The Winter Lights Festival at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a Must-See

The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a unique oasis in Lethbridge that’s stunning year-round, but it’s extra special in the winter when it comes alive with countless twinkling bulbs for the Winter Lights Festival. Keep reading to learn more about the annual festival and winter activities in the Lethbridge area.

Get to know Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden

Designed by architects from Osaka, Japan, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden was established during Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The garden recognizes contributions from citizens of Japanese ancestry and serves as a symbol of friendship between Canada and Japan. This friendship is further emphasized in the garden’s name, which comes from the Japanese words ni (Nihon for “Japan”), ka (from “Kananda” or “Canada”) and yuko (“friendship”).

The garden melds elements of the local landscape with Japanese symbols and philosophy. Each element holds significance, such as the island shaped like a turtle to represent long life, mountain rocks that are millions of years old and numerous water features to refresh the spirit. Alongside the natural elements stand structural elements that were handcrafted in Kyoto, like the traditional teahouse, bell tower and stone lanterns.

“It transports you to a whole other place,” says Eric Granson, Marketing and Events Manager with Nikka Yuko, which was named one of the Top 10 Gardens Worth Travelling For by the Garden Tourism Awards.

About the Winter Lights Festival

Each year, from December to the end of February, Nikka Yuko becomes a winter wonderland that sparkles with the glow of more than 170,000 holiday lights — and counting. The Winter Lights Festival has become a holiday tradition in Lethbridge, and a nighttime stroll through the garden is even better with a warm drink and snack in hand. Bundle up and take in the stunning garden in a whole new light.

Now in its eighth year, the festival is always evolving and has a new theme called Seasons of the Garden. The light displays will begin with spring and progress to winter. Granson says the theme will last for the next couple of years, but the team will build upon it each time.

“We wanted to take that concept of the family tradition, but not something where you say, ‘I’ve seen this before. I went last year.’ It’s not the same experience as it was the year before or even the year before that,” Granson notes, adding the attraction to the event goes beyond the twinkling lights. “It’s the feeling that goes into it. It’s seeing the look on your child’s face when they see the bright lights. You see tons of people who propose to their spouse at that location. … It’s that sense of home; it’s the sense of wonder and that’s what we’re all about.”

New and noteworthy activities

The Winter Lights Festival is always adding to the experience for visitors, and this year is no exception. Visitors will enter the festival through a new 30.5-metres (100-foot) light tunnel, which is one of three tunnels throughout the garden. Kids, and kids at heart who played with them in their younger years, won’t want to miss the giant Lite-Brites in the Kids Corner. The classic toy has been brought to life, and these eight-foot-tall versions come with preset designs created by Nikka Yuko staff or interactive options for kids to unleash their creativity.

“I think millennials, myself included, will go insane for these things,” Granson says of the nostalgic Lite-Brites. “Even more so than the kids, I would say.”

It wouldn’t be a winter festival without a wagon ride. The Basha Nori (horse and wagon rides) include decked-out wagons that loop around Henderson Lake. Rides will be free on December 17 and 24, which are the festival’s family nights. Arrive early to grab a seat, as the rides are first come, first served.

You can also book a Date Night in the Dome experience. The new igloo dome at Nikka Yuko features a captivating 15-minute video projection that showcases distinctly Canadian elements alongside Japanese imagery. The latest installation features a year-long timelapse of Nikka Yuko.

Take in live entertainment

The live entertainment lineup at the Winter Lights Festival has expanded to include additional community partners to enhance the experience. There will be even more Taiko performances, which is a form of drumming; Minyo, a traditional style of folk dancing in Japanese culture; along with opera singers and live bands on the new Fire and Ice Stage.

“We’re a world-class destination that’s not only for locals,” Granson says. “When you come travelling here in winter, think of it as an inexpensive way for your family to experience the wonder and all the lights and the magic that’s behind a world-class destination close by.”

More winter activities in the Lethbridge area

Don’t miss out on these winter activities while you’re in Lethbridge for the Winter Lights Festival.

Ski at Castle Mountain

Take a day trip from the city and experience some of the top skiing in southern Alberta. Ski or snowboard on some of the province’s famous dry powder snow and take on more than 94 trails and two terrain parks. Castle Mountain Resort covers more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain and boasts Canada’s longest fall line and cat skiing to explore the pristine backcountry.

Go for a winter hike in the coulees or parks

What is a coulee, exactly? In simple terms, a coulee is a ravine, and they’re part of the defining landscape of Lethbridge. There are more than 200 km (124 mi) of trails and beautiful parks to explore in Lethbridge, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for wildlife — even in the winter.

Catch the Lethbridge Hurricanes in action

There’s nothing more Canadian than watching a hockey game in winter. The Lethbridge Hurricanes are part of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and you can watch a lively game at the Enmax Centre.

Take a day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Lethbridge is a hub for four of Alberta’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They aren’t all accessible in the winter, but you can visit Waterton Lakes National Park (keep in mind services are limited during the season), Dinosaur Provincial Park, where more than 150 full dinosaur skeletons have been unearthed; and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a sacred site that’s more than 6,000 years old.

Warm up with some indoor sights

Add a visit to the Galt Museum & Archives to your itinerary if you need a break from the crisp winter air. The museum shares the history of Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta through more than 17,000 artifacts and one million archival documents and photographs. Explore the evergreen and travelling exhibits.

If you’d like to relax after a full day of activities, stop by the Theoretically Brewing Co. or Spectrum Ale Works for a locally brewed pint.