“Are you open during the winter? What is there to do here in Niagara-on-the-Lake during the winter?” These are questions guests ask Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast owners during the busier summer months. Here’s the good news: Most B&Bs do operate throughout the year and often the nightly accommodation rates are lower between November and the end of April. And there is more than enough to do. So why not, stay overnight and enjoy it all? Don’t forget to visit the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association’s website to book your favourite bed and breakfast at bookyourstay.ca.
Taste the Season
This must-do event throughout the month of November celebrates the season’s bounty with local VQA wines and food pairings at each participating winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. And designated driver passes are available.
Sample local Niagara wines.
Niagara Historical Museum Events
The oldest museum in Canada, located at 43 Castlereigh Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, has whipped up a calendar of fun events for the months of November and December:
From 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, November 6, the Mustache Bash invites you to wear your best moustache (real or not) and sway to the live sounds of Aaron Berger and Perpetual Peace Project, dine on food by Smoking’ Buddha and engage in fun activities and more. Cost is $10 at the door and it’s cash only for food and beverages. Call 905-468-3912 for information.
Then, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, join in the singing and share the memories of classic wartime songs, poems, letters and more. Tickets are $15 each. Reservations are required for this one. Call 905-468-3912.
As you may know, the Niagara area is renowned for its very active paranormal visitations. The Niagara Area Paranormal Society (NAPS) completed a paranormal investigation of the Museum in September and you’re invited to come and learn about their findings and other local investigations they have conducted from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. Tickets are $5 and space is limited, so please call 905-468-3912 to reserve your seat.
On December 5, from 6 to 11 p.m., the Phoenix Soiree is a holiday fundraiser in support of the Niagara Historical Society. Call the Museum at 905-468-3912 for information.
Remembrance Day, November 11
From noon to 1 p.m. on November 11, Music Niagara is presenting a free Remembrance Day Concert and “Soup Canteen” lunch at St. Mark’s Church located at 41 Byron Street. The Diary of a Young Soldier features a reading by Edmund Stapleton with the music of Suppé, Vaughan Williams, Waldteufel, Offenbach and Koussevitzky, played by accomplished musicians. Both concert and lunch are free with a “pay what you can” collection to support the Canadian Armed Forces Military Families Fund. Call Chris Blake at 905-468-5566 for more information.
Fabulicious is back!
From November 12–19, enjoy 14 of the finest restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake at amazing prices. These veritable feasts invite you to enjoy the local seasonal artisan cuisine, prepared by renowned chefs throughout the area and offered at prix-fixe prices for three-course menus consisting of an appetizer, main course and dessert. For instance, chef Frank Dodd’s Fabulicious selections at the Trius Winery Restaurant range from $25 per person for a three-course lunch menu to $35 per person for a three-course dinner menu while chef Jason Parsons at the Peller Estates Winery Restaurant offers a three-course lunch menu for $25 per person or a three-course dinner menu for $39 per person. Prices exclude wine, coffee/tea, taxes and gratuities. Spots are limited and reservations are required. Reserve online or call 1-800-583-8412, ext. 3.
Fabulicious features three-course menus at amazing prix-fixe prices.
Cork’s 3rd Annual Great Gatsby Party, November 20
From 8 p.m. to midnight, Friday, November 20, Cork’s restaurant is transformed into a speakeasy, with staff dressed up in 1920s-inspired clothing and a live DJ spinning fabulous tunes. There are also a casino and a silent auction, where you can walk away with some amazing finds. There’s no cover charge. Costumes are not required, but they are encouraged.
St. Andrew’s Ball, November 27
On Friday, November 27, put on your best attire (kilts encouraged) and march on down to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Court House for live music performed by the Juke Box Junkies, cocktails, dinner, a grand march and dancing. It all begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails. For tickets, please contact Margaret & Neil Middleton at 905-468-1539 or 905-468-0802 or email mwmiddleton@cogeco.ca or nmiddleton@cogeco.ca.
Festive Emporium at St. Mark’s Rectory, November 28
From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, St. Mark’s is showcasing its first-ever emporium at 41 Byron Street. Here’s your chance to pick up unique Christmas presents for those special people on your shopping list.
‘Tis the Season to be Jolly…and Charitable
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the place to be to get you into the Christmas spirit:
Get into the Christmas Spirit in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
It all begins with the Candlelight Stroll from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 4, which winds through the historical town, accompanied by local choirs and seasonal entertainment. Proceeds from candle sales support local family/non-profit organizations.
From 10 a.m., Saturday, December 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday, December 13, the Fort George Garrison features a family holiday event that includes activities, crafts and games for all to enjoy. Call Parks Canada t 905-468-6614 for more information.
AND, on Saturday, December 12, Santa comes to town! Join us in welcoming him to Niagara-on-the-Lake as you watch the sweetest little parade in all of Canada. It all starts at 11 a.m. Call 905-468-4261 for details.
Welcome Santa to Niagara-on-the-Lake on December 12.
Shopping for Special Gifts?
A visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake also gives you time to get some Christmas shopping done at any of the many unique boutiques and galleries found throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake.
If you’re in town on December 4 & 5, check out the Artful Treasures Show & Sale at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the best place to find holiday gifts for those who appreciate unique and beautiful objects crafted by Niagara region artists. It’s held in coordination with the Rotary Holiday House Tour happening the same weekend.
Don’t forget we also have the Outlet Collection at Niagara, featuring close to 100 marquee retailers including Old Navy, North Face, Pandora, Bench, Ugg and so many more. Other venues definitely worth exploring for very special gifts include the NEOB Lavender Boutique, Chocolate F/X and the Queenston Pottery located at 1648 York Road in Queenston.
See you in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
Posted by Donna S. Vieira on behalf of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association
This is the one and only official website of the Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B Association. Members listed on this site have undergone health and safety inspections, are legally licensed to operate as a B&B and meet all the required standards set out by the association. If you prefer to book online, this option also ensures that commissions go back into the association’s coffers for the benefit of all members of the not-for-profit association and not other, unrelated, commercial entities.