The651.com

Holiday Lights in the Park

Cruisin’ Lake Phalen in the summer might be memorable, but each holiday season the East Side hot spot transforms into a glorious winter wonderland with all the trimmings. The best part? You don’t even have to get out of your warm car to experience the festive cheer! This driving tour takes you around the lake through over 50 colorful twinkling sets, light sculptures, and animated displays.

5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nightly (including holidays). $10 per vehicle. Runs through January 1st.

Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Drive, St. Paul

More info: www.lightsinthepark.org

Rice Park Winter Wonderland

We (sort of) wrote about this a couple weeks ago, but Rice Park’s classic lights display is something everyone must experience at least once. The pretty plaza in the heart of Downtown St. Paul is always charming in and of itself, flanked by beautiful buildings like the St. Paul Hotel, Landmark Center, and Ordway. Each winter it’s decked out with about a bazillion white, twinkling lights and what we expect is the capital city’s biggest Christmas tree. To make matters more festive, Wells Fargo’s Winterskate is adjacent as well.

24 hours a day/7 days a week. Free. Runs through January 1st.

Rice Park, W. 5th St & Market St., Downtown St. Paul

More info: www.riceparkwinterwonderland.com

Holiday Lights on Summit Avenue

Architecture buffs will definitely enjoy a driving (or walking) escapade down St. Paul’s most decadent and historic street. Cruise down Summit and take in various light displays that decorate private residences as well as storied manses like the James J. Hill House and other recognizable landmarks. There’s no rhyme or reason to this “tour” so take your time. Our suggestion? Start as high up as Snelling & Summit and work your way down to the more impressive homes past Dale and into Cathedral Hill. Afterward, stop somewhere cute like Nina’s Cafe over on Selby for a cup of hot chocolate!

After Dark/7 Days a Week + Holidays. Free. Through the Holidays.

Summit Avenue (various locations), St. Paul

More info on Summit Ave HERE.