This celebration of holiday lights for the Greater Mankato area and region builds on past traditions and promotes the communities we serve, while raising non-perishable food donations for those in need.

Schedule Of Events:
November 29, 2024

12th Annual Opening Night Parade & Lighting Ceremony

Join us for the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade presented by Girl Scouts River Valleys Troops 34494 and 39738! Sponsor businesses and participating nonprofit organizations have been invited to enter a float in this annual tradition. Bring a lawn chair, blankets, and a bag for treats, and be sure to wear festive, lighted items!

The parade begins at 6pm and ends with Santa's arrival to help announce the winner of the float contest, and then he'll flip the switch to turn on over 2 million holiday lights! To allow parade-goers to safely clear the streets, driving traffic will be allowed to enter the park after 8 p.m.

- Tonight's sponsors are the Mankato Area Foundation and CHS
- Tonight's volunteers are from the Mankato East Football, Mankato Teachers Association, Mankato Kiwanis Club
- Tonight's food shelf is Feeding Our Communities Partners
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house and the Giving Barn (tonight only!)
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Visit Santa starting after the lighting ceremony (approx. 7 pm) until 9 pm

November 30, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Amcor Cares Foundation and Mankato Kiwanis Club
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Martin County Salvation Army
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato East Girls Basketball and Immanuel Lutheran School Mankato
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

December 1, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Blethen Berens, ECI
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Heaven's Table Food Shelf
- Tonight's volunteers are from Blue Earth County Historical Society (BECHS), Circle of Earth Recreation Organization, Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC)
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!

First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 2, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are The Pillars and Computer Technology Solutions
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Campus Cupboard
- Tonight's volunteers are from MNSU Learning Communities, Mankato FFA Alumni and Supporters
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 3, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are W. Lorentz Construction, Caravel Autism Health
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Sleepy Eye Food Shelf
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato Area Public Schools and Community Education, Lasting Imprint
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 4, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are The Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic, Visit Mankato
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Watonwan County Food Shelf
- Tonight's volunteers are from South Central College, MNSU Cheer Team
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!
- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 5, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Mayo Clinic Health System, All American Foods
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Madelia Community Food Shelf
- Tonight's volunteers are from MNSU Circle K
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 6, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsor is Radio Mankato and Jones Law Office
- Tonight's volunteers are from Christ the King Lutheran Church, One Bright Star
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is New Ulm Emergency Food Shelf
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

December 7, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsor and volunteer group is Wal-Mart Distribution Center
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Area Food Shelf of New Richland
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

December 8, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsor is Vanderberg Clean and Profinium Bank
- Tonight's volunteers are from Leisure Education for Exceptional People (LEEP), MNSU Delta Sigma Pi, Mankato FFA Alumni and Supporters
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Open Door
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!

- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 9, 2024

- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are ABDO, Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
- Tonight's volunteers are from Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC), Mankato Area Youth Bowling Association, Mankato FFA Alumni and Supporters
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Sharing Shelf of Lake Crystal
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!

- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 10, 2024

-Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Consolidated Communications, Xcel Energy
- Tonight's volunteers are from Open Arts Minnesota/Aktion Club Theatre of Mankato, Horizon Home
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is W-E (Waterville Elysian) Share Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 11, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are United Prairie Bank, Volk Transfer
- Tonight's volunteers are from Blue Earth County Fari Association, Sertoma Club of Greater Mankato
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is PACT Ministries
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!

- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 12, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Rolls Royce
- Tonight's volunteers are from Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota/Restore, Gustavus Women's Soccer Team
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Le Center Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 13, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsor is CenterPoint Energy, First National Bank
- Tonight's volunteers are from Bridges Community School, Troop 8 Scouts BSA
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Waseca Area Food Shelf
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

December 14, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsor is ADM, Community Bank
- Tonight's volunteers are from Twin Valley Council Boy Scouts, Mankato East Girls Hockey
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Campus Cupboard
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

December 15, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are ISG, Skinner Family Dentistry
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato East Vex Robotics, Girl Scout Troops 34494 and 37938, Mankato FFA Alumni and Supporters
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Janesville Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!

- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 16, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Taylor Corp
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato West Vex Robotics, Camp Sweet Life Adventures
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Waseca Area Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!
- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 17, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are MEI Total Elevator Solutions, CliftonLarsenAllen
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mt Olive Lutheran School, Optimist Club of Minnesota Valley
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Watonwan County Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 18, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Schmidt Siding & Window, Scheels
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato Family YMCA, YWCA Mankato
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is St Peter Area Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!

- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 19, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Onward Energy, Current Connections
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato Area Hockey Association, Wellcome Manor Family Services
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Feeding Our Communities Partners
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 20, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsor is Ziegler Caterpillar, Caliber Collision
- Tonight's volunteers are from North Mankato Explorers/Nicollet County 4-H, Junior League of Greater Mankato
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Le Sueur Food Shelf
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

December 21, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsor is Felber Occupational Services, Gislason & Hunter
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato Christian Academy, Mankato West Key Club
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Pact Ministry
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

December 22, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Federated Insurance, Begalka & Swanson
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato East Boys Basketball, South Central Minnesota Pride
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Madelia Community Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!

- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 23, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Crystal Valley Coop, Lafayette Lift Trucks
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato East Softball, Mankato Makerspace
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is New Ulm Emergency Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house
- Bring your camera or phone and take your child's photo with Santa! A free coloring book and candy cane will be given to each child, while supplies last! St. Nick’s House is located in the Sibley Park farm area and will be open 5-9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings through Dec. 22.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!
- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 24, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Mankato Area Foundation and CHS
- Tonight's volunteers are from Merely Players, Various Nonprofit Organizations
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is ECHO Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 25, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Mankato Area Foundation and CHS
- Tonight's volunteers are from MNSU Learning Communities, Lasting Imprint, Various Nonprofit Organizations
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is ECHO Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 26, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Lifeworks Services, Inc, Kato Roofing,
- Tonight's volunteers are from Amtgurd, Various Nonprofit Organizations
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Open Door
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 27, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are EI Microcircuts, Mankato MoonDogs
- Tonight's volunteers are from Mankato West Key Club, Mankato East/West HOSA
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Heaven's Table Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 28, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-10 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Meyer & Norland Financial Group
- Tonight's volunteers are from Merely Players community Theatre, Homebot Robotics
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Sharing Shelf of Lake Crystal
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

December 29, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Monarch Healthcare Management, Valley News Foundation
- Tonight's volunteers are from St Peter Hight School National Honor Society, Mankato Esat/West Hosa
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Martin County Salvation Army
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!
- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 30, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Brown & Brown, Kato Moving & Storage
- Tonight's volunteers are from North Mankato Firefighters Relief Association, Dance Conservatory
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is Area Food Shelf of New Richland
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Kiwanis Holiday Lights Express open for rides tonight!
- First train departs - 5:30 pm, Last train departs – 8 pm
- Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot for $5pp, for ages 10+
- Ages 10 and younger are free with a paid adult ticket
- Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
- Tickets go on sale at 5:15pm on ride nights, outside the Train Depot
- All ticket purchases are non-refundable

December 31, 2024
- Tonight's hours are 5-9 pm
- Tonight's presenting sponsors are Mankato Area Foundation and CHS
- Tonight's volunteers are from Risen Savior Lutheran School, Various Nonprofit Organizations
- The food shelf accepting non-perishable donations tonight is St Peter Area Food Shelf
- Live reindeer are on display through Dec. 31
- Concessions and gifts are available for purchase in the main warming house

Date: November 29 - December 31, 2024

Time:
Sunday - Thursday: 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Location:
Sibley Park,
900 Mound Avenue,
Mankato, MN 56001.

Click here for more information.