There are some pretty awesome light displays in nearly every community, but when people talk about going out to look at holiday lights a few places come to mind... including the Holidazzle Parade on Nicollet Avenue and homes near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. But what seems the most magical destination to me is Rice Park at 109 West 4th Street in downtown St. Paul.
This is where St. Paul lights a tree as tall as the one in New York City's Rockefeller Center with 30,000 lights. The trees in the whole park are lit, transforming it into a winter wonderland. When we were there last night we could also see the moon above the star on top of the tree.
Drive down Summit Avenue on your way to or from Rice Park for some more beautiful light displays, although it is somewhat patchy. The block with the Governor's Mansion (1006 Summit Avenue) is pretty spectacular, as are a number of blocks closer to the St. Paul Cathedral.
Temperatures have been relatively mild this year... good for a stroll to take a slower, closer look and soak it all in. The tree in the right photo above has some fascinating 'dripping' lights. The one in the center is across the street from Governor's Mansion... looks like a tree of lights.
Enjoy this magical season of light, when we celebrate the longest nights of the year.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Twin Cities Realtor
