6 Light Shows Across Canada To Visit This Winter

’Tis the season to visit a sparkling light show or winter festival near you

By Claire Sibonney

Posted: November 09, 2023 11:19 AM ET

A christmas-themed theatre production; people stand on a red stage with a green christmas tree behind them, some are dressed in festive colours and others are wearing costumes like a nutcracker or a gingerbread man. — Courtesy of Canada's Wonderland

As winter paints Canada in dreamy white, the country responds with a vibrant palette of light. From coast to coast, glittering light festivals blanket frosty landscapes, creating a winter wonderland filled with magical experiences for all ages.

An indoor display of lights; the word "Glow" sits in the centre, made up of white sparkly lights. Below it is a bed of red poinsettias and behind it is a row of green christmas trees. There are other light displays cut off on the sides of the image like an ice cream cone and a hot air balloon, both made of lights.

EDMONTON
Glow Holiday Festival of Lights
Alberta decks the halls in style. The Glow Festival of Lights in Edmonton (Dec. 1–Jan. 1) and Calgary (Dec. 7–31) is a Christmas-themed indoor extravaganza spanning approximately 90,000 square feet featuring millions of twinkling lights, lively music, festive food and a bustling market teeming with local crafts.

A display of figurines made up of christmas lights; a green tree and a red tree, as well as a blue arched tunnel to walk through. The ground is covered in snow and the sky is dark.

SASKATOON
Enchanted Forest
Located in the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, the Enchanted Forest (Nov. 18–Jan. 7) features one of the longest-running drive-through light shows in the country. Now in its 25th year, the fantastical landscape boasts dozens of stunning custom displays, including a mesmerizing take on Noah’s Ark that’s 70 feet high and 160 feet in length.

A paved, straight path going through a winter light show with arches above it covered in light up snowflakes. Real snow covers the ground on either side of the path.

WINNIPEG
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
The Canad Inns Winter Wonderland (Dec. 1–Jan. 6) in Winnipeg is a festive tour-de-force. More than a dazzling light show, the event features horse-drawn sleigh rides, a skating rink and food trucks offering delectable treats.

A waterfall at night is illuminated by rainbow-cololured spotlights is on the left of the image, while on the right of the image, above land, there are multiple high-rise buildings behind fireworks.

NIAGARA
Winter Festival of Lights
The Winter Festival of Lights (Nov. 12–Feb. 20) in Niagara Falls is Canada’s largest free outdoor light extravaganza. The American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls become the canvas for light displays and fireworks, creating a memorable spectacle that mirrors the awe-inspiring power of nature.

A christmas-themed theatre production; people stand on a red stage with a green christmas tree behind them, some are dressed in festive colours and others are wearing costumes like a nutcracker or a gingerbread man.

TORONTO
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
Canada’s Wonderland, just north of Toronto, transforms into WinterFest (on select dates, Nov. 17–Jan. 7)—a haven resplendent in holiday cheer. This year’s event features skating on Snow Flake Lake, live shows and hundreds of beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the theme park.

A winter village complete with a tall tree covered in rainbow-coloured lights, and a street lined with lit-up shops in bright colours.

NOVA SCOTIA
Evergreen Bright
A wintertime celebration of Nova Scotian hospitality, Evergreen Bright (Nov. 24–Dec. 17) is all aglow with installations along the Halifax waterfront and throughout downtown Halifax and Dartmouth. Visitors can stroll through the light-strewn paths, enjoy live performances and stop by vendors set up in cozy wooden chalets offering warming beverages and delicious local food.

See the lights

Visit caasco.com/rewards to access Member-exclusive discounts on admission to certain light shows and festivals, or visit caasco.com/travel to find a way there.

6 Light Shows Across Canada To Visit This Winter

See the lights

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