Wintertime is on the horizon and Niagara Falls is the perfect destination to visit for an extraordinary family escape. One of the highlights of winter in Niagara Falls is the city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights, which takes place November 3rd to January 31st.
This year’s festival will feature an 8km illumination route, incredible illumination displays, and one-of-a-kind events. Here are some of the things to look forward to during this year’s Winter Festival of Lights:
Opening Ceremonies
This year’s festival kicks off with a celebration in Queen Victoria Park on November 3rd featuring live entertainment, lighting displays, and fireworks over Niagara Falls. The event is free to attend and can be followed by a journey along the festival’s 8lm illumination route.
Fireworks
Enjoy spectacular fireworks shows over Niagara Falls all winter long with weekly shows every Friday night at 9pm, bonus shows during the holidays (every night from December 22nd-30th), and 18-minute long shows during the Cascades of Fire International Fireworks Competition taking place over two weekends in November.
Illumination Displays
The Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a sparkling winter wonderland with amazing illumination displays set up all around the city. Areas to check out include:
- Fallsview District – featuring the Passage light tunnel, Prismatica art exhibit, and the Fallsview Sound & Light Show
- Clifton Hill – featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles light displays
- Dufferin Islands – featuring 3D Canadian wildlife displays, Inukshuk, and an illuminated water fountain
- Lundy’s Lane – featuring The Loop musical light exhibit and a Nut Cracker Soldier
Cascades of Fire
Niagara Falls is hosting the Cascades of Fire International Fireworks Competition this November with six teams from countries all over the world presenting 18-minute pyrotechnic shows synchronized to music.
The competition is taking place over two weekends (November 9th-11th & November 16th-18th) and all shows take place at 9pm. At the end of each show, a judging panel will rate the performance and awards will be presented by the Mayor of Niagara Falls at the closing ceremony on November 18th. Participating countries include China, Finland, Brazil, Vietnam, Italy, and Canada. Shows can be viewed from along the Niagara Parkway, at Table Rock Welcome Centre, or from a beautiful Fallsview room at a Niagara Falls hotel.
Plan Your Getaway Today
The annual Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is an exciting holiday tradition that also includes popular events like the New Year’s Eve celebration in Queen Victoria Park and the Deck the Falls holiday walking tour. Experience the magic of Niagara Falls in winter and start planning your getaway today!
