Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Light Festival

The Winter Lights Festival is back to bring light and joy to Southern Alberta through the darkest months! Join us and experience the illumination of over 150,000+ lights decorating the beautiful Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.

Bundle up and take in our massive light display, ice sculptures, and other surprises throughout the garden! Learn about Japanese customs and traditions that they celebrate during the winter months.

Now add over 170,000 lights and add a Masturi (Festival) feel to the Garden with our Winter Light Festival. Step through the entrance gate, leave the bustle of everyday city life behind, and refresh your senses. A host or hostess will greet you and highlight the Garden’s many features.

We will transform the Garden to present all four seasons. Haru (Spring), Natsu (Summer), Aki (Fall), and Fuyu (Winter). For each season we offer unique visual attractions and engaging elements.

The Garden is particularly fragile during the winter months because branches can break easily in the cold temperature. The Garden’s maintenance staff works incredibly hard on these living pieces of art. We ask that all guests stay to paths and designated areas, and to not touch or pull on vegetation.

Please be courteous so that all guests may enjoy the Garden and the lights. Please no running on paths and be mindful of blocking paths and areas.

What to Expect

• Wander through the garden beautifully transformed by over 170,000 shimmering lights, illuminating paths, bridges and serene ponds in soft winter glow.
• Step inside three dazzling light tunnels, each inviting you into a different world of colour and motion, an immersive entrance into wonder.
• Discover glowing pyramids and a sea of illuminated parasols suspended overhead, whimsical, playful and photo-perfect.
• For nostalgic fun, behold our life-size Lightbrite display: a childhood favourite re-imagined on a grand scale for all ages.
• Hop aboard one of the charming horse-and-wagon rides, decked in lights and winding around Henderson Lake, an enchanting way to experience the festival.
• Experience a cultural journey: as you walk the illuminated path, each area represents a different season, Haru (spring), Natsu (summer), Aki (fall) and Fuyu (winter), imbued with Japanese-Canadian design and symbolism.

Why This Year is Extra Special

In 2025 we honour our link to the Japanese province of Hokkaidō, celebrating its 45-year friendship with Alberta. This year’s festival will include bold new feature structures, expanded displays, and fresh surprises throughout the grounds.

The festival has earned national recognition for its innovative winter programming and community-building spirit, making this 10th anniversary truly a landmark year.

We’re inviting first-time visitors, returning families and photographers alike to experience something new—the display evolves each year so your visit will be unique.

Who is it for?

All ages – Family

Tickets :

Adult (Ages 17+): $17

Senior (Ages 65+): $16

Ages 6-17 or students with ID: $15

Ages 5 & Under: Free

How to get tickets?

Buy Online

 

Date & Time:

November 29, 2025 to February 28, 2026

• November 29, 30, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• December 3 to 7, 10 to 14, 18 to 21, 24, 26 to 28, 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• January 2 to 4, 8 to 11, 15 to 18, 22 to 22, 29 to 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• February 1, 5 to 8, 12 to 15, 19 to 22, 26 to 28, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

 

Know before you go

The garden closes when the weather falls below -20C.
Individual nights of the Winter Lights Festival may be cancelled due to severe cold, snow, or wind. Please check the garden homepage for any cancellation notification. Guests are also welcome to call the garden at 403 328-3511.
Venue & Address :

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden – 9 Ave S & Mayor Magrath Dr, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z6 Canada

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