10 Things to Do at Journey Into Enchantment: Santa Claus, the Grinch, 2 million+ lights and a 45-minute drive-thru and walk-thru Christmas experience

10 Things to Do at Journey Into Enchantment

Updated · Ajax, Ontario · 6 min read

Journey Into Enchantment is back in Ajax for the 2026 holiday season — and this year the magic is bigger than ever. Drive into the magic, then walk among sparkling 3D and 2D Christmas displays, all included with one ticket! Meet Santa and the Grinch, capture festive photos and treat yourself to hot chocolate and snacks. Here are 10 things you won’t want to miss.

1. Drive Through 2 Million+ Christmas Lights

Drive-thru Christmas light show route with over 2 million lights in Ajax, Ontario

Your journey starts from the warmth of your car. Follow a 2-kilometre route glowing with more than 2 million twinkling lights, packed with beloved holiday characters, Christmas scenes and festive displays around every turn.

It’s a stress-free way for the whole family to enjoy a spectacular Christmas light show in Ajax and Durham Region — the kids stay cozy in the back seat while the magic unfolds outside the windows.

2. Cruise Through the Illuminated Tunnels

Car driving through a colourful illuminated Christmas light tunnel at Journey Into Enchantment

Get your cameras ready for the illuminated tunnels. As you drive through, lights twirl and glisten all around your car, creating a dreamlike, immersive moment that feels like driving straight into a Christmas card.

3. Watch the Lights Dance to Holiday Music

Guitar-playing snowman and singing light bulb Christmas displays

Throughout the route, musical lights move in harmony with beloved holiday songs, setting the perfect festive atmosphere. Sing along to your favourite Christmas classics with the whole car as the displays come alive around you.

4. See 2D Displays Come to Life in 3D

Twelve Days of Christmas 3D light display at Journey Into Enchantment

One of the most magical moments of the drive is watching the displays transform from classic 2D light art into stunning 3D scenes — from the Twelve Days of Christmas to glowing holiday villages.

5. Step Out for the 15-Minute Walk-Thru

Illuminated gingerbread house display on the Christmas walk-thru

Here’s what makes Journey Into Enchantment different from other drive-thru light shows: the magic doesn’t end when the drive does. Every drive-thru ticket includes a 15-minute walk-thru, where you can step out of the car and stroll among sparkling 3D and 2D Christmas displays — like our larger-than-life illuminated gingerbread house — up close.

One ticket covers both experiences, so there’s nothing extra to book.

6. Meet Santa Claus

Children meeting Santa Claus in his Christmas cabin in Ajax

No Christmas outing is complete without a visit to the big man himself. On the walk-thru, families can meet Santa Claus in his cozy Christmas cabin, share their Christmas wishes and capture photos the kids will treasure for years.

7. Find the Grinch (Before He Steals Christmas!)

The Grinch and Mrs. Claus at the Journey Into Enchantment Christmas walk-thru

Santa isn’t the only famous face in town. The Grinch has made his way to Ajax, and he’s ready for his close-up. Snap a photo with Christmas’s grumpiest guest — and see if your family’s holiday cheer can make his heart grow three sizes.

8. Capture Festive Family Photos

Giant NOEL light letters and light fireworks at Journey Into Enchantment

From the giant NOEL letters and light fireworks to the gingerbread house, Santa and the Grinch, every corner of the walk-thru is made for festive photos. Charge your phone before you arrive — you’ll want plenty of battery!

9. Warm Up With Hot Chocolate and Snacks

Cozy Christmas cabin with fireplace, stockings and Christmas tree

Ontario evenings in November and December can be chilly, so treat yourself to hot chocolate and snacks during your walk-thru. It’s the perfect cozy break between visiting Santa and posing with the Grinch.

10. Make It Your New Family Tradition

Santa's house Christmas light display at Journey Into Enchantment

With approximately 45 minutes of Christmas wonder in total, Journey Into Enchantment fits perfectly into a weeknight or weekend evening. Wear your Santa hats or matching Christmas pyjamas, bring the grandparents, or plan an outing with friends.

Visiting with a bigger crowd? Group discounts are available. Looking for a meaningful holiday gift? Our gift cards let you share the experience with the people you love.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

  • Book online in advance and pick your 15-minute time slot. Time slots start at 5:15 pm every operating night.
  • Arrive on time. Please arrive within the time stated on your ticket — if you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you will need to book another ticket.
  • Dress warmly for the outdoor walk-thru: hats, mittens and boots will keep everyone comfortable while you meet Santa and the Grinch.
  • Plan for about 45 minutes in total: 30 minutes for the drive-thru and 15 minutes for the walk-thru.
  • Stay safe: remain in your vehicle during the drive-thru unless instructed otherwise by our staff, and never drink and drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a walk-through experience?

Yes! After the 30-minute drive-thru, enjoy a 15-minute walk-thru where you can stroll among sparkling 3D and 2D Christmas displays, meet Santa Claus and the Grinch, take festive photos and treat yourself to hot chocolate and snacks. Please dress warmly, as the walk-thru is outdoors.

Can we meet Santa Claus and the Grinch?

Yes! Santa Claus and the Grinch are part of the walk-thru experience. Say hello, share your Christmas wishes with Santa, keep an eye on the Grinch and capture festive family photos with your own phone or camera.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience takes approximately 45 minutes: about 30 minutes for the drive-thru light show and about 15 minutes for the walk-thru with Santa, the Grinch and the festive displays.

If I buy a drive-thru ticket, is the walk-thru included?

Yes! Every drive-thru ticket includes the 15-minute walk-thru. One ticket gives you approximately 45 minutes of Christmas wonder: a 30-minute drive-thru through 2 million+ lights and illuminated tunnels, plus a 15-minute walk-thru to meet Santa Claus and the Grinch.

Where is the experience located?

462 Kingston Rd E, Ajax, ON L1Z 1V9. The entrance is from Kingston Road.

Is there an age requirement?

No, the experience is welcome to all ages.

More questions? See our full FAQ or email contact@journeyintoenchantment.com.

Ready for Your Journey Into Enchantment?

Approximately 45 minutes of Christmas wonder — 2 million+ lights, illuminated tunnels, Santa Claus, the Grinch and hot chocolate, all with one ticket. Make it your new family tradition!