(Chaska, MN): Winter Lights is set to open on November 21 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum!
Location
3675 Arboretum Drive – Chaska, MN
Stroll through the Arboretum gardens decked out in Winter Lights. Enjoy fresh air as you explore outdoor light displays, highlighting flowers, trees and the beauty of nature, on a 0.75-mile walking route. See the new 16-foot weeping willow tree and walk through the giant apple, which pays tribute to the Horticultural Research Center’s apple research. Stop by s’mores village to warm up near a fire and buy s’mores kits to roast marshmallows.
The Arboretum’s Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building will also be decorated for the season — and the 25-foot Poinsettia Tree is back this year. The tree was created using more than 500 red, white and pink poinsettias! And new for 2024 will be a “Winter Woods” camp scene with glowing tents, campfires and a twinkling moose and deer surrounded by a rustic fence! You might also hear holiday tunes from local performers from the live Music Series, offered on select nights.
Special theme nights are available for families and photographers as well as date nights for adults and a New Year’s Eve celebration for all ages.
General Admission — Nov. 21 – Jan. 5
Reservations: $10 members, $30 non-members, free for children 15 and younger but they still need a ticket even though they are free
Dates: Nov. 22*, 23*, 24, 25, 27, 29*, 30*; Dec. 1, 6*, 7*, 8, 13*, 14*,15, 20*, 21*, 23, 26, 27*, 28*, 29, 30; Jan. 3-5
*Nights with the bus service from the downtown Chanhassen Transit Station (500 Market St, Chanhassen, MN 55317). Note this is a new station for 2024!
Family Nights — Nov. 26 & Dec. 19
Reservations: $10 for members, $30 for non-members and $5 for children 15 and younger; free for infants younger than 1 year
This family-friendly evening features smaller crowds, hot cocoa and cookies and a craft project. Get some fresh air before bedtime, and bring your children to explore the Arboretum at night as they walk through the magical Winter Lights displays under the beautiful night skies. Rootstock will also be open for dinner and warm beverages.
Date Nights — Dec. 5 & Dec. 12
Reservations: $25 for members; $45 for non-members
Make reservations for a romantic night under the stars with your favorite person. Stroll through the lights displays with smaller, adult-only crowds as well as a dance class from Costa Rica Ballroom and live music.
Dance Class: Costa Rica Ballroom dance will teach 30-minute classes at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. on both Date Nights. Listen to live music from Danaher & Jordan
Photography Nights — Dec. 11 & Dec. 18
Reservations: $25 for members, $45 for non-members
The Arboretum’s mesmerizing Winter Lights display opens for four limited-admission, special-access photographer-only sessions!
Photographers only! A limit of 100 photographer-only-visitors ensures a quality experience.
New Year’s Eve Party — Dec. 31
Reservations: $10 for Arboretum members, $30 for non-members and $5 for children ages 15 and younger
Bring family and friends together to celebrate the end of 2024 with a magical walk through the Arboretum’s Winter Lights display, family-friendly games and live music from Traveled Ground. Take your picture in a photo booth, add your wishes for 2024 to the New Year Wish Tree and make a craft to bring home.
