Merry Christmas Bulldogs! With the Christmas season comes one of Duluth’s favorite things: the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. America’s largest free walk-through Christmas lights display is back again for another year, but with a twist.

In the past, Bentleyville has attracted people from across the country to come to visit their walk-through light show, grab a snack and a hot chocolate and chat with neighbors under the incredible displays. 

This year however is a little complicated. Nathan Bentley, the founder of the light show, decided  for the safety of those working, that the light show would be drive-through only. With this change came another: due to the light show being a drive up there was a loss of revenue — from no parking, no walk-up donations, no on-site gift shop, fewer sponsorships, a smaller pre-opening fundraiser and the expense of converting the park to a drive-through — they are now charging $10 per vehicle at the gate. 

Along with the fee, the wait in the car line to get into the actual show can be very long. Some have waited over 45 minutes to get to the front gate — but it creates the opportunity to jam out to Christmas music and play car games.

Though the long wait and fee at the gate may deter some, they have so many added things to do while driving through. 

First for any kids 10 or younger, they will receive a free Bentleyville knit hat and get to meet Santa — from six feet away of course. They have characters that walk around the park, such as the Grinch, a few of Santa’s reindeer and a penguin or two who come to cars and interact with kids and adults.

They also have a seek and find a game to play while driving through. Throughout the drive they have hidden a little Elf named Twinkles in ten different places.

With everything going on, I encourage you to take some time and go see the lights. It will put a smile on your face and lift some stress.

If you’re looking to give back, make sure to bring a perishable food donation for the annual Bentleyville Food Drive. Be sure to thank the workers and the Bentley family for their hard work — but there are also drive-by donation boxes all around the park. You can support them further by visiting their new gift shop on Canal. 

Though this Christmas looks different, and it’s not all snowflakes and hot chocolate, it’s the best we got. I encourage all you Bulldogs to go out and support your community during this time, with the Christmas lights as a bonus.