Winter Festival of Lights Niagara Falls

Overview

The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights allows people to get into the spirit of the season by walking or driving the 8-kilometer illuminated route, with displays lighting the night in Dufferin Islands, Queen Victoria Park, and the Niagara Parkway when it takes place from November 15, 2025-January 4, 2026

New For 2025 

The 2025–2026 festival introduces exciting new features that make this year brighter than ever:

• 25+ new light displays, including giant snowflakes, animals, a sparkling light tunnel, toque, and maple leaf
• 8 immersive and interactive displays and experiences throughout the festival
• Interactive Festival Map & Check-In-to-Win Contest – Explore, check in at select locations, and enter to win great prizes

Laser Light Spectacular!

A dazzling addition to the Winter Festival of Lights, Laser Light Spectacular is a breathtaking new activation that combines light, sound, and movement to create an unforgettable show over Niagara Falls. Brilliant laser beams sweep through the winter sky, synchronized to an energetic soundtrack that captures the excitement of the holidays. It’s a free, family-friendly experience that transforms Queen Victoria Park into a dazzling stage of music and motion—an instant festival highlight.

• Every Friday & Saturday night from November 15 – December 20
• Nightly from December 26 – January 4
• Shows every half hour from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (each show approximately 18 minutes)
• Location: Queen Victoria Park, directly across from the Falls

Interactive Displays

Discover exhibits that invite you to touch, explore, and connect with light and sound. Spark your imagination and engage your senses as each interactive installation blends innovation with artistry, creating multisensory experiences that delight visitors of all ages. From glowing arches that respond to motion to sound-reactive sculptures and light tunnels that immerse you in brilliance, these installations redefine what a winter light festival can be.

Fireworks Over The Falls

The festival also features spectacular fireworks displays above the Falls. Displays will light the sky on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm from November 15 to December 20, with nightly displays over the Christmas holidays from December 25 to January 4. Two displays are scheduled on New Year’s Eve; 8:00pm and 12:00am.

• November: 21-22, 28-29 at 8:00pm
• December: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 25-31 at 8:00pm
  December 31 -New Year’s Eve:  Two displays – 8:00pm and 12:00am (midnight)
• January: 1-4 at 8:00pm

Hot Chocolate Trail

Indulge in the Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail. Warm up with a cup of the decadent drink as you explore the illuminations. Participating Restaurants throughout the tourist district will feature specialty flavours and classic combinations like mint, orange, and smores. Some venues will be offering spiked versions with flavoured liqueurs and add-ins. Participating venues include Hershey’s Chocolate World, Niagara Distillery, Niagara Vines, Lucky’s Restaurant & Bar, Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa Lobby Lounge, and Marriott on the Falls Lobby Bar.

• Hot Chocolate Trail is available from November 28, 2025 to February 1, 2026

Sparkling Winter Lights Falls Illumination

Each night of the festival the Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls will come alive in a special presentation of Falls illumination. The display reflects colour palettes and movements inspired by the festival’s spectacular displays. The 5-minute illumination show plays through 3 times at the top of the hour at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm and is part of the regular illumination display.

Hours

Visit Winter Festival Of Lights Website for Hours

Pricing & Passes

There is no admission fee to view the illuminations, but donations are accepted by Festival Ambassadors at the exit of Dufferin Islands (suggested contribution ($5 – $10 per car; $1 per coach bus passenger), with proceeds used to enhance the lights and displays.