Northern Lights at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska runs nightly Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, 4:30-9:30 p.m., for $35 (members $25), with children through age 15 free and parking free. It is a brand-new event this year. Everything below was read on the Arboretum’s own pages on 2026-10-20.
At a glance
| Detail | What the Arboretum says |
|---|---|
| Dates | Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027; closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25 |
| Hours | 4:30-9:30 p.m. nightly |
| Where | University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN |
| Tickets | Non-members $35; members $25 (a $10 discount per ticket, bought in advance; the number of discounted tickets depends on membership level); children through age 15 free, but each needs a ticket and an accompanying paid adult. Tickets are sold per person, not per car. |
| At the gate | Space-available only, $10 extra per ticket, credit card only. The Arboretum strongly encourages buying in advance and expects the most popular times to sell out. |
| Parking | Free |
| Walk length | The Arboretum asks guests to expect about a mile of outdoor walking on a one-way, self-guided path (no driving component). |
| Phone and email | 612-301-6775; arbinfo@umn.edu |
What to expect
- The show: 18 new interactive installations, using professional light projection, uplighting and synchronized sound among the oaks and pines, plus geometric light sculptures by the art studio HYBYCOZO and a 60-foot interactive shadow wall.
- Indoors and out: the route runs through the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building as well as the gardens. The Rootstock cafe is part of the route, and there are restrooms and food and drink indoors.
- Same show every night: no themed nights this year. There is music along the trail but no live music.
- Lighting effects: one area near the end of the display uses a haze effect; there is no strobe lighting.
- Dress warm: much of it is outdoors, so wear weather-appropriate clothing.
Getting there
- Road work: there is construction on Highway 5 near the Arboretum, but the main entrance off Highway 5 stays open throughout. The Arboretum links a construction map on its FAQ page.
- Arrive on time: the grounds close early and are cleared before the show starts at 4:30 p.m., so you cannot visit the gardens during the day and stay on. A daytime visit needs a separate general admission ticket.
- Entry: print your tickets at home for the quickest entry. Phone tickets are accepted at the gatehouse, but screenshots or saved photos of the barcodes do not scan.
- Accessibility: the route works for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers and the main paths are shoveled, though winter weather can affect it. Some sections have brick pavers, stone or uneven ground, and the path to and from the Roots of Life tree area is steeper.
- Distances: the Arboretum does not publish drive times from the Twin Cities, so we list none. Use the address above in your own map app.
Rules and policies
- Rescheduling: $10 per order each time, by phone (612-301-6775) by 5 p.m. the day before; no same-day changes. All sales are final, with refunds only if the Arboretum closes the display.
- Bad weather: the Arboretum may cancel for severe winter weather and will email ticket holders and post options on its site.
- Pets: service dogs are welcome; other animals are not allowed.
- Photos: no drones, and no tripods set in the gardens or blocking others’ view.
- Guest passes: an Arboretum Guest Pass does not cover Northern Lights.
We check the Arboretum’s pages weekly and update this guide when anything changes.
Frequently asked questions
When is Northern Lights at the Arboretum?
Nightly from Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, 4:30-9:30 p.m., closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25.
How much are Northern Lights tickets?
$35 for non-members and $25 for members. Children through age 15 are free but need a ticket. Buying at the gate costs $10 more per ticket, if space is available.
Is parking free at the Arboretum for Northern Lights?
Yes, parking is free.
Can I bring my dog?
Only service dogs are allowed.
How long is the walk?
The Arboretum says to expect about a mile of outdoor walking on a one-way path.
Can I get a refund?
No. All sales are final unless the Arboretum closes the display; rescheduling costs $10 per order.
Sources
- University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Northern Lights, checked 2026-10-20
- Northern Lights FAQs, checked 2026-10-20
More Twin Cities events: see Twin Cities Metro events, the Bentleyville guide and all Minnesota events. Spot a mistake? Tell us; fixes are logged on our corrections page.
Garden Highlights, witchhazel in late fall and more Minnesota plants: see our Minnesota Wildflowers and Plants guide.
Coming Up Near Chaska
- Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular (Minnesota Zoo)On now through Nov 1 · Apple Valley · about 21 mi
- Caddyshakes (Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West 3rd St)On now through Nov 1 · Northfield · about 33 mi
- Minnesota Vikings home games at U.S. Bank Stadium (Colts, Bills, Falcons, Panthers, Lions)On now through Dec 20 · Minneapolis · about 20 mi
- Minnesota Wild home games, Oct 29 to Dec 28 (Grand Casino Arena)On now through Dec 28 · Saint Paul · about 26 mi
Places Nearby
- Mill City MuseumMuseum · Minneapolis · about 20 mi
- Minnehaha DepotHistoric site · Minneapolis · about 20 mi
- Washburn A Mill ComplexNational Historic Landmark · Minneapolis · about 20 mi
Straight-line distance from the centre of Chaska, not driving miles. Events within 40 miles, places within 25. Dates come from our checked events list and may change; confirm with the organizer.
Cite this page: It's Minnesota, “Northern Lights at the Arboretum 2026 Guide”, itsminnesota.com/northern-lights-minnesota-landscape-arboretum/ (updated ). By the It's Minnesota editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.