We were so excited to hear that PNE WinterLights was able to go ahead with their winter event. All the restrictions in place means that some activities have had to change and go in a different direction to comply with everything. This was a fun way to get out as a family and take in some Christmas lights all from the comfort of our own vehicle with some hot chocolate and mini donuts.
Disclosure: My family was invited to attend PNE WinterLights on their media night at no cost to us. All opinions shared here are my own.
Unfortunately, once given the go-ahead to have WinterLights the event sold out pretty much immediately. They did at a couple of dates and times recently, which again have sold out. Who knows, maybe they will be able to add more but I do not want to get anyone’s hopes up. Keep an eye out on the PNE Winterlights website for updates.
This is not the first drive-thru event that the PNE has organized in 2020. There has been drive-thru events for mini donuts, bbq food and more! All great ways to have a safe outing. PNE WinterLights is a holiday light display experience along a 2-kilometer route throughout the PNE and Playland grounds. You’re encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early for your ticket time slot, once you enter you immediately have the opportunity to purchase mini donuts or a hot beverage. We got some donuts and hot chocolate to enjoy while driving through, but you can bypass this if you would like. Stay to your right following the signage and instructions of the staff. The hot chocolate was some of the best I’ve had this holiday season! I was really impressed. Even the girls commented on this.
Once you start your drive WinterLights has 9 different lands that you will go through. Each has a sign at the front telling you where you are. It took about 30 minutes to go through everything. Don’t feel rushed by the driver behind you, take your time, and go slowly. For whatever reason, it is almost instinctive to feel pressure to speed up when someone is right behind you, DON’T! Be sure to enjoy everything there is to see.
Consider yourself warned that the first turn to the left is a bit tight. The vehicle ahead of us and the one behind us were either distracted by the tall Christmas tree in front of us or I don’t know what, but both had to reverse in order to make the turn. We didn’t have a problem making the turn. Everything else was totally fine.
The favourite displays for us were the beautiful woodland creatures all out of lights. I’m still wondering where I can get one and if I can convince Strata to let us put a giant moose made out of lights in our yard. The tunnel full of lights was also incredible to drive through. There were many “Wow! Look at that!” moments from my kids. They’ve also declared that they want shinny silver pants like the dancers in one of the lands, just so they can wear them at Christmas time.
Thank you to the organizers of PNE WinterLights for making a way to have something festive this holiday season and bringing a new form of “normality” to what’s been an odd season. This Christmas is definitely different than one we’ve ever experienced before, I’m thankful for things like this that have helped us make some fun memories in a new way. We all really enjoyed it and the girls are still talking about it. They would love to go again next year.
