Winnipeg 
Manitoba’s longest drive-thru light show, Winter Wonderland, returns for another season of family-friendly entertainment.
Credit: Red River Ex
More than two million lights will illuminate the 2.5-kilometre route at Red River Exhibition Park, offering visitors a chance to view displays from inside their vehicles.
The event runs from Friday, November 28, 2025, and continues nightly until January 3, 2026, operating from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., except Christmas Day, when it remains closed.
What’s New
This year’s edition introduces over 40 new displays, in addition to long-standing favourites, and adds expanded themed programming, outdoor activities and photography areas throughout the grounds.
The 2025 event includes a new 90-foot lighted tree, identified by organisers as the second largest in the country. The installation uses programmed lighting sequences that shift in colour and pattern, creating a moving display that can be seen across much of the 2.5-kilometre drive.
Among the new additions is Furry Friends Fridays, running on November 28, December 5, and December 12. On these evenings, pet owners can stop at the Boathouse photo area for pictures with rotating sets of festive characters.
- Nov. 28: The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who
- Dec. 5: Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Dec. 12: All four characters together
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Another weekly feature, 3D Wednesdays, offers the first 100 vehicles complimentary 3D glasses to view certain displays with enhanced effects, available while supplies last.
What to See and Do
Motorists entering the loop at Red River Exhibition Park will pass through a continuous series of illuminated scenes designed for in-car viewing. Drivers can tune their radios to 101.1 FM, the event’s on-site station, which broadcasts holiday programming synchronized to the light route.
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The event offers more than just lights. Skating on the Exhibition Park pond will be available nightly when ice conditions allow. Several designated outdoor photo locations also return, giving visitors opportunities for pictures outside their vehicles before continuing along the drive.
Things to Do in Winnipeg This Weekend
Food vendors will operate throughout the season, including the Mini-O’s donut truck, which provides drive-through service at the Red Barn and walk-up service at the Boathouse photo stop.
Where is the Event?
The event takes place at Exhibition Park, 3977 Portage Ave., Winnipeg. Visitors can access the site by turning north from Portage Avenue onto Festival Drive. All activities occur within the enclosed driving loop inside the park.
When is the Event?
Winter Wonderland runs nightly from November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event will not run on December 25th.
What is the Cost?
General admission for vehicles carrying up to seven people costs $30 (plus GST and service fees). Rates for larger commercial vehicles vary from $45 to $125.
Each admission allows one full circuit of the route. A second loop, whether on the same evening or a separate day, requires the purchase of another entry.
General tickets can be purchased online or in person at Canad Inns Winnipeg Destination Centres and Giant Tiger locations. Commercial vehicle rates are available at the entrance gate.
This holiday event promises a memorable experience for all, combining the magic of lights, outdoor fun, and tasty treats.
