There’s something especially lovely about Christmastime in Minnesota. The twinkling lights, the chilly evenings bundled up in our warmest coats, and all the little traditions that make this season feel so special. Now that we’re back home in Minnesota, I’m especially looking forward to enjoying all the holiday magic the Twin Cities have to offer.
One event I’m particularly excited about this year is GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field in St. Paul, returning November 19, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
If you’re looking for Christmas activities in the Twin Cities, a festive family outing, or a new holiday tradition to begin with your little ones, GLOW looks like such a sweet way to celebrate the season. Our family has been invited to experience opening night, and I’m so excited to share that I also have an exclusive discount for you!
Use code MOTHERHOOD26 for 20% off your GLOW Holiday Festival tickets!
Get 20% Off GLOW Holiday Festival Tickets
What Is GLOW Holiday Festival?
GLOW Holiday Festival is an outdoor Christmas lights experience that transforms CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints, into a winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, illuminated displays, interactive activities, and festive experiences for all ages.
Since beginning in 2020, GLOW has become a holiday tradition for Minnesota families, bringing together so many of the things that make this season memorable: beautiful Christmas lights, visits with Santa, warm treats, and time spent together.
I especially love finding experiences that feel just as magical for little ones as they do for grown-ups, and GLOW has so many thoughtful details that make it an outing the whole family can look forward to.
What’s New at GLOW Holiday Festival in 2026?
This year’s theme is Arctic Adventure, bringing a beautiful new collection of winter-inspired installations to CHS Field.
Guests will be able to wander through an illuminated icicle tunnel, discover glowing polar bears and Arctic wolves, explore an Arctic Igloo, and see a new Ice Waterfall installation stretching approximately 20 feet across.
One of the details I’m especially excited to see is the Aurora Borealis-inspired lighting, designed to recreate the beautiful green glow of the Northern Lights. Combined with the sparkling white and blue lights throughout the Arctic Adventure area, I imagine it will feel like stepping into a little winter storybook.
GLOW is also expanding its signature Color Blossoms installation, with even more synchronized lights, music, and movement throughout the stadium.
Christmas Activities for Kids at GLOW Holiday Festival
One of the reasons GLOW caught my attention is how many of its experiences are designed for children to actually participate in, rather than simply admire from a distance.
New this year is Wand-er Land Corral, an interactive area where children can use special wands to activate illuminated displays. With a tap, little ones can bring sparkling trees, glowing icicles, and light-up drums to life.
The area will also include illuminated teeter-totters, interactive light panels, warming huts for kids, and s’mores.
As a mom to a three-year-old, I love the idea of a holiday outing that allows little ones to explore, play, and feel like they’re part of the magic. Those are often the experiences that become the sweetest memories.
There are also several returning favorites to look forward to, including:
- GLOW Spectacular: A synchronized light-and-music show that illuminates the entire stadium every 20 minutes.
- The Tremendous Tree: A 60-foot illuminated Christmas tree that serves as a beautiful centerpiece of the festival.
- Santa’s Shack: A chance for little ones to visit Santa during the holiday season.
- The Giant Snowy Slide: A wintertime adventure for guests looking for a little extra excitement.
- Vixen’s Zip Line: Another exciting activity for adventurous visitors.
- Enchanted Forest and sElfie Plaza: More festive displays and photo opportunities to discover.
- Reindeer Run: A cozy area where visitors can gather around fire pits and roast marshmallows.
I can already picture an evening of wandering through the lights, stopping for something warm, and letting our little one take it all in. Sometimes the simplest family traditions become the ones we look forward to most.
A Holiday Tradition That Gives Back to Minnesota
Another lovely detail about GLOW Holiday Festival is its commitment to giving back to the community.
Since the festival began, GLOW has donated more than $450,000 to local charities. This year, $1 from every ticket sold will continue to benefit regional nonprofit organizations.
It’s always meaningful to discover local experiences that bring families together while also supporting the communities we call home.
GLOW Holiday Festival 2026: Dates, Location, and Tickets
If you’re thinking about adding GLOW to your family’s holiday calendar, here are the details to know before planning your visit.
Dates: November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027, on select evenings
Hours: 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: CHS Field, 360 Broadway Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Ticket prices:
- Adults ages 13 and older: $22.75
- Children: $12.75
- Children ages 3 and under: Free
The Giant Snowy Slide and Vixen’s Zip Line are available for an additional charge. GLOW is also a cashless event, so you’ll want to bring a credit or debit card for any purchases during your visit.
Be sure to check the official GLOW website for available dates, current ticket information, and any additional details before heading out.
Save 20% on GLOW Holiday Festival Tickets with My Discount Code!
I’m so happy to have the opportunity to attend GLOW Holiday Festival this year and to share a special offer with the KellyZugay.com community.
When purchasing your tickets, use code MOTHERHOOD26 to save 20%.
Even better, I’ve linked directly to the ticket page with my discount already applied, so you don’t have to worry about remembering the code at checkout.
Whether you’re planning a special Christmas outing with your little ones, a festive date night, or an evening with grandparents and extended family, I hope this makes it a little easier to add some holiday magic to your calendar.
Get 20% Off GLOW Holiday Festival Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions About GLOW Holiday Festival 2026
Where is GLOW Holiday Festival located?
GLOW Holiday Festival takes place at CHS Field, located at 360 Broadway Street in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. The stadium is home to the St. Paul Saints and is transformed into an illuminated holiday experience for the Christmas season.
When is GLOW Holiday Festival open in 2026?
GLOW Holiday Festival opens Thursday, November 19, 2026, and continues through Sunday, January 3, 2027. The festival is open on select evenings from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. You can find the complete schedule on the official GLOW Holiday Festival website.
How much are GLOW Holiday Festival tickets?
Regular admission tickets start at $22.75 for adults ages 13 and older and $12.75 for children. Children ages 3 and under receive free admission. Some experiences, including the Giant Snowy Slide and Vixen’s Zip Line, cost extra.
You can also use my exclusive discount code MOTHERHOOD26 for 20% off tickets, or click here to access the discounted ticket page directly.
Is GLOW Holiday Festival good for toddlers and young children?
GLOW offers several experiences designed with young children in mind, including interactive light displays, visits with Santa, illuminated play areas, and beautiful Christmas lights to explore. The new Wand-er Land Corral also includes warming huts for kids, illuminated teeter-totters, and hands-on activities. Families can choose which experiences best suit their children’s ages and interests.
Is GLOW Holiday Festival outdoors?
Yes! GLOW is an outdoor holiday lights experience held throughout CHS Field in St. Paul. Since Minnesota evenings can be especially chilly in November, December, and January, dressing in warm layers, winter coats, hats, mittens, and comfortable boots is a good idea. The festival also includes fire pits and designated warming areas.
Can you visit Santa at GLOW Holiday Festival?
Yes! Santa’s Shack is one of GLOW Holiday Festival’s returning attractions, giving families the opportunity to stop in and visit Santa during their holiday outing. Check the festival’s official schedule for any specific Santa appearance details.
Are food and drinks available at GLOW Holiday Festival?
Yes! Guests can enjoy festive treats, warm beverages, and s’mores throughout the festival. There are also areas such as Blitzen’s Lounge and Reindeer Run where visitors can enjoy refreshments or gather around the fire pits. GLOW is a cashless event, so be sure to bring a credit or debit card.
Is there a discount code for GLOW Holiday Festival 2026?
Yes! I’m so happy to share an exclusive discount with the KellyZugay.com community. Use MOTHERHOOD26 for 20% off GLOW Holiday Festival tickets. You can also use my direct ticket link to have the discount applied automatically at checkout.
Save 20% on GLOW Holiday Festival Tickets
Making Room for a Little Holiday Magic
One of my favorite things about the holidays is that the most meaningful memories aren’t necessarily the biggest or most elaborate ones. Sometimes they’re simply an evening spent together, rosy cheeks from the cold, a little hand tucked into yours, and the wonder of seeing thousands of Christmas lights twinkling all around you.
After a year filled with so many changes for our family, I’m especially grateful to be back in Minnesota, close to the people and places we love, and making room for the little traditions that make a place feel like home.
If you’re looking for a Christmas lights experience in the Twin Cities this year, I hope you’ll consider adding GLOW Holiday Festival to your holiday bucket list.
And don’t forget to use MOTHERHOOD26 for 20% off your tickets!
Get Your Discounted GLOW Tickets
Disclosure: GLOW Holiday Festival has invited our family to attend opening night and provided complimentary tickets for a reader giveaway, along with an exclusive discount code to share with the KellyZugay.com community. All opinions are my own.
