Christmas Events in Niagara-on-the-Lake

A Christmas Carol at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake

This Christmas in Niagara-on-the-Lake promises to be one of the most special yet, so plan your holiday getaway now to have something truly extraordinary to look forward to once the snow starts falling. From taking care of your gift-giving through to festive events and activities the whole family can enjoy, Niagara is the perfect destination to get you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit this season.

Discover what’s going on in Niagara-on-the-Lake during this Christmas season and have a magical holiday experience in the heart of Ontario wine country. Here are some wonderful festive events taking place in Niagara-on-the-Lake this holiday season:

The Ultimate Christmas Village in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Dates: November 9 to January 2, 2022

Immerse yourself in the festive world of everyone’s favourite Dickens’ classic during Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Ultimate Christmas Village. Running through much of November and all of December, this “village” combines activities that are tailored to adults, children and the entire family. See how Niagara-on-the-Lake is transformed with decorations, holiday cheer and all the fixings you’ll be wishing for this Christmas season.

Shaw Festival a Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake

A Christmas Carol at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake – Image courtesy of the Shaw Festival

There are few holiday traditions that are more beloved or universally shared than a viewing of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol during the Christmas season. Visit the Shaw Festival to enjoy a thoughtful rendition of this classic tale, which has been reimagined by talented director, Molly Atkinson, and her extraordinary cast. Purchase tickets well in advance to ensure you have a seat at Ebenezer Scrooge’s table as he learns the most important lessons we all need to keep in mind during the holidays.

Dates: From November 9 through December 23, 2022 (times vary)
Tickets: From $27.12 depending on the show date

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Shaw Festival

Dream of a white Christmas in Niagara-on-the-Lake! Visit the Shaw Festival to get into the Christmas spirit, enjoying a the stage version of a Paramount Pictures holiday classic, White Christmas. This musical never disappoints and is guaranteed to be a production for the entire family to enjoy. Whether visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day or staying for the weekend, you can experience the true meaning of the season at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Dickensian Feast at Prince of Wales Hotel

Dickensian Feast at Vintage Hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake]

Enhance your time-travelling experience in Niagara by booking a spot at the Dickensian Feast within the truly spectacular Prince of Wales. This Victorian hotel pays the perfect ode to the classic tale, and the plates will be unparalleled for dinner guests with the same cultivated taste for food as they have for theatre.

Dates: Thursday, December 1, 8 and Friday December 16, 2022 | 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Cost: $75, includes dinner, tea and coffee – reserve your Dickensian Feast at Vintage Hotels today.

Winery Tours and Tastings

Many of our favourite wineries are celebrating the season alongside all our visitors. Spend a wintry weekend tasting your way through the Niagara region at many of the most beautiful winery estates in the area. Taste holiday-inspired food and enjoy the luxurious decorations that elevate the typical wine-tasting experience even further.

Holiday Shopping at Niagara Heritage District & Outlet Collection

Why shop in a humdrum mall when you can spend your weekend looking in truly unique stores, within one of Ontario’s most festive towns? During the Christmas season, you can enjoy a hot chocolate as you walk between our heritage boutiques – or you can hit up the outlets before coming into the heart of town to enjoy a magical night for holiday memory-making.

Outdoor Ice Skating in The Gardens at Pillar and Post

The Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post at night

This winter, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Ice Rink at the Gardens at Pillar and Post. Enjoy the beautiful grounds while skating under twinkling lights and sipping on signature beverages from The Outpost. 

This 120 x 60 ice rink is the perfect way to spend a winter evening. Because we wanted to ensure everyone could partake in the festivities, there are skate rentals available for our guests. Warm up with some tasty concessions and skate away the evening under the stars.

Date: From winter 2022 until March 2023. Please visit the Facebook page for daily rink operations updates.
Cost: Admission is free, skate rentals can be purchased for $5 and there is an on-site concession for snacks and hot cocoa.

Niagara’s Candlelight Stroll

2019 Candlelight Stroll in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Richard Harley/Niagara Now

Each year, Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts a breathtaking candlelight stroll that offers visitors a truly unique way to experience choral Christmas music, while also touring our town’s elegant Heritage District. The Candlelight Stroll begins at the Old Courthouse. From there, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of our historic town, and, at a number of the stops, you’ll be serenaded by local choirs and other seasonal entertainment.

Date: Friday, December 2nd, 2022 – begins at 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Cost: Event is free to attend, candles can be purchased 1 for $3 or 2 for $5
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District, starting at the Old Courthouse.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade 2022

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Santa Claus Parade

Come to see Santa when he visits Niagara-on-the-Lake this December. Considered one of Ontario’s most anticipated Santa Clause parades, it’s a favourite for locals and Niagara visitors alike. See the many beautifully constructed floats that are sure to inspire holiday memories. See the Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade route for details.

Date: Saturday, December 10th, 2022 – 11:00am to 2:00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District.

Rotary Holiday House Tour

Rotary Holiday House Tour

Image courtesy of the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Enjoy a self-guided tour through some of the most beautiful homes in Niagara-on-the-Lake that are carefully decorated in the spirit of Christmas. With a different theme each year, The Rotary Holiday House Tour is an ever-changing festive adventure, highlighting some of the area’s most distinctive homes and landmark destinations.

Plan a Magical Holiday Getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake this Christmas season and enjoy a holiday getaway in Niagara with Vintage Hotels. Consider changing up your holiday traditions to incorporate refined dinners, jolly festivities and VQA and vintage wines that will put even the grumpiest of Scrooges in a great mood for the holidays.

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