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
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.
