Registration FAQ
Are my tickets refundable? Can I reschedule?
We don’t issue refunds for tickets unless the Arboretum is closed by the University of Minnesota or State of Minnesota. If the display is closed, we will email ticket holders.
A $10 rescheduling fee applies per order, excluding weather-related changes made by the Arboretum. To reschedule, please call our ticketing team at 612-301-6775. All requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. the day before your originally scheduled visit.
As a member, what is the Winter Lights ticket discount? How many tickets can I buy?
Members receive a $15 discount per ticket when purchased in advance. The number of tickets eligible for discount depends on your specific membership level. Members can buy as many tickets as they'd 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 up to 1 ticket
- Duo — Discount on up to 2 tickets
- Duo+2, Gold and Gold Plus — Discount on up to 4 tickets
Is there a group discount for Winter Lights tickets?
Yes! Groups of 10 or more can receive 20% off their admission ticket by calling our ticketing team at 612-301-6775.
- Minimum group size: 10 people or more; children (15 & younger) do not count toward the group total.
- One transaction: All tickets must be purchased in a single transaction.
- Eligible nights: Discount applies to both general admission and specially themed evenings.
- Members and Non-Members:
- Both members and non-members count toward the 10-person minimum.
- Members will receive their standard member-priced tickets based on their membership level.
- The remaining tickets (beyond the member allowance) will receive a $5 discount.
- Member pricing and group discount cannot be combined on the same ticket.
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. There is a $5 fee for children on Opening Night, Family Nights and the NYE celebration for additional supplies. Membership is also a great option to save on tickets and for additional year-round benefits!
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. For admission to the event, either print your tickets out at home or show your tickets to the gatehouse attendant via 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.
I’m 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. Check out the Registration FAQ page for how to do this.
Can I become a member now and apply a member discount to my Winter 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.
Members receive a $15 discount per ticket when purchased in advance. The number of tickets eligible for discount depends on your specific membership level. Members can buy as many tickets as they'd 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 up to 1 ticket
- Duo — Discount on up to 2 tickets
- Duo+2, Gold and Gold Plus — Discount on up to 4 tickets
Already purchased tickets and want to upgrade to a membership? Call 612-301-1257 or visit the Membership Desk in the Oswald Visitor Center. A portion of your paid Winter Lights admission can be applied toward a membership. The same discount as described above applies.
Visit FAQ
Will the buildings be open to visitors?
Yes! The Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building will be open during Winter Lights.
New for 2025! Step into a breathtaking indoor forest of evergreen trees, each adorned with artful, nature-inspired decorations in the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building before heading outdoors.
Is there food available at Winter Lights?
Yes. S’mores packs, snacks and beverages will be for sale at the Warming House (card only) and the indoor bar in the Great Hall (card and cash). Rootstock will also be open with a tasty selection of warm, family-friendly entrees for purchase including sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts. During Winter Lights, Rootstock is also card only.
Will you offer a drive-thru tour this year?
No. The exhibit is a self-guided walking tour. Cars won’t be able to drive through the display, so make sure to dress for the weather.
Is the Winter Lights route wheelchair/stroller accessible?
In good weather conditions, the route is wheelchair/stroller accessible. It becomes less accessible if it is snowing.
Can I come in early to enjoy the grounds prior to Winter Lights?
The grounds will be cleared out before Winter Lights starts, so visitors will not be able to stay in between. Separate tickets will be needed - one for daily admission and one for evening Winter Lights admission.
Can I bring my dog(s) to Winter Lights?
Service dogs are always welcome at the Arboretum, but all other animals are not allowed.