The Winter Festival of Lights has become a beloved tradition in Niagara Falls, attracting millions of visitors each year. But how much do you know about its origins?
Early Beginnings in Niagara Falls, New York
The story of the festival dates back to 1980, when it began as the “Festival of Lights” on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. Lasting 44 days, it was a community-driven event supported by sponsorship from the local tourism industry and countless volunteers.
Highlights included a nine-story “OxyLights” display synchronized to Christmas music, the illumination of the Nabisco silos as the “Nabisco Fantasy of Lights,” and thousands of lights strung along Old Falls Street and Lackey Plaza. Indoor attractions featured animated displays covering 15,000 square feet in the Niagara Falls Convention Center and Carborundum Center.
Despite its charm, the U.S. Festival of Lights faced financial challenges and ended in 2004 due to insufficient sponsorship funding.
A New Beginning in Niagara Falls, Ontario
During its inaugural year, the Festival featured a modest collection of lighting displays near the Falls, drawing approximately 250,000 visitors. Encouraged by its success, the event expanded annually, becoming a cherished winter tradition for families and friends.
Recognizing the potential for a major tourist draw, Niagara Falls, Ontario, introduced its own version of the event in 1983, initially called the “Festival of Lights” before rebranding to the “Winter Festival of Lights” in 1985. This collaboration between the Niagara Falls Canada Visitor and Convention Bureau, the City of Niagara Falls, and the Niagara Parks Commission debuted with a modest $18,000 budget. In its first year, it welcomed 250,000 visitors and 35 motor coaches.
Today, the festival is in its 42nd year and draws over 1 million annual visitors, along with 750 motor coaches.
Memorable Milestones
- Disney Partnership (1992-2013): In 1992, the Festival introduced the “Enchantment of Disney,” a partnership with Disney that brought over 20 animated displays of classic Disney characters to Queen Victoria Park. These displays, along with opening ceremonies featuring Disney characters, delighted visitors for more than two decades before being discontinued in 2013 when Disney restricted character appearances to its theme parks.
- Night Parade of Lights (1998-2006): For nearly a decade, the festival featured a weekly parade with illuminated floats. In 2006, funds were reallocated to enhance park lighting and displays.
- Sponsor Contributions: Over the years, sponsors like CAA (2010-2012) and Ontario Power Generation (2013 to 2019) have helped elevate the festival.
Over the years, the Festival embraced new themes and experiences, including Korean lantern displays, artistic installations, and interactive light features. In 2020, the Festival doubled its inventory of displays, and in 2021, it extended its duration from 54 nights to 101, offering more opportunities for visitors to experience its magic.
Today’s Winter Festival of Lights
Today, the Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a dazzling wonderland of color and light from mid-November through early January. Stretching along the Niagara Parkway from Dufferin Islands to tourist districts like Fallsview Boulevard and Lundy’s Lane, the Festival features millions of lights, larger-than-life displays, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Highlights include over 50 massive displays, such as Canadian wildlife scenes, the towering two-storey Zimmerman Fountain, a 40-foot light tunnel, and an illuminated castle. Many trees along the Niagara Parkway are wrapped in vibrant lights, creating a picturesque setting that enhances the festive atmosphere.
The Festival is organized by Niagara Falls Tourism in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Tourism Partnership of Niagara, the Niagara Parks Commission, and local Business Improvement Areas. Corporate sponsors, including Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation, the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, Ontario Power Generation, and Cogeco, provide additional support to make the Festival a reality.
Land Acknowledgement
Niagara Falls Tourism and the Winter Festival of Lights respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. These lands, covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement, are home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities today. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the region’s history and the ongoing relationship with Indigenous peoples whose resources and friendship contribute to our standard of living.
Awards and Recognition
The Winter Festival of Lights has received numerous accolades over the years, including:
- Event of the Year
- Top Festival/Event in Ontario
- Best Volunteer Program
- Most Innovative Partnership
- Events of Distinction Award from Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO)
The American Bus Association (ABA) has also recognized the Festival as one of its Top 100 Internationally Known Events. These awards reflect the Festival’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and fostering community pride.
The Winter Festival of Lights continues to enchant visitors with its vibrant displays and festive spirit, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Niagara Falls’ winter tourism season.