December 2025 Newsletter

December 2025

December 2025 Photo from Skylon Tower The Holiday Season has come to the Niagara Region! The beauty of the season is taking over the region, and we couldn’t imagine a better place to be for the holidays. We’ve got you covered for all of the ways to make the most of the festivities. Plan your…

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December 2025 Photo from Skylon Tower The Holiday Season has come to the Niagara Region! The beauty of the season is taking over the region, and we couldn't imagine a better place to be for the holidays. We've got you covered for all of the ways to make the most of the festivities.

Plan your events, and don't miss the nightly fireworks at the falls happening from December 25-January 4!  Let it Glow St. Catherine's The City of St. Catharines is thrilled to welcome back its beloved holiday festival, Let it Glow: A Celebration of Light, returning for its fourth season of sparkle and joy.

The festival will once again transform Rennie Park, Port Dalhousie, and downtown St. Catharines into a winter wonderland filled with brilliant light displays, family-friendly activities, and holiday cheer. 🗓 Now through January 4, 2026 Learn more about the festival here. Photo from Tourism St.

Catherine's Nigara Pumphouse Arts Centre Holiday Market The holiday market features a wide range of one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, and decor by artisans. Christmas trees in our spacious Walker Room gallery will be decorated with handmade ornaments, and products will be available for purchase. To further enhance the shopping experience, we will have holiday helpers set aside items for purchase.

The Holiday Market is the only stop to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures by local artisans! Proceeds from the event benefit children & seniors' programs. 🗓 December 5-14 Find Details About the Market. Photo from Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre  Hit the Hot Chocolate Trail The Hot Chocolate Trail is back for the season!

Be sure to check out the Peppermint Hot Chocolate or Whisky Cream Hot Chocolate from our friends at the Moose & Squirrel in the DoubleTree Fallsview Resort and the Toasted Vanilla Smores Hot Chocolate or Billy Miner Hot Chocolate at The Keg on Fallsview Boulevard. You really can't go wrong with any of the many options all along the trail! 🗓 Now until February 1, 2026 Plan your stop on the trail. Photo from Niagara Falls Touriism  Ice Rink in the Garden at Pillar and Post This winter, we look forward to welcoming you to the Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post to enjoy our beautiful grounds, to skate on our 120 x 60 ice rink and to enjoy the signature food and beverage options at The OutPost.

The skating rink is free to hotel guests of Vintage Hotels and Niagara’s Finest Hotels, as well as, the general public. We hope that we will be open for you to skate, glide and enjoy early December, though the rink’s opening day is weather dependent.  🗓 All winter long! (Weather dependent) Find out more and go for a skate. Photo from Vintage Hotels  Winter Festival of Lights Get ready to be amazed!

The Winter Festival of Lights is here! The Festival started in 1982. Today, it is Canada’s largest illumination festival and the premier illumination festival in North America.

It transforms Niagara Falls with millions of twinkling lights, engaging displays, and interactive experiences. Illuminations include more than 50 larger-than-life displays and dozens of trees wrapped in lights along the Niagara Parkway, including Canadian wildlife displays, the two-storey tall Zimmerman Fountain, 40 40-foot light tunnel, a castle and more! 🗓 Now until January 4, 2026 Come see the lights. Photo from Winter Festival of Lights Partner Spotlight!

We work closely with many great businesses, destinations and attractions in the Region. Niagara Parks always has something exciting going on to explore.   December Events The holidays are officially here, and Niagara is glowing with lights, events, and winter magic. Here’s what’s coming up.

Find even more experiences on our website! Visit the Destination Niagara Region Website   Merry and Bright Christmas Tour 🗓 December 5 + 6 As part of the Rotary Holiday House Tour, the Merry and Bright Christmas Tour takes you to the stunning McArthur Estate.   Like a dreamy, winter snow globe, this magnificent 1829 brick Georgian home is surrounded by enchanting Victorian Gardens, snow-topped statuary, ice-capped ponds, and pergolas. Guests will delight in the exquisite nativity scene, a radiant Christmas angel, and the whimsical reindeer stables and canine manor.

Children will be treated to holiday gift bags, while festive carollers and acoustic guitar melodies drift across the seasonally adorned 10-acre grounds. Learn more. Photo from Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake  Christmas Parade and Tractor Parade in Niagara-on-the-Lake 🗓 Saturday, December 13, beginning at 11:00 a.m.  📍The parade route starts at the intersection of King and Centre Street in Old Town Join the fun and participate in the magic by entering a float in the Parade!

This is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, spread holiday joy, and become an integral part of a wonderful community tradition. Whether you're a local business, a community group, or just passionate about spreading cheer, we welcome your unique contribution to make this year's Parade truly special. And don't miss the annual Tractor Parade either!

It will begin and end at the Meridian Credit Union and Centennial Arenas (1565 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil), running from 6:00 p.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m. Learn more about the parades. Photo from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Photo from Tractor Parade Facebook Page  Jordan Holiday Village Discover the magic of the season with Christmas in the Village.

This winter, the heart of Jordan Village will be transformed into a magical Christmas Village with charming holiday décor, Christmas shopping, and festive events for the whole family. Come be part of the village. Photo from Niagara Parks  Candlelight Stroll 📅Friday, December 5th, 2025 🕒6:30 pm ​📍Heritage District Join us for this unforgettable experience and be part of a living tradition that celebrates the beauty of togetherness and the joy of the holiday season.

Stroll the streets of our Heritage District while enjoying holiday performances from Niagara-area musical groups. Purchase a candle for $5 to light up your Stroll and give back to a community member in need. Proceeds generated from candle sales will go directly to the Candlelight Stroll recipient.

Join the stroll. Photo from The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake  Holiday Shows at OLG Stage! Soak in the holidays with festive tunes at OLG stage!  🗓 December 3 Catch Johnny Reid live on stage in a joyful celebration of holiday spirit, sharing personal favourites, cherished classics and inspiring stories to usher in the holiday season. 🗓 December 20 The holiday spirit continues at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino with Matt Dusk, one of Canada’s most beloved male vocalists.

Dusk and his powerhouse big band will transport audiences to the golden age of swing, blending timeless holiday classics with the unforgettable style of the one-and-only Frank Sinatra. Find these shows and more. Photo from OLG Stage  Best Deals: Hot Deals for Niagara Save big on your next stay in Niagara with Destination Niagara's BEST DEALS!

Wyndham Grand Fallsview Hotel Celebrate the New Year in style with an exquisite NYE dinner, lively dancing, and a luxurious stay! Comfortable, spacious accommodations (FREE WIFI) $15 dining voucher at IHOP NYE Special Event Dinner Menu at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 2 Tickets to New Year’s Eve Dance Party (19+) Six Complimentary drink tickets (3 per person) New Year’s Eve Party Favours Champagne toast at midnight See here for more information. NYE with Embassy Suites and STK Steakhouse Fallsview Celebrate New Year’s Eve in unforgettable fashion at STK Steakhouse Fallsview, Niagara Falls’ most stylish dining and nightlife destination.

With world-class cuisine, a high-energy atmosphere, and stunning views, STK is where culinary excellence meets celebration. Choose your perfect way to welcome 2026 with one of three exclusive ticketed experiences. Plus, when you book your NYE package with Embassy Suites, you get two tickets for the celebration along with a gorgeous room above the falls.

See here for more information. Celebrate NYE with Wyndham Garden Niagara Falls Fallsvie and The Keg Welcome 2026 with elegant accommodations, a refined NYE dinner, and an unforgettable dance celebration! Comfortable, Spacious Accommodations $15 dining voucher at IHOP Restaurant NYE Special Event Dinner Menu at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar 2 Tickets to New Year's Eve Dance Party in the Crystal Lounge (19+) Six Complimentary drink tickets (3 per person) New Year's Eve Party Favours Champagne toast at midnight See here for more information.

All Best Deals are subject to change without notice.   With 12 municipalities, tons of parks and stunning nature (the Falls, parks, trails, etc.), there’s so much to experience in the Niagara Region!   Plan your perfect Niagara experience on our website.  Do you want to see your business featured in our newsletter? Join Niagara's Inbound Travel & Tourism Program by reaching out to connect@destinationniagarafalls.ca. FOLLOW US      

The Holiday Season has come to the Niagara Region! Plan your events, and don't miss the nightly fireworks at the falls happening from December 25-January 4! 

Plan your events, and don't miss the nightly fireworks at the falls happening from December 25-January 4!

Catharines into a winter wonderland filled with brilliant light displays, family-friendly activities, and holiday cheer.

Learn more about the festival here.

Nigara Pumphouse Arts Centre Holiday Market The holiday market features a wide range of one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, and decor by artisans.

Nigara Pumphouse Arts Centre Holiday Market

The holiday market features a wide range of one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, and decor by artisans.

Proceeds from the event benefit children & seniors' programs.

Find Details About the Market.

Photo from Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre 

Photo from Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre

Hit the Hot Chocolate Trail The Hot Chocolate Trail is back for the season!

The Hot Chocolate Trail is back for the season!

You really can't go wrong with any of the many options all along the trail!

Photo from Niagara Falls Touriism 

Photo from Niagara Falls Touriism

Ice Rink in the Garden at Pillar and Post This winter, we look forward to welcoming you to the Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post to enjoy our beautiful grounds, to skate on our 120 x 60 ice rink and to enjoy the signature food and beverage options at The OutPost.

Ice Rink in the Garden at Pillar and Post

This winter, we look forward to welcoming you to the Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post to enjoy our beautiful grounds, to skate on our 120 x 60 ice rink and to enjoy the signature food and beverage options at The OutPost.

We hope that we will be open for you to skate, glide and enjoy early December, though the rink’s opening day is weather dependent. 

🗓 All winter long! (Weather dependent)

Find out more and go for a skate.

Winter Festival of Lights Get ready to be amazed!

Illuminations include more than 50 larger-than-life displays and dozens of trees wrapped in lights along the Niagara Parkway, including Canadian wildlife displays, the two-storey tall Zimmerman Fountain, 40 40-foot light tunnel, a castle and more!

Photo from Winter Festival of Lights

Partner Spotlight! Niagara Parks always has something exciting going on to explore.

December Events The holidays are officially here, and Niagara is glowing with lights, events, and winter magic. Visit the Destination Niagara Region Website

The holidays are officially here, and Niagara is glowing with lights, events, and winter magic.

Merry and Bright Christmas Tour 🗓 December 5 + 6 As part of the Rotary Holiday House Tour, the Merry and Bright Christmas Tour takes you to the stunning McArthur Estate.   Like a dreamy, winter snow globe, this magnificent 1829 brick Georgian home is surrounded by enchanting Victorian Gardens, snow-topped statuary, ice-capped ponds, and pergolas. Photo from Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Merry and Bright Christmas Tour

As part of the Rotary Holiday House Tour, the Merry and Bright Christmas Tour takes you to the stunning McArthur Estate.

Like a dreamy, winter snow globe, this magnificent 1829 brick Georgian home is surrounded by enchanting Victorian Gardens, snow-topped statuary, ice-capped ponds, and pergolas.

Photo from Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Christmas Parade and Tractor Parade in Niagara-on-the-Lake 🗓 Saturday, December 13, beginning at 11:00 a.m.  📍The parade route starts at the intersection of King and Centre Street in Old Town Join the fun and participate in the magic by entering a float in the Parade! Photo from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Photo from Tractor Parade Facebook Page 

Christmas Parade and Tractor Parade in Niagara-on-the-Lake

🗓 Saturday, December 13, beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

📍The parade route starts at the intersection of King and Centre Street in Old Town

Join the fun and participate in the magic by entering a float in the Parade!

Photo from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Photo from Tractor Parade Facebook Page

Jordan Holiday Village Discover the magic of the season with Christmas in the Village. Photo from Niagara Parks 

Discover the magic of the season with Christmas in the Village.

Candlelight Stroll 📅Friday, December 5th, 2025 🕒6:30 pm ​📍Heritage District Join us for this unforgettable experience and be part of a living tradition that celebrates the beauty of togetherness and the joy of the holiday season. Photo from The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Join us for this unforgettable experience and be part of a living tradition that celebrates the beauty of togetherness and the joy of the holiday season.

Photo from The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Holiday Shows at OLG Stage! Photo from OLG Stage 

Soak in the holidays with festive tunes at OLG stage! 

Catch Johnny Reid live on stage in a joyful celebration of holiday spirit, sharing personal favourites, cherished classics and inspiring stories to usher in the holiday season.

The holiday spirit continues at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino with Matt Dusk, one of Canada’s most beloved male vocalists.

Best Deals: Hot Deals for Niagara Save big on your next stay in Niagara with Destination Niagara's BEST DEALS!

Best Deals: Hot Deals for Niagara

Save big on your next stay in Niagara with Destination Niagara's BEST DEALS!

Celebrate the New Year in style with an exquisite NYE dinner, lively dancing, and a luxurious stay!

NYE with Embassy Suites and STK Steakhouse Fallsview

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in unforgettable fashion at STK Steakhouse Fallsview, Niagara Falls’ most stylish dining and nightlife destination.

All Best Deals are subject to change without notice.  

All Best Deals are subject to change without notice.

Celebrate NYE with Wyndham Garden Niagara Falls Fallsvie and The Keg

Welcome 2026 with elegant accommodations, a refined NYE dinner, and an unforgettable dance celebration!

With 12 municipalities, tons of parks and stunning nature (the Falls, parks, trails, etc.), there’s so much to experience in the Niagara Region!   Plan your perfect Niagara experience on our website.  Do you want to see your business featured in our newsletter?

With 12 municipalities, tons of parks and stunning nature (the Falls, parks, trails, etc.), there’s so much to experience in the Niagara Region!  

Plan your perfect Niagara experience on our website.

Do you want to see your business featured in our newsletter?

Destination Niagara Falls | 4739 Lyons Parkway | Niagara Falls, ON L2G 0A4 CA

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Niagara Region: Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit for fewer crowds?

Weekday mornings outside peak summer and holiday weekends are typically quieter. Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) balance weather and crowd levels.

Do I need a passport to cross the border for viewpoints?

Crossing between Canada and the United States requires valid travel documents. Many experiences stay on one side—check your itinerary before you go.

Are the trails and gorge viewpoints family-friendly?

Many paths are accessible with proper footwear, but some gorge routes include stairs and uneven stone. Review trail notes and posted advisories before heading out.

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