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-on-the-Lake 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 Christmas experience and festive events taking place in Niagara-on-the-Lake this holiday season!
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Image courtesy of the Shaw Festival
Add a little holiday magic to your visit to Niagra-on-the-Lake with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Shaw Festival Theatre. This enchanting musical brings the beloved fairy tale to life with dazzling transformations, unforgettable characters, and cherished songs. Perfect for families, couples, and holiday visitors alike, this heartwarming production celebrates the power of kindness, hope, and dreams coming true, making it a truly festive experience!
Dates: November 8 – December 23, 2026
Venue: Festival Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tickets: Available online – book early to secure your seats
A Year with Frog and Toad
Image courtesy of the Shaw Festival
Delight in a charming holiday theatre experience with A Year with Frog and Toad at the Shaw Festival. This heartwarming musical brings Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters to life through songs, laughter, and touching moments of friendship. This Tony-nominated production is a festive treat for guests of all ages. Filled with warmth, humour, and holiday spirit, it’s the perfect family-friendly addition to a Christmas getaway in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Dates: November 5 – December 23, 2026
Venue: Court House Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tickets: Available online – book early to secure your seats
Victorian Nutcracker Feast at Prince of Wales
Book a spot at the Victorian Nutcracker Feast within the truly spectacular Prince of Wales. This Victorian hotel sets the stage for a grand dinner in honour of the Shaw Festival Christmas productions. Enjoy festive fare and beautiful holiday décor at a large communal table while enjoying the sounds of classic Christmas carols on the piano. Experience a truly regal evening of wining and dining after your show at the Shaw Festival – the perfect end to a magical evening!
Dates: Saturday, November 21 & 28, Friday, December 4, 11 & 18, and Saturday, December 5 & 12, 2026 | 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Cost: $95 per person – reserve your Victorian Nutcracker Feast at Vintage Hotels today.
Afternoon Tea for the Holidays at Prince of Wales Hotel
Step into the timeless elegance of The Drawing Room at the Prince of Wales Hotel and indulge in a festive Afternoon Tea experience like no other. Surrounded by twinkling lights, garlands, and stunning holiday decor, guests can savour the charm of an English holiday tradition in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy premium teas, house-made finger sandwiches, sweet cakes and pastries, and the hotel’s signature scones, all served on fine china in a setting that feels straight out of a Victorian Christmas card. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, celebrating a special occasion, or simply embracing the joy of the season, this elegant holiday tea service offers a warm and unforgettable escape from the winter chill.
Dates: Daily | 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Location: The Drawing Room at Prince of Wales
Breakfast with Santa
Join us on Saturday, December 12 & 19 for a festive breakfast with Santa at Prince of Wales before visiting Santa at the Churchill Lounge. Santa will be ready to take pictures with all the girls and boys in the morning with seatings at 9:00 am and 11:00 am before he heads off to the big parade on Queen Street on December 12th! Be sure to bring your cameras to capture these memories that the little ones will remember for a lifetime.
Date: Saturday, December 12 & 19, 2026 | Seating 1 at 9:00 AM and Seating 2 at 11:00 AM
Location: Prince of Wales Hotel, 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Cost: $35 Breakfast Buffet, Kids 4-12 are $25. Kids Under 3 are Free.
Winery Tours and Tastings
Image courtesy of Bella Terra Vineyards
Many of our favourite wineries are celebrating the holiday season alongside all our visitors, serving food and offering tastings of the year’s bounty, and of course, Icewine. 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 Christmas 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 in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake – 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
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 hot chocolate as you skate away the evening under the stars.
Date: From winter 2026 until March 2027. 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
Image courtesy of Niagara This Week
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 4th, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Event is free to attend, candles can be purchased for $5 each
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District, starting at the Old Courthouse.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade 2026
Image courtesy of Niagara Now.
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 12, 2026, 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Cost: FREE
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District
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.
Date: Friday, December 4th & Saturday, December 5th, 2026 | 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Cost: Starting at $49.00
Location: Various homes and landmark destinations throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake
Winter Wonderland Gardens
Step into a sparkling world of holiday magic at Vintage Hotels’ Winter Wonderland Gardens, where twinkling lights, festive floral displays, and enchanting seasonal décor bring the spirit of Christmas to life. Wander through beautifully illuminated pathways, admire the grand Christmas tree decorated by Clippings Floral Design, and enjoy whimsical holiday installations that make every corner a photo-worthy moment. Whether you’re visiting with family, strolling hand-in-hand with someone special, or capturing festive photos with friends, this breathtaking display transforms the gardens into a winter dreamscape.
Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Location: The Gardens at Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara Icewine Festival
Raise a glass to Niagara’s signature winter celebration, the Niagara Icewine Festival. Taking place across the region’s most celebrated wineries, this three-week event features icewine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and live entertainment that showcase the very best of Niagara’s culinary scene. Stroll through charming outdoor settings, sip Canada’s “liquid gold,” and warm up by fire pits as you enjoy the crisp winter air. From intimate wine dinners to grand gala events, it’s a can’t-miss celebration for wine lovers and winter adventurers alike. Be sure to end your day at the Icewine Festival Afterparty at Pillar and Post.
Dates: January 8 to 30, 2027
Location: Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake
Plan a Magical Holiday Getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake this Christmas season and enjoy an eventful holiday getaway with Vintage Hotels. Consider changing up your holiday traditions to incorporate refined Christmas dinners, jolly festivities, VQA and vintage wines that will put even the grumpiest of Scrooges in a great mood for the holidays.
*Featured image courtesy of Andrew Fischer Photography
