By Nancy Sonmore
Looking for an amazing walk-through Christmas display? Soak in the magic at Chris and Meredith Joyce’s Candy Cane Lane, located at their home at 1994 Herschel St. in Roseville.
Now through Jan. 2, you can enjoy a free 300-foot walking path filled with handcrafted displays, a candy cane-striped roof, whimsical animal scenes and more than 35,000 lights. Kids can make a train blow candy cane-scented smoke and feel like they’re baking in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. Even the Grinchiest member of your family won’t be able to repress a smile!
Starting on the Candy Cane Lane path is the “Ode to Minnesota and the Lakes,” then “Whoville with The Grinch and Cindy.” Are you miserable or full of cheer?
And the tantrums? Little ones love the experience of Candy Cane Lane so much that they never want to leave!
Candy Cane Lane started as a socially-distanced way to spread holiday cheer during COVID.
“Because people couldn’t get together inside, our driveway provided a venue,” explained Meredith. “Strangers would stand out there with their loved ones and talk for hours. It brought us a lot of joy, and then it just became a Christmas creation monster! We both enjoy the creative element, too, whether it’s building the train or creating a scene. It feels like an art installation. You get people who appreciate that level of detail. You get kids who just want to run through, like a fantasy land!”
This festive, charitable neighborhood attraction expands and evolves each year. New for 2025 is “Frostbite Falls: colder than January in Duluth, cuter than a penguin in earmuffs!” Then there’s the “Peppermint Bark Dog Park,” complete with dog sled, presents and a llama. And don’t forget to notice the “Frozen” inflatables, “Santa’s Little Workshop” and “The Grinch and Cindy Lou” photo op cutout.
“It’s become such a joy to do,” said Chriss.
Not only does Candy Cane Lane specialize in spreading the joy of Christmas, but it raises donations for Roseville nonprofits. Last year, Meredith and Chriss raised $2450 in donations and presented a check to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota.
This year, the Candy Cane Lane’s lights are shining for Every Meal. This local non-profit partners with 400 Minnesota schools, stuffing 12,000 weekend food bags into kids’ backpacks to combat weekend food insecurity. Believe it or not, more than 300,000 children face the prospect of empty bellies when school meals are unavailable on Saturdays, Sundays and vacation days. Candy Cane Lane, and in turn Every Meal, are helping Minnesota kids to have full bellies and brighter days in 2026. And some extra magic: Every December donation will be matched, doubling the meals you help to fund.
Donate as you walk through Candy Cane Lane, or online.
Swing by and catch the Christmas spirit at Candy Cane Lane. It’s not just about lights. It’s about community.
Candy Cane Lane is open daily, 4-9 p.m.
