Canada’s Wonderland is bringing back WinterFest for another season of Christmas lights, holiday entertainment, skating and family activities. The event runs on select dates from November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027, transforming the Vaughan amusement park into a winter destination.
There will be millions of lights, two 50-foot Christmas trees, live musical performances and more than 20 operating rides. You can also skate in front of Wonder Mountain, meet Santa, decorate cookies or spend an evening exploring the illuminated park.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you can expect at WinterFest 2026, including attractions, admission prices, activities that cost extra and important dates.
What’s New at Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest in 2026?
WinterFest is introducing two notable additions for 2026, including free admission for seniors and the event’s first-ever New Year’s Eve celebration.
Free Admission for Seniors: Guests aged 65 and older can enjoy WinterFest with free admission this season, making it easier for grandparents to join the family for Christmas lights, entertainment and holiday activities. Eligible visitors must register online in advance and present valid photo identification showing their date of birth at the entrance on every visit. Admission allows unlimited visits through the park’s final operating day of 2026. Parking, food, additional benefits and companions’ admission are not included.
First-Ever New Year’s Eve Celebration: For the first time, Canada’s Wonderland is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration in collaboration with Tourism Vaughan. On December 31, 2026, at 8 p.m., families can join a special countdown featuring PEANUTS characters and WinterFest performers, followed by fireworks over Wonder Mountain.
The earlier countdown gives families with younger children an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the new year without staying out until midnight.
Things to Do at Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest 2026
1. Watch the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
One of WinterFest’s main evening attractions takes place on International Street, where two 50-foot Christmas trees and thousands of surrounding lights are illuminated during the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
If you’re visiting primarily for the Christmas displays, this is one of the performances worth planning your evening around. Check the day’s schedule for the ceremony time.
2. Explore Millions of Christmas Lights
You don’t need to book an additional activity to enjoy the illuminated areas of WinterFest. Much of the experience involves walking through the park and taking in the holiday decorations.
Look for Dancing Lights, where thousands of lights move to music, and Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Lot, a PEANUTS-themed display with a holiday photo opportunity.
There’s also an Elf on the Shelf-inspired photo spot, along with illuminated areas throughout the park.
3. Enjoy Live Christmas Shows
WinterFest features several musical productions and family performances, so you can plan your visit around the shows that interest you most.
- Tinker’s Toy Factory: A holiday workshop-themed production featuring acrobatics and stunts.
- Cool Yule Christmas: A musical celebration featuring Christmas songs and dance performances.
- It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown!: A holiday performance featuring Charlie Brown and the PEANUTS characters.
- Four Drummers Drumming: A percussion performance built around festive rhythms.
- Polar Party with the Tannenbaums: An interactive show with music and dancing.
- Holly Jolly Trolley: A travelling musical performance featuring Christmas favourites.
- The MistleTones: Seasonal vocal performances featuring holiday harmonies.
- Small Town Snowmance: An interactive holiday performance with a romantic theme.
- WinterFest Live Bands: Live musical performances throughout the event.
Performance times can vary by date. Rather than relying on a fixed schedule, check the official Six Flags mobile app for showtimes during your visit.
4. Go Ice Skating in Front of Wonder Mountain
Credit: Canada’s Wonderland
Snow Flake Lake returns to International Street, where the Royal Fountain becomes an outdoor skating rink in front of Wonder Mountain.
Skating sessions last 30 minutes and must be reserved online before your visit, even if you bring your own skates.
- Bring your own skates: From $10 per person.
- Skate rental included: From $15 per person.
- Reservations: Required in advance.
- Waiver: Required for all skaters. A parent or guardian must sign for guests under 18.
Guests must be at least 48 inches tall without skates to skate independently. Children below that height must wear a CSA-approved helmet and remain with a supervising companion.
5. Ride Roller Coasters and Family Attractions
The amusement park isn’t completely closed for rides during WinterFest. More than 20 attractions are expected to operate, including a mixture of thrill rides and attractions for younger visitors.
For those interested in bigger rides, the published list includes:
- Psyclone
- Sledge Hammer
- Thunder Run
- Viking’s Rage
- Wilde Knight Mares
- Swing of the Century
Families can also look for Snoopy’s Space Race, Beagle Brigade Airfield, Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, Lucy’s Tugboat, Character Carrousel, Peanuts 500 and other participating attractions.
Important: Guardian and Snoopy’s Racing Railway are listed as available only until November 29, 2026, depending on weather conditions.
Ride availability can change, and individual height and safety restrictions still apply. Check the official WinterFest ride list before visiting.
6. Visit Santa and the North Pole Post Office
Children can write their Christmas wish lists at the North Pole Post Office, which is scheduled to operate until December 23.
There’s also an opportunity to visit Santa through St. Nick’s Pics. Photo packages cost extra, so factor that into your budget if you’re planning a family Christmas picture.
7. Decorate Cookies at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen
If your children enjoy hands-on activities, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen offers an opportunity to decorate sugar cookies.
This is a separately priced experience, rather than an activity included with general admission.
8. Explore the Christmas Market and Seasonal Food
WinterFest also has a Christmas market featuring gifts, seasonal merchandise and festive treats.
You can take a break from the rides and shows to browse the stalls, pick up holiday snacks or enjoy food and drinks available throughout the park.
Another option is Campfire S’Mores, where visitors can roast marshmallows around a fire. This activity costs extra.
9. Relax in Jack Frost’s Igloo Village
For visitors who want a private place to gather during the evening, Jack Frost’s Igloo Village offers festive igloo rentals.
These are separate paid experiences. Check the official website for current rental prices and booking availability.
10. Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Fireworks
If you’re visiting at the end of December, WinterFest has a special New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2026.
The family-friendly event includes PEANUTS and WinterFest characters, with fireworks scheduled over Wonder Mountain at 8 p.m.
What Costs Extra at WinterFest 2026?
General admission covers entry to WinterFest, but some experiences require additional purchases or reservations.
| Experience | Price or Requirement |
|---|---|
| WinterFest admission | Advertised from $39, plus taxes and processing fees |
| Ice skating with your own skates | From $10 per person for 30 minutes |
| Ice skating with skate rentals | From $15 per person for 30 minutes |
| Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen | Additional fee |
| Santa photo packages | Additional fee |
| Campfire S’Mores | Additional fee |
| Jack Frost’s Igloo Village | Additional rental fee |
| Christmas market purchases | Prices vary |
| Food and beverages | Prices vary |
How to Plan an Evening at WinterFest With Kids
With shows, rides and holiday activities taking place across the park, it helps to decide on a few priorities before arriving.
If you’re visiting with younger children, start with family rides, visit the North Pole Post Office, and make time for a Santa visit before exploring the Christmas lights.
Later in the evening, choose one or two live shows that appeal to your family. You can finish by watching the illuminated displays, browsing the Christmas market or stopping for a warm drink.
For families planning to skate, reserve your session in advance and organize the rest of your visit around that booking.
Since much of WinterFest takes place outdoors, dress for winter conditions and allow time to move between attractions.
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest – Trip Planning
What: WinterFest offers a new season of holiday fun at Canada’s Wonderland, with an immersive holiday experience for guests.
Santa visits are part of WinterFest, and photo packages cost extra. The North Pole Post Office is open until December 23. WinterFest offers more than 20 operating rides as part of the park experience. Availability depends on the date, weather and individual ride restrictions.
When:
Select Nights, November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
November 21, 22, 28, 29, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 18 to 23, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 26 to 30, 2026 to January 1 to 3, 2027 | Noon – 8:00 PM
New Year’s Eve: | Noon – 8:00 PM, Fireworks: 8 PM
How Much:
Regular: $39 & up +applicable fees
Ice Skating & Skate Rentals: $12 with their own skates or $17 if renting skates.
Where:
Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 1S6
Paid Parking