Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a new winter light experience at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, running Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027, from 4:30–9:30 p.m. Rather than traditional holiday string lights, it uses theatrical projection, uplighting, interactive installations, synchronized sound, and the Arboretum’s winter landscape as the setting.
What the experience is like
The event follows a self-guided, one-way walking route through the gardens and main visitor buildings, with about a mile of outdoor walking plus indoor portions. Its 18 new installations include color-changing illumination through bare tree canopies, projected effects, bonfire areas, sound-synchronized displays, and interactive pieces designed for adults and children alike.
Highlight installations
Among the signature pieces are Glittering Gorge, which blankets a tree canopy in sparkling light; Canopy Pass, illuminating winter tree silhouettes; and Vibrant Vitae, combining light, sound, arborvitae and nearby bonfires. Geometric Gardens features large HYBYCOZO sculptures casting nature-inspired patterns, while Shadow Play uses a 60-foot interactive wall that transforms visitors’ shadows with color.
Tickets and schedule
Advance tickets are $25 for Arboretum members, $35 for non-members, and free for children 15 and younger with a ticket and accompanying adult; parking is free. The event operates nightly except Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Dec. 24–25. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, while gate tickets may be offered for an additional $10 when space remains.
Good to know
Northern Lights is walking-only rather than drive-through, and visitors should dress for Minnesota winter conditions. The Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building are incorporated into the experience, providing indoor displays and warm-up opportunities; food and drinks are available at Rootstock and a midway warming tent. The Arboretum describes this as an entirely new event, replacing the style of its previous winter-light display with professionally designed, customized high-tech lighting.