The Most Magical Drive-Through Christmas Light Displays Across Canada
Updated: Dec. 06, 2022
Discover the best places to enjoy this cherished holiday tradition from the warmth and comfort of your own car.
Drive-through Christmas Lights
Nothing signals the start of the holiday season quite like the multi-coloured glow of Christmas lights strung up as far as the eye can see. For many Canadians, a tour through the extravagant light displays and festivals across the country has become a much-loved holiday tradition. These drive-through Christmas lights offer a comfortable and convenient way to seize the holiday spirit. So cue up your favourite holiday playlist and fill a flask with hot chocolate for the ride!
Winter Festival of Lights
Niagara Falls, Ontario
You’re likely familiar with Niagara Falls as the home of Canada’s most famous natural wonder, but the view is made even more breathtaking during the holidays—thanks in part to millions of twinkling lights in over 50 spectacular displays. Founded in 1982, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is the country’s biggest illumination festival. This year, the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary with dazzling fireworks displays over 40 days, including New Year’s Eve. With a warm drink in hand, visitors can explore the driving and walking routes featuring a glittering 60-feet-long light tunnel, animated displays and the new self-guided hot chocolate trail.
When: November 12 to February 20, 2023
Cost: Free
Check out more unique things to do in Niagara Falls.
Enchanted Forest
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Escape the stress of 2022 with a carefree cruise through Saskatoon’s BHP Enchanted Forest. From a life-sized homage to the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team to a soaring Noah’s Ark—the largest of over 67 displays—there’s no shortage of sparkling vignettes to admire. Proceeds from this seasonal attraction go towards the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and the City Hospital Foundation.
When: November 19 to January 8, 2023
Cost: $10 per person or $35 per car
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Illumi
Laval, Quebec
Prepare to be thoroughly dazzled on a magical journey through Illumi, a wondrous world brought to life with a whopping 25-million LED bulbs. Created by one of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil, the awe-inspiring three-kilometre drive will immerse you in 19 different “universes,” from a winter wonderland to a breathtaking hot air balloon-inspired lightscape. There’ll also be a walking route for visitors to see the lights up close and personal.
When: October 7 to January 8, 2023
Cost: Varies by age, date, time slot and experience type
Here are 100 funny holiday jokes to share on the drive.
Magic of Lights
Ottawa, Ontario
Experience classic scenes animated by a million lights at the Magic of Lights benefitting the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Each twist and turn of the winding road in Wesley Clover Parks brings you right up to captivating displays like the Night Before Christmas and Toyland. Just sit back, relax and let your heart be light.
When: November 18 to January 7, 2023
Cost: $18-$25 per car
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Fantasy of Lights
Uxbridge, Ontario
This is one holiday event that’s sure to put the entire family in a good mood! The Optimist Club of Uxbridge is hosting its annual Fantasy of Lights drive-through featuring over 85 displays from various groups, businesses, schools and families from across the Uxbridge area. The festival is free but they’ll be accepting donations that will go towards local youth initiatives.
When: December 3 to January 1, 2023
Cost: Free (Donations accepted)
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Gift of Lights
Kitchener, Ontario
If you’re on the hunt for an impressive background for that perfect holiday photo, stop by Bingeman’s Gift of Lights. The festival has not just one, but two light tunnels—each over 45 metres long. Once you’ve driven through those, there’s still over 300 static and animated displays to marvel at throughout the 2.5-kilometre route. Itching to get out of the car? There’ll be three special nights where guests will be permitted to walk through the route in support of organizations like the Grand River Hospital Foundation and The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
When: November 12 to December 31, 2022
Cost: Starting at $25 per car
Now that you know where to find these magical drive-through Christmas lights, discover the best places to spend Christmas in Canada.
