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 35th 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,
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
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.