Winter Magic Sweeps Through Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on November 27, 2025

Experience the Season as Hallmark Imagined It

When December arrives, winter magic sweeps through Niagara-on-the-Lake, turning every street corner and shopfront into a scene worthy of a Hallmark Christmas classic. The historic streets take on a soft glow, Queen Street twinkles with garlands and vintage lampposts wrapped in ribbons, and the whole town feels like it stepped straight off the screen of your favourite holiday movie. Snow crunches underfoot, warm lights glow from heritage shops and cafés, and the welcoming hospitality of our STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake members wraps around you like a cozy blanket.

Whether you’re here for festive fun, magical moments or a peaceful winter escape, winter is one of the loveliest times of the year to experience our town’s timeless charm.

DECEMBER’S MOST MAGICAL MOMENTS

Candlelight Stroll — December 5
This beloved tradition is one of the town’s most heartwarming nights of the year. Join locals and visitors as they walk through the beautifully decorated streets, candles in hand, sharing music, stories and holiday spirit—all in support of local charities. It’s pure holiday magic.

Santa Claus Parade — December 13
Bundle up and find your spot along the parade route as marching bands, festive floats, twinkling costumes, and Old Saint Nick himself bring joy to young and old. This is small-town Christmas at its finest.

HOLIDAY TREASURES AWAIT
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or treating yourself, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experiences:

Along Historic Queen Street
Browse charming boutiques filled with artisan goods, cozy knitwear, local art, specialty foods, home décor, handcrafted jewellery and more. Festive displays and friendly shopkeepers greet you at every turn. As an added bonus, parking is free throughout December in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Outlet Collection at Niagara
For brand-name favourites, holiday deals and amazing post-Christmas savings, the Outlet Collection at Niagara is the perfect add-on to your gift-hunting itinerary.

Last-Minute Gift Idea: STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake Gift Cards
Give the gift of an experience they’ll always remember—a relaxing stay at one of our exceptional STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake properties. It’s a gift that wraps luxury, comfort and memories all in one. Gift Cards are perfect for:
• holiday surprises
• thank-you gifts
• wedding or anniversary presents
• winter-escape planning for 2026

RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE
Niagara-on-the-Lake sparkles on New Year’s Eve with celebrations to suit every budget and mood:

Winery Galas
Expect gourmet menus, wine pairings, live entertainment and elegant atmospheres at:

Peller Estates
Trius Winery
Two Sisters Vineyards

Fine Dining Celebrations
Perfect for those seeking a refined culinary send-off to 2025, you can’t go wrong at:

Treadwell Cuisine
The HobNob at the Charles Inn
Vintage Hotels (Prince of Wales, Queen’s Landing, Pillar & Post)
The Oban Inn
124 on Queen

Cozy Pub Parties (budget-friendly and full of charm)
For great food, live music, a fun crowd—and a very warm welcome to 2026, consider:

The Irish Harp Pub
The Olde Angel Inn
The Sandtrap

Icewine Festival in NOTL Old Town at dusk

LOOKING AHEAD: JANUARY’S ICEWINE FESTIVAL
January brings one of Niagara’s signature celebrations: the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival. Sip the region’s iconic “liquid gold,” savour culinary pairings, enjoy outdoor festivities, and wander through the town’s beautifully decorated winter streets. It’s the perfect reason to plan a post-holiday getaway, and it all happens January 17 & 18 and 24 & 25.

ENJOY CLASSIC WINTER FUN
A visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake in winter isn’t complete without embracing the season:

Outdoor Skating
Tie up your laces and glide around at:

The Monet-inspired gardens at the Pillar & Post (the town’s most romantic rink)
Wayne Gretzky Estates (complete with whisky cocktails and fireside lounges)
Virgil Community Centre

Tobogganing & Snow Play
Simcoe Park becomes a joyful winter playground for families—ideal for sledding, snowman-building, and rosy-cheeked memories.

Winter Wellness at Our Spas
After the holiday rush, relax and rejuvenate at one of our beautiful spas where you can wrap yourself in warmth, aromatherapy and tranquility:

Spa at 124
Secret Garden Spa (Prince of Wales Hotel)
100 Fountain Spa (Pillar & Post)
Brickwork Spa in St. David’s

STAY A LITTLE LONGER THIS WINTER
STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake member properties offer the charm, comfort and hospitality that make winter getaways unforgettable. Think crackling fireplaces, locally inspired breakfasts, luxurious linens, and hosts who make you feel at home the moment you arrive.

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, ringing in the New Year, or planning a serene midwinter escape, STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts welcome you with open arms.

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
December 5–14: Holiday Market, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
December 5: Candlelight Stroll
December 5 & 6: Holiday House Tour
December 5 & 6: The Studio Gallery at RiverBrink Art Museum
December 6: Handel’s Messiah at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
December 6/7 & 13/14: Holiday Workshops at Konzelmann Estate Winery
December 7: Bravo Niagara Holiday Concert at St. Mark’s Anglican Church
December 11: Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Tractor Parade
December 13: Santa Claus Parade
December 13: A Swinging’ Christmas with Music Niagara at Ravine Vineyard
December 13 & 14: A Garrison Christmas at Fort George National Historic Site
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
April 2 – December 23: Shaw Festival 2026
June: Soirée en Blanc at Château des Charmes
July 1: Canada Day
August: Peach Festival
August: Shades of Summer

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.

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.

The Gleeful Holiday Magic of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on November 10, 2024

The festive season is upon us. And nothing beats the gleeful holiday magic of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Old Town’s Victorian architecture provides a fitting backdrop to an old-fashioned Christmas scene when life seemed less hurried. Every year, Queen Street shops and local businesses and organizations compete for the best-dressed window and Christmas tree awards. Holiday music fills the air. Christmas decorations adorn windows, doorways and lamp posts.

The contagious holiday magic spreads throughout the town and surrounding area, where holiday lights sparkle on houses, trees and yard ornaments.

Here is a sampling of what awaits you during the Holiday /season in Niagara-on-the-Lake..

CAPTIVATING CHRISTMAS CHEER
Mark your calendars for the 35^th Annual Candlelight Stroll through the Heritage District on Friday, December 6. This cherished, heartwarming tradition typically attracts thousands of revellers to light candles and enjoy Christmas carollers and choirs in celebration of the holiday season,

Candlelight Stroll in Niagara on the Lake

The Candlelight Stroll is a gift to those in need. Participants are invited to contribute food donations to support families who could use a helping hand. Candles can be reserved online. Every can, box or contribution makes a difference.

Another beloved holiday favourite is the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour on December 6 & 7. Every year, hard-working volunteers and community partners join forces to showcase beautifully decorated homes. Proceeds go toward local and international charitable projects. As part of your tour ticket, you also enjoy free admission to exhibits and special offerings at local historic and cultural sites.

Then on Saturday, December 14, much to everyone’s delight, Old Saint Nick makes his annual appearance at the highlight of the season in Niagara-on-the-Lake where he leads a procession of festively adorned floats in the Santa Claus Parade, spreading cheer to all. The magic begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of King and Centre Street. Join the fun as it travels down Castlereagh, Wellington, Byron/Prideaux, Simcoe and Queen Streets.

DAZZLING MUSICAL YULETIDE TRADITIONS
The Shaw Festival was launched as a summer theatre festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake to feature the works of George Bernard Shaw and other plays from and about his era. In 2016, then Artistic Director Tim Carroll decided to mount a Christmas show. He chose A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

It was a great success, and now two holiday season shows are presented each year. This year, the runaway hit from the 2024 summer season, My Fair Lady, continues to grace the stage at the Festival Theatre, while the family-friendly favourite, A Christmas Carol, delights all ages at the Royal George Theatre through December 22, 2024.

On December 1, Music Niagara invites you to sample a new Christmas tradition with The Undercovers at the Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery. Sacred Christmas is a moving performance that blends cherished carols with heartfelt originals.

HUNTING FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Shopping for special Christmas gifts at the boutiques along Queen Street and side streets is so much better than a trip to the mall. Better yet, parking is free in Old Town throughout the month of December!

Queen Street favourites include the Little Blue House by Hatley boutique for Christmas pyjamas Greaves for delicious jams and jellies, Beau Chapeau for stylish hats, Serendipity: The Little French Shoppe for French linens and kitchenware, Victoria’s Teas & Coffees, Irish Design for fashionable knit sweaters and outerwear, the Upper Canada Native Art Gallery for fine collectibles and exquisite giftware created by Canadian Native artisans, NEOB Lavender for body care products — to name a few.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas emporium, Just Christmas, deserves a special mention for holiday shopping. Canada’s oldest year-round Christmas store opened its doors in 1985 and has delighted customers ever since. Just Christmas offers more than 5,000 Christmas-themed items ranging from tree toppers and nativity sets to a large assortment of hanging ornaments and tree lights. Bet you can’t resist picking up an ornament or two!

And for the history buff or art lover on the list, don’t forget the NOTL Museum or the numerous art galleries such as the RiverBrink Art Museum and the Queenston Pottery in Queenston and the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre on Ricardo.

Perhaps brand-name clothing is more your style, in which case be sure to visit the Outlet Collection at Niagara where out-of-town visitors save up to 25% on purchases with the VIP Discount Card available at Guest Services located in the same building as Tim Hortons.

GIFT A GETAWAY PACKAGE
Is someone in your family celebrating a special birthday or anniversary year in 2025? Or maybe someone you love just needs a well-deserved break.

Offer your loved ones a relaxing getaway in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Country with a virtual Community Gift Card, redeemable at a number of bed and breakfasts, inns, cottage rentals, villas and apartments.

Make it extra special by adding a gift certificate from one of the many wineries or restaurants in the area. Or spoil them with a gift certificate for a spa treatment at any of the spas throughout the area.

Holiday gift-giving options are endless in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

MAY WE ALSO RECOMMEND…
There’s never a dull season in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and you can be sure there is so much more to come:
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays in November: Taste the Season
Until December 22: The Shaw Festival presents My Fair Lady & A Christmas Carol 2024
November 16 & 17: Queenston Pottery Sip and Shop
November 17: Ravine Holiday Market
November 27: Wreaths and Wine Holiday Workshop at Queenston Mile Vineyard
November 30: Ravine Vineyard 2024 Harvest Dinner
December 6: Candlelight Stroll
December 6 & 7: Rotary Club House Tour
December 14: Christmas Parade
January 10–26: Niagara IceWine Festival 2025
June 7 & 8: Second Annual NOTL Studio Tour

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.

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.