4 of the Best Niagara Falls Christmas Events to Check Out

Niagara Falls Christmas
Niagara Falls Christmas

Niagara Falls is a great place to travel to for the holiday season, because the chilly wintry landscape sets up the perfect backdrop for that Christmas feeling. Snow is typically covering the ground by the time December comes around, which means there are lots of fun places in Niagara Falls to have some sledding adventures. Plus, everywhere you look, there is plenty of beautiful scenery to take in.

Niagara Falls also becomes home to several standout Christmas Niagara Falls activities that provide plenty of options for what to do in Niagara Falls Canada. Here are some Christmas Niagara Falls upcoming events to mark on your calendar.

1. Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights

When: Through January 31, 2019

What: Billing itself as “the longest festival in the world,” the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights was founded in 1982 and has been going strong every year since. More than 3 million tree lights and more than 120 animated displays transform the 8km-long route along Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and the surrounding tourist areas. Visitors can drive or bike or walk throughout the route, which lights up landmarks throughout the area and features special event-only displays.

This year, visitors can see the Zimmerman Fountain covered in light, view more than a dozen 3D Canadian wildlife displays, see the world’s largest Canadian-American flag that alternates displays, and check out more than 50 trees covered in lights accompanied by music.

The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights is free to attend. There are also special events scheduled in the area throughout the holiday season.

2. Winter Fireworks Displays

When: Through January 25, 2019

Fireworks in Niagara Falls
Fireworks in Niagara Falls

What: If you love seeing Niagara Falls during the day, viewing it at night as it’s surrounded by a dazzling fireworks show is an amazing experience. There are winter fireworks displays nearly every night in Niagara Falls, with each show lasting around 5 minutes long. It’s fun for the whole family!

In 2018, visitors can see the free fireworks show on Friday nights throughout December at 9 p.m., as well as nightly from December 22 to December 31 at 9 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, there’s another fireworks show when the clock strikes midnight.

Be aware that fireworks shows are weather-dependent, so inclement weather may result in a show being canceled. Snag a great viewing spot behind Table Rock Visitors Centre, in Queen Victoria Park, at the Grand View Marketplace or on the platform of the Journey Behind the Falls.

3. The Ultimate Christmas Village

When: Through January 2, 2019

What: The Heritage District of Niagara Falls in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, has dubbed itself as the “Ultimate Christmas Village,” a destination to check out if you’re in the area during the holiday season. Each year, the Ultimate Christmas Village features holiday decorations, stunning light displays and lots of holiday-themed Niagara Falls activities for the whole family.

Some Niagara Falls Christmas events in the Ultimate Christmas Village include:

  • Theatrical productions, like A Christmas Carol
  • Winery tours and special events like Taste the Season Weekends, featuring unique ice wine and food pairings
  • Caroler-filled candlelight stroll
  • Outdoor ice skating every day of the week
  • Christmas-themed shopping
  • Live music events and Christmas music throughout the Heritage District
  • Ghost walks, ugly Christmas sweater parties and more

4. Christmas in Pelham

When: Activities through January 2019

What: The small town of Pelham, Ontario, Canada, welcomes visitors to its Christmas in Pelham event, with activities for the whole family through January. Every year, the festivities kick off in November, with events like Christmas craft bazaars, Christmas shop open houses, gingerbread house contests and a massive outdoor Christmas market. The annual market features free carriage rides, visits with Santa, ice carving demonstrations, live music and retail and food vendors.

Check out the community calendar to see what’s going on while you’re in Niagara Falls. Throughout December and January, there are free holiday ice skating sessions, plus a Christmas light competition that gets the whole town involved. Drive through to see several residences and businesses adorned in lights for the holidays.

Make Your Christmas One to Remember in Niagara Falls

The holiday season is a great time to escape to a wintry wonderland and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. Niagara Falls makes Christmas extra-special, with holiday lights and family Niagara Falls activities that spread joy and cheer all around. The visual displays are mesmerizing to see in person, and if you’ve never seen Niagara Falls in winter, it’s a sight unlike any other.

Check out Niagara Falls hotels to find the best deals on places to stay for your visit. Find what to do in Niagara Falls Canada, food and drink options and more.