Tourism Blog

Winter Wonderland today

Now entering its fourth year, Winter Wonderland draws more than 25,000 visitors to the Brainerd Lakes Area each holiday season. Visitors have represented more than 500 communities, 37 states, and nine countries. This year more than 80 light displays will be available for viewing in an expanded route through the Northland Arboretum, 14260 Conservation Drive Day in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area. Winter Wonderland hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays beginning Thanksgiving Day and concluding on New Year’s Day. The Holiday Village, home to Santa Claus, will be open Friday and Saturday nights.

Many of the displays, which each contain hundreds of light bulbs, are animated. The holiday light display follows themed areas, as displays similar in nature, are grouped together. For instance, this year’s themes include up north woodland, custom children’s, toyland and Joy to the World sections. The sizes of the individual displays range from a small 9-foot by 7-foot deer to a 30-foot by 25-foot poinsettia to a 16-foot by 98-foot belly-flopping Frosty the Snowman.

In keeping with the international mission of this service organization to improve hearing health, a special aspect of Winter Wonderland has been the recent addition of two special nights with Signing Santa, where jolly old St. Nick communicates with children through American Sign Language. This year those nights will be Dec. 10-11.

Opportunities to enjoy Winter Wonderland other than in the comfort of your own vehicle also have been key components of this holiday experience. This year, walking tours are planned the nights of Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 while horse-drawn wagon rides will be available Dec. 12 and Dec. 26.

Tickets are $10 per vehicle, with $3 off coupons available throughout the community. All proceeds benefit Brainerd area charities. Make the Brainerd Lakes Area your holiday getaway for a night or weekend of holiday shopping and entertainment during your visit here for Winter Wonderland. For more information about lodging and events, visit explorebrainerdlakes.com.