As we approach 2025, it’s so important to slow down time a bit to reflect on 2024 in the mindset of gratefulness and to celebrate good times and your accomplishments any way you can.
One way to celebrate good times is to reward yourself with a getaway in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where any time is a good time. And it’s never too early to plan the perfect 2025 escape.
Some activities, such as winery tours, shopping and dining, are enjoyed year-round while others are more seasonal.
FUN WAYS TO WINTER
The popular Niagara Ice Wine Festival in January heralds in the new year. Over two weekends—January 18 & 19 and 25 & 26—this iconic annual outdoor event transforms the Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District into an Icewine Village where you can indulge in icewine tastings, gourmet food pairings and music.
For more elevated experiences, treat yourself to Icewine VIP Tickets or attend the Icehaus Cocktail Competition happening on January 25 when you get to sample entries and vote for your favourite. Or gather your besties and rent a heated snow globe to enjoy two bottles of premium ice wine and share a large cheese tray.
Kick the celebration up a notch at the Cool as Ice Gala on January 18 at the historic Niagara Parks Power Station, where you’ll be treated to an evening of premium Icewine tastings and gourmet creations from Niagara’s top chefs.
The Icewine Discovery Pass is your passport to a self-directed tour, experiencing exclusive Icewine and culinary pairings at Niagara’s renowned wineries over three weekends. Other options include the Mini Pass and the Flex Friday Pass.
Until March 1, 2025, visitors can enjoy a dazzling Bright Nights event every Thursday through Sunday at the Lakeview Wine Co. Guests are invited to explore the winery grounds, which have been transformed into a glittering winter wonderland with themed light sculptures. Visitors can also enjoy festival food, award-winning VQA wines and warm seasonal drinks in a cozy setting.
And don’t forget your skates so you can enjoy the skating rinks at the Pillar and Post Gardens, the Meridian Credit Union Arena in Virgil and at the Wayne Gretzsky Estate.
THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL
Throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons, the Shaw Festival 2025 presents its 63rrd season of stage productions, featuring the likes of Cole Porter, C.S. Lewis, Irving Berlin, and of course Bernard Shaw. New in 2025, all performances will be at 1 and 7 p.m.
A magical world unfolds in a new adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Add to the excitement by attending a workshop for children and families offered prior to every performance for just $10.
The side-splitting British comedy, Tons of Money, promises to have you in stitches from start to finish. More laughter awaits you at the dazzling musical of Anything Goes, a timeless tale of romance, intrigue and hijinks on the high seas. Meanwhile, at the rollicking and very cautionary tale, GNIT, follow Peter Gnit on his search for his elusive True Self.
This year’s contribution by George Bernard Shaw is Major Barbara, a provocative play that raises questions of justice, morality and the truth of human nature, all with Shaw’s inimitable wit.
On a more serious note, Pearl Cleage’s dynamic Blues for an Alabama Sky tells a story of hardship and lost hopes and captures the true essence of Harlem in the 1930s.
Mystery lovers will not want to miss Wait Until Dark, a suspense-filled high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Consider yourself an amateur detective? You may have a chance to go undercover on stage in this skillfully crafted production of Murder-on-the-Lake.
Come November, and in keeping with the holiday spirit, two all-time favourites return to the stage for all ages to enjoy. The magic of Christmas returns as does the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. And back by popular demand, Irving Berlin’s heartwarming classic, White Christmas, is the perfect festive treat for the entire family.
The Spiegeltent venue features Dear Liar, which follows the long-lasting relationship of Bernard Shaw and the great actress Stella Tanner. It’s also where you can relive the legendary romance of Paris in the cabaret, La Vie en Rose, showcasing songs by Edith Piaf and others. Additional productions planned include Ella and Louis, May I Have the Pleasure?, The Roll of Shaw–Through the Wardrobe, Speakeasy, Quiz Nights, Late Night Open Mic and The Frogs.
Beyond the stage, there is so much more waiting for you in the way of adult seminars, musical delights, lively discussions, as well as programs for young people, students and educators.
YEAR-ROUND ACCOMMODATION
With so much to see and do in Niagara-the-Lake, you may want to spend a night or two–or more–to take it all in.
That’s where STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake comes into play. Choose from an array of charming bed and breakfasts, inns or self-catering apartments, cottages and villas in Old Town, Queenston, St. David’s, Glendale or Virgil. Whether you’re looking for something in town or a rural experience, there’s something for everyone and every budget.
Click on the map to locate your accommodation, restaurants and proximity to theatres, shops, cycling trails and attractions. And if you’re looking for the perfect gift for Christmas, a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday or some other special occasion, why not order the Gift Card that opens many doors?
LOOKING AHEAD
There’s never a dull season in Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Until December 22: The Shaw Festival presents My Fair Lady & A Christmas Carol
Until March 1, 2025: Bright Nights at The Lakeview Wine Co.
December 14: Christmas Parade
January 10–26: Niagara IceWine Festival 2025
February 7: The Undercovers Present–Romance Reimagined
April 9–December 21: Shaw Festival 2025
June 7 & 8: Second Annual NOTL Studio Tour
July 1: Canada Day
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.
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.