs and aaaaahs. So much happiness.
We saw this light display one night a few years ago. It is impressive.
Thought about taking the grandkids…we’ll see.
Then you have seen this display in its full splendor. Yes, Zoey and Ezra would love this.
wow, I am sure at night the light display would be stunning. Balmy temperatures seem good considering last year’s record-breaking snowfall at this time. Enjoy the holidays and time with your family.
Thank you, Sue. One of these years I WILL see this display in the dark.
I love holiday light displays! We did one and plan to take in another one when the family is here. Such fun to see any time of day.
When our kids were growing up, we drove around Faribault every Christmas holiday to see lights on homes. Enjoy the holiday light display with your family.