An illuminating winter experience among the trees!
Open evenings Nov. 20, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027
4:30-9:30 p.m. | Arboretum Grounds
Experience the Arboretum as you never have before with a brand-new light display! Northern Lights puts the Arboretum’s trees in the spotlight while highlighting the beauty of Minnesota’s winter and the wonder of nature.
Designed to honor the brilliance of our northern climate, this elevated experience brings majestic oaks and towering pine canopies to life through professional light projection, radiant uplighting and synchronized sound. From vibrant outdoor installations to warm indoor moments, Northern Lights invites guests of all ages to embrace and engage with the longest nights of the year in an entirely new light.
Members must be signed in to access their discount.
A spectacle of light for all ages
The event will feature 18 all-new, interactive installations that celebrate the beauty of the Arboretum’s nighttime landscape and transform the grounds and buildings into a light-filled wonderland with nature in the spotlight. Below is a small glimpse of what you’ll discover along the curated, one-way path.
Explore the curated, one-way route beginning with a sparkling stroll to the Snyder Building.
Please select your preferred date and time and then sign in or register to complete your reservation.
Dining Opportunities
Find festive food and beverage options throughout the Northern Lights experience!
Grab hot drinks, specialty cocktails and seasonal snacks-to-go at Skol Square in the Snyder Building or sit down to enjoy a meal of hearty Midwestern comfort food at Rootstock in the Oswald Visitor Center before or after viewing the lights.
The Rootstock menu features comforting gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and kid-friendly options, including:
- Minnesota cottage pie
- Vegetable and biscuit hotdish
- Turkey wild rice soup
- Vegan black bean chili
- Iron Range porketta sandwich
- Hot dog and macaroni and cheese
Outdoors, warm up with hot cocoa, s'mores and more at the Warming Hut located near the Sensory Garden parking lot.
Shopping
2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Experience Sponsors
Warming Hut
Geometric Gardens
In-Kind Sponsor
Contact Us
For answers to commonly asked questions, check out our Northern Lights FAQs. For any additional questions, call 612-301-6775 or email our Guest Services team at [email protected].
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].