Winter Festival of Lights 2024-2025 in Niagara Falls

The Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter fairytale. There are 15 Canadian Wildlife displays and over 50 trees wrapped in lights on the Dufferin Islands. The Sparkling Winter Lights display, featuring 3 million dazzling lights, immerses guests in the enchanting and magical winter atmosphere of the North.

Winter Festival of Lights Events

You'll be able to see a light show at the Toronto Power Generating Station, the world’s largest Canadian-American Flag, three-dimensional Angels at the Niagara Parks Police Building, a two-story tall Zimmerman Fountain, and a visitor favorite—Noah’s Ark. Don't miss the free Fallsview Sound & Light Show at the Oakes Hotel, WFOL Opening Ceremonies in Queen Victoria Park, and Laser Light Shows at the Top of Clifton Hill.

Visitors of the festival can see amazing Light Art displays created by international artists. Experiential and Interactive installations can be viewed along the Niagara Parkway and in Niagara Falls’ tourist district.

Firework Shows

The Winter Festival of Lights is also famous for its fireworks shows. The first show takes place during flip-the-switch Opening Ceremonies in Queen Victoria Park. Also, the Winter Fireworks Series by Fallsview Casino illuminates the night skies with spectacular firework shows at 9 pm every Friday and Saturday during the festival season.

Hot Chocolate Trail

During your visit the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, you can warm up with a hot beverage. The new self-guided hot chocolate trail takes you to 17 stops, offering 23 unique flavors to sip and savour (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options). crafted by local chocolatiers, chefs, and mixologists. Visitors can choose between classic combinations like mint, orange, and s’mores, or try unique homemade ingredients such as flavored marshmallows and even eyeball gummies. Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options are available.

Winter Festival of Lights Kids Events

Additionally, the little ones can meet & greet Santa Claus and get a complimentary digital photo at Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse on December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Another great event for kids is the Misty Kids Colouring Contest, where children can showcase their creativity and have fun with beloved characters.

Display Hours

The light show is part of the nightly illumination of the Falls, starting at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm each evening.

Parking

Festival visitors can park their cars in the paid Falls Parking Lot ($35 for the day), located across from the Table Rock Centre along the Niagara Parkway. Additional places are available at the Skylon Tower parking lot on Robinson Street and at Clifton Hill.

Festival History

The Winter Festival of Lights was founded in 1982 by The Ontario Power Generation and is the premiere illumination festival in North America. In its inaugural season, 250,000 people attended the festival, which featured a modest collection of lighting displays near Niagara Falls.

Today, it has grown into Canada’s largest illumination festival, drawing over 1.8 million visitors annually. Offering fun for all ages with family-friendly displays and entertainment, the Festival continues to grow by introducing new exhibits and lighting features.

Visitor Experience and Tips

To better immerse in the atmosphere of the Winter Festival of Lights and share real experiences, rove.me spoke with Namit Bhavsar, who has been living in Niagara Falls for the past four years. Namit shared that every year, he visits the light festival with friends and fellow coworkers.

"It is the best time of year in the whole Niagara Region. The artwork they do with the lights, especially reindeers, is so mesmerizing. There are trees covered in lights, landmarks, the popular areas (you'll find the names on any Niagara Parks IG handle or Google); everything that is spread in almost 9.3 miles (15 km) of area has all the small and big light lamps, and structures. Along with that, they also create animals from light, such as reindeer, moose, geese, bear, and bison. And the best part is there are no tickets required to visit the festival."

Namit doesn't think the event needs any improvements and encourages travelers to visit the Winter Festival of Lights, highlighting that it offers a great route to enjoy Niagara Falls illuminated by lights, especially on Falls Street.

Namit also shared a tip for those looking to have the best experience at the Winter Festival of Lights:

"The only suggestion I would give to first-time visitors is to avoid visiting on public holidays and especially on New Year's Eve. Also, go through the maps they give out on all the IG handle of Winter Festival of Lights so that it will be easy to guide through the festival."