Kitchener 
The annual Wonders of Winter light display returns to Waterloo Park, featuring over 120 vibrant installations illuminated by more than 100,000 light bulbs.
Waterloo Park will once again transform into a large outdoor light installation this winter, featuring more than 120 illuminated displays powered by over 100,000 bulbs.
Wonders of Winter
The seasonal attraction begins on November 29, 2025, and continues nightly until January 3, 2026, with lights switched on nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The event spans the length of Waterloo Park, with features both outside and inside the historic Log Cabin, including storytelling events and winter craft activities led by the Waterloo Public Library and the City of Waterloo Museum.
What to See and Do
The opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on November 29, 2025, in front of the Log Cabin, with countdown festivities starting at 4:30 p.m.
Across the park, families will find more than a hundred displays ranging from traditional holiday scenes to colourful light structures placed along paved walkways.
A series of programs inside the Log Cabin, one of the park’s notable heritage structures, forms a central part of this year’s schedule. The City of Waterloo Museum will host three evening sessions on November 29, December 19, and December 22, 2025.
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On the first two nights, staff from Waterloo Parks will gather public input on how residents use the park during the winter months, including activities such as sledding, skating, and walking. Children will have opportunities to design their own winter landscape drawings, while adults can participate in discussions about future park planning.
The final evening, December 22, will feature a dedicated Story Night led by the Waterloo Public Library, offering winter-themed readings and free craft activities for families. A separate Story Night session will also take place on December 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., also inside the Log Cabin.
These programs accompany the broader light display, which remains the primary draw through December.
When is the Event?
The light displays and festivities begin on November 29, 2025, and run nightly through January 3, 2026, including weekends and holidays, except for Christmas Day when the park will be closed. Lights are on from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to attend on weekday evenings after 8:00 p.m. to avoid peak crowds.
Where is the Event?
The event takes place at Waterloo Park, located at 50 Young Street West, Waterloo. Roughly 80% of the display route is accessible via designated paths shown on the park’s accessibility map.
For the best parking, enter off Seagram Dr by the ION station. In addition, many parking spaces are available within walking distance. Several lots—such as University Lots A and C, Seagram Lot sections D, E, and F, and Town Square lots P15 and P16—offer parking within walking distance. Street parking on neighbouring roads is also available with a three-hour limit. The Park Inn lot (P3) remains closed due to construction.
Wonders of Winter
What is the Cost?
Entry to Wonders of Winter and associated activities is free, making it accessible for all. Donations to support the festival’s continued success are welcome.
This year’s Wonders of Winter offers a blend of tradition and history, promising memorable experiences for all who attend. From the magical light displays to engaging historic activities, it’s a celebration of the season, perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts alike.
