Top 5 Things To Get You Into the Christmas Spirit in TBAY (A guide to feeling festive ASAP)
Amanda Bay
December 16, 2025
TBay truth: When the nights get long and dark, it’s definitely time to get festive with holiday lights! Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate in a travel mug during a little driving tour of brightly lit houses or enjoying some twinkly décor while you’re out and about in Thunder Bay’s shopping districts, seeing light displays is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit. Here’s the Thunder Bay Lifestyle roundup of some of our favourite holiday light displays, old and new.
CPKCR Holiday Train
When a loooong train comes rumbling down the tracks illuminated with all kinds of colourful lights, let’s just say memories are made! Now in its 27th year, the CPKCR Holiday Train tours Canada and the United States every year, making dozens of stops to spread some holiday cheer and collect donations for local food banks ($26 million and 5.4 million pounds of food so far—wow!) This year the stop is on December 2 from approximately 8:45 to 9:15 pm at 440 Syndicate Avenue, with Canadian country singers Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse on hand to belt out some songs.
Parade of Lights
Seeing how a zillion colourful lights can transform, say, a transport truck or a front-end loader into something spectacular is truly part of the magic of Christmas. The Thunder Bay Police Association Parade of Lights is a Thunder Bay tradition, where all kinds of big vehicles and floats roll through the streets in the Intercity area, twinkling brightly against the winter darkness. In 2025, the parade takes place on Saturday December 6, starting at 7 pm from Manitoulin Transport at 161 Main Street and ending up at the intersection of Water Street and Fort William Road. There’s a sensory-friendly section on the last part of Fort William Road, without loud horns and other noises. Be sure to check out the map to pick your viewing spot. Every year, the event raises thousands of dollars to fund local charities that support children with special needs.
Winter Wonderland on the Waterfront
New this year, Winter Wonderland at Prince Arthur’s Landing includes a 25-foot tree that’s decked out with lights (there’s a tree-lighting ceremony and live music at 6 pm on Wednesday November 19). The market square itself, including the historic century-old train station with the Station Market shop and cafe, is also aglow with multicoloured lights, animated displays and even ice sculptures. Add in the backdrop of the Sleeping Giant and the outdoor skating rink and you’ve got yourself a magical holiday scene.
Christmas at Bay & Algoma
Bay and Algoma is a favourite walkable neighbourhood for many, with its assortment of boutiques, a bookstore, a plant store, a cheese shop, tea shop, and eateries and bars. Starting November 29, that scene will be lit up with a 32-foot evergreen decorated with holiday lights. A number of local businesses will be offering shopping deals that day too from noon to 6 pm, along with a visit from Santa, candy canes and warm apple cider at the Kitchen Nook parking lot.
Westfort Wonderland
For all the cosy vibes, look to the family-friendly Westfort Wonderland event. Every year, Frederica Street closes to traffic for one night and businesses stay open later so residents and visitors can stroll the neighbourhood. On Thursday December 4 from 4-8 pm, walk the street with its oversized blue and white snowflake lights to line your way. Do some shopping, maybe meet Santa, the Grinch or of course the iconic Westfort Freddie the Yeti, warm up by the bonfire and snack on complimentary s’mores, sing along to Christmas carols, sample some delicious food and even take a sleigh ride. The window displays are sure to be festive too!
Window Wonderland
In case you’re keeping track, that’s three Wonderlands in town, and we must say, they’re all pretty fun! This one is from the Waterfront District BIA and it’s all about celebrating area businesses with festive window displays that are lit up with lights, are colourful or sparkly, and are bursting with holiday-themed décor in December. Watch their social media pages for more info, including a map and how to vote for the People’s Choice category.
Holiday Light Displays All Around Town
Let’s raise a toast to all the folks who light up their homes with some pretty epic holiday light displays, complemented by inflatables, music and more. There are a couple different ways to plan your tour. You can download the free Thunder Bay Tours app and pick out the route you want to take or what neighbourhoods to visit. The Thunder Bay’s Holiday Houses Facebook page is another good resource, especially if you want to check for last-minute closures or want to use the Search option to find something in particular (for example, penguins or the Grinch).
Speaking of theme houses, a shout-out to the Dinosaur House on Hwy 130 near Rosslyn, next to Whitewater Golf Club. It doesn’t have a website or any social media, but if you google “dinosaur house” you’ll find directions and rave reviews. This spot is completely over the top and completely fun—it’s a walk-through of a country property owned by Renato, outfitted with huge concrete dinosaurs, Mickey Mouse, King Kong, inflatables, vintage blow mold figures and a LOT of lights. Take a stroll and enjoy the quirkiness and the holiday music.
Nearby, at 86 Pennock Drive, there’s another fantastic walk-through operated by the Gysen family, with beautiful lit-up displays that meander through their large back yard, featuring whimsical designs like geese, pigs and dolphins and a Christmas soundtrack too. Listen to the Lights is another cool one, which also happens to accept donations for the Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign to help bring cardiovascular surgery to Thunder Bay. Just head to 753 Syndicate Avenue during the month of December, tune your radio to 92.3FM, and sit back and enjoy a 20-minute light show featuring four singing light bulbs! Of course, wherever you go, pay attention to parking safely and respectfully.
And if you would like add “that guy with the car covered in lights” to your holiday bingo card, keep an eye out for Marcus Roy and his 2018 Acura that’s decorated with more than 2,000 lights. You may be lucky enough to spot him driving around town starting December 1. “It brings so many smiles to the community,” he explains. We agree, Marcus!
We hope that this round-up helps light up your life this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Thunder Bay Lifestyle!
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