- Festival of Lights Nov 14 to Jan 8, daily fireworks 9 PM
- Boat ride and Cave of the Winds closed
- Journey Behind the Falls open year round
- Hotel rates 40 percent below summer peak
- Partial ice formations on the falls in late January and February
Winter weather month by month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Snow days | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 1 °C | -5 °C | 11 | Festival of Lights |
| January | -2 °C | -8 °C | 14 | Frozen falls formations |
| February | -1 °C | -8 °C | 11 | Ice wine festival |
What is open in winter
- Open, Journey Behind the Falls, Skylon Tower, helicopter, Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
- Open, Niagara Falls illumination (year round), Festival of Lights (Nov 14 to Jan 8)
- Closed, Hornblower boat (until April 12), Maid of the Mist (until May 8), Cave of the Winds (until May)
- Closed, Whirlpool Aero Car (mid Dec to early Apr), some outdoor restaurant patios
Festival of Lights
The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights runs Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 8, 2027. The Niagara Parkway from the falls to Dufferin Islands is lit with millions of LED lights and large illuminated displays. Daily fireworks at 9 PM. The illuminated trees and bridges are visible from a slow drive on the parkway, walks of 30 to 90 minutes, or from your fallsview hotel room.
Year round option, perfect for the Festival of Lights.
Check availability →Frozen falls formations
The falls do not fully freeze (the volume is too high), but in late January and February the spray creates massive ice formations on the rocks, the railings and the trees around the basin. The Horseshoe Falls forms partial ice bridges and shelves at the base. Best photography spots: the lower observation deck of Journey Behind the Falls, and Table Rock looking down.
Premium winter tour including Journey Behind the Falls.
Check availability →Ice wine season
Niagara is the world capital of ice wine. The Niagara Icewine Festival runs throughout January with tastings, vineyard events and pairings at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Inniskillin, Peller and Reif Estate all host the most popular events. Book ahead, the festival sells out for VIP nights.
What to wear
- Insulated waterproof boots, the parkway gets icy
- Down jacket or heavy parka, wind chill on the river is intense
- Beanie, scarf, gloves, mandatory
- Thermal layers under your coat
- Crampons or microspikes for the Niagara Glen if you plan to hike
Verdict
Winter is the season for budget travelers, photographers and ice wine lovers. The trade off is no boat ride and no Cave of the Winds. The Festival of Lights and frozen formations more than compensate for the right traveler.
Internal links
For Christmas timing see Niagara Christmas guide. For year round comparison see summer vs winter.
Frequently asked questions
The falls never freeze completely because of the volume of water. In late January and February, the spray creates massive ice formations on the rocks and surrounding park, especially at the base of the Horseshoe Falls.
Yes. The falls themselves never close. Most attractions including Journey Behind the Falls, the Skylon Tower, the Butterfly Conservatory and the helicopter remain open year round. The boat ride and Cave of the Winds close from 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.
Average highs are -2 to 1 °C in January and February. Wind chill near the river can drop perceived temperatures to -15 °C. Pack accordingly.
