Last Updated October 2025.
If you’re planning a trip to Bentleyville, America’s largest free walk-through lighting display, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re visiting this season with your family, significant other, friends, or solo, here are the top tips you’ll need to keep those joyful sleigh bells ringing the entire time you’re in Duluth, Minnesota.
The Bentleyville Story: History & Heart
Bentleyville has become the most attended public event in the Northland, but its roots are humble. What began as one man’s elaborate home display has grown into a massive holiday village at Bayfront Festival Park, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It stands today as a proud tradition fueled entirely by volunteers and the spirit of generosity.
Support the Spirit
You are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy for donation. Bentleyville is an official collection site for the Salvation Army, spreading holiday cheer beyond the light display itself.
Volunteering & Donating
This incredible event relies on dedicated volunteers for setup and operations. You can show your support by volunteering for setup or by making a monetary donation directly through the Bentleyville website.
Grab Some Candy Bars
Starting September 20th, visit your local Circle K/Holiday to grab a Bentleyville Candy Bar for a chance to win amazing prizes! Every bar includes discounts on gas at Circle K, and at the Adventure Zone and all Grandma’s Inc. restaurants. But only some bars are lucky enough to win Bentleyville hats or plush toys, fast passes to see Santa, or gift cards for Bentleyville or Circle K!
10 lucky participants will find Golden Tickets, earning a chance to compete for a 2025 Polaris Four Wheeler, a two-night stay at the Edgewater Hotel & Water Park, dinner for four at Grandma’s Saloon & Grill, four tickets to a Duluth attraction, and a gift package from Bentleyville with apparel and prizes for four.
At just $2.00 in four delicious flavors, there’s a sweet treat for everyone! Find a location near you to stock up.
The On-Site Experience
Bentleyville is much more than just lights. It’s a holiday village packed with classic, Duluthy fun and treats for everyone.
- Free Snacks & Marshmallows: You’ll find free snacks at Bentleyville, including popcorn, cookies, and hot cocoa to keep you warm. What won’t you find? Dinner. You’ll definitely want to eat something beforehand! You can also roast marshmallows together by the fire.
- Meet Santa & The Nice List: Make sure the little ones bring their wish lists! You can find a meet and greet with Santa (and often Mrs. Claus) and check the famous Naughty or Nice list.
- The Bentleyville Store: If you fall in love with the experience, there is a Bentleyville store on site where you can purchase souvenirs, including gear, ornaments, and gifts.
Top Tips for a Smooth Visit
Planning is the secret sauce to a stress-free visit! As locals, we want to give you the most essential, Duluthy tips for navigating the crowds and the Lake Superior elements. Following these steps ensures your only focus is enjoying the holiday magic.
#1 – Dress for the Lake Effect
Bentleyville is an outdoor event near the greatest lake, and that means it can be cold and windy! Having the right gear means you (and the kids) will be better able to enjoy the magic. Wearing snowpants and boots is normal for a brisk Bentleyville night. Don’t forget hats, gloves, scarves, and maybe even a blanket.
Note: If you forget any of these, there is a Bentleyville store on site.
#2 – Check the Crowd-O-Meter & Parking
Plan for potential crowds and traffic. Head to the official Bentleyville website to check your date for a crowd-size predictor and find directions and parking maps. Some days will require a little extra patience. Also know that while the event itself is free, parking is $10.
#3 – Pair It with Duluth Events
Check the events calendar for even more fun! There are holiday events happening throughout the city all season long, which can be great additions to your Bentleyville visit and round out your trip to Duluth.
Tailoring Your Bentleyville Trip
The magic of Bentleyville changes depending on who you bring! Whether you’re planning a romantic night or wrangling a whole crew, here are curated tips and dining ideas to tailor your visit and make the evening perfect for your group.
Bentleyville With Families
- Logistics & Strollers: Unless Duluth is experiencing an active snowstorm, walking paths are kept clear of snow, so if your little ones are new or reluctant walkers, by all means bring a stroller!
- Dinner & Stays: You’ll definitely want to eat before heading out. Nearby, you’ll find Grandma’s Saloon & Grill, Canal Park Brewery, and Vitta Pizza, all with kid-friendly food on their menus, plus many more options throughout the city. If you stay at Pier B Resort Hotel, Silos Restaurant also has a kids menu, and you can hop on their Express Wagon to get to Bentleyville.
- More Holiday Fun: Would you like to see Bentleyville from the window of a train? The Christmas City Express runs a fun round-trip from the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. It includes holiday carolers, a 30-minute train ride, story time, hot chocolate, and cookies. Note: This train does NOT drop you off at Bentleyville.
- Attractions: The Lake Superior Zoo offers an after-hours light show on select days in November and December. Glensheen Mansion is also all dressed up and decorated for Christmas! You can enjoy the mansion tour while your kids do an elf scavenger hunt. How about a meet and greet with Santa? Meet Santa and his real live reindeer at the Fitger’s Complex. Explore all the fun to be had at Duluth’s attractions.
Bentleyville for Couples
- Romance & Ambiance: What’s more romantic than a holiday stroll at Bentleyville? Hold hands and cuddle close as you walk through the lighted pathways with holiday music playing in the background. There are plenty of photo stops to take those romantic “usies”, plus you can roast marshmallows together by the fire and grab a cup of cocoa or coffee to keep the chill at bay.
- Dining & Drinks: For romantic pre- or post-Bentleyville dining, make reservations at the Boat Club restaurant, located in the historic Fitger’s Complex, and then head over to the lights. For other cozy dining options try Bellisio’s, Hanabi Japanese Cuisine, or Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar. If it’s post-Bentleyville cozy you’re looking for, try Vikre Distillery, The Rathskeller, or Jade Fountain.
- Splurge Idea: If you’re looking to make a big impression, how about a helicopter tour of Bentleyville? Lake Superior Helicopters offers a variety tours where you can see the millions of lights from a whole new, surprising perspective.
- Other Stops: A Glensheen Candlelight Tour, designing your own ornaments at Lake Superior Art Glass, or holiday merriment in Lincoln Park, including delightful food, drink, and holiday shopping.
Bentleyville for Friend Groups & Solo Travelers
- Vibe Check: Bentleyville with a group of friends or as a solo traveler has a completely different, often more laid-back vibe. Still, most of the tips to enjoy it are the same: dress warm and check that Crowd-O-Meter.
- Pre-Game & Post-Game: With a group, you might want to hit Little Angie’s and walk to Bentleyville, or how about stopping at Clyde Iron Works for dinner on your way into town? You can have post-Bentleyville bevvies at Hoops Brewing, or head to Lincoln Park for a big booth at Bent Paddle. (Make it festive with a pint of Bent Paddle’s Christmas Cookie Cream Ale.)
- Solo Dining: If you’re visiting on your own, make a reservation at Va Bene for a delicious Italian meal – Lake Superior views included. Or, how about sushi at Hanabi Japanese Cuisine or out-of-the-box pizza offerings at Lulu’s Pizza?
- Nightcaps & Culture: After Bentleyville, check out one of Duluth’s breweries, cideries or distilleries for a nightcap, or grab a delicious non-alcoholic drink. If you’re here for the weekend, take in a show! Catch a performance at Duluth Playhouse, or check out what’s playing at the Zinema 2 or the West Theatre.
- More Shopping: There are also plenty of spots for your holiday shopping in Duluth. Depending on when you visit, you can also check out the Duluth Winter Village.
Ready to Experience the Magic?
Bentleyville truly embodies the Christmas City of the North spirit. It’s a spectacular experience where the cold is part of the fun, and the warmth of the lights creates unforgettable holiday memories. Use these tips to plan your perfect visit to Duluth and kick off your holiday season the right way!