If you like holiday light shows, the Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Mankato’s Sibley Park are a perfect holiday destination! This year the amazing light show runs from November 23rd to December 31st. The event is free, but they do ask that attendees bring a non-perishable food donation. Monetary donations are accepted as well, and you may also donate by credit card on their website.
The Kiwanis Holiday Lights started back in 2012 in the Greater Mankato Area. Kiwanis is actually an international organization spanning some 77 countries with almost 8,000 clubs. Their mission for this event is to provide a fabulous holiday light show while promoting the community and taking in non-perishable food donations for those in need in the community. Money raised is also donated to organizations for people in need.
There are several ways for you to enjoy the Kiwanis Holiday Lights, and to add to the fun of it all, you can tune your radio to 90.1 FM to hear music that is timed to the light show.
Walking – Park your vehicle and take your time strolling through the beautiful display.
Driving – Follow the signage to get in line with your vehicle. As long as you are in line by closing time, you can cruise through and enjoy the lights from the comfort of your own car.
By Bus – Want to make a night of it and bring along some friends and family? Consider chartering a bus! If you go this route, make sure to call in advance to receive a bus pass.
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides – Another fun way to get around the light show is the horse-drawn wagon rides. This option is only available on certain days of the show so make sure you check the website before you go. Wagon rides leave every half hour and take 15–20 minutes.
To make this event possible, each night of the Kiwanis Holiday Lights has a variety of activities, sponsors, volunteers, food shelves, and other events for guests to take part in. Stop by the Kiwanis Holiday Lights website for the full calendar of events.
If you don’t have time to stop by the holiday lights but would still like to donate this holiday season, stop by the open house at our Mankato office on Friday, December 14th! The open house goes from 2-4pm, and any canned goods brought in during the open house will be donated to the Kiwanis Holiday Lights event.
Why not get in the holiday spirit and take in the Kiwanis Holiday Lights?