Each holiday season, Duluth’s waterfront becomes home to one of Minnesota’s most popular Christmas traditions. Bentleyville Tour of Lights fills Bayfront Festival Park with millions of colorful lights, holiday displays, family activities, and plenty of festive treats.
Bentleyville is one of the biggest Duluth events of the winter, and admission is free. The 2026 season runs from November 21 through December 26, giving visitors more than a month to experience the display.
Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Bayfront Festival Park
Bentleyville is a walk-through holiday light display held along the shores of Lake Superior. More than five million lights transform Bayfront Festival Park, creating a festive setting for families, couples, and groups visiting Duluth.
The walking route is about three-quarters of a mile and generally takes 30 to 45 minutes. You may want to allow additional time for activities, treats, photos, and stops along the way.
Holiday Lights and Displays
The main attraction is the massive collection of lights and displays throughout the park. Visitors walk through illuminated tunnels and past Christmas-themed scenes while enjoying views of Duluth’s waterfront.
The location adds something special to the experience. Bayfront Festival Park sits directly along the harbor, so you can enjoy the lights against the backdrop of Duluth’s winter waterfront.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Bentleyville offers much more than lights. Guests can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and popcorn. Marshmallows are also available to roast around the firepits.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to appear nightly from November 21 through December 23 in 2026. Children ages 12 and younger who visit Santa receive a Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies. Special seasonal programming also includes Tuesday Animal Nights and closing-night fireworks.
Planning Your Visit to Bentleyville
Bentleyville opens at 5 p.m. each night. In 2026, it is scheduled to remain open until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is free, but there is a fee for onsite parking. Bentleyville also provides a Crowd-O-Meter online to help guests identify potentially quieter times to visit.
Duluth winters can be very cold, especially near Lake Superior. Wear warm boots, gloves, a hat, and multiple layers. Wind can make temperatures feel considerably colder along the waterfront. Choosing our nearby Duluth lodging also makes it easier to warm up and relax after your evening outside.
Things to Do Near Bayfront Festival Park
Make Bentleyville part of a full day of exploring Duluth. The Great Lakes Aquarium is near Bayfront Festival Park and features freshwater animals, habitats, and interactive exhibits. It is an especially convenient indoor activity for families on a cold winter day.
The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is another nearby option. Located inside the historic Duluth Depot, the museum showcases locomotives, railroad equipment, and exhibits covering the region’s transportation history.
You can also head toward Canal Park to see the Aerial Lift Bridge and visit the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. Downtown Duluth, Canal Park, and the Lincoln Park Craft District provide additional options for shopping and dining before your evening at Bentleyville.
Final Thoughts
Bentleyville combines an enormous holiday light display with free admission, family activities, seasonal treats, and a beautiful waterfront location. For many visitors, it is one of the highlights of a winter trip to Duluth.
Plan for cold weather, give yourself time to explore the display, and consider adding nearby attractions to your itinerary. Staying in our Duluth vacation rentals can turn an evening at Bentleyville into a complete winter getaway filled with holiday traditions and outdoor adventure.
Book Your Duluth Lodging with RiverWest Duluth
Make RiverWest Duluth your home base for a holiday trip to Bentleyville. Our newly built townhouses offer modern designs, luxury amenities, and convenient access to some of Duluth’s best winter activities.
Many RiverWest properties feature in-home saunas, giving you a warm place to relax after an evening walking through Bentleyville. You will also be steps from Spirit Mountain and close to scenic trailheads, making it easy to add skiing and other winter adventures to your trip.
Book your RiverWest Duluth vacation rental and experience the holiday season along the shores of Lake Superior.