Olmsted County Employers Light Festival (E.L.F.)

A magical drive-thru holiday experience

Join us at Chester Woods Park every December for the Olmsted County Employers Light Festival (E.L.F.) —a dazzling drive-thru holiday light display created by local businesses, organizations, and volunteers. This free community event transforms the Chester Woods Campground into a glowing winter wonderland, celebrating the season with creativity, community spirit, and festive cheer.

Event details

Location: Chester Woods Park, 8378 Highway 14 E, Eyota, MN 55934

Dates: Weekends in December

Admission: Free! Donations welcome - proceeds and food donations will be distributed to local charity organizations.

About E.L.F.

The Olmsted County Employers Light Festival (E.L.F.) is a free, drive-thru holiday light experience hosted at Chester Woods Park and presented in partnership with Friends of Chester Woods and Olmsted County. This festive event transforms the Chester Woods Campground into a glowing winter wonderland, featuring light displays created by local businesses, organizations, and volunteers. Open on weekends in December, the event invites the community to enjoy a magical evening of lights, music, and seasonal cheer. Admission is free, and donations are welcome when you arrive at the park.

Visitors can expect to drive through a beautifully lit campground filled with several themed displays, each sponsored and decorated by local employers. The experience also includes opportunities to vote for your favorite display. Food donation drop-offs will also be part of the celebration, making it a meaningful and joyful outing for all ages.

The E.L.F. project is a community-driven initiative that relies on the support of sponsors, volunteers, and donors. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor campsites and decorate them with creative holiday themes, while individuals and groups can volunteer to help with setup, operations, or takedown. Donations collected during the event will directly support the execution and sustainability of the festival as well as be distributed to local charities. These funds help cover the cost of light displays, signage, promotional materials, volunteer supplies such as reflective vests and radios, and safety infrastructure like cones and barriers. Non-monetary donations, including food items, will support local food and housing assistance efforts.

Behind the scenes, the project is coordinated by planning committees focused on logistics, marketing, and sponsorship, in collaboration with Friends of Chester Woods and Olmsted County. The team has worked diligently on safety planning, traffic flow design, and community outreach through flyers, social media, and local media coverage. For those interested in getting involved, whether as a sponsor, volunteer, or donor, please contact the ELF planning committee at elf@olmstedcounty.gov.

Help us light up Chester Woods and bring the community together for a season of joy and giving!

Need help?

For questions or assistance with your listing or photo, contact the ELF Planning Committee.