Never been to WinterFest? Here's what to expect!

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Never been to WinterFest? Here's what to expect!

Grace Peacock Photo Grace Peacock |
November 22, 2023

It’s the most magical time of the year and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by visiting WinterFest at Canada's Wonderland!  The park has been completely transformed into a magical winter wonderland, and features all kinds of live shows, beautiful decor, family activities, rides and so much more. If you haven't been to WinterFest, here's a quick rundown of all you can expect to see and do this holiday season.

The event is open select dates through to Jan. 6, 2024 this year which is great for families looking for things to do over the Christmas school break!

Interactive holiday attractions and activities

  • Ice skating on Snow Flake Lake in front of the iconic Wonder Mountain. This is a unique experience you won't find anywhere else. 
    • Each ice skating time is 30 minutes and the sessions need to be booked online in advance. 
    • Skating is $10 per guest if you bring your own skates or $15 if you choose to rent. 

    • Make sure to sign the online waiver before you visit and check the link above for additional skating info. 

  • Interactive attractions like cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus
    • The only person who makes cookies better than mom is Mrs. Claus, and she invites you to stop by and decorate your very own delicious cookie creations. You can purchase this online in advance and you'll find the kitchen down the LED light tunnel in Yuletide Village.
    • Additional fee required. One purchase gets you four large sugar cookies plus frosting and decorations.
  • St. Nick’s Pics
    • Families and children can take photographs with Santa as he visits Wonderland before Christmas! Find him in the North Pole section of the park.
    • Photos with Santa are free if you're taking a picture with your phone. The only charge is for a printed or digital copy that our photographers take.
  • Sally’s Christmas Crafts where you can create your own take-home keepsake. Find this in Charlie Brown's Christmas Town. 
  • Writing letters to Santa at the North Pole Post Office in Charlie Brown's Christmas Town. 
  • Rides, rides, ridesThere are 23 rides open at WinterFest (pending weather conditions) including Thunder Run, Antique Carrousel, Psyclone, Sledge Hammer, Klockwerks and most of the children's rides. 

WinterFest Themed Areas

Whimsical Themed Areas to Explore

Make sure to have your camera ready for all the amazing photo ops!

  • Candy Cane Lane: Walk among the giant candy canes and under Snoopy's toboggan rainbow on your way to Charlie Brown's Christmas Town.
  • Tinsel Town: Take a trip back in time to a more retro era around Wonder Mountain. See the MistleTones perform, jump on a ride and visit with the Ice Prince and Princess. 
  • Yuletide Village: Happy Yule! This historic area evokes a more European wintery feel, with our castle, fire pits around the bay and the smell of apple cider and grilled sausages in the air. 
  • The North Pole: Home to the man in red himself, this is also where you'll find Cool Yule, the Jingle Bar and the Polar Party with the Tannenbaums. 
  • Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town: See the PEANUTS in our children's area, doing meet n' greets, performing in Charlie Brown's Guide to Christmas or hanging out in the Christmas Tree Lot. There are plenty of kid rides open here, plus Sally Brown's Crafts and the North Pole Post Office. 
  • International Street: The main thoroughfare at WinterFest features Snow Flake Lake ice skating and plenty of shops and places to eat. 
  • Frontier Canada: Here you'll find the stunning Dancing Lights installation and the popular Four Drummers Drumming show. 
  • Christmas Market: Located in Yuletide Village in the building beside Leviathan, this market features local artisan vendors and amazing holiday gift ideas!

WinterFest Shows Tree Lighting

Plenty of live holiday shows and entertainment

  • Cool Yule Christmas: This high-energy, fun-filled show covers all your favourite Christmas pop songs.
  • Tinker’s Toy Factory: This upbeat musical tells the story of Tinker the elf, who has some trouble fitting in with the other elves in Santa’s Workshop.
  • What the Dickens?! Our cast performs their humorous and interactive version of the holiday classic ‘A Christmas Carol’.
  • Midway Merriment: Meet and interact with WinterFest characters like Jack Frost and his nieces Snowflake and Tinsel, the Gingerbread Man, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Ice Prince and Princess!
  • A PEANUTS™ Guide to Christmas: Join Charlie Brown and the gang in this enjoyable sing-along celebrating the most wonderful time of the year!
  • PLUS:
    • The Mistletones
    • Four Drummers Drumming
    • Polar Party featuring the Tannenbaums

Festive Funnel Cake WinterFest

Lots of Festive Food Options

Check out the food and drink highlights in our blog and here are some of the food venues featured at our event:

  • Festive Funnel Cakes and Churros
    • Festive flavours include: Gingerbread Funnel Cake | Candy Cane Funnel Cake | Snowflake Funnel Cake (NEW) | Classic Funnel Cakes | Rudolph's Funnel Cake (NEW - only in Charlie Brown's Christmas Town)
  • Candy Cane Poutinerie
  • Crepes
  • Marketplace Festive Feast
  • Holiday Dining Hall
  • Beavertails
  • The Jingle Bar
  • Lazy Bear Lodge
  • Cookie Cafe
  • Tiny Toms
  • Apres Poutinerie
  • Caribou Snacks & Bar
  • The Winter Hare Bar
  • Roadside Chicken
  • Snowflake Kitchen
  • The Cider House
  • Season's Spuds
  • The Cider House
  • King’s Feast
  • Sugar & Spice
  • Starbucks
  • Tim Horton's

 Step into a world of festive fun at WinterFest! WinterFest is open select nights through Jan. 6, 2024. See the online calendar for more info and buy your tickets or Gold Pass today!