Hanford’s Annual Winter Wonderland event is gearing up to take over until January 11, 2026. Located in the Downtown Civic Park the event is open weekdays from 4:00pm – 8:00pm and weekends from 2:00pm – 9:00pm. For anyone wanting that cozy small-town Christmas feel with twinkling lights, festive music, and plenty of photo ops, this event offers the perfect holiday hangout for friends, families, and students looking for a break from finals season.
The event is completely free to wander through, making it easy for visitors to browse all the assorted attractions at their own pace. Local vendors are offering everything from warm comfort food to sweet holiday treats in the Vendor Village, a gingerbread house style market. Modern Farmhouse Cookies, Golden Lumpia Warriors, Sugar Mutt Cotton Candy, KK’s Kettle Corn, Cornerstone Cafe, Jojo’s Grill-A-Dog, Sam’s Island Barbeque, and Let It Dough Pizzeria are all coming to town this year, making it a great opportunity to support local businesses while grabbing something good to eat.
Winter Wonderland also sets up carnival style games and activities, where visitors can compete for prizes or just enjoy the fun. One of the biggest highlights, the ice-skating rink, returns once again under the twinkling lights in the center of town. The town’s vintage, festive carousel also makes its appearance, adding a classic holiday touch. There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the event, from pictures with Santa to large holiday displays that make the perfect backdrop. For a more unique outing, groups of up to twelve people can hop on Freddie the Fire Truck, a decorated vintage fire engine that tours the city’s best Christmas light displays.
The season’s schedule is filled with special experiences as well. Families can stop by Storytime with Santa or add extra magic to the season with the Superhero Breakfast and Princess Breakfast. With a tree lighting ceremony, pet photos with Santa, and ongoing surprises, Hanford Winter Wonderland keeps the holiday spirit going all season long.
