WONDERS OF WINTER was started in 1994 by Bill Weiler, a Community minded Citizen of Waterloo with a loan from the City of Waterloo for the installation of the first underground electrical services which powered 5,000 lights. Today, the loan has been repaid and the 2007 Festival features 100,000 lights and 80 displays.

Eleven Service Clubs, Sponsors and Volunteers have provided financing and staffing for each Year’s Festival. Volunteers, most of whom are retired electrical workers build, install and maintain the underground services and displays. Community minded Corporations (presently 60) support the Festival by purchasing a display and pay an annual maintenance fee. Materials are the only cost, as labor is supplied free.

In this, our Fourteenth Year, we have 80 displays, both static and animated, with a total of 100,000 lights. The displays range from Santa Claus, nursery rhymes, animals and many other surprises. It includes a unique nativity scene which is a series of carved figurines from olive wood carved by artisans over a period of weeks.

The Festival continues to grow and expand, and bring joy to the community and all who visit. We focus our efforts towards the enjoyment of all children, but the many attractions can be enjoyed by young and old alike.