A must-visit winter festival in Canada, the 2023 season of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a magical winter wonderland for 51 nights.
Established in 1982, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights has evolved into Canada’s largest illumination festival and a premier event in North America, drawing over 1 million visitors annually. Initially created to extend Niagara Falls’ tourism season beyond the summer, the festival began with modest lighting displays near the Falls and quickly gained popularity.
In 1992, a collaboration with Disney brought animated displays to Queen Victoria Park, though they were later removed in 2013. The festival also featured a Night Parade of Lights from 1998 to 2006. Subsequently, it introduced various themes, such as Korean Lantern displays and interactive light exhibits.
Today, the festival, spanning from mid-November into the New Year, blankets Niagara Falls in vibrant colours, with millions of lights and engaging displays along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, Fallsview Boulevard, and Lundy’s Lane.
With over 50 large displays and numerous illuminated trees, including Canadian wildlife scenes and iconic landmarks, it continues to grow and enchant visitors. Supported by various organizations, including Niagara Falls Tourism and the Niagara Parks Commission, it remains a cherished winter tradition for all ages.
Here is the list of things to do during the 2023 Festival:
1. Drive along the 8km Illumination route along the stunningly beautiful Niagara Parkway. See awe-inspiring three-dimensional displays across Dufferin Islands, Niagara Falls Parkway, Queen Victoria Park, Oakes Garden Theatre, Lundy’s Lane, and Table Rock Centre.
2. Enjoy spectacular fireworks displays as they explode high over the mighty Falls. There will be a special Winter Festival of Lights Evening Cruise and Fireworks Cruise until November end.
3. Buckle up for an unforgettable Winter Nights and Lights Experience tour with Niagara Helicopters. The sunset flightseeing tour over the iconic Niagara Falls, offering a unique perspective to witness the Festival of Lights’ dazzling spectacle from high above.
4. Say hello to Santa Claus! The Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade will feature colourful floats, mascots, and entertainers.
5. Explore the annual Christmas flower show at the Floral Showhouse featuring poinsettias, cyclamen, azaleas, Christmas cactus and paperwhite narcissus, and many other Christmas surprises.
6. Explore the hot chocolate trail. Visit participating locations to enjoy decadent and innovative spins on the classic winter treat.
7. See Christmas on Ice, a thrilling, high-paced spectacle of world-class ice skating and holiday cheer featuring a winter wonderland of national championship ice skaters, dancers and singers that will fill you with the magic of the season.
8. Delight in a dinner at restaurants overlooking iconic falls accentuated by the twinkle of the iconic Winter Festival of Lights.
9. Welcome 2024 in Niagara Falls.
10. Go on a winery tour and sip your way through premium VQA Wines and Ice Wines from Niagara’s exceptional wineries.
Trip Planning – 2023 Winter Festival of Lights Niagara Falls
There is no fee to view the illuminations but donations are gratefully accepted by Festival Ambassadors at the exit of Dufferin Islands.
Illumination Dates: November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024, Everyday 5:00 PM to Midnight
Venue: The Festival’s illumination route is over 8 kilometres long and travels through the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and into the surrounding tourist areas.
Cost:Lights: Free.
Trip Planning at Niagara Falls:
Paid Parking
Public transport: WEGO Accessible.
More to Do:
New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls
Are there any boat tours to the water fall during the winter? Im wornding if it makes sense to go there during the winter ?