♦ 29th Annual Event ♦ 2026 ♦
Winter Wonderland
A Drive-Thru Holiday Light Display
A Celebration of Lights, Benefitting TARC ♦ Topeka’s most beloved holiday tradition
November 25 – December 31, 2026
Opens In:
8,788
Vehicles through the display last season
$236K+
Raised for TARC in 2025
29th
Year lighting up Topeka since 1997
2500+
Individuals TARC served in Shawnee County
Why it Matters
Lights that change lives
Winter Wonderland is the largest annual fundraiser for TARC, Inc., Topeka’s dedicated organization serving children, families, and adults with developmental, intellectual, and related disabilities since 1954.
Every vehicle that drives through helps TARC continue providing essential services right here in our community, from early intervention to assistive technology, employment support, and more.
Everything You Need To Know
Plan Your Visit
A drive-thru holiday lights experience at Lake Shawnee Campground. No reservations needed, just show up and enjoy the magic.
Hours of Operation
- Sunday – Thursday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM**
- Open Thanksgiving, Christmas & NYE
- Closed first 3 Mondays of December
** Closed first 3 Mondays of December: Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 21.
** Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19: 6:00-10:00 PM
Tickets & Admission
- $10 suggested donation per vehicle
- $20 per large van or bus
- All donations benefit TARC, Inc.
- Pay at the gate — no advance required
Cash · Check · Credit Card · Venmo @TARC_Inc
Advance tickets at TARC:
2701 SW Randolph Ave., Topeka.
Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 4 PM
Location
- Lake Shawnee Campground
- 3435 SE East Edge Rd, Topeka KS
- Off East Edge & SE Croco Road
- Drive-thru only — no walk-through
Questions?
Call: 785-232-0597 or email
See the magic
A Preview of the Lights
Just a glimpse – the full experience is best discovered in person.
Thank you to Nexstar Media Group for the fabulous footage!
More Ways to Enjoy
Special Events & Nights
Beyond the drive-thru, we offer unique experiences throughout the season.
Magic on a Monday
Limited dates:
Dec 1, 8 & 15 · 6–8 PM
Reserve an entire Monday evening exclusively for your group. Closed to the public – perfect for company parties, organizations, or large family gatherings. Walk-through or drive-through option available.
Abilities Night
Date TBD · Stay tuned!
A dedicated evening designed with accessibility in mind for individuals with sensory sensitivities or special needs. Reduced traffic, extended time, and a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy the magic.
Winter Wonderland 5K
Presented by Sunflower Games
Run or walk through the light displays! The annual Winter Wonderland 5K is a community favorite. Register through Sunflower Games — all proceeds support TARC programming.
Calendar of Events
Add a little moose magic to your Winter Wonderland visit! Mistletoe joins us from 6–8 PM.
Add a little moose magic to your Winter Wonderland visit! Mistletoe joins us from 6–8 PM.
Azura members, let us brighten your holiday season! The first 100 Azura members receive free admission to Winter Wonderland on December 3.
Holiday lights and a crunchy treat! Visit Winter Wonderland on December 4 for Frito Lay Chip Night, with chips handed out while supplies last.
Add a little moose magic to your Winter Wonderland visit! Mistletoe joins us from 6–8 PM.
Add a little moose magic to your Winter Wonderland visit! Mistletoe joins us from 6–8 PM.
Our Community Partners
Thank You, 2025 Sponsors!
Winter Wonderland wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.
Title Sponsor
- Arcare, Inc
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- Brown's Super Service
- CAS Constructors, LLC
- DL Smith Electric
- Goodyear
- Kansas Gas Service
- Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
- Topeka Smiles
- Arcare, Inc
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- Brown's Super Service
- CAS Constructors, LLC
- CoreFirst Bank & Trust
- Goodyear
- DL Smith Electric
- Kansas Gas Service
- Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
- Topeka Smiles
- Azura
- FHLBank Topeka
- IMA Financial Group
- JM Smucker
- Azura
- FHLBank Topeka
- JM Smucker
- Topeka ER & Hospital
- Appelhanz Roofing
- Bettis Companies
- Clayton Wealth Partners
- Endeavor Private Wealth
- JB Turner and Sons Roofing
- JM Smucker
- Kansas Hospital Association
- Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, LLC
- Salisbury Supply
- Topeka Civitan Club
- Appelhanz Roofing
- Bettis Companies
- Clayton Wealth Partners
- Endeavor Private Wealth
- JB Turner and Sons Roofing
- JM Smucker
- Kansas Hospital Association
- Salisbury Supply
- Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, LLC
- Topeka Civitan Club
- Ben Schreiner Construction LLC
- Bob Schwarz Financial
- Compass Marketing & Advertising Partners
- Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home
- Randy Long Trucking
- Skinny's Sports Bar & Grill
- Stifel
- Schwarz Investment Partners
- Ben Schreiner Construction LLC
- Bob Schwarz Financial
- Compass Marketing & Advertising Partners
- Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home
- Randy Long Trucking
- Skinny's Sports Bar & Grill
- Stifel
- Schwarz Investment Partners
Virginia Lochart
Stars of Life
Honor someone who has made a difference in your life with a star at Winter Wonderland. The Virginia Lockhart Stars of Life section is a special display of lighted stars in every color, each one representing a tribute to a loved one, close friend, or special group, or a memorial to someone you’ve lost. Gifts are acknowledged on a spotlighted group sign at the event, with a suggested minimum donation of $50 per star. Forms must be returned by November 2 to have your honoree’s name included on the sign.
Prefer to pay by card? Give online through PushPay. Select the “Stars of Life” fund, and in the memo, write “Honorarium” or “Memorial” along with your honoree’s name. Then submit your completed form by November 2 so we can add their name to the sign.
Get Involved
Help make the magic happen
Winter Wonderland runs on the incredible generosity of our community, not just financially, but in time and energy. Volunteers are the heart of this event.
Whether you’d like to help set up displays, direct traffic, greet guests, or join our planning committee, there’s a place for you in our Winter Wonderland family.
Volunteer Sign Up
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Winter Wonderland raise funds for?
Is it open every night, including holidays?
What are the hours?
Where is Winter Wonderland located?
Can I walk through?
Winter Wonderland is a drive-thru only event. All guests must remain in their vehicles throughout the display route.
How much does it cost?
Where can I purchase Winter Wonderland tickets?
Is it open during rain or snow?
Stay in the loop on closures, special events, and holiday magic. Follow us on Facebook for Winter Wonderland news, and TARC on Instagram for a look at the community we serve year-round.