Winter Wonderland of Lights
Visitors can stroll through a 52-acre park and downtown district illuminated by holiday lights. The festival showcases 60 magical displays incorporating more than 800,000 lights centered around the theme Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights.
What to Expect
Features 60 magical holiday displays containing over 800,000 lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Ashland
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Winter Wonderland of Lights committee
Food & Drink
Pizza is part of Karaoke and Pizza with Santa on December 10, an event for children in grades K–6.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and glowing
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides: $4 per person. No general admission price is stated.
- Hours: Light display: dusk to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; dusk to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Train rides: 6 p.m. on listed dates. Santa visits: 6 to 9 p.m. on listed dates.
Tips & Advice
- Go on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between November 20 and December 20 if you want the Express train ride and a Santa visit on the same night.
- Bring your own camera or phone to Visits with Santa at the Central Park Log House, because families are welcome to take their own pictures.
- Head downtown on Tuesday, November 24, for the Annual Christmas Parade, which follows this year's Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights theme.
- Visit on a Friday or Saturday night if you want more time, because the light display stays open an hour later than it does Sunday through Thursday.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, because you'll be walking outdoors through a 52-acre park and the downtown district after dark.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night Ceremony on Monday, November 16, at the Central Park Bandstand.
- Annual Christmas Parade downtown on Tuesday, November 24, themed "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights."
- Express Train Rides and Visits with Santa on select Friday-to-Sunday weekends from November 20 through December 20.
- Karaoke and Pizza with Santa for grades K–6 on Thursday, December 10, at the Transportation Center.
- New theme this season: "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights."
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this year's theme?
The 2026 theme is "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights." The Annual Christmas Parade downtown follows the same theme.
Can the kids visit Santa?
Yes. Santa is at the Central Park Log House on November 20–22 and 27–29 and on December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20. You may take your own pictures.
Is there a train ride?
Yes. The Winter Wonderland Express Train Rides leave from Central Park & 22nd Street on the same dates Santa is in. Tickets are sold per person.
Is there anything just for school-age kids?
Karaoke and Pizza with Santa is on Thursday, December 10, at the Transportation Center (99 15th St.). It's for children in grades K–6 and is held with the Ashland Bus System.
How can local businesses take part?
Businesses can enter the Business Decorating Contest. Applications are due December 4, and judging runs December 8–20. A separate application is available for groups who want to be in the parade.
More Christmas Events Near Ashland
More Christmas Events near Ashland
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.