Bentleyville Tour of Lights 2026: Christmas Lights Event in Duluth
The 2026 Bentleyville Tour of Lights will illuminate Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park with more than five million LEDs, a 128‑foot animated Christmas tree, walk‑through tunnels and free family activities. Running through the winter season and ending on Saturday, Dec 26, 2026, the free event targets visitors from Minnesota, neighboring states and Canada.
En esta noticia
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De un vistazo
- What changes
- Over five million LEDs, a 128‑foot animated tree, walk‑through displays and free family activities added to Bayfront Festival Park
- Timing
- Event runs during the 2026 winter season, culminating on Saturday, Dec 26, 2026
- Who is affected
- Visitors to Duluth, Minnesota, including regional, out‑of‑state and Canadian travelers
Los detalles
- Anunciado por
- Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” Board of Directors
- Entra en vigor
- 2026
Event Overview
Bentleyville Tour of Lights 2026 transforms Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park into a winter showcase featuring more than five million LED lights, a 128‑foot animated Christmas tree, illuminated nautical ships, walk‑through tunnels and light arches. The festival is open to the public at no charge and offers complimentary fire pits, hot cocoa, popcorn, cookies and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- More than five million LED fixtures across 20 waterfront acres
- 128‑foot animated Christmas tree as the centerpiece
- Walk‑through light tunnels and arches overlooking the Aerial Lift Bridge
- Free family amenities including fire pits, hot cocoa and Santa visits
Organisers and Partnerships
The event is operated by the 501(c)(3) non‑profit Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” Board of Directors in public‑private coordination with the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Division and the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. It also serves as a regional collection hub for the Salvation Army, gathering non‑perishable food items and unwrapped toys for families across the Northland.
- Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” Board of Directors (lead organiser)
- City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Division (partner)
- Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (partner)
- Salvation Army (charitable collection partner)
Attendance and Economic Impact
Attendance monitoring shows a steady rise, with the 2025‑2026 benchmark exceeding 355,000 gate entries and approaching 360,000‑375,000 for the 2026‑2027 season. Economic estimates attribute $26 million to $32 million in direct and indirect Q4 regional spending to the festival, boosting hotel occupancy rates to 84 %‑92 % on weekend dates and supporting local dining, retail and employment throughout the winter shoulder period.
- 2025‑2026 attendance: 355,000+ visitors
- Projected 2026‑2027 attendance: 360,000‑375,000
- Estimated regional spend: $26 M‑$32 M
- Hotel occupancy on weekends: 84 %‑92 %
Qué significa para los viajeros
Planificación del viaje
- Travelers can attend the event at no cost during the 2026 winter season
- Visitors should book Duluth accommodation early as hotel occupancy reaches 84‑92 % on weekends
- Regional drivers can use Interstate 35, Route 61 or US‑2 to reach the waterfront parking gates
Coste y documentos
- No admission fee is required for any visitor
- No special travel documents beyond a standard passport or ID are needed for domestic travelers
Lo que debes hacer
- Check the festival’s official website for exact opening dates and daily operating hours
- Reserve lodging in Duluth ahead of the December weekend to secure availability
- Plan transportation routes via Interstate 35 or Route 61 for regional access
A quién afecta
-
Minnesota families seeking free holiday activities
The festival offers free entertainment, food and toy donations for local families
Qué hacer Attend the lights and participate in the charitable collections
-
Regional tourists from Wisconsin and the Arrowhead area
Approximately 24 % of attendees travel from these neighboring states via dedicated corridors
Qué hacer Drive to Duluth using Route 61 or US‑2 and enjoy the waterfront displays
-
Cross‑border visitors from Canada
Around 14 % of gate admissions originate from Northwestern Ontario and other Canadian regions
Qué hacer Enter the United States with a valid passport and enjoy the free festival
Preguntas frecuentes
When does the Bentleyville Tour of Lights 2026 take place?
The festival runs throughout the 2026 winter season, with daily displays leading up to the final Saturday on Dec 26, 2026, providing a multi‑week period for visitors to experience the lights.
Is there an admission fee for Bentleyville Tour of Lights?
Admission is free for all visitors; the event does not charge any entry fee, making it accessible to families and travelers at no cost.
What attractions are included at the 2026 Bentleyville Tour of Lights?
Guests can view over five million LED lights, a 128‑foot animated Christmas tree, illuminated nautical ships, walk‑through tunnels, light arches, complimentary fire pits, hot cocoa, popcorn, cookies and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where is the Bentleyville Tour of Lights located?
The festival occupies Bayfront Festival Park at 700 W Railroad Street on the Lake Superior waterfront in Duluth, Minnesota, spreading across 20 developed acres along the harbor basin.
How can I get to Duluth for the Bentleyville Tour of Lights?
Travelers can drive north on Interstate 35 from the Twin Cities, use Route 61 or US‑2 from the Arrowhead region, or fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) or Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and connect to local transportation.
