
Viking Lakes
Viking Lakes in Eagan, MN, transforms into a festive hub with dazzling light shows, thrilling ice festivals, and outdoor winter fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive light shows & ice activities

Viking Lakes
Best Time
Festive light shows & ice activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Viking Lakes in Eagan, MN, transforms into a festive hub with dazzling light shows, thrilling ice festivals, and outdoor winter fun.
"Experience the magic of lights, skate on outdoor rinks, and conquer the world's largest ice maze!"

🚗 Book Light Show Tickets Early
Magic of Lights is priced per vehicle; book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment!
⛸️ Free Ice Skating
Bring your own skates for free outdoor ice skating at Winter SKOLstice, or rent for $5.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 228 reviews
Type
Sports Activity Location
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Magic of Lights
Viking Lakes
A dazzling drive-through holiday light display featuring over a mile of festive scenes and animations.

Winter SKOLstice
Viking Lakes
An outdoor winter wonderland with free ice skating, warming houses, and festive activities.

Minnesota Ice Festival
Viking Lakes
Experience the world's largest ice maze, ice slides, bars, and carving competitions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Events & Timing
Hotel & Facility Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Light Show Tickets Early
Magic of Lights is priced per vehicle; book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment!
⛸️ Free Ice Skating
Bring your own skates for free outdoor ice skating at Winter SKOLstice, or rent for $5.
🏨 Stay at Omni Viking Lakes
Convenient location for events, with amenities like pools.
❄️ Check Event Schedules
Magic of Lights ends early Jan, while ice events run later. Plan accordingly!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Light Show Tickets Early
Magic of Lights is priced per vehicle; book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment!
⛸️ Free Ice Skating
Bring your own skates for free outdoor ice skating at Winter SKOLstice, or rent for $5.
🏨 Stay at Omni Viking Lakes
Convenient location for events, with amenities like pools.
❄️ Check Event Schedules
Magic of Lights ends early Jan, while ice events run later. Plan accordingly!
☕ Warm Up at Warming Haus
Enjoy hot cocoa and cozy up after skating at the Winter SKOLstice warming house.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Viking Lakes is highly praised for its vibrant seasonal events, particularly the Magic of Lights and Winter SKOLstice, offering festive fun for all ages. Visitors appreciate the convenience of the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel and the unique winter attractions like the ice maze. Some minor issues include last-minute event cancellations due to weather and the need to check specific event schedules.
"This was an event between Tradehome shoes and the Vikings. Each registered foster child received new tennis shoes, backpack and a 3 pack of socks. The kids also got a meal along with the opportunity to play games on the practice field."
Loretta Lundquist
"I come here every year for the night practice for training camp. It's a wonderful time each year and a fantastic atmosphere. The Vikings organize everything efficiently and there's plenty to do for kids and adults alike. I'm grateful to be so close to such a great organization and it's evident that ownership cares so strongly given the investment in facilities like the complex found in Eagan. 5 stars from me!"
Adam Morgan
"Wonderful guys working the front. Self guided is totally the way to go. My 81 year old biggest fan had the time of her life revisiting Tarkington,- Thielen!"
Leslie “Rayne” Swensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Viking Lakes is located in Eagan, Minnesota. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for events. If you're staying at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, it's right on-site.
While specific public transport routes directly to Viking Lakes might be limited, you can check local Eagan or Twin Cities transit schedules for bus routes that get you close to the area. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option.
For drive-through events like Magic of Lights, follow the designated routes. For Winter SKOLstice and the Ice Festival, the area is generally walkable, but check event maps for specific layouts.
Parking fees can vary depending on the event. For Magic of Lights, the ticket price is per vehicle, which typically covers parking. For other events like Winter SKOLstice, parking is usually included or free.
If you're staying at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, you can easily walk to most events. Other nearby hotels might require a short drive or ride-share.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Magic of Lights is priced per vehicle, making it a great option for groups. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance online to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
Ice skating at Winter SKOLstice is free if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals are available for a fee. Access to the general Winter SKOLstice area is typically free, but specific attractions within might have separate tickets.
Yes, the Minnesota Ice Festival, featuring attractions like the ice maze, usually requires a ticket. It's advisable to check their official website or ticketing partners for pricing and to purchase in advance, especially for popular times.
Operating hours vary significantly by event and season. Magic of Lights typically runs from late November through early January. Winter SKOLstice and the Ice Festival usually run from January through February. Always check the specific event's schedule.
While some events may offer on-site ticket sales, it's highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance. This is especially true for popular drive-through events like Magic of Lights to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
Viking Lakes is a large complex that includes the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, which offers amenities like dining and pools. The area is also home to the Minnesota Vikings' practice facilities, which sometimes host public events or training camp viewings.
Absolutely! Events like Magic of Lights and Winter SKOLstice are designed for all ages. The ice skating and ice festival attractions are particularly popular with families.
The Omni Viking Lakes Hotel has dining options, including Kyndred Hearth. During events, there are often food vendors offering seasonal treats like hot cocoa and snacks.
While the main facilities are for the team, the Vikings sometimes host public events like training camp practices. Keep an eye on the official Minnesota Vikings website for any public access opportunities.
For ice skating and outdoor festivals, dress in warm layers, including hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. For Magic of Lights, you'll be in your car, so comfort is key.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Magic of Lights drive-through offers stunning illuminated scenes perfect for car-based photos. Winter SKOLstice provides opportunities for festive shots with ice sculptures and skaters. The Minnesota Ice Festival's ice maze and carvings are also highly photogenic.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits, especially during organized events. Always check event-specific rules.
For Magic of Lights, nighttime is essential to capture the full effect of the lights. For Winter SKOLstice and the Ice Festival, late afternoon into the evening offers a good balance of daylight and illuminated displays.
Yes, many visitors capture photos and videos from inside their vehicles during the Magic of Lights drive-through. Be mindful of traffic flow and safety.
Drone usage is typically restricted at event venues and private complexes like Viking Lakes due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by event organizers.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit