Experience the Magic of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Light Festival in Lethbridge
If you’re searching for the perfect winter activity in southern Alberta, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Light Festival should be at the top of your list. On January 2nd, 2026, my family and I visited this incredible Lethbridge attraction while celebrating Christmas together, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our holidays.
Discover Lethbridge’s Most Beautiful Four-Season Destination – Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Light Festival
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a must-visit location year-round:
- Spring: eye-catching blossoms and flower photography opportunities
- Summer: tranquil ponds, lush pathways, and peaceful afternoon strolls
- Fall: fiery colours as the leaves change across the garden
- Winter: the entire garden transforms into a glowing world of light
While many visitors think of Nikka Yuko as a summer spot, winter is when this Lethbridge landmark becomes truly unforgettable. The 2025–2026 winter season marks 10 years of the annual light display, celebrating a decade of festive evenings in the garden.
A Family-Friendly Winter Activity in Lethbridge
When we visited, the weather cooperated. It was crisp enough to feel like winter but warm enough to explore comfortably—despite the occasional chilly wind from the east. We walked the paths as a family, taking in the brilliant colours and animated displays. Some of the family headed out top warm up indoors after one loop, but my wife and I stayed to wander the garden a second time, even bumping into friends along the way.
A Must-See Photography Hotspot
With more than 170,000 lights, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Light Festival is a dream location for photographers and content creators.
Whether you shoot professionally or just love capturing memories on your phone, every path, bridge, and tree offers a unique view.
As a photographer, I never miss a chance to bring my camera. I left with hundreds of images and could easily spend days exploring compositions, reflections, and long-exposure opportunities.
In this post, I’ve included several of the photos from that night—just a tiny sample of what’s possible.
Plan Your Visit — Festival Runs Until February 28th, 2026
If you’re looking for winter events in Lethbridge, want a fun family outing, or simply need an evening escape from the busy holiday season, make time to visit the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Light Festival 2026.
Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
Runs Until: February 28, 2026
Great For: Families, couples, tourists, photographers, and anyone who loves holiday lights
Prints Available — Bring the Festival Home
If you see a photo you love, I offer prints in many sizes, including wall prints and greeting cards.
Send me a message anytime for pricing and options.
