When the holiday season rolls around, there's nothing that creates a festive atmosphere quite like incredible public lights displays, especially in cities that can seem cold or uninviting at times. Fortunately, Rice Park in downtown St. Paul doesn't have the latter problem. It's a warm and welcoming space at just about any time of year. But come winter, there's probably no place more festive in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In fact, it's easily one of the most spectacular parks with Christmas lights in Minnesota.

On a sunny summer day, Rice Park in downtown St. Paul is a pleasant urban oasis.

Its one square block of green space is bracketed on all sides by historic Minnesota structures: The Saint Paul Hotel, Landmark Center, The Ordway Theater, and the ​​gorgeous George Latimer Central Branch of the St. Paul Public Library, which looks like something out of Harry Potter.

Should you visit, you'll find green space with plenty of shade trees and benches, as well as cafe tables and whimsical sculptures.

It's a popular spot to have lunch and a stroll or to enjoy coffee and a newly-borrowed book.

Come nightfall, the park and its stunning central fountain is beautifully illuminated.

As lovely as it is, though, it pales in comparison to the show that Rice Park puts on for the holidays - and the rest of the winter, for that matter.

The lights start going up in early November.

Traditionally, on the second Saturday of November, the city hosts its annual tree lighting ceremony, making it one of the earliest holiday celebrations in the state.

And many of lights will remain up for folks to enjoy for months.

Incredibly, Rice Park only grows more festive at the end of January when it plays host to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival's ice sculptures.

I think Rice Park is a wonderful place to start a holiday adventure in Minnesota. When in St. Paul, be sure to check out the European Christmas Market at Union Depot in Lowertown. If you time your visit right, you may even catch the BNSF Christmas Train on its St. Paul stop. Keep the holiday spirit rolling with a stay at The Saint Paul Hotel which, as I mentioned, is located right on Rice Park. It may well be the most festive hotel in Minnesota!

Have you visited Rice Park in St. Paul during the holidays? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about any other awesome parks with Christmas lights in Minnesota that you love!