When you think of Niagara Falls, what usually springs to mind is either adventurous tours and attractions, or romantic getaways for couples. However, this year, the Niagara Falls area is about to be transformed into a winter wonderland, and it’s the perfect place for you to book a last minute flight out there. It doesn’t matter whether you want a break for the whole family, or you’re flying solo in search of some festive fun, here are just a few reasons why this spot in southern Ontario is the place for you.
A parade every night
You might be travelling with children, or you might consider yourself to be a bit of a big kid around this time of year, but Niagara Falls is a place of wonder for youngsters at Christmas and they’ll be kept occupied by the many local parades.
On the evening of 3rd December, you’ll be able to watch Port Colborne’s Annual Lighted Santa Claus Parade, which leads all the way to city hall where you’ll be able to enjoy a piping hot chocolate while the kids sit on Santa’s lap. Or if you’re visiting a little later, how about catching the day parade in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, revered as one of Ontario’s best Christmas parades? You’ll have two chances to catch this as well, on the 10th and 19th December.
There’s so much to see
Although you might be tempted to do some of the year-round tours of Niagara, make the most of the fact that you’re here during the festive season by joining in with one of the many winter activities. If you’re a keen gardener, head for the Floral Showhouse for their Christmas displays from November 26th through to December 31st, and round off the day by visiting the Fallsview Casino Resort for their fabulous fireworks displays throughout December – although you may get lucky and be able to watch this from your own hotel room at many of the Niagara Falls hotels.
Whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss out on the Annual Winter Festival of Lights, where 8km of illuminations show the way across the beautiful landscapes of the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and surrounding areas, from mid-November to the end of January.
It’s a foodie paradise
If you travel to Niagara Falls this Christmas, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities for seasonal gluttony. ‘Christmas by the Falls’ is held on 3rd and 4th December in the Scotiabank convention Centre, and will give you a Christmas shopping experience like no other! Over 100 vendors will gather under one roof for this themed market, with a huge selection of sumptuous food stalls, handmade gifts and even a Santa’s Grotto.
From 2nd to 4th December, you can also enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas as part of the ‘McFarland Christmas’ tour, over at historic McFarland House. Take a walk around the house, decked out in period festive splendour, whilst sampling homemade Christmas cookies, rich hot chocolate, and moreish mulled apple cider.
Are you heading to Niagara this Christmas?