Children bundled up in snowsuits, hats and mittens waddled around underneath the dancing lights of a disco ball inside the Fairytale Castle. Teenage couples awkwardly held hands as they walked through the light-up tunnels lining the edge of the Saints’ CHS Field. Families took photos at the many photo opportunities, perfect for a Christmas card.
All were attending the GLOW Holiday Festival, which opened on Nov. 20 for its sixth year, and the festivities are just ramping up. The walk-through light exhibit features over 1 million LED lights, with three synchronized light and music shows every hour.
The festival doesn’t just feature light shows, either.
It offers multiple exhibits and activities, at an extra charge, that are fun for children and adults alike. Guests can speed down the Snowy Slide, a 120-foot slide that begins at the concourse level and ends on the field. Vixen’s Zip Line allows guests to soar 34 feet above CHS Field.
Not much of a thrill seeker?
There are plenty of options for shoppers and foodies, as well. Blitzen’s Lounge offers a warm escape from the outdoors, where visitors can shop from local artisan booths or grab a drink at the bar.
Outdoor fire pits allow guests to enjoy the festival while staying warm, and s’mores kits are available for purchase. Another tent houses the Merry Carousel, so parents can take advantage of the warmth while their children enjoy the carousel.
Vendors are scattered throughout the festival, where visitors can purchase warm soup, mini donuts, pretzels, hot chocolate and other treats. A cart at the entrance of the festival also sells light-up necklaces, wands and candy canes.
The light show itself was stunning and interactive. The Bright Bikes Tree was a fan-favorite, where guests could pedal on stationary bikes to send colorful lights shooting up a 20-foot LED tree. Teeter-totters, light-up swings, Lite-Brite boards and small elf houses offered interactive play for families.
The show is a labor of love.
Lighting director Alexander Freer spends roughly 290 hours programming the light and music shows from New York. The festival takes about one month to set up and requires 40 semi-trucks to transport all the necessary equipment to CHS Field.
The countless hours of labor don’t just provide a festive celebration for families to enjoy, as the proceeds go towards a greater purpose.
One dollar from every ticket purchased is donated to more than 30 local charities. Since 2020, GLOW has donated $400,000 to local charities, including Make-A-Wish Minnesota, the Animal Humane Society and Greater Twin Cities United Way. The GLOW Charity Flame, a 3D glowing flame set up inside the entrance of the festival, reminds guests of how GLOW is keeping generosity alive for the holiday season.
