Illustration of a light display scene (28th Annual Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Display)
Christmas Lights

28th Annual Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Display

Visitors enjoy a festive drive-thru holiday lights display winding through Lake Shawnee Campground. Guests take in the illuminated scenery from the warmth and comfort of their own vehicles. The annual celebration serves as a major community fundraiser supporting services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What to Expect

Drive-thru holiday light display at Lake Shawnee benefitting TARC.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

TARC, Inc.

Food & Drink

Complimentary Frito-Lay snack bags are offered on December 5 while supplies last; no other food or drink is specified.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and visitors seeking an easy holiday outing

Vibe

Festive and easygoing

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Lake Shawnee Campground
3435 SE East Edge Rd, Topeka, KS 66605
Topeka, KS
66605

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $10 suggested donation per vehicle, or $20 per large van or bus; there is no set admission fee. All donations benefit TARC, Inc. On December 2, the first 100 Azura Credit Union members drive through free with their member card. On December 4, a donation of $10 or more gets one retired Winter Wonderland lightbulb ornament per vehicle, while supplies last (first 50 vehicles).
  • Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 6:00–9:00 PM; Friday–Saturday: 6:00–10:00 PM. Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19: 6:00–10:00 PM.
  • Accessibility: The event is drive-thru only, and guests remain in their vehicles throughout the display route.

Tips & Advice

  • Check Facebook or KSNT News before leaving on a snowy or rainy night, because the display closes if roads are unsafe.
  • It's closed to the public December 7, 14 and 21 for private events, so plan around those Mondays.
  • Come early on December 4 if you want a collector's ornament, because only the first 50 vehicles get one.
  • Azura Credit Union members should bring their member card on December 2, when the first 100 drive through free.
  • For large ticket orders, call or email TARC instead of paying vehicle by vehicle at the gate.

Special Events & Promotions

  • December 2 is Azura Member Night: the first 100 Azura Credit Union members drive through free when they show their member card.
  • December 4 is Collector's Ornament Night: with a qualifying donation, the first 50 vehicles each get a retired Winter Wonderland lightbulb ornament.
  • December 5 is Frito-Lay Snack Night, with free snack bags while supplies last.
  • On select Mondays in December, groups can book Magic on a Monday and have the display to themselves, by car or on foot.
  • Abilities Night offers reduced traffic and extended time for guests with sensory sensitivities or special needs. The date is to be announced.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we walk through the lights?

No. It's drive-thru only, and everyone stays in their vehicle for the whole route. The exception is private Magic on a Monday groups, which can choose a walk-through.

Do I need a reservation?

No. Just show up and pay at the gate. You can also buy tickets ahead at the TARC office.

How can I pay at the gate?

Cash, check, credit card, or Venmo @TARC_Inc.

Is there a night for guests with sensory sensitivities?

Yes, Abilities Night has reduced traffic and extra time. Its date is still to be announced.

Tags

holiday light displaysdrive through displaysfamily friendlyholiday traditionseasonal activitiescommunity celebrationcharity eventfestive decorationslight displayssynchronized lights

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 21, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team