Niagara Falls Ontario is about to transform into an enchanting winter wonderland with the return of the Winter Festival of Lights! The much-loved winter tradition will bring magic to the tourist district from November 18, 2023 through January 7, 2024.
An annual event for more than 40 years, the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights features a spectacular 51 nights of lights and is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival!
The Lights
More than 75 illumination displays and 3 million lights will be on brilliant display along an 8km stretch of the Niagara Parkway, in Dufferin Islands and across the tourist districts. Visitors can drive or walk through the popular festival route to experience the outdoor, self-guided event. Displays are grouped in themes including Royal Promenade which features Princess and Knight, Lilac tree, lotus flower, fairytale village, Frosted Falls home to Elf, Candy Canes, Gingerbread House and family, and the Great Canadian North with Mama Polar Bear and Cub, stalagmites and the popular Royal Canadian Mounted Police. One of the most popular illuminations areas is Dufferin Islands which offers a wildlife collection including some of the most iconic displays. Flying geese, wooly mammoth, harvest moon, inukshuks, wolves, swans, bears, and Noah’s Ark are on view. Many Niagara Falls Hotels are within walking distance of the displays, and an evening strolling amongst the lights would make for a charming winter getaway at one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls Fireworks
The festival will also offer spectacular fireworks displays above the Falls. Displays will light the sky on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm during the festival dates and nightly during the
Christmas holidays. Two displays are scheduled on New Year’s Eve; 8:00pm and 12:00am.
November: 18, 24-25 at 8:00pm
December: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-31 at 8:00pm
December 31 -New Year’s Eve: Two displays – 8:00pm and 12:00am
January: 1-7 at 8:00pm
Sparkling Illumination Displays
The Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls will come alive each night with a special illumination show that will captivate viewers. The display produced by the Niagara Falls Illumination Board showcases colour palettes and movements inspired by the festival’s spectacular displays and winter in the north. The Northern Lights, fierce blizzard storms and falling snow are mimicked by the show. The display is part of the regular nightly illumination of the Falls, with the five-minute lighting display playing at the top of the hour, at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm each evening during the festival dates.
Hot Chocolate Trail
A sweet addition to the Festival last year is returning; the Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail. Participating Niagara Falls Hotels and restaurants throughout the tourist district will be offering specialty cups of the decadent drink. Visitors can expect classic combinations and exciting flavours like mint, orange, s’mores, and flavoured marshmallows. Some venues are offering spiked versions featuring flavoured liquers or add-in’s making this an exciting addition for guests of all ages. The Hot Chocolate Trail is available each day of the festival and some of the participating venues include Hershey’s Chocolate World, Niagara Distillery, and the Lobby Bars at Marriott on the Falls and Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa.
Mark your calendars for the Winter Festival of Lights, where the magic of winter comes alive in a symphony of lights and festivities. From dazzling displays to family-friendly fun, this is an event that promises to make your winter nights truly spectacular.
Book your stay at one of the Niagara Falls hotels and enhance your season with joy and wonder! To make your stay even more spectacular, reserve a Fallsview room!