Thinking of travelling a little further afield this winter, but unsure of where to go? Many people have this dilemma each year, when they come around to choosing their Christmas destinations and wonder where they can go for some festive fun that the whole family can enjoy. Niagara Falls is a hugely popular choice, as it has tonnes of activities, tours and of course the iconic Falls as a backdrop for all your seasonal photographs. If you’d like some pointers though on the top events to plan your trip around, read on for some ideas.
Winter Festival of Lights
From November 19th to January 1st, you can visit Canada’s foremost illumination festival. This annual tradition welcomes over a million people each year, and consists of an 8km illuminated walk through Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and various other surrounding tourist districts. These are no regular lighting arrangements either, with iconic displays that include the Zimmerman Fountain, a Noah’s Ark, the world’s largest illuminated Canadian-American flag, 3D Canadian wildlife displays and over fifty wrapped trees in Dufferin Islands. This is a truly unique photography experience and an event you will never forget.
Clifton Hill Laser Light Show
As part of the Festival of Lights season, you can also head to Clifton Hill for a dramatic visual sensation. Free laser light shows are regularly held for the general public, beautifully choreographed to a musical beat. Held each night between December 23rd and 31st, there are four light shows throughout the evening, and there’s even an interactive laser booth nearby for kids to have fun drawing and writing messages with lasers. Clifton Hill is only a short walk from most of the Niagara Falls hotels, so there’s no excuse to miss out!
Winter Fireworks Displays
If you like lights in the night sky, then you’ll love the Winter Firework Displays that are put on each night in Queen Victoria Park between November 19th and January 27th. Whether you’re out touring the Park during the day, or heading out to the wine country for a tasting session, this display takes only five minutes, and is the perfect way to end your evening. There are two shows on November 19th, as part of the opening of the Festival of Lights, with a show on the 25th November and then every Friday in December and January at 9pm.
Christmas by the Falls
Christmas markets are something every tourist is drawn to this time of year, and in Ontario, you can shop to your heart’s content at the Scotiabank Convention Centre. This unique Christmas gift show sees over 100 vendors come together under one roof to sell their festive handmade wares. You’ll be able to fill up your suitcase with presents for the whole family, as well as enjoy the many demonstrations while the children get to meet Santa Claus in the central Grotto. This is held on December 3rd from 10am to 5pm, and on December 4th from 10am to 4pm.
When are you planning on visiting Niagara Falls?
