Artist's rendering of a Northern Lights exhibit
Tickets
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are available for:
- Arboretum members – $25
- Non-members – $35
- Children through age 15 – Free! A ticket is required, though. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult ticket.
Parking is free for everyone – a huge benefit we offer to make the overall Northern Lights experience seamless!
Do I need to purchase a ticket ahead of time? Can I buy a ticket the day of the event at the gate?
You are very strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. As a brand new event to the Twin Cities this year, we anticipate the most popular times will sell out.
Tickets will be available on a space available basis at the gate for an additional $10 fee per ticket beyond the published ticket price. This applies for both Arboretum members and non-members. Gate ticket sales are credit card only.
You are invited to save time and money while getting the best available tickets by purchasing online
Is there a charge for parking?
No, parking is free at the Arboretum!
Are tickets sold per car or per person?
Tickets are sold per person, not per car. Ages 15 and younger can attend for free, but they do still need a ticket. Membership is also a great option to save on tickets and for additional year-round benefits!
As a member, what is the Northern Lights member ticket discount? How many tickets can I buy?
Members receive a $10 discount per ticket when tickets are purchased in advance. The number of tickets eligible for discount depends on your specific membership level. Members can buy as many tickets as they would like, but the discount will only apply to the number of people included in your membership. See below for specific details for each membership level.
- Solo — Discount on 1 ticket
- Duo — Discount on up to 2 tickets
- Duo+2, Gold and Photographer — Discount on up to 4 tickets
- Gold Plus and Giving Society membership types — Discount on up to 6 tickets
Can I become a member now and apply a member discount to my Northern Lights ticket order?
Absolutely! First, buy your membership online (complete this transaction first), then place an order with your new account to receive tickets at the discounted rate.
The normal membership discount, described above, applies here.
Can I add more tickets to my reservation?
You can purchase additional tickets at any time if space allows. You must order new tickets as a new order online or by calling our ticketing team at 612-301-6775.
I am having trouble with my ticketing account password. What should I do?
If it has been a while since you logged in, you may need to reset your password. See the Registration FAQ page for how to do this.
I've registered, but I didn't receive my tickets via email. What should I do?
Check your spam folder. If you still don't see your tickets, call the ticketing line at 612-301-6775.
Can I reschedule? Are my tickets refundable?
Yes, a rescheduling option is available, subject to availability. A $10 rescheduling fee applies to each order each time you reschedule, except for changes made due to an official Arboretum closure. To reschedule, please call our ticketing team at 612-301-6775. All requests must be made by 5 p.m. the day before your originally scheduled visit. No same day changes are permitted.
All sales are final. We do not issue refunds unless the display is closed by the Arboretum (due to very severe weather, etc.).
What happens if there is severe winter weather?
In the event of severe weather, the Arboretum may choose to cancel the event. If this happens, a communication will be sent to all ticket holders via email and information will be posted on our website with refund or reschedule options.
Can an Arboretum Guest Pass be used for admission to Northern Lights?
No – guest passes are only eligible for general daily admission.
Event Experience
What is the Northern Lights event and how is it different from the previous lights display?
This is an all-new event, never before seen at the Arboretum! You will see spectacular high-tech lights synchronized with music and movement along a one-way pathway through the Arboretum grounds.
The event differs from previous winter lights displays at the Arboretum as it uses high-tech, professionally designed and installed lighting that was customized for the Arboretum instead of traditional string lighting. This is an all-new lights display that we can’t wait for you to experience!
Note that Northern Lights requires a special ticket (is not included as part of general daily admission or free membership admission). Members receive the best pricing.
Will the buildings be open to visitors?
Yes! The Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building will be open during Northern Lights – this is included as part of the display. You will see our beautiful cuetlaxochitl (poinsettia) tree (a longtime tradition!) intermingled with all new indoor lights and features. Additionally, you can shop our Gift & Garden Store, enjoy indoor art galleries, and purchase food and drink. A warming tent will be available midway through the display, featuring a bar, near our Sensory Garden.
Will you offer a drive-through tour of the lights?
No. The exhibit is a self-guided walking tour. There is not a driving component of the event.
Will there be live music?
There will be music along the trail to coincide with the display, but there will not be live music during the show this year.
Are there special themed Northern Lights nights?
We want everyone to be able to experience the magic of Northern Lights at a time that is most convenient for them, so we are offering the same event experience each night of the week throughout the event as opposed to different offerings on different nights this year.
Are there photography restrictions at Northern Lights?
For the enjoyment of all guests, we do not allow drones and do not allow tripods to be placed in gardens or block other’s enjoyment of the display. We do encourage you to document your experience – and to share it on social media!
What should I wear to the event?
For your comfort, please wear weather-appropriate clothing for Northern Lights. Much of the display is outside as we embrace the joy of the winter during the shortest months of the year. Please anticipate a mile of outdoor walking. There will be several additional displays, food, drink options and restrooms available indoors as well.
Accessibility
Is the Winter Lights route wheelchair/stroller accessible?
The main pathways are paved, shoveled and ADA accessible; however, please use caution while traversing Minnesota outdoor pathways in winter. In good weather conditions, the route is wheelchair and stroller friendly. It becomes less accessible if it is precipitating. If you need assistance, please contact our ticketing team at 612-301-6775.
The Arboretum has a limited number of wheelchairs available to check out at no cost at the Oswald Visitor Center Information Desk.
Are there flashing lights to be aware of?
This event utilizes dazzling theatrical lighting to create an immersive outdoor experience amidst the trees. This includes flashing and moving lighting. It also includes smoke in one area near the end of the display. The exhibit does not feature use of strobe lighting.
Can I bring my dog(s) to Northern Lights?
Although service dogs are welcome at the Arboretum, other animals are not allowed.
Arrival and Access
Is there road construction in the area that could impact getting to the Arboretum for Northern Lights?
There is road construction on Highway 5 near the Arboretum. The Arboretum’s main entrance, off of Highway 5, will remain open throughout construction. Learn more and view a map of construction for easy access.
Can I come in early to enjoy the Arboretum grounds prior to Northern Lights in the evening?
While the Arboretum is open each day during Northern Lights, visiting during the day requires a separate general daily admission ticket. The grounds will be cleared out before Northern Lights starts at 4:30 p.m., so visitors will not be able to stay in between.
What do I need to show to enter the event?
For quickest admission to the event, print your tickets at home. You are also welcome to show your tickets to the gatehouse attendant on your mobile phone. Screenshots or saved photos of the barcodes do not scan properly. You must have the original ticket from your email to scan.
Can I take a ride share to the Arboretum? Where should I get dropped off?
Yes, you are welcome to use rideshare. The driver should inform the gatehouse attendant when you arrive that they are a rideshare vehicle (Uber/Lyft/taxi.) You should ask to be dropped off in front of the Oswald Visitor Center. When the rideshare returns, the driver should inform the gatehouse and will be permitted in. Please have the driver pick you up in front of the Oswald Visitor Center where you were dropped off.
Can I bring a bus to Northern Lights?
Absolutely! We do have bus parking available. Everyone on the bus will need a ticket.
If I attend the Northern Lights event and then leave the property, is re-entry permitted to the Arboretum later?
No, re-entry to the Arboretum is not available. You are welcome to enjoy the exhibit as many times as you would like while you remain on the Arboretum property.
Can my guests and I arrive separately?
Yes, guests can arrive separately. Please give your guests a specific ticket to utilize before they arrive.
Contact Us
For additional questions, call 612-301-6775. You can also email our Guest Services team at [email protected]. We looking forward to welcoming you for this new event!