WinterFest is the holiday event at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario, north of Toronto. For 2026 the park lists it on select nights from November 21 through January 3, 2027. It is an evening event, so the park is not open every day of that window, and the park calendar shows which nights are on. The park’s event page describes new live entertainment for this season, but it does not name the shows yet.
WinterFest suits families, couples and anyone who wants Christmas lights with a few rides thrown in. The event page promises millions of lights, family activities, holiday comfort food and drinks, and select attractions. The park’s site lists memberships, season passes, daily tickets, group tickets and Fast Lane, but it does not spell out which ones cover WinterFest. Confirm on the ticket page before you buy.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario
- Dates: Select nights, November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Event nights: Select nights (check the park calendar)
- Highlights: Millions of lights, live entertainment, holiday food and drinks
- New for 2026: New live entertainment (titles not yet listed on the event page)
- Ticket: Check the park ticket page; the official page lists daily tickets, passes and Fast Lane
What’s new for 2026
The official WinterFest page says the 2026 event includes new live entertainment. It does not name the shows, stages or showtimes, so this page does not either. The Six Flags app is where the park says to check showtimes, and the park calendar will show which nights are scheduled.
The dates are also a change from last year. The 2025 season began on November 15 and ended on January 3, 2026. The 2026 season starts a week later, on November 21, and again finishes on January 3.
Lights, shows and holiday entertainment
The park describes WinterFest as festive light displays with millions of shimmering lights, plus family activities and live entertainment. For a sense of the format, the 2025 season had nine live shows, including Small Town Snowmance, It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown!, Cool Yule Christmas and Tinker’s Toy Factory. Reports from that season also mention a nightly tree lighting with two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street, and Santa photos. Any of these may return, change or be replaced in 2026, so treat them as last year’s lineup and check the app when the schedule is posted.
Rides and attractions open
The park says WinterFest includes select attractions, and it has not published the 2026 ride list yet. Coverage of the 2025 season reported more than 20 rides operating, including the family rides in Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town and thrill rides such as Thunder Run, Psyclone and Sledge Hammer. Expect a similar mix in 2026, but ride availability can change with the weather, so check on the day you go.
Ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, at the base of Wonder Mountain, ran in 2025 in timed sessions with advance reservations, and it was not part of general admission. Look for the same arrangement this year, and confirm whether skating is offered on your night.
Holiday food and treats
The park promises holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages. Last season’s coverage named funnel cakes, churros and hot chocolate, plus apple cider and mulled wine at the Cider House. It also mentioned a Christmas Market with local artisan vendors and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus for an additional fee. Jack Frost’s Igloo Village offered private dome dining at extra cost. The 2026 menu has not been published, so use the park’s dining page for the current list.
Tickets, passes and upgrades
Canada’s Wonderland now sits on the Six Flags website, which lists memberships, season passes, daily tickets, special offers, group tickets and Fast Lane. The event page does not give prices or say whether WinterFest is included with a pass, so this page does not state either. Buy online through the official site, which is where the park directs guests, and check the terms for your ticket type. Add-ons such as skating, cookie decorating and igloo rentals were separate purchases in 2025, so budget for them if they matter to your plans.
Tips for your visit
Because WinterFest runs on select nights only, look at the park calendar first and pick a date before you book anything. Arrive early in the evening to see the lights come on, and to have time for a couple of rides before the shows fill up.
Dress for Ontario in winter. Layers, gloves, a hat and warm footwear make a long evening outdoors more comfortable, especially if you plan to skate. Rides and outdoor attractions can close in bad weather, so check the app on the day. Parking was sold online in 2025, so look at the park’s parking page before you drive up.
Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.
WinterFest 2026 at Canada’s Wonderland FAQs
When does WinterFest 2026 start and end?
Canada’s Wonderland lists WinterFest on select nights from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Check the park calendar for the exact nights.
Is WinterFest included with park admission?
The park’s event page does not say. It lists daily tickets, memberships, season passes, group tickets and Fast Lane, so check the ticket page or the terms of your pass before you go. Extras like skating were sold separately in 2025.
Do rides run during WinterFest?
Yes, select attractions are open. The park has not published the 2026 ride list. In 2025 more than 20 rides ran, including family rides and some thrill rides, and availability depends on the weather.
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Photo: Jeremy Thompson / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.