Do I have to purchase my Winter City Lights entry ticket online?
Yes, Winter City Lights tickets must be purchased online in advance. General admission tickets are required for entry. Children under 4 are FREE — and they also receive FREE access to the Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing Ride with unlimited rides (with a paid adult 18 or older and if they meet height requirements).
The entry ticket DOES NOT include the Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing Ride with unlimited rides, beverages, photos or concessions. The Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing Ride can be purchased online at a discount when you purchase your entry ticket. You can also purchase onsite at regular pricing and if they are still available. The Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing Ride has limited tickets available and WILL SELL OUT each night so buy tickets in advance ,along with your entry ticket! There are NO ON SITE entry tickets for sale, but you can ADD the Penguin Plunge Snow Tubing Ride when you arrive, if there is availability. Hack: Buy ALL your entry tickets and your Snow Tubing in advance for the cheapest pries! Photos are purchased onsite.
What is the 8-lane Penguin Plunge Ice Tubing Ride experience like?
It is a fast and exciting UNLIMITED tube ride down icy pathways for qualifying riders at certain heights - all you can ride! See qualifying heights under the "About - Attractions" drop down. Once you buy an entry ticket, you can buy the snow tubing ride - you cannot purchase the snow tube ride by itself. We highly recommend you buy the tube ride in advance as it will be extremely popular. The tickets are per person and cannot be shared with someone else in your party after use or be transferred.
Is the event Wheelchair accessible?
We have an asphalt pathway that can assist a wheelchair guest from the parking area to the main compound where the tree, bonfires, concessions and displays reside. The Ice Palace, Candy Cane Lane, photo area are all wheelchair accessible. The compound is covered in mulch, but it is possible to get around with certain types of chairs and we are happy to work with you on that. If you want to provide us with additional details before you arrive, we would be happy to try to accommodate you and make your visit a memorable one.
What should I wear?
This Christmas lights event is completely outdoors so dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes or hiking or walking boots, and be prepared for the weather. The grounds and parking lots can be slippery, uneven and wet. Long pants and sturdy shoes are highly recommended. Flips flops, open-toed shoes and high heels are a really bad idea no matter how good they look.
What is an appropriate age for an individual to attend Winter City Lights?
The attraction is designed to be enjoyed by a broad range of ages. There is something for everyone to enjoy. However, the entire event is on grass, dirt or a mulched surface. You need to be prepared for longer walks on uneven surfaces and slippery or dark mulched areas. Guardians and parents need to use their discretion as to the appropriateness of this event for kids or the elderly. Kids Under 4 years of age are FREE to enter as long as they are with a paid accompanying adult 18 years old or older.
Can I bring a stroller to the event?
We DO NOT RECOMMEND you use a stroller to access any part of Winter City Lights; however, they are allowed. The area that holds the majority of the displays and the Christmas tree, is a mulched surface so off-road strollers work best. We recommend you bring a child backpack or similar to use as you walk around the displays and into the Ice Palace.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately not.
Should I be concerned if I have medical conditions?
Enter at your own risk. There are inherent risks associated with participating in the Winter City Lights events. These events are intended to be experienced outdoors and those conditions can vary for several reasons - footing, surfaces, topography, lighting, weather, customer usage, vandalism or damage are just a few. Grassed and mulched trails, queue lines and pathways will be uneven, slippery and dark, and there are several special effects, including strobe lights, loud noises, bonfires, latex, claustrophobia-type areas, fog and special-effect snow and many other potential hazards that are used throughout the attractions that could inadvertently cause harm. Participants are REQUIRED to sign a waiver before entering and participating in the Winter City Lights events. By entering any of the Winter City Lights events or compound, you are confirming with us that you understand what you are about to get yourself into and have properly completed and signed the waiver, and are taking on risks and waiving your rights.
What is dated and timed ticketing?
When you buy an entry ticket, you will be required to pick the date you’d like to attend and the time-slot. The time-slot will provide you with your arrival time and we recommend you are not late. Arrive 10 minutes early so you can get organized and complete your waiver and get through security.
How does ticketing work?
There is ONE ENTRY TICKET FOR ADULTS, ONE FOR SENIORS and ONE ENTRY TICKET FOR KIDS. See Attractions tab for more information. You can buy additional events in advance or ADD additional events to your ticket for an ADDITIONAL FEE when you arrive, depending on availability. See Attractions tab.
Do you offer Fast Passes or VIP Passes?
No
Do you accept credit cards at concession and merchandising areas?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard and Apple Pay and others onsite for concessions.
What happens if it rains or there is bad weather or circumstances that require closure?
The event will be closed in steady rain or severe storms or cold and we will post that on our Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. As a ticket purchaser, you will be offered the remaining available dates to pick another date for your attendance. We DO NOT offer refunds due to the nature of the event but our tickets are good for future years too.
Do you have group discounts?
Yes. Groups of 15 or more should contact groups@wintercitylights.com to learn more about discounts and logistics for a smooth arrival and entry. Groups must make an advanced reservation in order to obtain the discount and each ATTENDEE must complete a waiver.
Do you have discounts if I am just chaperoning?
No
Do you sell food or alcohol?
We sell a large selection of tasty food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages . Drugs are not permitted on site and if you are deemed to be out of control, unruly or under the influence of alcohol to a degree you’ve lost reasoning, the police or security on site will remove you from the premises.
Can I get a refund?
No. Winter City Lights operates on a budget with fixed costs as it helps support the Olney Boys & Girls Community Sports Association. You can use these tickets at a future date or in the following year.
When is the best time to come so we can avoid a long wait?
You must buy tickets online and in advance. Ticket prices change according to the day and time you want to come - there are great deals so take your time and find them on our ticketing portal. The busiest nights are our most expensive. The timed ticketing system allows for a smooth flow of people. In general, Fridays and Saturdays will be larger crowds and any date that is close to Christmas is busy -early in the week are the slowest nights. Please be patient and expect lines if you come on busier nights.
Do you have security on site?
Yes. In addition to the security cameras, Winter City Lights is staffed with police and security personnel. You may be asked to be wanded by a metal detector or walk through a metal, knife and gun and weapons detector.