December 2021

Does one of your holiday traditions include checking out the holiday lights in the neighborhood? Why not expand on that and plan a trip to see the “Celebrate the Light of the World” Christmas light display in the Willmar Lakes Area? This free event is so popular that it won WCCO’s viewer’s choice award for the best Christmas lights in Minnesota and was featured on the television show “The Great Christmas Light Fight” through ABC!

Year after year, thousands of visitors flock to Robbins Island Regional Park for the long-lasting tradition of “Celebrate the Light of the World.” Robbins Island comes to life with light and color, drawing people young and old to the peninsula that juts into Foot Lake. Explore the park and admire the lights from the comfort of your car by driving through the area starting Thanksgiving Day and running through December 26th. You’re sure to find the perfect night to visit the amazing lights that can be seen from across the lake.

With almost 900,000 lights, more than 250 extension cords, and the combined efforts of volunteers for over 1,000 hours to create this holiday masterpiece, “Celebrate the Light of the World” is surely a sight to see! Some popular features of many visitors include the stunning tunnel of light pulsing to the beat of the music on the radio, the gigantic Christmas trees glittering against the darkened sky, and a proudly displayed American flag guarded by two toy soldiers.

The light display is an emblem of community and light, bringing goodwill and joy to the Willmar Lakes Area for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. If you’re in the giving spirit, they accept cash donations to support four amazing organizations that help those in need in our community; the Salvation Army in Willmar, Habitat for Humanity of West Central Minnesota, the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf and United Way of West Central Minnesota. Make your donation near the Koosman Chapel as you exit the “Celebrate the Light of the World” display.

The light show will be open to the public every night from 5:00-10:00 p.m. so you’ll have plenty of time during the day to take in some outdoor winter activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, kicksledding, ice skating, fat tire biking, and ice fishing! To learn more about all the fun ways to stay active during the winter months in the Willmar Lakes Area, click here. If you’d rather keep warm indoors during the day, Kandiyohi County has a plethora of unique boutiques and shops to find that perfect gift or to treat yourself with a little something extra. Learn more about holiday shopping in the Willmar Lakes Area by clicking here. And there’s no doubt that a day full of outdoor activities or shopping will leave you hungry. Whether you’re in the mood for an authentic Mexican dish or an American classic, you’re sure to find the perfect restaurant in the Willmar Lakes Area. Check out a list of our favorite local restaurants by clicking here. And with so much fun taking place, why not make a weekend of it? Book your stay at one of our beautiful hotels in the area and enjoy the most of your holiday getaway!

Be sure to have your camera or smartphone on hand for all the amazing moments you will want to capture. Share your pictures by tagging #CelebratetheLight and #WillmarLakesArea.
Plan your visit today for memories that will last a lifetime!