By JZ | The North Metro Realist
I grew up in Clearwater, Minnesota, back in the 90s, before my family made the move over to Annandale. To most people passing through on I-94, Clearwater is just a truck stop—a place to fuel up and grab a bite. But for me, it holds a special place in my heart.
My childhood was spent on Eagle Wood Road, where I was less concerned with the highway and more focused on the creek that drained out of Long and Crooked Lake. I vividly remember spending hours there, basically trying to engineer my own fish hatchery in that little stream. It was that kind of hands-on, dirt-under-your-fingernails freedom that defined growing up here.
But when winter hit, the magic shifted. One of my core memories is piling into the car to go see the big Christmas light display in the historic downtown part of Clearwater. It wasn’t just lights; it was a memory anchor.
That nostalgia is exactly what inspired me to build this guide. I wanted to find those local displays—from the massive synchronized shows to the hidden gems—that can become lasting memories for you and your families today.
The “Realist” Reality Check: Don’t Get Stuck in Traffic
We all love lights, but nobody loves gridlock on Highway 10 or Highway 65 with crying kids in the backseat. If you are planning a tour this year, here is the strategy I use to keep it fun:
- The “Golden Hour” (8:30 PM – 10:00 PM): Most families with young kids pack it in by 8:00 PM. If you can go a little later, you’ll have the streets to yourself.
- Avoid the Commuter Crush: Do not try to hit Blaine or Coon Rapids between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on a weekday. You will spend more time looking at brake lights than Christmas lights.
- Tuesday is King: Weekends are zoo-like at the big displays (like the Partridge House). Tuesday nights are usually wide open.
The Heavy Hitters: Where to Go
I’ve mapped out the entire route on the interactive guide below, but here are the “Must-See” stops for 2025:
- Coon Rapids (The “Griswold” Capital): If you only hit one city, make it CR. The “Partridge House” (12401 Partridge St NW) is legendary for a reason, but don’t skip the “Wren House” or “Norway House” nearby.
- The “Farm” Confusion: A lot of people ask me about the “Farm in Clearwater.” You are likely thinking of Lights in the Country in Albany (36252 245th Ave). It’s a bit of a drive, but absolutely worth it for the massive drive-thru experience.
- Bentleyville (The Road Trip): If you are up for a drive to Duluth, Bentleyville is the largest free walk-through display in America. Just bundle up—the wind off Lake Superior is no joke.
Help Me Build the Map
I am constantly updating this list. Did I miss your neighbor’s incredible display? Did a house go dark this year?
Check out the map below, and if you see something missing, drop a comment. Let’s build the best resource in the North Metro together.
Enjoy the season, and drive safe!
– JZ
Lit in the North
The definitive map to the best holiday light displays in the North Metro & Beyond.
Why I Made This Guide
I grew up in Clearwater, MN in the 90s before moving to Annandale. To most, Clearwater is known as a truck stop, but for me, it holds a close place in my heart. I remember growing up on Eagle Wood Road, spending my days creating a “hatchery” in the creek that drained out of Long and Crooked Lake.
But my favorite memories were the nights we went to see the big Christmas lights display in historic downtown Clearwater. That joy inspired me to hunt down the best local displays today, so you can create those same lasting memories with your family.
Pro Tip: Most displays run 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Tune your radio to the posted signs (usually 87.9–91.9 FM) for synchronized music.
Beat the Rush: Timing Your Tour
Nothing kills the holiday spirit faster than sitting in gridlock on Highway 10. As a local agent who drives these roads daily, here is your survival guide for peak viewing times.
🚫 The “Gridlock” Hours
- 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Weekdays): Commuter traffic mixes with early light-viewers. Avoid Hwy 65 in Blaine and Coon Rapids Blvd.
- 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Fri/Sat): Prime family time. Expect lines at major displays like the Partridge House.
✅ The “Cruising” Hours
- 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: The families with young kids have gone home. The roads are quiet, and you can often idle right in front of the best houses.
- Weeknights (Mon-Thu): If you can swing it, Tuesday night is the absolute best time for a stress-free tour.
Coon Rapids (The Big Ones)
- The “Scepaniak” Display: A major display often in the area.
- 12401 Partridge St NW (Winner #1: Huge Motion Display)
- 11110 Wren St NW (Winner #2)
- 12149 Norway St NW (Winner #3)
- 12753 Crooked Lake Blvd NW (“Crooked Lake Christmas”)
Champlin & Blaine
- 5111 109th Ave N, Champlin (Major tour stop)
- Mississippi Crossings: 307 E River Pkwy (City display, lights up Dec 6)
- 1750 130th Ave NE, Blaine (Durrant Family)
- 17438 5th St NE, Ham Lake (Mellem Family – Massive!)
St. Paul Legends
- Schultz Family Lights: 1526 York Ave (Over 100k lights!)
- Summit Avenue: 1006 Summit Ave (Governor’s Residence area)
Roseville Tour
- 2932 Hamline Ave N
- 1950 Eldridge Ave W
- 1335 Willow Circle
- PD Shimmers: 4320 Ithaca Lane N, Plymouth (Synchronized show)
- Plymouth Lights: 16700 33rd Ave N
- Christmas in the Grove: 7153 Birchview Rd, Maple Grove
- 6497 Glacier Ln N, Maple Grove
The “Clearwater Farm” Confusion
Looking for the drive-thru farm near Clearwater? It’s actually in Albany.
Lights in the Country: 36252 245th Ave, Albany, MN.
Clearwater Main St: 300-320 Main Street (The “Clearwater Lights” walk-by display).
Other Road Trips
- Bentleyville: 700 Railroad St, Duluth (The biggest in the state!)
- Kiwanis Holiday Lights: Sibley Park, Mankato
- Sauk Rapids: 1839 Perennial Ln NE
🏆 Cast Your Vote!
Did I miss a hidden gem? Or do you disagree with the “Winners” list? Drop a comment below to nominate your favorite display. I’ll be updating this map weekly through December based on YOUR feedback.
Leave a Comment BelowFrequently Asked Questions
When do holiday light displays start in Minnesota?
Most residential displays light up on Thanksgiving weekend, but the big synchronized shows typically start full schedules by December 1st. Official city maps are usually released around December 5th.
Where is the best place to see lights in Coon Rapids?
The “Partridge House” at 12401 Partridge St NW is a local legend for its massive motion display. The “Crooked Lake Christmas” display is another must-see family favorite.
Is Bentleyville in Duluth free?
Yes! Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” is a free walk-through event, though they accept donations and non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army. Parking in the nearby lots usually costs around $10.
How do I find the “Farm” light display near Clearwater?
Many people search for a farm in Clearwater, but they are actually looking for “Lights in the Country” located in Albany, MN (36252 245th Ave). It is a massive drive-thru display on a farm setting.
Happy Holidays from JZ
Grab some hot cocoa, load up the car, and enjoy the show. If you see a “For Sale” sign next to a Griswold display… call me!
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