My family has a lot of family traditions throughout the holiday season. Traveling to Bentleyville’s Tour of Lights in Duluth, Minnesota is a fairly recent tradition that my family and I have started doing every year over the past few years. With my parents recently filing for divorce, it will be a bit different this year, but we all want to keep the tradition alive. Below are some of my favorite memories and pictures from Bentleyville.
Seeing Emma’s Face
Every year, Bentleyville switches up some of its light displays. Being able to watch my little sister’s face light up like the very Christmas displays themselves makes the drive worth it by itself.
Traveling to One of My Favorite Cities in Minnesota
If you haven’t been to the boundary waters in Minnesota, I definitely recommend it. From waterfalls to cliffs, there is always a beautiful sight worth seeing. Duluth is one of many cities along the boundary waters that I enjoy going to visit every summer and every winter.
Free Food
Every year, Bentleyville gives away free cookies, hot chocolate, popcorn and marshmallows. They ask for donations to help keep the light show up and running—my family always donates every year—but by no means do you need to feel obligated to pay for the yummy snacks.
Family Time
The approximate two hour drive up to Duluth from my family’s house, walking around, and the drive back all contribute to the cherished time that I get to spend with my family. I am extremely close with my parents and siblings, thanks to the many traditions we have including Bentleyville.
At the end of the day, Bentleyville is a bunch of life-size Christmas displays including tunnels, cartoon characters, military remembrance, and many photo-ops. However, this tradition means much more to me than just the Christmas lights. What makes my memories of Bentleyville the best is the quality time that I get to spend with family, just laughing and joking. I hope Bentleyville sticks around for a long time because I can’t wait to bring my future kids to such a loving place.