During the holidays, Niagara Falls is transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland and there are a number of festive events to check out that will get you into the spirit of the season while on a winter getaway to Niagara Falls.

Part of the beautiful Niagara Falls in wintertime.

A Christmas Carol at the Shaw

From now until December 23^rd, you can catch Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol at the Shaw’s famous Royal George Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and experience world-class theatre in a historic Victorian atmosphere. A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come who visit him one Christmas Eve, which people of all ages will enjoy and love. It is a great activity for a holiday party or just a festive family outing, so make sure to get your tickets today.

Crazy for Christmas at Oh Canada Eh! Dinner Theatre

Crazy for Christmas at the Oh Canada Eh! Dinner Theatre tells the story of an odd married couple who deals with the holiday in two very different ways. It’s a warm and funny show that will get you into the spirit of the holidays and offers a ton of laughs and Christmas carols, along with a delicious family-style meal served by the cast throughout the show. Crazy for Christmas is running now until December 23^rd, and both Show-Only and Dinner & Show tickets are available to purchase.

Floral Showhouse Christmas Display

Spectacular fireworks as part of the Winter Festival of Lights.

The Floral Showhouse is a beautiful greenhouse style destination that features displays of rare and exotic tropical plants and flowers, just a short walk away from the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. You can experience the Showhouse’s Christmas Display now until January 1^st, and walk through a lush oasis that features poinsettias, cyclamen, Paperwhite Narcissus, and Christmas Cactus, free flying tropical songbirds, and other beautiful Christmas surprises.

Winter Festival of Lights & Fireworks

Niagara’s annual Winter Festival of Lights illuminates the parklands and tourist district of Niagara Falls in millions of sparkling lights and unique displays from now until January 31^st. This year’s festival features 3-D Canadian Wildlife displays and over 50 beautifully-wrapped trees in Dufferin Islands, the illumination of the iconic Skylon Tower and Zimmerman Fountain, the world’s largest Canadian-American flag, and much more. The festival also features amazing laser light shows and fireworks shows every Friday until December 26^th, and special shows nightly from December 23^rd-29^th and on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve fireworks over Niagara Falls.

If you’re planning a family visit to Niagara Falls this New Year’s Eve there’s no shortage of entertainment and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy. From the free New Year’s Eve concert in Queen Victoria Park to the Winter Festival of Lights, you and your family will be fully entertained during your Niagara Falls getaway.

Winter Festival of Lights

The city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights is on now until January 31^st, illuminating the city in millions of sparkling lights and stunning displays. The 8km illumination route winds through the beautiful landscapes of Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands, and the city’s surrounding tourist district.

Free NYE Concert

This year’s free New Year’s Eve concert in Queen Victoria Park will feature an all-Canadian musical lineup of Marianas Trench, Simple Plan, Jess Moskaluke, and James Barker Band. It’s one of the largest outdoor New Year’s Eve celebrations in Canada, and will also feature a midnight countdown followed by spectacular fireworks over Niagara Falls.

Fireworks and Skylon Tower Illumination

There will be two amazing fireworks shows happening on New Year’s Eve, launched from deep in the Niagara Gorge and lighting up the sky above the Horseshoe and American Falls. The first show is happening at 9pm followed by a second show at midnight after the New Year’s Eve countdown.

The 3-acre Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.

Dinner at Fallsview Buffet

The Fallsview Buffet restaurant inside the Sheraton Fallsview hotel will be offering two amazing New Year’s Eve dinner seatings where you can enjoy fresh and delicious food from live-action food stations and sweeping views of Niagara Falls from the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The Early Seating is from 4:30-7pm and the Late Seating is from 8:30-9pm.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

Have some all-day family fun at the 3-acre Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, where you can experience 16 thrilling waterslides, a giant wave pool, 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, adult-only hot tubs, private cabanas, and so much more. It’s a great place to visit to get out of the cold and is a thrilling destination for people of all ages.

The winter months are a perfect time to plan a getaway to Niagara Falls because from November 21^st to January 31^st over three million sparkling lights transform Niagara Falls and the surrounding parklands into an enchanting winter wonderland.

The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights features a 5km route consisting of breathtaking lights, amazing holiday displays, incredible fireworks, and much more. It’s an incredibly unique family attraction that draws in countless visitors from around the globe and leaves them with unforgettable memories of Niagara Falls.

And while you’re in the city, don’t forget to check out the other amazing sights, attractions, and events like the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, 21^st Annual Icewine Festival, Journey Behind the Falls, Adventure City, Niagara Brewing Company, and more. The excitement never stops in Niagara Falls!

Autumn has officially arrived, bringing with it crisp breezes, changing leaves, and very soon- Halloween. And if you’re planning on spending October 31st in beautiful Niagara Falls then make sure to check out these family friendly destinations:

Safari Niagara is hosting their annual Boo at the Zoo event on Saturday October 10^th from 10am-4pm. Stop by for some Halloween fun and trick-or-treat your way around the zoo! The day will feature costume contests, animal presentations, tram rides, corn mazes, bouncies, and more. And children who show up in costume will get in for free!

It’s also the perfect time of year to take a family trip to the pumpkin patch. Warner Ranch and Pumpkin Farm in Niagara Falls and Howell Family Pumpkin Farm in Fonthill are two amazing family-friendly destinations that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. Warner Ranch and Pumpkin Farm is one of the largest pumpkin farms in Niagara and offers a petting zoo, horse drawn hay ride, and a corn maze, while Howell Family Pumpkin Farm offers scenic wagon rides, a corn maze, Haunted Spook Barn, Straw Jump Barn, a Hay Play area, and much more!

And for some tasty Halloween treats the whole family will enjoy, stop by the Hershey’s Chocolate World Niagara Falls store! You’ll find all of your favourite Hershey’s candies like Reese’s, Twizzlers, Kisses, and Kit Kat as well as delicious freshly made treats like cookies, fudge, cupcakes, and milkshakes. It’ll be the sweetest Halloween yet!

There is no shortage of Halloween fun to be had in Niagara Falls, so grab your costume and trick-or-treat bag and get ready for some sweet and spooky fun!

Here are three events to attend at the end of September to help you say a proper goodbye to summer in Niagara Falls:

Hornblower Niagara Cruises “Salute to Summer” Event Series

Experience a spectacular summer send-off with Hornblower Niagara Cruises! Up until September 23^rd you can climb aboard the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour, relax on Hornblower’s Falls Viewing Licensed Patio, attend the Great Gorge Outdoor Barbeque, listen to live musical entertainment at the Hornblower Landing, and much more. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors in direct view of Niagara Falls, so don’t miss out!

Open Mic Night at Niagara Brewing Company

The inaugural Open Mic Night at Niagara Brewing Company kicks off on September 30^th at 7 p.m. and musicians, comedians, and performers looking to jam are welcome to sign up. You can stop by the brewery on Clifton Hill to enjoy amazing beer on the outdoor patio, eat some delicious food, and watch one-of-a-kind entertainment that you won’t find anywhere else.

Niagara Falls Night of Art at the Niagara Falls History Museum

On Thursday September 24^th the Niagara Falls History Museum will be hosting the Niagara Falls Night of Art, which is a free, family-friendly event unlike any other. The event will feature art installations, exhibits, live entertainment, activities, and crafts for people of all ages, and is a great place to take the family while visiting Niagara Falls. The event runs from 5 to 10 pm and is sure to be an unforgettable evening.

Summer is quickly winding down, but there’s still time to coordinate an exciting getaway to Niagara Falls this upcoming Labour Day long weekend. If you plan on visiting the city, here are some fun and exciting things to check out and experience:

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

Take a ride on this famous Niagara Falls attraction and get up close and personal with the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls. Hornblower Niagara Cruises will connect you with breathtaking views and offers one-of-a-kind experiences like the Falls Illumination Cruise that will allow you to see the Falls lit up at night by vibrant lights and spectacular fireworks. It’s a must-do attraction while visiting Niagara!

Beautiful Natural Areas

Savour the last few weeks of warm weather by relaxing in one of Niagara’s many natural areas like Queen Victoria Park, located right across the street from Niagara Falls. You also won’t want to miss the beautiful Oakes Garden Theatre, Botanical Gardens, and Niagara Gorge which all offer amazing sights and perfect spots to sit back and relax in nature.

One-of-a-kind Entertainment

Niagara Falls is a world-class destination and there is never a shortage of fun to be had around the city. For unique attractions that are perfect for kids stop by the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Hershey’s Chocolate World Niagara Falls store, Adventure City Arcade and Iwerks 4D Motion Theatre. And adults are sure to love the 24-hour excitement of Casino Niagara and the delicious beer and food at the brand new Niagara Brewing Company craft brewery right on Clifton Hill.

The “Imagine” Magic Show at Greg Frewin Theatre

Experience a one-of-a-kind magic show featuring rare tigers, spectacular illusions, and exotic birds from around the world at the “Imagine” Magic Show at Greg Frewin Theatre. The theatre is located in the heart of the Niagara Falls tourist district and offers delicious buffet dinners and a chance to head backstage after the show for photo opportunities with a tiger. It’s a magical all-ages experience that you won’t want to miss!

Spongebob Squarepants 4-D and Great Wall of China

The Iwerks 4D Motion Theatre on Falls Avenue Resort will take you on the adventure of a lifetime with simulator stadium seating, air blasters, water jets, and amazing 3D movie technology. The theatre is currently playing Spongebob Squarepants 4-D The Great Jelly Rescue where you set off on a wild adventure with Spongebob and friends through Bikini Bottom, and Great Wall of China, which takes you on a rocket powered rickshaw ride across the incredible Great Wall. Come see, feel, and hear what all the excitement is about!

2015 Play Bill at the Shaw Festival Theatre

The Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful local institution that has been putting on the plays of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries since 1973. The 2015 playbill features plays such as Sweet Charity, Pygmalion, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Light Up the Sky, which run on various dates until fall. The Shaw offers incredible entertainment and unique cultural experiences, so while visiting historic Niagara-on-the-Lake for the acclaimed wineries and beautiful scenery make sure to also stop by the Shaw for some world-class theatre.

Excitement is building in Niagara Falls as the start of the 2015 Pan Am Games quickly approaches on July 10^th. On Saturday June 20^th, the celebration begins early as the Pan Am Games Torch Relay passes through Niagara Falls.

The torch relay will span over 41 days, pass through more than 130 communities, and end in Toronto on July 10^th for the official opening ceremony. Saturday June 20^th will be a one-of-a-kind experience with a celebration at Welland Market Square kicking off the day. After the morning celebration the flame will visit the Welland Pan Am Flatwater Centre, make its way to Market Square in St. Catharines, and then travel to the day celebration at Lakeside Park. To end off the day, the flame will travel in a rowing boat at the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course, travel on the Hornblower boat in Niagara Falls and then travel to an evening celebration in Queen Victoria Park.

Come out to the Pan Am Games Torch Relay celebrations to experience the excitement of the 2015 Pan Am Games, and book a summer stay in Niagara to be a part of the sporting events that bring together thousands of athletes from throughout the Americas.

Looking for outdoor festivals and fun family events to attend while visiting Niagara Falls? Check out
Springlicious 2015 and Niagara Falls Comic Con!

Niagara Falls’s annual Springlicious festival is happening May 29-31^st on Queen Street in the city’s historic downtown district. This free three-day street festival features wonderful local cuisine, great beer
and wine, and all kinds of live entertainment that makes it a perfect outdoor family activity.

Niagara Falls Comic Con is taking place June 5-7^th at the Scotiabank Convention Centre and will feature hundreds of exciting exhibits and a number of popular celebrity guests. This year’s guests include David Hasselhoff, Sean Astin from Lord of the Rings, Billy Dee Williams from Star Wars, Alfonso Ribeiro from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and many more. Comic Con is one of the biggest events of the summer, so purchase your tickets ahead of time to get in on the fun!

Mother’s Day is coming up on May 10th and a day in Niagara Falls is the perfect way to celebrate and
spend time with mom.

Start the day with a beautiful meal at the Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra’s Mother’s Day Brunch,
which features delicious culinary delights in a spectacular Fallsview setting. The menu features unique and tasty dishes like stuffed French toast, dark chocolate rubbed lamb, sweet and savory breads and pastries, carved prime rib, and much more.

Afterwards take a stroll through Queen Victoria Park, right across the street from the incredible Niagara Falls. The park features beautiful floral arrangements and gardens throughout, and has plenty of places where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

And to finish off a wonderful day, stop by McFarland House in Niagara on the Lake to enjoy some traditional afternoon tea. The setting is a lovely Georgian-style house built in 1800 that offers an incredibly charming and memorable experience.