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 14, 2026-January 10, 2027

New For 2026 

The 2026–2027 festival introduces exciting new features that make this year brighter than ever:

• 25+ new light displays
• Interactive exhibits 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

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 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Two displays are scheduled on New Year’s Eve; 8:00pm and 12:00am.

• November: 14, 20-21, 27-28 at 8:00pm
• December: 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 at 8:00pm
  December 31 -New Year’s Eve:  Two displays – 8:00pm and 12:00am (midnight)
• January: 1-2, 8-9 at 8:00pm

Niagara Falls 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.

• Available from November 27, 2026 to February 14, 2027

Some of the participating locations include:

• Hershey’s Chocolate World Niagara Falls – Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
• Niagara Distillery – Midnight Mint and Gingerbread House
• Niagara Vines Lobby Bar (Sheraton Fallsview Hotel) – Hot Chocolate Festivus
• Lucky’s Restaurant & Bar – Chocolate Cherry Hot Chocolate (contains alcohol)
• Marriott on the Falls Lobby Bar
• Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa

Indulge & Explore: Download the Interactive Map
Check in at each of the participating cafés, restaurants, and attractions across Niagara Falls. Every time you purchase a featured hot chocolate, you can be entered to win exciting prizes. It’s easy – download the trail map and scan the unique QR code shown to you at each location. The more trail stops you experience, the more chances you have to win!

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.