Niagara Falls is welcoming 2027 with the return of its landmark free outdoor New Year’s Eve concert. On Thursday, December 31, 2026, country star Riley Green will headline a celebration in Queen Victoria Park, joined by The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha. It is the first major outdoor New Year’s Eve concert at the Falls since 2019.
- Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve: At a Glance
- Free New Year’s Eve Concert Returns to Queen Victoria Park
- Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Fireworks: 8 p.m. and Midnight
- Falls Illumination Schedule on New Year’s Eve
- Winter Festival of Lights: A Free New Year’s Eve Experience
- Explore Clifton Hill Before the Concert
- Parking, Walking and Getting to Queen Victoria Park
- More Niagara Falls Events During New Year’s Week
- Tips for a Comfortable New Year’s Eve
- Watch the CCMA New Year’s Eve Special from Home
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Niagara Falls having a New Year’s Eve concert in 2026?
- Who is performing?
- What time does the music start?
- When are New Year’s Eve fireworks?
- What time are the Falls illuminated?
- Is the concert free?
- Where can I watch at home?
- Welcome 2027 in Niagara Falls
Make a day of it: take in the Winter Festival of Lights, enjoy attractions and dinner on Clifton Hill, and watch the Falls sparkle with two special fireworks shows. This guide covers the confirmed concert details, the 8 p.m. and midnight fireworks, Falls illumination hours, parking and practical planning tips.
Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve: At a Glance
| What | Thursday, December 31, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Free outdoor concert | Riley Green, The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha |
| Where | Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario |
| Music start | Expected around 8–8:30 p.m.; final schedule to come |
| Live broadcast | 10:30 p.m. ET on CP24 and Crave |
| Fireworks | 8 p.m. (approximately 5 min) and midnight (9 min) |
| Falls illumination | 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m. |
| Winter Festival of Lights | November 14, 2026–January 10, 2027 |
Free New Year’s Eve Concert Returns to Queen Victoria Park
For the first time in seven years, the city’s signature outdoor concert is returning to the brink of the Falls. Headliner Riley Green, who performed at Niagara Falls’ Misty City Music Festival in 2025, will be joined by Canadian country artists The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha. Organizers say more performers will be announced.
The live entertainment is expected to start between 8 and 8:30 p.m.; the nationally televised 90-minute CCMA New Year’s Eve Special starts at 10:30 p.m. ET and continues through the countdown. The free event is a partnership between the Canadian Country Music Association, Niagara Parks and the City of Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati welcomed the return of a tradition enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Previous concerts typically drew large crowds; the 2019 Bryan Adams show attracted an estimated 50,000 spectators. The last televised edition was in 2014.
Admission: Free. Detailed viewing arrangements, road restrictions and the final performance schedule are still to be announced. Follow the official CCMA New Year’s Eve updates before travelling.
Meet the 2026 New Year’s Eve Performers
Riley Green: The Alabama-born country star is known for “There Was This Girl,” “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” and “you look like you love me.”
Tenille Townes: The Alberta singer-songwriter is celebrated for songs including “Somebody’s Daughter” and “Jersey on the Wall.”
The Reklaws: Ontario siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker bring singalong favourites including “Long Live the Night” and their Sacha collaboration “What the Truck.”
Sacha: The Canadian singer joins the lineup after building momentum with “What the Truck” and her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2025.
Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Fireworks: 8 p.m. and Midnight
There are two scheduled fireworks displays on December 31, 2026. The 8 p.m. show is ideal for families and early-evening visitors; the nine-minute midnight display marks the start of 2027. Both can be viewed from designated public viewpoints near the Falls, subject to crowd controls and weather.
View the original Niagara Falls Instagram post.
| Winter fireworks dates | Schedule |
|---|---|
| November 14–December 12, 2026 | Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. |
| December 18, 2026–January 2, 2027 | Nightly at 8 p.m. |
| December 31, 2026 | 8 p.m. (about 5 min) and midnight (9 min) |
| January 8–9, 2027 | 8 p.m. |
Fireworks are weather dependent. For updates, see Niagara Falls fireworks and the official Winter Festival of Lights schedule.
Falls Illumination Schedule on New Year’s Eve
The American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls are illuminated after dark, providing the backdrop for the concert and fireworks. On December 31, 2026, the published Niagara Parks illumination schedule is 4:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Special-purpose colours may temporarily interrupt the regular sequence.
| Date | Falls illumination |
|---|---|
| November 1–December 31 | 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m. |
| January 1–31 | 5 p.m.–1 a.m. |
During the Winter Festival of Lights, the five-minute Sparkling Winter Lights choreographed illumination is scheduled nightly at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Learn more through Niagara Parks’ official illumination schedule.
Winter Festival of Lights: A Free New Year’s Eve Experience
The Winter Festival of Lights runs from November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Walk through illuminated displays around Queen Victoria Park and the tourism district before or after the concert. Leave time for photographs by the Falls and a warm-up indoors between outdoor activities.
Explore Clifton Hill Before the Concert
Clifton Hill is a short walk from Queen Victoria Park and makes an easy starting point for a New Year’s Eve outing. Enjoy the Niagara SkyWheel’s enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, play at the Great Canadian Midway or Strike Game Zone, or visit Movieland Wax Museum, Ghost Blasters, Wizards Golf and Toy Store 4D. Creepy Castle is another option for groups who like interactive thrills. Hours can vary on holidays, so check individual attractions before visiting.
More Clifton Hill Attractions
For a meal before the show, consider Kelsey’s Clifton Hill or Boston Pizza Clifton Hill. Reserve or arrive early where possible; the concert and holiday crowds may make dinner service busier than usual.
Parking, Walking and Getting to Queen Victoria Park
Arrive early and anticipate busy streets near the Niagara Parkway. The Clifton Hill parking area has more than 700 spaces and is within walking distance of the Falls and Queen Victoria Park. Parking availability, access routes and traffic arrangements may change as event plans are finalized.
Check Niagara Parks and the City of Niagara Falls for event-day road closures. If using public transit, confirm the holiday timetable directly with your operator. Do not count on last year’s rail or bus promotions without checking 2026 availability.
More Niagara Falls Events During New Year’s Week
Niagara Magic Live
Dec. 27 to Dec 30, 2026 & Jan 2nd, 2027.
Hot Chocolate Trail
Nov. 27, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027
Tips for a Comfortable New Year’s Eve
Dress for the waterfront: Niagara River wind and mist can make December nights feel colder. Wear insulated footwear, gloves and layers. Start earlier: allow extra travel and walking time if you want to see the 8 p.m. fireworks and the concert. Plan indoor breaks: stop into a Clifton Hill attraction or restaurant before spending hours outside. Check updates: confirm concert staging, crowd access and any weather-related changes on December 31.
Watch the CCMA New Year’s Eve Special from Home
The 90-minute live television special begins at 10:30 p.m. ET on CP24 and Crave. The CCMA also lists eligible Crave plans and access through a free Bell Media account, with additional coverage from iHeartRadio Canada and PURE Country. The program is planned to be available on Crave on demand afterward. See CCMA event information for viewing details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niagara Falls having a New Year’s Eve concert in 2026?
Yes. The free concert returns to Queen Victoria Park on December 31.
Who is performing?
Riley Green, The Reklaws, Tenille Townes and Sacha; more artists are expected.
What time does the music start?
Around 8–8:30 p.m. is expected; the TV special starts at 10:30 p.m.
When are New Year’s Eve fireworks?
At 8 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting.
What time are the Falls illuminated?
4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on December 31.
Is the concert free?
Yes, general public admission has been announced as free.
Where can I watch at home?
On CP24 and Crave from 10:30 p.m. ET.
Welcome 2027 in Niagara Falls
New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls brings together a free major concert, illuminated waterfalls, winter lights and midnight fireworks. Spend the afternoon exploring Clifton Hill, then make your way to the waterfront for the celebration. Keep this page bookmarked for confirmed details as December 31 approaches.
Official sources: CCMA concert announcement · Winter Festival of Lights and fireworks schedule · Niagara Parks illumination hours.