Update, Nov. 2019: There is no Winter Wonderland at the Circuit for 2019 but it will be back in 2020. Notes from the COTA staff:
With the popularity of Winter Wonderland growing each season, we decided it was best to reimagine the experience to make it bigger and brighter than ever before. Preparations for a new Winter Wonderland are currently underway, which prevent us from providing the experience holiday goers have come to expect this season. In 2020, guests can look forward to an entirely new way to celebrate in a new world full of thousands of lights, holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences.
2018 Winter Wonderland:
When it comes to holiday cheer, we say “bring it on”! The more holiday lights, cups of cocoa, Santa sightings, etc., the merrier. Winter Wonderland at the Circuit included the tunnel of lights, Santa’s workshop, carnival rides, petting zoo and camel rides and more!
We’re really excited that the world famous Chinese Lantern Festival is making a visit to Austin for inclusion in Winter Wonderland at the Circuit. Visitors can see this beautiful display of illuminated hand-crafted sculptures. The lanterns are created using steel frames surrounded by colorful rayon “skins” and illuminated from within by LED lights. The lights are simply stunning, and walking through some of the installations is super cool.
From the map below, you can see that Winter Wonderland at the Circuit is a huge event! Be sure to wear great walking shoes for getting around comfortably and give yourself plenty of time to cover it all. In addition to all the attractions, you’ll find lots of concessions, hot cocoa stands, and other seasonal beverages like mulled wine or Irish coffee for those 21 & up.
Know Before You Go:
- As noted above, take note of all the extra fees for additional rides & attractions.
- Be ready for lots of walking (layout is stroller-friendly). Your tickets include parking, but if you wish to park closer-in, there’s a $10 fee for an upgraded spot.
- For the little ones in your family, there are traditional height requirements for many of the carnival rides. So you’ll want to check on that at each ride before waiting in line.
- Look over the map before you go to get a good lay of the land — and also so you don’t miss anything in this expansive space.
- There’s plenty of free photo ops that are very cute. Take a stop into the storefront where you can be a human window display, snap a photo with a huge polar bear down by the ice skating rink, or take a classic pic at the Santa Haus.
More Info: For more general info about this holiday event, please visit the Winter Wonderland at the Circuit website.
Early access with donation? I heard for a small fee or donation you can get in at 5:30… true? Can’t find anything online to confirm.
Yes, you’re right about early entry. We found this info on their website:
Donate to Coca-Cola Harvey Relief Care Package on Saturday, December 9, and get into Winter Wonderland 30 minutes early! You can help your neighbors in need and have free reign of the holly jolly fun before the crowds arrive. Items needed include toys, non-perishable food, and non-liquid cleaning supplies. Donation receptacles will be stationed at the entry gates.
I somewhat unintentionally went both Friday and Saturday night ( different friends that wanted to go). They has made changes overnight that made it much easier to get to the track and light trail. Big improvement from opening night to day 2, but they still need more thrill-like carnival rides. I think this event will keep getting bigger and better. It’s fun. Both groups I went with were happy.
Went tonight with the family. Had such a great time! Everyone from age 6 to 62 in our group had fun! Beautiful litghts, good food and rides for all. Little pricey but would do this over Trail of Lights crowds every time. Can’t wait for next year!