Bentleyville Tour of Lights powers on for 22nd season

DULUTH, Minn. – The Christmas spirit has come alive at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth for the 22nd- annual Bentleyville Tour of Lights.

The tour is America’s largest free walk-through lighting display.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by helicopter to flip the lights on Saturday night.

Bentleyville shines bright with more than five-million lights, including a 128-foot LED tree that now features RGB lights.

There is also complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, popcorn, and marshmallows to roast at one of the many firepits.

Children 12 and under who visit Santa will receive a Bentleyville knit hat and a bag of cookies.

For many, Bentleyville has become an annual family tradition.

“I came to check it out and see Santa Clause,” said Justin Rivera, of Cloquet. “It’s been pretty cool. My entire family has been coming down here. It’s a great community and I love it.”

Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, or a new, unwrapped toy to donate. All donations support those in need across seven communities in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The last season, Bentleyville’s nearly 300,000 visitors helped collect 9,200 pounds of food and 1,4400 toys.