Albany’s ‘Lights In The Country’ Brings Joy To The Holidays

Looking to create a new family tradition for the holidays? I might have just the thing!

One of my mom’s absolute favorite traditions every Christmas season was piling all of us into the car and driving all over the countryside just to look at Christmas lights. She never cared if it was freezing, if the roads were awful, or if we were all squished together in the backseat like overly bundled snowmen. If there were lights to see, we were going.

PILE IN THE CAR AND PICK UP GRANDMA

Mom and Dad would pick up Grandma, and off we’d go on our little family adventure. It didn’t matter how many times we’d seen the same houses; every year it felt magical. That simple joy of slowing down, being together, and soaking in the glow of the season is something I still carry with me.

LIGHTS IN THE COUNTRY IN ALBANY

Maybe that’s why places like 'Lights In The Country' in Albany, Minnesota, hit me right in the heart. They remind me of those nights. The quiet country roads, being packed with the family in a warm car, Christmas music playing, and everyone pointing out their favorite displays. And if you're looking to recreate some of that holiday magic, this is definitely the place to go.

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THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Lights In The Country has been lighting up the night sky for years, becoming one of those beloved traditions that families return to again and again. They’re officially back for another season filled with fun, family moments, and plenty of holiday cheer. If you haven’t been before, imagine a glowing half-mile stretch of countryside, packed with more than 100,000 Christmas lights, all synchronized to music you can enjoy right from your car. It’s the kind of thing that instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit, even if you showed up feeling a little “Bah Humbug.”

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According to their Facebook page, the display is fully operational for the season and is open now through January 5th. So you have plenty of time to fit it into your holiday plans.

WHERE IS 'LIGHTS IN THE COUNTRY' LOCATED?

You’ll find Lights In The Country at 36252 245th Ave in Albany. Whether you're visiting with kids, with friends, or just taking a quiet drive to unwind, it’s one of those experiences that feels both simple and magical at the same time.

They’re open Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Whether you prefer a weeknight drive with fewer cars or a festive weekend outing with more buzz and excitement, they've got you covered. It's my understanding that if you look closely, you might even see the Grinch going through trying to take down the lights!

FIND YOUR COZY, FUN HOLIDAY TRADITION IN ALBANY

If you’re looking for a cozy, nostalgic, mood-boosting activity this holiday season, this is it. Maybe it’ll become a tradition for your family, just like those Christmas-light drives were for mine.