Winter Lights
The self-guided, one-mile walk features 15 stops including:
- New for 2024! A “Winter Woods” camp scene with glowing tents, campfires and a twinkling moose and deer surrounded by a rustic fence.
- The return of the 16-foot Weeping Willow and larger-than-life walk-through apple, a nod to the horticultural heritage of the Arboretum and the Horticultural Research Center as the Home of the Honeycrisp.
- The Arboretum’s Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building decorated for the season with a 25-foot Cuetlaxóchitl Tree (pronounced "kwet-la-SHO-she") (Poinsettia Tree), provided in part by Bachman's.
- A Warming House with s’mores packs, snacks and beverages for sale in addition to the indoor bar with hot cocoa and other warm beverages.
- Delightful dinner and snack options from Rootstock, the Arboretum’s refreshed cafe (open on select nights).
- Live music on select nights during the Arboretum’s Winter Music Series, featuring talented local musicians and performance groups.
For a curated experience, visit one of the Winter Lights special theme nights, including Date Nights on Dec. 5 and 12, Family Nights on Nov. 26 and Dec. 19 and a New Year’s Eve Celebration for all ages on Dec. 31.
Be inspired to explore the great outdoors in all seasons with Winter Lights!
Ticket Reservation Details
Find your preferred date on the calendar below and then decide whether you want to park at the Arboretum (click on "Arb Parking + Admission") or take the SouthWest Transit bus (click on "Bus Transit + Admission") offered on Friday and Saturday evenings.
You will be directed to our ticketing website where you can then select a specific time and complete your reservation. Arboretum members must be signed in to receive member pricing. For additional information and questions, check out the Winter Lights FAQ
Take the heated, coach bus to Winter Lights!
On Friday and Saturday general admission nights, visitors can buy Winter Lights tickets with the SouthWest Transit bus service from the downtown Chanhassen Transit Station (500 Market St, Chanhassen, MN 55317). There is no additional charge to take the bus – your bus ride is included with your regular Winter Lights ticket admission price. Simply select the "Bus Transit + Admission" option for your preferred date on the calendar.
Plan to be at the bus station at least 10 minutes before your time slot is scheduled to begin. The bus will leave exactly at the start of your time slot in order to get to the Arboretum. It is a short ride from the Chanhassen Transit Station to the Arboretum. Tickets designated with the bus option will not be accepted at the Arboretum gatehouse entrance.
Benefits of the bus include...
- Waiting in a heated lobby with restrooms
- Taking a coach bus directly to the Arboretum
- Covered ramp parking
- Drop off at the main entrance versus walking from your car
December 2024
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
1 General Admission Night | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 Date Night | 6 General Admission Night | 7 General Admission Night |
8 General Admission Night | 9
| 10 | 11 Special Access Photographer Nights | 12 Date Night | 13 General Admission Night | 14 General Admission Night |
15 General Admission Night | 16
| 17 | 18 Special Access Photographer Nights | 19 Family Night 7-9 p.m. | Arb Parking + Admission | 20 General Admission Night | 21 General Admission Night |
22 General Admission Night | 23 General Admission Night | 24 | 25 | 26 General Admission Night | 27 General Admission Night | 28 General Admission Night |
29 General Admission Night | 30 General Admission Night | 31 New Year's Eve Celebration |
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January 2025
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
Jan. 1 | 2 | 3 General Admission Night | 4 General Admission Night | |||
5 General Admission Night |
The 2024 Winter Teas are sold out!
Celebrate the holidays with a classic afternoon tea amid festive seasonal decorations starting on Nov. 30. The teas are sold out, but you can still add your name to the waitlist