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.

Ice Wine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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.

Collage of photos for Christmas shopping ideas

If there is one thing Niagara-on-the-Lake knows how to do well, it’s celebrate and honour each season with grace, elegance and fanfare. And the Christmas Season is the crown jewel in its cap as the historic town turns into an old-fashioned Christmas Wonderland.

By mid-November, storefront windows along Queen Street in Old Town are all dressed up for the festive season. Twinkling lights, theme-decorated trees and favourite Christmas songs fill the air to set the mood. It’s a sight to behold! And one that brings us back to a simpler era at a time when the world desperately needs a ray of hope.

Niagara-on-the-Lake invites you to unite in sharing the Christmas cheer and a soulful prayer for world peace.

Shaw’s Holiday Shows Light up the Season
On November 5, the Royal George Theatre opened its doors to the all-time holiday favourite by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. As an extra special treat, following the performance, audience members have the opportunity to take a photo with the cast.

Starting November 15, Brigadoon, a musical production by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, takes centre stage at the Festival Theatre. This romantic celebration of song and dance features classic tunes like “Almost Like Being in Love” and “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean.”

Both shows run until December 23.

Two Heartwarming Traditions
The Holiday Season in Niagara-on-the Lake kicks off on December 1 with the 34th Annual Candlelight Stroll. It all begins with an afternoon showcase featuring multiple talented musical performances from 2 to 6 p.m. in front of the Old Courthouse. Even Jolly Old Saint Nick will be on hand for pictures from 3 to 5 p.m. The guided stroll begins at 6:30 p.m. from the Old Courthouse on Queen Street and winds through historical Old Town, accompanied by local choirs and seasonal entertainment. Candles are $5 cash and non-perishable items are welcome in support of Newark Neighbours, which provide Christmas hampers for more than 50 families in the area.

Tired of fighting the crowds to catch a glimpse of Santa? Set aside Saturday, December 9 and treat yourself and the kids to the sweetest, most enjoyable, old-fashioned Santa Claus Parade this side of the North Pole. It all begins at 11 a.m. at the intersection of King and Centre Streets and winds its way down Castlereagh, Wellington, Byron/Prideaux, Simcoe and Queen Streets in Old Town.

House Tours and Holiday Markets
On December 1 and 2, six beautifully decorated homes in Niagara-on-the-Lake will welcome more than 3,000 guests. If you like interior design, architecture and seasonal decorations, the annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour is for you. Later, take advantage of the specially priced luncheons available to attendees. Your day ticket is good for both Friday and Saturday.

Looking for something special for everyone on your list? Niagara-on-the-Lake invites you to poke around some of the holiday markets happening in December.

From December 1 to 10 (except Monday, December 4), the Holiday Market at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre will feature a wide range of one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts, ornaments and décor creations crafted by more than 25 artisans. The assortment of products includes personal care, wood carvings, jewellery, pottery, glass, candles, birdhouses, textiles, treats, baked goods and more. Proceeds from the event benefit children and seniors’ programs. Admission is free with a food item donation to Newark Neighbours Food Bank. Debit, Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

On December 2 and 3, the Reif Estate Winery promises a fun-filled weekend when it hosts a unique and creative Holiday Market featuring more than 25 vendors, live music, art classes, Tarot reading, food, and of course, wine.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Shops Are Open
A multitude of gift ideas are on display in the variety of shops, spas and art galleries in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake. To get into the mood, make your first stop Just Christmas, a longstanding year-round emporium dedicated to all things Noël.

From there, the options are endless. How about a stylish winter hat or gloves from Beau Chapeau? Or a beautiful knit sweater, scarf or shawl from Irish Design? Maybe someone on your list loves body lotions. A basket of NEOB Niagara or One Earth products may be just up their alley. Might the chef on your list appreciate a bottle or two of flavoured olive oil from Oliv? Browse through the many antique shops in the area to find that perfect gift for your avid collector. A gift certificate from any of the many spas in town would surely have someone on your list grinning from ear to ear.

Gift Certificates
Speaking of gift certificates, maybe you’d like to gift a Niagara-on-the-Lake getaway to someone who really would appreciate some much-needed R&R. All of our STAY Niagara member properties, which range from comfy cozy B&Bs and cottage rentals to upscale apartment and villa rentals, are happy to sell you a gift certificate… or two. Why not book a stay for yourself while you’re at it? (Tip: Niagara-on-the-Lake is introducing a 3% accommodation tax effective January 1, 2024. If you book before then, the tax won’t apply.)

Niagara-on-the-Lake loves the Holiday Season! Why not join in the fun?

Helpful Tips
Parking is free in Old Town and at Fort George during the month of December.

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.

Tag: Gift Certificates

Celebrate Good Times in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Holiday Shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake