- Festival of Lights Nov 14 to Jan 8, fireworks daily at 9 PM
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Market on weekends
- Christmas Eve at fallsview restaurants books fast
- Boat ride closed, Journey Behind the Falls open
- Hotel rates 25 to 35 percent below summer
The Festival of Lights
Niagara Parks lights up the parkway from the falls to Dufferin Islands with over three million LED lights and large illuminated displays (animated polar bears, dragons, snowflake arches). Daily 9 PM fireworks. Best viewing: drive the parkway slowly, walk for 30 to 60 minutes from Table Rock to Dufferin Islands, or watch from a fallsview hotel room. Free.
Year round option for the Festival of Lights.
Check availability →Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Market
The historic village turns into a Christmas market on weekends in December. Vendors selling artisan crafts, mulled wine, hot chocolate, ice wine. Carol singers and free walking tours. Combine with a winery visit for an Old Town day.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Most Niagara Falls attractions close December 25, except Journey Behind the Falls (open) and the Skylon Tower (limited hours). Fallsview restaurants book Christmas Eve dinner 60 days ahead. Christmas Day brunch at the major hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Embassy Suites) sells out 30 to 60 days in advance.
December weather
Average high 1 °C, average low -5 °C. Eleven snow days. Often light snow rather than heavy. The Niagara Parkway is plowed and salted but icy in spots. Insulated waterproof boots and a heavy parka are essential.
Hotel pricing in December
Early December hotel rates are 35 to 45 percent below summer peak. Christmas week (Dec 22 to 27) jumps to 15 to 25 percent below summer. New Year's Eve is the most expensive night of the winter (often equal to summer rates), see our New Year guide.
What is open at Christmas
- Open year round, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Falls Illumination, Festival of Lights, Skylon Tower, Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom, helicopter, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
- Closed in December, Hornblower boat, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Whirlpool Aero Car (closes mid December)
- Closed Christmas Day only, most restaurants, Niagara SkyWheel, Bird Kingdom (limited hours)
Best December activities
- Festival of Lights walk, Table Rock to Dufferin Islands, allow 90 minutes
- Daily 9 PM fireworks, watch from Queen Victoria Park or your hotel
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Market, weekends
- Skylon Tower at sunset, see the falls illumination start from above
- Fallsview indoor waterpark, kids activity for cold days
- Holiday afternoon tea at Queen Charlotte Tea Room, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Verdict
Niagara at Christmas is a different city: quieter, illuminated, focused on indoor and after dark experiences. The Festival of Lights is the highlight. Skip if you want the boat ride, embrace if you want the magic.
Internal links
For New Year see Niagara New Year 2026 guide. For winter overview see winter 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The falls themselves never close. Most attractions including Journey Behind the Falls, the Skylon Tower and the Niagara Falls Illumination are open through Christmas. The boat ride and Cave of the Winds are closed November to April.
November 14, 2026 to January 8, 2027. Daily 9 PM fireworks. Light displays along the Niagara Parkway from the falls to Dufferin Islands.
Less busy than summer overall, but Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the days between Christmas and New Year see a meaningful uptick. New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year.
Early December rates are 35 to 45 percent below summer peak. Christmas week (Dec 22 to 27) jumps to 15 to 25 percent below summer. New Year's Eve typically equals summer rates.
