The glow of the holiday season is officially returning to Waterloo as the beloved Wonders of Winter festival opens its gates once again. Now in its 33rd year, the annual light celebration is set to illuminate Waterloo Park from November 28 to January 3, offering a free, family-friendly winter experience that has become a cherished local tradition since its debut in 1993.
This year’s event carries added significance: after renovations to the park, organizers say visitors can expect a refreshed layout, more lights than ever before, and new opportunities to experience the magic that has kept the festival thriving for more than three decades.
A Tradition That Lights Up the Community
A Festival With Deep Local Roots
Since its modest beginnings, the Wonders of Winter festival has grown into one of Waterloo Region’s most anticipated seasonal attractions. For many families, a walk through the hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights has become a yearly ritual—one that ushers in the festive spirit and brings neighbors and visitors together.
The festival’s enduring success is rooted in community involvement, particularly the tireless efforts of volunteers. In an interview on the Mike Farwell Show, longtime volunteer *Dave Hollinger emphasized just how much care and commitment go into bringing the event to life each year.
“The park has more lights than ever,” Hollinger said, noting that recent changes to the park’s layout—including the removal of Eby Farm—have opened up new areas for displays. “We’ve been able to put displays where we’ve never been able to put them before.”
Dedicated Volunteers Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, a core team of roughly 20 volunteers begins working as early as January, continuing through April to build, repair, and restore the festival’s growing collection of lighting displays. Their craftsmanship and enthusiasm, Hollinger noted, are what give Wonders of Winter its unmistakable charm.
“Every year, we try to bring something special,” he added. “There’s a lot of vigour and passion that goes into this festival, and we see the impact it has on the community.”
A Newly Expanded Experience in Waterloo Park
Renovations Open the Door to Bigger Displays
Waterloo Park’s recent upgrades have allowed festival organizers to reimagine the event’s layout in ways that weren’t possible in previous years. With additional open space available, this year’s light displays are more spread out and diverse, enhancing the visitor experience and offering a fresh visual journey even for regular attendees.
For returning visitors, the new arrangement promises to deliver a sense of discovery, with pathways leading to both familiar favorites and newly crafted installations. First-time attendees can expect a seamless walk-through experience filled with festive color, winter-themed artistry, and illuminated landmarks.
Romance and Memorable Moments Under the Lights
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Wonders of Winter is how the festival has naturally become a backdrop for many personal celebrations. Hollinger recalled that marriage proposals have increasingly become part of the festival’s yearly stories.
“Last year, there was an absolutely amazing proposal in the Victoria Gardens near the Young Street entrance,” he said. “Moments like that remind us that we’re doing the right thing. This festival is special to people in ways we never fully anticipate.”
These stories have contributed to the festival’s emotional resonance—making it not only a community event but a canvas for cherished memories.
What Visitors Can Expect This Season
Illuminations From Dusk to Evening
Once the festival begins, its lights will brighten Waterloo Park daily from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Throughout this time, visitors are free to explore the grounds at their own pace. Whether strolling as a family, taking photographs, or enjoying a quiet winter walk, the festival offers a peaceful yet vibrant winter experience.
Admission remains completely free, in keeping with the event’s community-centered mission. Organizers encourage visitors to support the festival through optional donations, which help maintain and expand the displays each year.
Opening Ceremony: A Festive Kickoff
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Park Hill Inn. This annual event brings together volunteers, local leaders, sponsors, and community members to celebrate the start of the festival season. At exactly 5:00 p.m., organizers will flip the switch, marking the formal start of nightly illuminations.
The ceremony acts as both a celebration of community collaboration and a signal that the holiday season in Waterloo is officially underway.
Record Attendance and Growing Popularity
Last Year’s Attendance Sets the Bar High
Wonders of Winter continues to attract a growing number of visitors, both from within Waterloo Region and from neighboring communities. Last year, attendance surpassed 52,000 people, a significant milestone that demonstrates the festival’s wide-reaching appeal.
Organizers anticipate another strong turnout this year, especially given the enhanced layout and expanded number of displays. The festival’s reputation for offering a safe, free, and family-oriented winter outing makes it an appealing destination for holiday season excursions.
Building Community Through Celebration
The event’s popularity also highlights the community’s ongoing commitment to fostering shared traditions. As Waterloo grows and welcomes new residents, Wonders of Winter serves as a connective thread between generations—inviting newcomers to participate in an experience that long-time locals have cherished for years.
The Festival’s Broader Holiday Ecosystem
Part of a Larger Seasonal Celebration
The return of Wonders of Winter coincides with several other holiday-themed events across the Waterloo Region. Seasonal markets, community charity drives, and the annual visit from the CPKC Holiday Train all contribute to a vibrant, interconnected holiday calendar.
From the Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign to bustling holiday markets, the region’s festive offerings extend beyond light displays, creating opportunities for residents to give back, shop local, and celebrate together. Wonders of Winter remains a centerpiece of these activities—an anchor event that encourages families to embrace winter and the spirit of community.
A Lasting Tradition With a Bright Future
More Than Lights—A Celebration of Togetherness
As the Wonders of Winter festival enters its 33rd season, its enduring success speaks to the power of community-driven events. What began as a modest display has grown into a widely cherished gathering place that lights up the darkest winter nights—both literally and figuratively.
With its expanded footprint, refreshed displays, and continued dedication from volunteers, this year’s festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to all who attend.
A Winter Tradition Worth Revisiting
Whether you’re experiencing Wonders of Winter for the first time or returning for your annual visit, the festival offers a sense of wonder and nostalgia that transcends age. The blend of sparkling displays, festive atmosphere, and community spirit ensures that the tradition remains as vibrant today as it was more than three decades ago.
As Waterloo Park prepares to illuminate once again, the message is clear: winter in Waterloo is meant to be celebrated—and Wonders of Winter continues to be one of the brightest ways to do so.
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