We know of the amazing holiday sites and lights right here in the Northland, but if your holiday travels take you to the Twin Cities, here is one attraction you and your family will enjoy on your trip.

The St. Paul Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the St. Paul Police Foundation are proud to announce the opening of the seventh annual Holiday Lights in the Park at St. Paul’s Phalen Park.

Holiday Lights in the Park which features more than 60 unique and vibrant light displays will be open nightly until January 1st. Visitors to Holiday Lights in the Park will see the area’s largest nightly holiday celebration from the warm confines of their vehicles, all while supporting those in need. To date, Holiday Lights in the Park has raised $336,000 to support local non-profit organizations who serve the area.

“We are excited to be up and running,” said Kate Kelly, Executive Director of the St. Paul Police Foundation. “This is a major undertaking and a labor of love for all of those who help set up the displays. It is so gratifying to see our guests enjoy the fruits of our efforts.”

Producing a light display of this size is not a small task. In addition to the labor and maintenance involved, it is important to the event’s producers that Holiday Lights leaves a small environmental footprint. From the type of bulbs used, to the orientation of the displays in the park, conservation is top of mind for Holiday Lights.

“Because of the way these displays are configured, we use 60-percent less energy than a typical display of this size,” said John Brandano of Brandano Displays, the company that manufactures the displays for Holiday Lights. “Before we came on the scene, light displays were wasting electricity at an obscene rate. Bottom line is that they weren’t stewards of the environment. We have spent three decades working to use less energy, while always trying to improve the quality of our displays.”

Holiday Lights will offer several special themed nights this year as well that include:

  • Tuesday, December 2– Military Night: Active military members and veterans get a free admission with a Military ID shown at the gate.
  • Wednesday, December 3, and Saturday, December 20, – Minnesota Wild Nights: All visitors with a ticket stub or proof of attendance via the Wild’s seat locator app from the above 6 p.m. start Minnesota Wild games will receive a $5 discount on their Holiday Lights in the Park admission for any night the park is open.
  • Wednesday, December 17 – Winter Carnival Night: Any vehicle with a Winter Carnival Button is eligible for a $5 discount on admission on this night only.
  • Sunday, December 21 – St Paul Police and Families Appreciation Night: All active or retired SPPD will get free admission with a valid badge or ID.
  • Tuesday, December 30 – Light up Lake Phalen Neighborhood Night: Contest winners will be announced and prizes presented.

Travel safely this holiday season and enjoy all the things the great states of Minnesota and Wisconsin have to offer!

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