Kiwanis Holiday Lights is excited to unveil the Kiwanis Holiday Lights train on Monday, December 18, 2023, during a private ribbon-cutting ceremony. As you may have seen in a press release by the Mankato Area Foundation, this project has been years in the making, and we are nearing the home stretch!
This idea has become a reality with support from the Curt and Debbie Fisher Donor Advised Fund of Mankato Area Foundation, and we want to thank them for their generous donation.
Before rides begin, there are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure the safety of all Kiwanis Holiday Lights visitors.
Some of those include final touches on the major rebuild of the train engine, extensive training of the drivers who will safely conduct the train through Kiwanis Holiday Lights and finalizing legal issues like insurance. All of this work is being completed by volunteers within our community.
While we do not have an official timeline for the first rides through the lights, stay tuned to our social media sites as an announcement will be made. Our volunteer leadership is thrilled to see the immense enthusiasm in this major venture and can't wait to share it with all of you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will rides be available for visitors?
During the 2023 season, rides may be available on a trial basis as a soft launch. Please pay attention to our social media channels for those date announcements. A regular schedule will be available during the 2024 season!
What does it cost to ride the train?
Tickets will be available for $5 per person for ages 10+ and free for riders 9 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Rides will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where can I load the train?
The Kiwanis Holiday Lights Train will load from the Train Depot (formerly the Warming House for the ice skating rink).
Is the train handicap accessible?
During the 2023 season, we will not have the ability to provide accessible rides as the accessible train car still needs significant work to operate safely. In 2024, we fully expect to have this option available for our visitors!