Sparkling lights and holiday cheer, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights is one of Minnesota’s most beloved winter events, lighting up Bayfront Festival Park with more than five million dazzling bulbs. What started as a personal home display in Esko and Cloquet, MN, has become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that draws nearly 300,000 visitors each year. This free walk-through holiday wonderland includes larger-than-life displays, glowing tunnels, and a festive soundtrack that fills the crisp air with cheer.
Duluth transforms into a true holiday destination each winter, combining lakeside beauty with small-town charm. From the waterfront to the historic downtown, the city glows with light displays, music, and holiday markets. Visitors can sip cocoa while shopping at local boutiques, dine on seasonal menus, and enjoy events that make Duluth one of the Best Christmas Towns in America, according to Esquire magazine.
After soaking in the magic of the lights, return to our Duluth Bed and Breakfast for a peaceful retreat with a view. Our waterfront B&B sits right along the shores of Lake Superior, offering panoramic sights of the harbor that shimmer under the winter sky. Watch ships pass through the canal from the warmth of your room, enjoy a gourmet breakfast each morning, and experience the kind of welcoming atmosphere that turns a simple stay into a highlight of your holiday getaway. Book your stay today!
Experience the Magic of the Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Located at Bayfront Festival Park, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a must-see event for anyone visiting Duluth during the holiday season. Guests can stroll through themed light tunnels, towering trees, and displays that celebrate everything from reindeer to regional landmarks. Along the way, enjoy free cookies, hot cocoa, popcorn, and marshmallows for roasting. Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests nightly, and for $5, you can add a name to the Naughty or Nice List that’s displayed throughout the season.
One of the most meaningful parts of the Bentleyville Tour of Lights is its spirit of giving. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable canned goods or a new, unwrapped toy to donate to benefit the Salvation Army of Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Last season alone, guests contributed over 9200 pounds of food and more than 1,400 toys, helping local families enjoy a brighter holiday. This generosity has become a cherished part of the Bentleyville tradition, reminding everyone that the true heart of the season shines through acts of kindness.
Duluth offers plenty more to explore during your holiday getaway:
- Held along the harbor, the Duluth Winter Village is a festive open-air market that features local artisans, handmade goods, and cozy fire pits. It’s a wonderful place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting regional makers.
- Step back in time at Glensheen Mansion, decorated in full holiday splendor. With hundreds of trees, elaborate garlands, and a glowing lakeside setting, this historic estate is one of Duluth’s most enchanting seasonal attractions.
- A short drive from Duluth, Julebyen in Knife River celebrates Scandinavian traditions with handmade crafts, folk music, and even mischievous trolls roaming the grounds. The market is the perfect place to experience a bit of Nordic Christmas charm.
- Wander through illuminated pathways filled with animal-themed displays at Lake Superior Zoo Lights and enjoy an evening that combines holiday fun with wildlife encounters.
- Enjoy a festive night out with a holiday performance by the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra or a Broadway-style musical at the Duluth Playhouse. You can also catch holiday-themed shows at The West Theatre or unwind at Wussow’s Concert Cafe, where live music, espresso, and homemade fare create the perfect cheery vibe.
- Still searching for the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list? Discover Duluth’s unique local boutiques and find something truly special this holiday season.
- Take a self-guided driving tour of Duluth’s best-decorated homes and businesses participating in the Duluth Christmas Lighting Challenge. Many locals go all-out, creating displays that rival the Bentleyville Tour of Lights.
- Treat yourself to a seasonal meal at Lake Avenue Restaurant or Va Bene Caffe. Both offer creative winter menus and sweeping views of the lake and harbor.
Relax at our Duluth Bed and Breakfast this Winter
After a day exploring Duluth’s winter wonderland, there’s nothing better than returning to our welcoming Duluth Bed and Breakfast. Our Inn offers harborfront views that sparkle under the lights of the Aerial Lift Bridge and Canal Park. Sit by the fire, watch the snowfall from the window, and let the clam of the lake create a peaceful end to your day. You can even see the glow of the Bentleyville Tour of Lights from our windows.
Each morning begins with a delicious, thoughtfully prepared gourmet breakfast made from local ingredients. Guests enjoy our creative menus that change daily, served with warm hospitality. Our inviting space captures the spirit of Duluth’s North Shore: relaxing, genuine, and full of heart.
Every guest room at our Duluth Bed and Breakfast offers a blend of comfort and style from soft bedding to unique decor that reflects the beauty of our region. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or planning a winter escape, this is the ideal place to stay when visiting the Bentleyville Tour of Lights and the many festive attractions Duluth has to offer in the wintertime. Reserve your room now!
