Minnesota Christmas Light Show

at Sovereign Estate | Spirit of Winter

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Experience the magic of Spirit of Winter, a spectacular Minnesota Christmas light show at Sovereign Estate Winery in Waconia, Minnesota. This festive walking tour takes you through 20 acres of holiday lights, featuring more than 20 miles of Christmas lights strung together set to music broadcast throughout the winery grounds. The whole family can explore the winter beauty of Sovereign Estate while discovering Santa, Candy Cane Lane, llamas, holiday displays, winter activities, fire pits, festive food and drinks, and more. Located just west of the Twin Cities, The Spirit of Winter is a memorable Christmas event for families, date nights, and holiday gatherings. Parking is included, and most outdoor areas are accessible depending on weather conditions. Tickets are $10 for everyone age 3 and older, with children under 3 admitted free.

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SPIRIT OF WINTER HOURS

WHEN TO VISIT

THU–SUN • 4–9 PM

SPECIAL HOURS: Dec. 21–23

CLOSED: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

$10 • Ages 3+ • Under 3 Free

FEATURES

The Blizzard Bistro Kiosk is an order window which offers a family friendly menu and treats to be enjoyed at one of the many fireside seating areas. 

The Polar Bear Bar is an order window which adults can purchase wine, beer and hot drinks such as mulled wine or boozy hot cocoa.

The Holiday House is an indoor festive holiday cocktail bar and OSPREY dining area . Access included with your admission. No reservations taken. First come, first seated.

The Holly Trolley Tractor rides to see all the lights! $5 additional fee per person. Ticket may be purchased inside tasting room

Santa Sleigh Family pictures with the Big Guy!

S’more Pits Campfires everywhere, buy your s’more kit at windows

PLUS Children can play boot hockey, run through a mazes and pet Real live Llamas

Night view of trees and structures decorated with colorful Christmas lights, including strings of red, green, blue, and yellow lights, with some trees wrapped in lights, and hanging snowflake ornaments, creating a festive holiday scene.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THEM

This winter, Sovereign Estate transforms into a spectacular outdoor Christmas experience unlike anything else in Minnesota.

Explore 20 acres of the Estate illuminated by more than 20 miles of Christmas lights, holiday music and larger-than-life displays.

Meet Santa. Walk through Candy Cane Lane. Say hello to the llamas. Explore the snow maze. Play boot hockey. Warm up around the fire.

And that's just the beginning.

This isn't just a light display.

It's a night at Sovereign.

20+ MILES

of Christmas lights strung together

20 ACRES

of winter wonderland

NOV 21 – DEC 31

Christmas at Sovereign Estate

One destination. An entire night of Christmas magic.

Aerial view of a snowy landscape at night with colorful Christmas lights decorating trees and buildings, creating a festive holiday scene.

THERE'S MAGIC AROUND EVERY CORNER.

THE LIGHTS

Walk through miles of synchronized lights set throughout the Estate.

CANDY CANE LANE

Step into a larger-than-life Christmas world filled with color and light.

VISIT SANTA

Make a Christmas memory with Santa.

MEET THE LLAMAS

One of the most unexpected stops of the night.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Snow maze, boot hockey and more outdoor fun.

FIRE & WARM-UP AREAS

Gather around the fire, warm up and stay awhile.

Winter park scene at dusk with trees decorated with colorful Christmas lights, snow-covered ground, and some people sitting around a campfire.
Night scene of trees decorated with multicolored Christmas lights and hanging snowflake ornaments, creating a festive holiday display.
A llama wearing a Santa hat and a Christmas wreath around its neck, standing outdoors with trees in the background.
A group of five people, including someone dressed as Santa Claus, gathered together and smiling at a festive outdoor event during winter.

READY TO EXPERIENCE IT?

November 21 – December 31

$10 per person • Ages 3+

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Add To your Experience

Holiday House Cocktail bar

Learn more

Christmas Concerts

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Christmas Cabanas

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Private Holiday Parties

Learn more

20 ACRES OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC

THERE'S A LOT TO DISCOVER.

Two children dressed in winter clothing standing in a snowy area in front of a festive outdoor Christmas display at night. The display features illuminated snowmen, a snow lady, colorful Christmas lights on trees, and a sign that reads 'Sno Man Ball.'

LIGHTS • SANTA • LLAMAS • FOOD • DRINKS • FIRE PITS • ACTIVITIES • RESTROOMS

LIGHTS • SANTA • LLAMAS • FOOD • DRINKS • FIRE PITS • ACTIVITIES • RESTROOMS

SOW Map

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Yes! We require admission for our Spirit of Winter.

    • $10 individual admission for ages 3 and older. Children under 3 are free

  • Online ticket purchase will receive an email receipt/confirmation. PLEASE SAVE YOUR RECEIPT/CONFIRMATION! You will be showing this at the gate for admission. If you have not received a receipt, please check all spam/junk folders before reaching out. We will not be able to respond to phone calls or emails if you lose it or can’t find it later. This includes showing your reservation confirmation for Christmas Cabanas

  • We do not issue refunds for the Spirit of Winter. If for some reason (such as illness) you are unable to attend on the night you selected, you may change the date of your ticket up to 24 hours in advance using the link in your confirmation email. Please make sure you are buying your desired date before you purchase. NO REFUNDS ONCE PURCHASED.

  • Sovereign Estate may choose to close the show due to severe weather or ice to ensure safety of our customers and staff. Please check the website for updates and closures. If we have to close, your ticket will be good for any other night of show.

  • Our Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights is an outdoor walking event!

    For cozy seating you can rent a private heated Christmas Cabana, dine indoors at the Nutcracker Suite, or stop inside the Polar Bear Lounge.

  • Our Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights is an OUTDOOR, walking event! We ask that everyone dresses appropriately for the Minnesota Winter, especially with negative temperatures.

  • Yes! We have couple ways where guests can purchase both food and beverages. Our Bistro will be open during the day beginning at 12pm with a full food and wine menu. Beginning at 4pm, we will have our Polar Bear Bar and Blizzard Bistro open outside for food and holiday drinks for the whole family. For our 21+ crowd, we will also have our Nutcracker Lounge open beginning at 4pm for indoor seating where guests can order food and drinks. NO Outside Food or Beverages allowed.

  • Not during the Spirit of Winter. Although we love our pooches here at Sovereign, dogs scare the llamas and discolor the snow. Please do not bring your dog, even if you hold them, to protect them from the cold weather during our Minnesota Winters.

  • Yes! We are open during the Winter season from 12PM-4PM from Tuesday-Sunday for our Wine Store, Guided Wine Tastings, and walk-in guests to enjoy wine by glass, bottle, and food in our Nutcracker Suite. Starting at 4PM, admission for the Spirit of Winter is required to enter the property.

    For more information on our Winter Hours, please visit our Hours Page.

More FAQs
Christmas trees decorated with multicolored string lights at Sovereign Estate Winery at night, snow on the ground.
Aerial night view of a house and yard decorated with colorful Christmas lights, including trees wrapped in lights, and illuminated ornaments, with snow on the ground.
Festive outdoor Christmas cabanas decorated with string lights and surrounded by snow, with a sign promoting rental for winter gatherings.
Hand holding a red festive mug with the text "The Spirit of Winter, The Winery at Sovereign Estate." in front of a Christmas market with decorated trees and a lit Christmas ambiance. A sign indicates the Polar Bear Bar with an arrow pointing left, an
Two children dressed warmly in winter jackets and hats stand in the snow at night, looking at a decorated holiday display. The display features inflatable snowmen, snowwomen, a Santa figure, and a sign that reads 'SnoMan Ball.' Two large trees are de
A family of three, a man, woman, and young boy, sitting on a stone circular bench during a Christmas event. The boy is wearing a camouflage jacket and ice skates, and the adults are dressed in dark winter coats. The background features bright Christm
Interior of Sovereign Estate retail store decorated for Christmas with shelves of wine, apparel, and accessories, a large chandelier made of twigs and lights hanging from the ceiling, and festive holiday decorations.
Blurred string lights with red, white, and warm colors hanging in a dark room or outdoor setting, creating a festive or cozy atmosphere.
Four drinks on a table in front of traditional Norwegian troll and folk art decorations, including a glass of white wine, a glass of sparkling wine, a cocktail with cherries, and a soda with ice.
Decorated Christmas trees with colorful lights, illuminated reindeer figures, and a sign that reads 'Sovereign Estate Wine, Please come again! Merry Christmas!' set in a snowy landscape at night.
Four adults and Santa Claus posing for a photo during a winter holiday event. Santa is waving and dressed in a red suit with a white beard. The background has holiday lights and a blue-lit scene, indicating an outdoor winter setting.
Nighttime outdoor scene with illuminated Christmas trees and a nativity scene under a wooden shelter.
Illuminated snowmen decorations at night, one with a black top hat and a scarf, set against blurred Christmas tree lights.
Six women in winter clothing sitting around a table with a red-and-white checkered tablecloth, drinks, and snacks inside a wooden shelter, snow outside in the background.
Holiday scene at night with Christmas lights, decorated trees, a red shed, a festive inflatable gingerbread man wearing a Santa hat, and illuminated star decoration, all set in snowy surroundings.
Night scene of a snowy park decorated with colorful holiday lights wrapped around the trees, including red and white on some trees and green on others.
Winter scene with snow-covered ground and trees decorated with colorful Christmas lights, including a lighted Santa and reindeer display.
Nighttime scene of a winter outdoor Christmas celebration with decorated trees wrapped in lights, hanging snowflake ornaments, and a group of people gathered around a fire pit in snow-covered ground.
Snow-covered park at dusk decorated with colorful Christmas lights wrapped around trees, with snowflake-shaped lights hanging from branches. People are gathered around a table in the distance, and benches are in the foreground.
Nighttime scene with trees and structures decorated with colorful Christmas lights, including strings of lights and hanging snowflake ornaments.
Trees decorated with multicolored Christmas lights at night.