The holiday season begins early in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where timeless beauty and warm hospitality create the perfect backdrop for festive cheer. From theatrical magic to wine country indulgence, sparkling house tours, and meaningful remembrances — this is where the season truly comes alive. Why not catch the Holiday Spirit in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS RETURNS
From November 1 to December 21, the Shaw Festival brings two heart-warming productions to the stage:
- A Christmas Carol – The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge returns for one last bow at the Royal George Theatre before the venue undergoes a major transformation. This beloved tradition promises laughter, redemption and the spirit of giving.
- White Christmas – Irving Berlin’s timeless classic dazzles with song, dance and nostalgia. A joyous celebration for all ages, it’s the perfect start to your holiday getaway.
RAISE A GLASS WITH CHEER
Grab your Taste the Season Tasting Pass and explore Niagara-on-the-Lake’s wine country during its most magical time of year. Every weekend in November, participating wineries invite you to savour eight holiday-inspired food-and-wine pairings, each designed to warm the heart and palate.
ROTARY CLUB’S HOLIDAY TOURS
Step inside the season’s most beautiful homes and historic sites, dressed in their festive finest. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club’s Annual Holiday House Tour showcases professionally decorated homes brimming with inspiration.
Two companion events add even more sparkle:
- A Merry & Bright Christmas Tour – December 5 & 6 at the historic McArthur Estate on John Street East.
- Victoria Candlelight Christmas Tour – New this year, featuring a special children’s book reading by renowned artist Trish Romance from her own story, A Star for Christmas.
DISCOVER THE WORLD OF ART
Join art historian Penny-Lynn Cookson for engaging talks every Wednesday through November 26 that illuminate creativity and culture as she introduces you to artists, patrons and the intrigue of the art world.
Tickets are $25. Reserve via penlyn59@gmail.com.
THE GREAT TASTE OF NIAGARA
On November 29, experience a feast for all the senses at historic Navy Hall. Chef Joseph Shawana presents a multi-course menu celebrating Indigenous heritage and local ingredients, paired with Southbrook wines. The evening features live music and storytelling by Ron Thomas.
Guests receive free admission to Fort George National Historic Site (2026 season) and to Niagara Parks’ new attraction, Niagara Takes Flight.
LET US REMEMBER THE FALLEN
On November 11, join the community in honouring those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.
- Main Ceremony – 10:45 a.m. procession to the Queen Street cenotaph led by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124.
- Queenston Service – 1:00 p.m. at the village cenotaph.
THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY GIFT
Give the gift of relaxation in Canada’s prettiest little town. A STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake Gift Card lets your loved ones choose from charming bed and breakfasts, cottages and villas listed on BookYourStay.ca. It’s a thoughtful way to share the magic of Niagara-on-the-Lake this holiday season.
COMING UP…
Festivities and entertainment continue throughout the year in Niagara-on-the-Lake. (Our list grows day by day, so be sure to check back often for updates.)
Daily: Walking Tours of Old Town
November 1 to December 21: Holiday Season at the Shaw Festival 2025
November Weekends: Taste the Season
November 6: Beefsteak Society Dinner, Navy Hall
November 10: We’ll Meet Again, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
November 15: Chefs Exclusive Pairing Experience, Peller Estates
November 15 & 16: Wine Tasting & Paint, Konzelmann Winery
November 15 & 16, 22 & 23: Holiday Sip & Shop, Queenston Pottery
November 16: Jane Austen’s Birthday Bash, Fort George National Historic Site
November 29: Great Taste of Canada Fort George Experience, Navy Hall
December 5–14: Holiday Market, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
December 5: Candlelight Stroll
December 5 & 6: Holiday House Tour
December 12: Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Tractor Parade – details to come
December 13: Santa Claus Parade
December 13: A Swinging’ Christmas with Music Niagara
January 9-11, 16-18 & 23-25: Icewine Festival Discovery Pass
January 17-18 & 24-25: Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
January 31: Cool as Ice Gala – details to come
Helpful Tips
Lost & Found: Did you lose something while you were in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Contact the lost and found centre at the NOTL Chamber of Commerce located at 26 Queen Street in the lower level of the building. Or call 1-905-468-1950 or email tourism@niagaraonthelake.com for more information.
Summer Bus Service: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle connects to the Niagara Falls WEGO bus service from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bus service departs every hour on the half hour from the Floral Clock in Queenston and every hour on the hour from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. All-day passes ($25/adult 13+ years, $15/child 3-12 years) can be purchased in person at the Floral Clock stop or at Fort George.
Living in or visiting Toronto? From June 26 through November 2, seasonal Flixbus service connects Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town and Toronto Union Station’s Bus Terminal. Flixbus offers two trips per day, six days a week, Wednesdays excluded. Visitors have about eight hours to explore, dine and shop in Old Town between pick up and drop off.
Drive Safely: As part of Niagara Region’s Vision Zero program, automated speed enforcement cameras have been installed in school zones. Please pay attention to the speed limits posted throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake as more cameras are planned.
Metered Parking: General information on metered parking in Niagara-on-the-Lake is found here. Your STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts feature complimentary on-site parking for guests and are happy to advise you on where to park for free in and around Old Town. (Remember, parking is free in Old Town during the month of December!)
Accessible Parking: Several accessible parking spaces are located throughout the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, both on the street and in municipal parking lots.
All vehicles parking in the accessible zone must display an original and current accessible permit. Any vehicle found parked in an accessible zone without the valid accessible permit will be ticketed. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has approved the use of accessible parking permits in the following areas only:
• Designated accessible zones/spaces; and
• At any meter free of charge, including municipal lots governed by pay-and-display parking meters. In these locations, a pay-and display permit is not required if the vehicle is displaying a valid accessible permit.