7 Holiday Light Displays in Winnipeg You Don't Want to Miss
Reading time: 5 - minutesWe’ll tell you this…Winnipeg may be chilly this time of year, but trust us, the holiday lights bring all the warmth you need.
Thinking of stepping (or driving!) out this festive season for some much-needed holiday cheer?
We’ve rounded up some dazzling displays worth bundling up for this season. So, grab your mittens, pour some cocoa, and hit the road—these are the Winnipeg holiday light displays you don’t want to miss.
(Outside of Winnipeg? Check out our guides to Saskatoon’s must-see holiday lights & Alberta’s brightest Christmas displays.)
1. Canada Inns Winter Wonderland
If you’re thinking classic Winnipeg Christmas experience, Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is the one everyone talks about. This massive drive-through display features themed zones, animated tunnels, glowing forests, and more than a million lights. It’s warm, cosy, and perfect for families, especially on those extra-cold nights when nobody wants to get out of the car.
It’s also one of the city’s longest-running traditions. There are special charity nights, discounted admission dates, and small layout changes every year, which keep things fresh even for families who visit annually. Many locals time their visit after decorating their tree or attending holiday concerts, making it a full festive outing.
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 – Saturday, January 3, 2026
Hours*: Open 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm nightly
*Closed Thursday, December 25, 2025
Where: Exhibition Park, West Gate, 3977 Portage Ave
2. ZooLights at Assiniboine Park Zoo
If a stroll through glowing pathways and illuminated sculptures is more your style, ZooLights offers one of Winnipeg’s most magical walking light experiences. Expect 1.5+ million LEDs, glowing animal shapes, fire pits, warm beverages, and themed zones that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a winter fairy tale.
ZooLights also hosts live entertainment, ice-carving demos, and cultural showcases on select evenings. Kids love the glowing animal figures, while adults appreciate the quieter pockets, perfect for taking in the scenery. It’s also one of Winnipeg’s best places for winter photos — especially under the large lit trees and archways.
Tickets for November dates are 50% off!
When: November 21 - December 23.
Where: Assiniboine Park Zoo
Cost: Ticketed event (prices can vary). Ages 3 and up are $17 + GST. Ages 2 and under are free.
3. Manitoba Legislative Building & Memorial Boulevard
For something elegant and timeless, the Legislative Building lights are hard to beat. Soft white lights illuminate the trees lining Memorial Boulevard, and the building itself glows beautifully against the winter night sky.
It’s peaceful, simple, and a perfect spot for casual walking. Many Winnipeggers stop here with a warm drink before heading to The Forks or Broadway. Visit at dusk for the best colour against the sky, it’s especially beautiful after fresh snowfall.
When: December through early January
Where: Memorial Boulevard & Legislative Grounds
Cost: Free
4. Candy Cane Lane
If you love themed neighbourhood displays, this route is charming, festive, and perfect for a winter walk. Many homes feature matching candy-cane décor, porch lights, pathway markers, and classic red-and-white accents that give the whole street a unified, cheerful look.
Warm white rooflines and glowing window displays add to the cosy feel, and neighbours often add small touches like wreaths, bows, or matching yard signs to keep the theme consistent. It’s tasteful, coordinated, and full of neighbourhood pride.
When: Early December to New Year’s
Where: Elm Park / Kingston Row
Cost: Free
5. Amber Trails Holiday Walk (North Winnipeg)
Amber Trails is one of Winnipeg’s rising holiday-lighting neighbourhoods. Many homes are decorated with warm rooflines, wreaths, and clean, modern lighting styles. It’s a great walking route for families or couples looking for something peaceful.
It’s perfect for those who appreciate subtle elegance. The homes offer plenty of beautiful, modern lighting ideas without overwhelming the senses.
When: Early December to early January
Where: Amber Trails neighbourhood, North Winnipeg
Cost: Free
6. The Forks, Winter Illumination Trail
Already a winter hotspot, The Forks becomes even more magical thanks to curated illumination displays along its pathways and gathering areas. Sculptural lighting, glowing trees, skating trails, and public art make this a must-see stop for holiday explorers.
Pair it with dinner, skating at the Canopy, or browsing local shops. It’s calm yet festive and one of the best places for holiday photos in Winnipeg.
When: December through mid-winter
Where: The Forks
Cost: Free (parking may apply)
7. Musical Light House
Music lovers and tech fans will appreciate this one. The homeowners program their lights to sync perfectly with holiday songs broadcast through your car radio, creating an interactive “dancing light” experience that feels surprisingly polished for a residential display. Kids love watching the lights flicker and pulse with every beat, and adults enjoy the creativity behind the programming.
The show usually runs on a loop, so you can catch several songs without waiting long. Many families make this their final stop of the night before heading home for hot chocolate, especially since the slower pace and musical glow make it the perfect wind-down to a light-tour evening.
When: Early December to early January
Where: Bruce Avenue, St. James
Cost: Free
Before You Hit the Road…
Winnipeg’s holiday light displays are a reminder that winter isn’t just about cold winds and early sunsets, it’s also about the simple magic of stepping outside to see a neighbourhood glowing.
If seeing these incredible setups sparks a little lighting creativity, Green Drop can help. Our professional holiday lighting service handles everything from planning, design and installation to takedown and storage, using CSA-approved LEDs that shine bright all season.
We serve Winnipeg as well as Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Regina, and bookings fill fast. If you want a holiday display that looks every bit as good as the ones on this list, reach out early to reserve your spot.