Image Courtesy of Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Winter in Niagara is synonymous with celebration, especially when it comes to Icewine. Each year, Niagara-on-the-Lake transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland as wineries, artisans, and local chefs come together to host some of the most anticipated Winter Wine Festivals in Niagara, highlighted by the iconic Icewine Festival and its charming Icewine Village.
Icewine is Ontario’s most luxurious winter specialty, and there’s no better time to savour it. From outdoor tastings to gourmet pairings and immersive signature events, January and February invite you to explore the sweetest side of Canadian wine. Elevate your winter escape with refined accommodations and unforgettable Icewine experiences throughout Niagara’s wine country.
The Icewine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Image Courtesy of Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Take part in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s infamous Icewine Festival. During this festival, the town’s historic Queen Street becomes the epicentre of delicious Icewines, culinary pairings and entertainment.
Below, we provide a brief glimpse into some of the exciting activities that will be taking place during the Icewine Festival, but you’ll never truly understand the vibrancy of this exceptional event until you experience it yourself. So, plan a sweet escape today and see why Niagara truly deserves to be heralded as Canada’s wine country.
- Festival Dates: January 16 – February 1, 2026
Icewine Discovery Pass
Image Courtesy of Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Experience Niagara’s finest icewines and culinary creations with the Icewine Discovery Pass, giving you the flexibility to enjoy food and wine pairings at participating wineries on the dates of your choice.
Pass options include:
- Discovery Pass: Six tastings at any six wineries
- Mini Pass: Three tastings at any three wineries
- Flex Friday Pass: Six tastings on any Friday of the schedule
Reservations may be required at smaller wineries, and groups of eight or more should book ahead. Driver’s Pass options are available for non-alcoholic pairings.
Date: January 16–18, 23–25 & 30–February 1, 2026
Location: Participating Wineries, Niagara-on-the-Lake & Niagara Benchlands
Tickets: Available online or at participating wineries
Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
Image Courtesy of Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Experience the magic of Ontario’s wine country at the 2026 Icewine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Icewine Village. Queen Street transforms into a festive destination, where the charm of the town meets the sweetness of Icewine.
Visitors can shop, sip, sample, and savour, enjoying creative food pairings, icewine tastings, and locally inspired treats that celebrate Niagara’s farm-to-table cuisine. With live music, artisan vendors, and unique shopping finds, the Icewine Village is the perfect winter escape for food and wine lovers alike.
Date: January 17-18 & 24-25, 2026 | 12 – 6 PM
Location: Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tickets: Free admission (Cocktails available for purchase; VIP pricing available)
VIP Snow Globes in the Icewine Village
Image Courtesy of Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Enjoy a private, heated retreat at the Icewine Village with the VIP Snow Globes for a cozy winter escape set along Queen Street. Each globe seats up to eight guests and offers a warm, intimate space to sip and savour the festival atmosphere. As a proud sponsor of the VIP Snow Globes, Vintage Hotels invites guests to elevate their Icewine Festival experience with this exclusive setting.
Your one-hour reservation includes a premium bottle of Icewine and a large, shared cheese platter for $250. While the globes are heated, guests are encouraged to dress for the winter weather. These beautifully designed globes create the perfect blend of luxury and winter charm for an ideal complement to a stay with Vintage Hotels during the festival season.
Date: Select dates during the Niagara Icewine Festival
Location: Icewine Village, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tickets: $250 per globe (Includes one bottle of Icewine + shared cheese platter; seats up to 8 guests)
IceHaus Cocktail Competition
Image Courtesy of Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Add some excitement to your evening at the IceHaus Cocktail Competition, a vibrant street-side celebration that transforms Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake into a Euro-pop–inspired party. With glowing light displays, handcrafted Icewine cocktails, and a live DJ setting the mood, this high-energy event is one of the most fun ways to experience the Niagara Icewine Festival.
Whether you’re sampling creative cocktails à la carte or taking advantage of VIP perks, you’ll get to enjoy some of the most imaginative Icewine creations in the region. VIP ticket holders also receive 3 cocktails for just $25 and can pick up their tasting tokens at Guest Services upon arrival.
Date: January 24, 2025 – 8PM to 11PM
Location: Historical District, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tickets: Free admission (Cocktails available for purchase; VIP pricing available)
Cool As Ice Gala
Image Courtesy of Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
This year’s Cool As Ice Gala invites you to experience the very best of Niagara in one unforgettable night. Sip premium VQA wines, sample creative Icewine cocktails, and enjoy culinary masterpieces crafted by some of the region’s top chefs, all inside the stunning Niagara Parks Power Station.
Throughout the evening, you’ll be treated to live entertainment, immersive art performances, and exclusive nighttime access to the station’s remarkable 2,200-foot tunnel, leading to an observation deck perched at the edge of Niagara Falls. It’s a rare chance to explore a historic landmark while celebrating the flavours that make our region shine.
Grab your tux or evening gown and get ready to toast, taste, and take in an experience that’s truly cool as ice.
Date: January 31, 2026 | 7PM – 11PM
Tickets: $250 per person
Location: Niagara Parks Power Station, Niagara Falls
Chocolate & Cheese — Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Image Courtesy of Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Warm up your winter weekends with the Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Passport, a delicious way to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake’s wine country. This seasonal experience invites you on a self-guided tour of participating wineries, featuring rich chocolate, artisanal cheese, and perfectly paired VQA wines.
Each passport includes eight curated tasting experiences, showcasing unique flavour combinations that highlight the creativity of Niagara’s winemakers and culinary teams. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a gourmet afternoon with friends, it’s the perfect way to savour the season at your own pace.
Date: Select weekends in February & March
Location: Participating Wineries, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tickets: Signature Tasting Pass – $52 (plus HST & fees)
Designated Driver Pass – $39 (plus HST & fees)
Includes: 8 tasting experiences featuring chocolate and/or cheese with VQA wine (or NA options for DD pass)
Book an Exciting Winter Getaway and Experience Niagara’s Best Wine Festivals
Join us for wintertime wining, dining and celebration in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Jordan Village and warm up to the idea of festivals that stretch way past summertime to highlight the snowy season’s very best flavours.
To ensure you can enjoy every aspect of our region’s winter wine festivals, book your accommodations with Vintage Hotels and Inn On The Twenty. Pair your nightcap with a uniquely appointed hotel room and endless amenities to elevate your stay. See the exciting Niagara getaway packages and book your winter wine festival excursions today!