(Photo: Bentleyville USA)
Duluth, MN — December 4, 2025
Every year, when the nights get longer and the first winter chill hits Duluth, I find myself drawn to one place: the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Now in its 22nd year, this isn’t just a holiday display — it’s a full-on winter experience, and in 2025, it’s more magical than ever.
Opening on November 22, Bentleyville transforms Bayfront Festival Park into a glowing wonderland of over five million lights. It’s the kind of spectacle that makes kids’ eyes widen, adults smile like kids themselves, and everyone forgets the stress of daily life for a few hours. Walking through the sparkling paths, you feel like you’ve stepped into another world — one where hot chocolate is plentiful, cookies are free, and the joy of the season is everywhere.
I love that Bentleyville is truly for the whole family. Kids under 12 meet Santa, get a knit hat, and enjoy a little treat. Parents can wander the fire pits, sipping a cup of cocoa while keeping an eye on the kids. Even grandparents can wander slowly along the walkways, taking photos of every whimsical display. And yes, it’s free — which makes it feel less like a commercialized attraction and more like a gift to the community.
This year, opening night included the now-traditional Santa helicopter arrival, a moment that never fails to delight. But beyond the spectacle, the real charm is in the little details: the themed displays, the music, the marshmallows roasting at fire pits, and the sense that everyone is enjoying it together. It’s a reminder that holiday magic isn’t just about the lights — it’s about shared experiences, laughter, and memories made with the people you love.
Bentleyville also has a heart. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or toys to help local families, giving the event an added layer of meaning beyond the twinkle of lights. In a world where so much seems commercialized, that combination of fun and community spirit makes Bentleyville feel rare and genuine.
In short, if you’re in Duluth this season, don’t just drive by — walk the paths, sip the cocoa, meet Santa, and soak in the lights. It’s fun. It’s festive. And yes, it’s perfect for the whole family.