Seeing Christmas lights from a warm car is perfect for little kids, grandparents and cold nights. Here are the best drive-thru and drive-by light displays near Toronto, based on the 2025–26 season. Confirm 2026 dates before you go.
| Display | Where | 2025–26 season | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Lights by the Lake | Coronation Park, Oakville | Dec 1 to Feb 1 | Free |
| Festival of Lights | Spencer Smith Park, Burlington | Nov 29 to Jan 7 | Free |
| Winter Festival of Lights | Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls | Nov 15 to Jan 4 | Free |
| Safari Lights | Safari Niagara, Stevensville | Nov 21 to Dec 30 | Per car, timed |
| Gift of Lights | Bingemans, Kitchener | Late Nov to early Jan | Per car |
Holiday Lights by the Lake, Oakville
A free display in Coronation Park on Lakeshore Road West that you can drive through or walk. Oakville Christmas events
Burlington Festival of Lights
Displays along the waterfront at Spencer Smith Park; you can drive along Lakeshore Road or walk the park. Burlington Christmas events
Niagara Winter Festival of Lights
Canada’s largest free light festival, with a drivable route along the Niagara Parkway. Full guide
Safari Niagara and Bingemans
Ticketed drive-thru light shows near Fort Erie and in Kitchener. Book a time slot in advance.
In Toronto itself
Toronto has no major drive-thru display, but you can drive past lit-up streets and neighbourhoods. See Christmas lights neighbourhoods in Toronto. For walk-through shows, see the Toronto Zoo Holiday Lights and Christmas lights near Toronto.
Planning a lights drive with kids
- Go after dinner in pyjamas, with blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate.
- Make a playlist of Christmas songs, or tune in to a display’s radio station if it has one.
- Bring a “lights bingo” card to spot stars, snowmen and reindeer.
- Pack snacks for lineups at ticketed shows.
- Charge your phone for photos and video.
Driving safety at light displays
- Follow the posted speed, often walking pace.
- Keep headlights on low or switch to parking lights where asked.
- Stay in your car at drive-thru shows unless walking is allowed.
- Watch for pedestrians at displays that are also walkable, like Burlington’s and Oakville’s.
- Never use your phone while driving; let a passenger take the photos.
Create your own lights tour
Toronto’s best-decorated residential streets can make a lovely self-drive tour. Plan a loop, drive slowly, and be respectful of residents and neighbours: no blocking driveways, honking or idling for long periods. See Christmas lights neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Combining lights and other activities
- Oakville: pair Holiday Lights by the Lake with dinner downtown. Oakville Christmas events
- Burlington: combine the Festival of Lights with Brant Street’s shops. Burlington Christmas events
- Niagara Falls: make it a full day trip with Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Falls at Christmas
Drive-thru Christmas lights: FAQ
Is there a drive-thru Christmas light show in Toronto? There isn’t a major one within the city itself, but several displays near Toronto can be seen from your car.
Which drive-thru lights are free? Oakville’s Holiday Lights by the Lake, Burlington’s Festival of Lights and the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights have all been free.
Tips
- Go on weeknights to avoid long lines.
- Turn your headlights to parking lights where asked.
- Tune in: some shows broadcast music on an FM station.
- Fill up the tank and bring snacks for long waits.
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