WinterFest 2026 at Canada's Wonderland features Free Admission for Seniors and New Year’s Eve Celebration

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Canada's Wonderland! 🎄

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Canada's Wonderland! 🎄

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here and we're getting ready to celebrate in a BIG way! WinterFest returns Saturday, Nov. 21, transforming Canada's Wonderland into a magical winter wonderland filled with seven million twinkling lights, festive shows, delicious seasonal treats and unforgettable holiday experiences.

Running on select dates through Jan. 3, 2027, WinterFest is the perfect place to make holiday memories with family and friends. Whether you're looking to enjoy a romantic evening under the lights, spend quality time with loved ones or start a new holiday tradition, there's something magical waiting around every corner.

And this year, we're adding even more reasons to celebrate! From our first-ever New Year's Eve celebration to a charming new holiday-themed area, here's everything you can look forward to at WinterFest 2026.

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration

For the first time ever, Canada's Wonderland is celebrating New Year's Eve, and you're invited!

On Thursday, Dec. 31, join us for a special family-friendly celebration in collaboration with Tourism Vaughan. Gather along International Street with the PEANUTS gang and your favourite WinterFest characters for an early New Year's Eve countdown at 8 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky above Wonder Mountain!

It's the perfect way for families with little ones to experience the excitement of ringing in the New Year without staying up until midnight.

The celebration is included with regular WinterFest admission and 2027 Season Passes. Looking to make the evening extra special? VIP experiences featuring dining and reserved fireworks viewing will also be available for an additional charge.

Note, the park will close after the 8 p.m. celebration concludes.

Fall in Love with Countdown to Christmas Square

Calling all holiday movie lovers!

Ever wished you could step inside one of those picture-perfect Christmas movies? This year, you can!

New for 2026, Countdown to Christmas Square, presented by Hallmark Channel, W Network and STACKTV, brings all the charm of a small-town Christmas romance to Canada's Wonderland.

Grab your favourite person, bundle up and discover a festive new area filled with cozy experiences, heartwarming entertainment and plenty of holiday magic.

Here's what you'll find:

  • Campfire S'Mores: Nothing says holiday magic quite like roasting marshmallows over an open fire! Purchase a S'Mores kit and enjoy this classic winter treat.
  • Small Town Snowmance: Love, laughter and a little holiday romance! Join the Wonderland Players as they bring a classic Christmas movie love story to life in this interactive and heartwarming show.
  • Holiday Photo Opportunities: Strike a pose and capture some festive memories at picture-perfect spots throughout the area!
  • Gourmet Hot Chocolate & Fire Pits: Warm up with a delicious gourmet hot chocolate and unwind beside an outdoor fire pit in a Muskoka chair.

Whether you're planning a holiday date night or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, Countdown to Christmas Square is sure to bring a little extra Christmas cheer to your visit.

A Special Holiday Gift for Guests 65 and Older!

This holiday season, we're spreading a little extra cheer!

For WinterFest 2026, guests aged 65 and older can enjoy FREE admission to the event!

To take advantage of this special offer, eligible guests simply need to register through the Canada's Wonderland website to receive an admission QR code and bring their ID to the gate. Note, this does not include parking.

It's our way of making the holidays a little brighter and helping even more families create special memories together.

Experience the Magic of WinterFest Entertainment

What's Christmas without a little music, dancing and holiday cheer?

WinterFest brings the festive fun with an exciting lineup of live entertainment, including returning favourites and spectacular seasonal productions.

Here are some of the shows you won't want to miss:

  • Holly Jolly Trolley: It's back! After a couple of years away, this beloved musical trolley makes its long-awaited return, spreading holiday cheer throughout the park.
  • Cool Yule Christmas: Get ready to sing along to your favourite Christmas pop hits in this high-energy holiday show!
  • It's Christmas, Charlie Brown!: Celebrate the season with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the PEANUTS gang.
  • Tinker's Toy Factory: Step inside Canterbury Theatre for a festive production filled with music, acrobatics and plenty of mischievous elf antics.
  • Polar Party with the Tannenbaums: Put on your dancing shoes and join the Tannenbaums for an interactive holiday dance party.
  • The MistleTones: Enjoy lively performances of your favourite Christmas classics.
  • Four Drummers Drumming: Watch playful toy soldiers bring familiar holiday tunes to life through energetic percussion.
  • WinterFest Live Bands: Enjoy live musical performances that bring even more festive energy to the park.

With so many shows to enjoy, you'll want to leave plenty of time to experience all the entertainment WinterFest has to offer!

Make Magical Memories with Your Favourite Holiday Activities

There's so much more to WinterFest than twinkling lights and Christmas music (although we have plenty of both!).

With more than 40 attractions and experiences, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

  • Be Dazzled by Seven Million Lights and don't miss our nightly tree-lighting ceremony on International Street, where two towering Christmas trees come to life during a festive song-and-dance celebration.
  • Lace Up Your Skates and glide across Snow Flake Lake, our outdoor skating rink located right in front of Wonder Mountain! *Separate purchase and advance online reservations required.
  • Decorate Cookies at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen featuring a new, locally sourced cookie recipe this season. It's a deliciously fun activity for guests of all ages! *Separate purchase required.
  • Escape to Jack Frost's Igloo Village, complete with food and beverage service. *Separate purchase required.
  • Shop for Holiday Treasures at The Christmas Market and discover local artisan vendors, unique holiday finds and festive treats.
  • Visit Santa, snap a picture with Elf on the Shelf, send a letter at the North Pole Post Office, and enjoy more than 20 family-friendly rides.

Celebrate More with a 2027 Silver Season Pass!

Want to experience the magic of WinterFest more than once? We've got some exciting holiday offers!

For a limited time, guests who purchase a 2027 Silver Season Pass can enjoy unlimited visits to WinterFest 2026 as a special bonus!

The pass also includes unlimited visits to Canada's Wonderland through Labour Day 2027, plus visits to other Six Flags parks, including Cedar Point.

And there's even more to celebrate:

  • Black Friday Offer: Purchase four or more 2027 Silver Passes for just $75 per pass, plus processing fees of up to $9.99 and applicable taxes. Available online only. Offer ends Nov. 30, 2026.
  • Free Bring-A-Friend Ticket: All new and renewing 2027 Season Passholders who purchase by Nov. 30, 2026, will receive a complimentary Bring-A-Friend ticket.

More visits, more memories and more reasons to celebrate together!

Make WinterFest Part of Your Holiday Traditions!

From skating beneath the lights and sipping hot chocolate by the fire to singing along with your favourite holiday shows and watching fireworks above Wonder Mountain, there's no better place to celebrate the magic of the season.

Whether it's your first WinterFest visit or a beloved annual tradition, we can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable holiday season!

WinterFest opens Saturday, Nov. 21, and runs on select dates through Jan. 3, 2027.

Ready to make some holiday memories? Visit Canada's Wonderland to explore event dates, purchase tickets and plan your visit!