The candlelit Luminary Loppet on Saturday, February 8, is the Twin Cities’ most magical event of the season.
Come to the Luminary Loppet to experience a walk around Lake of the Isles. The trail is lit up by over 1,200 luminaries and unique ice features including the ice pyramid and more – all in the heart of Uptown! Find refreshments such as hot cocoa and s’mores along the trail and then head over to the party area for food trucks, Utepils Brewing beer and music!
The Luminary Loppet is the Loppet Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year – supporting our year-round programs as we live out our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. Learn more about the Loppet’s mission here.
The Luminary Loppet is part of the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, which includes cross-country ski, fat bike, snowshoe, and skijor races and tours, youth events, and more. The Luminary Loppet is not a race – enjoy a night out with family and friends!
Register
Registration will open October 1, 2024!
To avoid congestion, there are six start wave times for the Luminary Loppet:
- 6:00pm
- 6:30pm
- 7:00pm
- 7:30pm
- 8:00pm
- 8:30pm
Loppet Foundation members receive early access to Luminary Loppet passes. Become a member to gain early access! Passes will go on sale to the general public this fall. Each start wave is capped, so remember to register early to get your preferred start time before the waves sell out. Participants may start at or after their registered start time (NOT before), and they may stay on the lake as long as they like.
All registered participants will receive an official Luminary Loppet pass, which must be displayed at all times during the event to gain access to the lake and the Luminary Party, and take advantage of the many Luminary Loppet activities.
| Status | First 4,500 participants | Next 2,000 participants | Next 4,000 participants | Remaining participants until 2/7 | Day of Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luminary Loppet - Adult | $30 | $25 | $27 | $30 | $35 | $40 |
| Luminary Loppet - Youth (age 4-16; 3 and under free) | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $15 |
Proceeds from the Luminary Loppet benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.
Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program.
All pricing listed on RunSignUp reflects the processing fees per Minnesota’s “Hidden Fees Statute,” SB 478. RunSignup charges a variable processing fee of $1 per transaction plus 6% as our standard price.
Pass Logistics
Pass Pickup:
Passes must be displayed at all times during the event to gain access to the Luminary Loppet.
To ensure the quickest pickup experience, please have your check-in pass with the QR code included in your registration email displayed on your phone/device or printed out for our staff to scan. Picking up your pass ahead of time allows you to skip the registration tent lines.
Early Pass Pickup Locations:
Lunds in Uptown – 1450 W Lake Street
- Friday, February 7th 5pm – 8pm
- Saturday, February 8th 10am – 4pm
Lagoon Tent – Corner or W. Lake of the Isles Parkway & E. Bde Maka Ska Pkwy
- Saturday, February 8th 2pm – 8:30pm
Evening of Event Pass Pickup Location:
Saturday, February 8th 6pm – 8:30pm
Important Information
Event Schedule:
- Luminary Loppet: 6pm – 10pm
- Food Trucks (Party): 6pm – 10pm
- Luminary Party/Utepils Beer Service (Party): 6pm – 10pm
- Fire Dancers (SW Lake of the Isles): 6pm – 9pm
- Park Brook Elementary Choir (Enchanted Forest): 6:30pm
- Emily Haavik (Party): 6:30pm – 8 pm
- Sarina Partridge Community Singing (Luminary Hall): 7:30pm
- SSCB (Party): 8:20pm – 10pm
Here is the important information to know for Saturday’s event:
- We strongly encourage picking up your passes in advance. Have your registration confirmation available either on your phone or on paper. You can find information on where to pick up your pass below. Your QR code is included at the top and bottom of your registration email as well.
- Please do not bring any additional lights (flashlights, headlamps, etc.). Keeping the integrity of the luminaries is important to have the best experience for everyone!
- Dogs are not allowed at the Luminary. Please leave your furry friends at home!
- If you are driving, we encourage parking 4 – 5 blocks away from Lake of the Isles (see additional transportation information below).
- Check in at one of five check-in tents around the lake to minimize waiting.
- This year we are only accepting credit and debit cards for any sales. The same applies to Utepils Brewing beer sales (one beer is included with your registration for participants 21+).
- Reminder: Participants may start at or after their registered start time (NOT before), and they may stay at the Luminary as long as they like! Please respect your start time for the best experience.
- After you have completed your Luminary experience feel free to join us at the Luminary Party until 10 pm just south of the lake (on land). Music, refreshments, and fun activities for participants of all ages. This is where you can get your free Utepils Brewing beer (21+ only). You can also purchase Loppet merchandise!
- Please be sure to dress warm! Wearing snow boots, a hat and scarf make it much more enjoyable and give you more time to have fun outdoors.
- Portable toilets will be located by each of the check-in locations.
- If you need assistance during the event please go to one of the check in locations or the information tent at the Luminary Party.
- For accessibility options and details please reach out to events@loppet.org. Parking passes are available upon request and connection to Courage Kenny for sit skis use can be made.
Parking/Transportation
Please try to come within 30 minutes of your scheduled time to provide the best Luminary experience for you and everyone else. Please be aware that sections of Lake of the Isles Parkway will be closed for the event. Please be aware that Minneapolis officials may implement Winter Parking Restrictions as needed.
Metro Transit is offering FREE rides to the Luminary Loppet! To receive a free pass take this short 3 question survey.
Additional Information:
Discounted hotel rates: LOPPET Foundation Preferred Rates – Ramada Minneapolis Golden Valley
- Must book hotel through link above to get preferred rates
Can I ski the Luminary? Pending snow conditions, ski trails around the lakes will be groomed for skiing. If there’s not enough snow for grooming then it will be an all walking.
It’s my first Luminary! What should I expect?
- Thanks for joining us! The Luminarians have been hard at work to create gorgeous luminaries, there will be beer from Utepils Brewing, fire dancers and great music!
I bought a Luminary pass for a certain time, does that mean I have to come then?
- Participants may start at or after their registered start time (NOT before), and they may stay at the Luminary as long as they like!
I can no longer attend, but found someone to take my ticket. Do I need to do anything?
- We’ll miss you this year! You can forward your confirmation email to the new ticket holder so that they have all of the information for this year’s event and their Luminary pass code.
For accessibility questions and further information, please contact luminary.info@loppet.org
Luminary Map
Celebrate the outdoors with Parkbrook Elementary as they perform in the Enchanted Forest at 6:30 p. Come together for community singing with Sarina Partridge from 7:30-8:30 (location TBD).
Volunteer
Volunteer to work alongside great community members and help to make the Luminary Loppet come to life. Opportunities are available prior to and on the event weekend. Please dress appropriately according to the weather, as you will be outside.
If you are interested in a leadership position, please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@loppet.org.
*Please note that volunteers do not receive passes to the Luminary. If you do purchase a pass – please be sure it does not conflict with your volunteer shift.
Luminary Party
Join us for the “coolest” party in town. The Luminary Party kicks off and heats up with an outdoor concert and dancing. The party also features Utepils beer (for attendees ages 21+), photo booths, fire pits, food trucks, Loppet merchandise for sale, and prize giveaways/sweepstakes.
Get ready for live music from local artist Emily Haavik at The Luminary Loppet party. Emily plays a blend of Americana, folk and glitzy-glam country and has been featured on Good Morning America and 20/20. Get ready to sing and dance along with Emily from 6:30-8p before SSCB goes on from 8:20-10p!
The Luminary Party is free for registered Luminary Loppet participants. All attendees must have a Luminary ticket, no party only tickets sold.
One can of Utepils beer is included for all registered Luminary Loppet participants who are 21+ years old (with a valid ID). Additional Utepils beer is available for purchase. The Luminary Loppet will be cash free this year – credit cards only for all purchases.
Please note: The Luminary Party last call for beer service is at 9:45pm, with music ending at 10pm.
Sponsors
Official Beer Partner
Supporting Sponsors and Partners
Join the Adventure!
Detailed sponsorship opportunities and packages are available.
Please contact the Loppet Foundation Sponsorship Manager:
sponsorship@loppet.org
Contact
The Loppet Foundation
1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
612-604-5330
General Information and Day Of Logistics: Luminary.info@loppet.org
Registration Questions: registration@loppet.org
Public Relations/Media and Marketing Inquiries: marketing@loppet.org