Legion Lights: Holiday Lights in Lanesboro, Minnesota

Experience the magic of the season at Sylvan Park, where more than 20,000 twinkling lights and handmade displays bring the holidays to life. Free and open to everyone!

Family of three holding hands while walking through the colorful Legion Lights holiday display in Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minnesota, surrounded by trees wrapped in glowing Christmas lights.

A Holiday Tradition That Makes Lanesboro Shine 

From Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, Legion Lights transforms Sylvan Park into a glowing holiday wonderland with festive displays, sparkling light tunnels, and picture-perfect moments for visitors of all ages.

There's something special about a winter evening in Lanesboro, especially when Sylvan Park comes alive with thousands of colorful Christmas lights.

News coverage from the 2025 Legion Lights Opening Ceremony

Legion Lights 2026: Dates & Details



Plan Your Visit to Legion Lights

2026 Holiday Season: November 26, 2026 – January 1, 2027

Opening Night: Wednesday, November 25 at 5:00 PM

Location: Sylvan Park, Lanesboro, Minnesota

Admission: Free and open to everyone!

What to Expect: A walk-through outdoor holiday light display featuring thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of holiday photo opportunities.

The lights shine nightly throughout the holiday season, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the magic.

2026 Legion Lights Special Events

The holiday fun extends beyond the lights themselves! Mark your calendars for these special celebrations.

2026 Lanesboro Holiday Events Calendar featuring Legion Lights, the Christmas Parade, Experience the Magic of Lanesboro, holiday shopping, Santa visits, and festive community events from November 25 through December 12. Colorful Christmas lights illuminate a snowy walkway in the background.


Wednesday, November 25 | 5:00 PM

Legion Lights Opening Night

Kick off the holiday season with the Bluff Tree lighting across from High Court, followed by the illumination of the festive displays throughout Sylvan Park.

Saturday, November 28 | 6:00 PM

Legion Lights Christmas Parade

Celebrate the season with a festive parade through downtown Lanesboro! Enjoy holiday-themed floats, sparkling lights, and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Saturday, November 28 | Following the Parade

Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Santa House

Bring the kids to Sylvan Park for a special visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus following the Christmas Parade. Visits are tentatively scheduled until 8:00 PM.

Friday, December 11 | 6:00–8:30 PM

Legion Lights Santa Pub Crawl

Grab your Santa hat and enjoy a festive evening visiting participating downtown Lanesboro establishments.


November 28 | Experience the Magic of Lanesboro

Make a weekend of it! Celebrate Small Business Saturday and the Magic of Lanesboro Weekend with holiday shopping, special activities, and festive events throughout town.

Saturday, November 28 highlights include:

  • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM: Drive-Up Toy Drive at the American Legion
  • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Holiday Craft Fair at the Community Center
  • 4:00–6:00 PM: Tex Mex Chili Supper at the Sons of Norway Hall
  • 6:00 PM: Legion Lights Christmas Parade
  • Following the Parade: Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Sylvan Park

More Seasonal Celebrations

Wednesday, November 25 | 5:00–9:00 PM

Turkey Bowling at High Court Pub

Saturday, December 5 | 5:00 PM

Annual Holiday Dinner Dance at the Community Center

Saturday, December 12 | 9:30–11:30 AM

Free Holiday Party and ECFE celebration at the school cafeteria, featuring snacks, face painting, a $1 Pop-Up Gift Shop, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Don't miss the Commonweal Theatre's Christmas Show — Nov. 14 through Dec. 21!


Actors in Regency-era costumes perform a festive scene on the Commonweal Theatre stage in Lanesboro, with two men striking playful poses beside a decorated Christmas tree as other characters watch in an elegant drawing room.

Holiday theatre returns to downtown Lanesboro with The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, a festive holiday comedy filled with wit, romance, unexpected drama, and the spirit of forgiveness.

Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon and directed by Craig Johnson, the play transports audiences into the world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

A witty companion to last season's Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, this festive production offers plenty of laughter, a little mischief, and a reminder of what matters most during the holidays.

Get tickets to The Wickhams →

The True Spirit of the Season in Lanesboro, MN

Make It a Holiday Getaway

Winter view of downtown Lanesboro, MN, featuring historic storefronts, gallery signs, and snow-covered sidewalks.

Why stop at the lights? Turn your visit to Legion Lights into a memorable holiday escape in Lanesboro!

Spend the afternoon browsing locally owned shops and boutiques for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of our welcoming restaurants, catch a holiday performance, or simply stroll through our historic downtown as the season comes to life.

Then, as evening falls, head to Sylvan Park and experience the colorful glow of Legion Lights.

With inviting accommodations and plenty of holiday charm, Lanesboro offers the perfect setting for a cozy winter getaway with the people who matter most.

Explore Shopping & Dining →

Find Your Place to Stay →

Discover Winter in Lanesboro →

Made Possible by Community Spirit

Two smiling volunteers working on a holiday lights display for Legion Lights at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, MN

Legion Lights is a community-driven holiday celebration made possible by the generosity and dedication of local volunteers, businesses, and supporters.

Proudly supported by the Henry M. Guttormson Post #40 American Legion of Lanesboro, this growing holiday tradition brings people together while spreading seasonal cheer throughout our community.

Interested in supporting Legion Lights, learning about sponsorship opportunities, or finding information about the Christmas Parade?

Visit the Official Legion Lights Website →

Lanesboro Legion Lights brought to you by

Banner for the Lanesboro American Legion Henry M. Guttormson Post #40 and American Legion Auxiliary, featuring both organization logos against a patriotic background of American flags, bald eagles, and fireworks. Includes contact information and the Lanesboro, Minnesota address.

Lanesboro Legion Lights FAQs

Where is Legion Lights located?

Legion Lights takes place at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minnesota, just steps from historic downtown Lanesboro. The park is easily accessible for visitors exploring the community's shops, restaurants, and holiday attractions.


When is Legion Lights open in 2026?

Legion Lights kicks off with its official lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The holiday light display runs from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, January 1, 2027. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated displays nightly throughout the season.


Is Legion Lights free?

Yes! Legion Lights is completely free and open to the public. The display is made possible through the generosity of local volunteers, businesses, donors, and community supporters.


What can visitors expect at Legion Lights?

Visitors can stroll through Sylvan Park and enjoy more than 20,000 colorful Christmas lights, festive decorations, and handmade holiday displays. It's a family-friendly experience with plenty of opportunities for holiday photos and seasonal memories.


When is the Legion Lights Christmas Parade?

The 2026 Legion Lights Christmas Parade takes place Saturday, November 28, at 6:00 PM in downtown Lanesboro. Following the parade, families can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa House in Sylvan Park.


Can I bring my family to Legion Lights?

Absolutely! Legion Lights is a family-friendly holiday attraction for visitors of all ages. Children will love the colorful displays, and families can make an evening of it by enjoying downtown Lanesboro's holiday festivities.


What else is there to do in Lanesboro during the holidays?

Plenty! Visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, local dining, live theatre, festive community events, and cozy overnight accommodations. The annual Experience the Magic of Lanesboro celebration on November 28 offers even more reasons to plan a holiday visit.

Explore Lanesboro's Events Calendar →

See You at Legion Lights!

November 25, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Sylvan Park | Lanesboro, Minnesota

Whether you're continuing a favorite holiday tradition or experiencing Legion Lights for the first time, bundle up and get ready for a magical season filled with twinkling lights, festive fun, and Christmas cheer in Lanesboro.

Plan Your Lanesboro Getaway →