Tag Archives: Christmas

Christmas Events In Niagara You Don’t Want To Miss

December 12, 2023 ntritchew Leave a comment

Reading Time: 8 minutes -

Welcome to the festive wonderland of Niagara, where the Christmas spirit comes alive in a series of wonderous events! In this season of joy and merriment, Niagara offers many different Christmas celebrations that promise to captivate and create memories to last a lifetime. From dazzling light displays to magical performances, join us as we explore all the amazing Christmas events in Niagara that will make your holiday season truly extraordinary. Get ready to unwrap the magic!

Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights

DATE RANGE: November 18th 2023 to January 7th, 2024

The Niagara Winter Festival of Lights returns this year with animated light installations and amazing projections – all of which will leave you spellbound! The festival literally shines up the entire Niagara Falls destination with its brilliance and dazzles people with its joy.

The Niagara Winter Festival of Lights is FREE and open to everyone! It takes place November 18th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024 along 8 km of the Niagara Parkway and within Queen Victoria Park, Dufferin Islands, and various tourist areas throughout Niagara Falls including: Clifton Hill, the Victoria Centre, Fallsview Boulevard, and Lundy’s Lane. Visitors should come out early and often to catch all the lighting arrangements throughout the festival.

Get Details

Niagara Falls Fireworks

DATE RANGE: November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Celebrate the Holidays with Fireworks at Niagara Falls
The festivities begin with the WFOL Fireworks series launching on November 18th, treating you to dazzling displays every Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00 pm. As the holiday season unfolds, don’t miss the nightly fireworks spectacle from December 22 until the grand finale on January 7, 2024. This winter, seize multiple opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking fireworks illuminating the spectacular Falls.

November: 18, 24-25 at 8:00 pm
December: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-31 at 8:00 pm
December 31 * NYE at 12:00 am
January: 1-7 at 8:00 pm

Get Details

Safari Lights

DATE RANGE: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Safari Lights is a family-friendly, drive-through holiday journey, surrounded by the twinkle of holiday lights. Sing along to Christmas tunes as you cruise through a dazzling landscape. Safari Niagara transforms the outdoor park space into a 3-kilometer, twinkling Christmas landscape with over a million lights. It’s a drive-through light journey, creating a wonderful, warm and safe experience for the young… and the young-at-heart.

Ge t Details

Poinsettia Show at the Floral Showhouse

DATE RANGE: NOV 18, 2023 – JAN 7, 2024 (Closed Dec 25th)

A family holiday tradition for over 65 years featuring poinsettias, cyclamen, azaleas, Christmas cactus and paperwhite narcissus, and many other Christmas surprises.

Open all year long the Floral Showhouse is the perfect tropical oasis to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Collections of orchids, succulents, and other tropical plant species are on display throughout the year that reflect the changing seasons.

Featuring over 1,400 poinsettias along with cyclamen, azaleas and colourful lighting installations.

Get Details

Fallsview Casino’s Christmas On Ice

DATE RANGE: November 24th to December 12th 2023

Christmas Wonderland is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever. The New York style Christmas spectacular is now making its way to Niagara! Complete with glittering costumes, a dazzling cast, your favourite Christmas songs and the highest kicking Chorus Girls this side of the North Pole!

Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic Christmas journey with your favourite songs such as White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bells, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus is coming to town, All I want for Christmas is You and many more…

At OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Thursday, November 24th through Friday, December 12th

Get Details

Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony

DATE: Thursday, November 23rd 2023 8:30pm

“…Sarah Brightman’s ‘A Christmas Symphony’ audibly is an angelic holiday home run! …a voice that is so angelic sounding it literally takes you to a higher power.” –Broadway World

Experience the magic as Brightman, accompanied by an orchestra, choir, and special guests, presents a magical holiday show featuring her timeless classics and greatest hits. Following its international success last year in Japan and Southeast Asia, “A Christmas Symphony” earned standing ovations and glowing reviews, solidifying its status as the ultimate holiday event.

Join Sarah Brightman in welcoming the holiday spirit with “A Christmas Symphony” at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on Thursday, November 23.

G et Details

Niagara Falls Holiday Handmade Market

DATE RANGE: November 17th to November 19th, 2023

Experience a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza at the Holiday Handmade Market. Shop, sip, savor, and enjoy a vibrant blend of offerings from over 200 talented makers. This event promises a delightful mix of crafts, artisanal goodies, and entertainment.

Explore the rich tapestry of handcrafted gifts, ideal for making your holiday season extra special. It’s the perfect place to source unique, locally made items that support your community

Where: Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON.
Hours:
- Friday: 12pm–7pm
- Saturday: 10am–5pm
- Sunday: 11am–5pm
Ticket Price: Adults $10, children under 16 enter free.

Get De tails

Garrison Christmas at Fort George

DATE RANGE: December 9 and 10, 2023, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Come experience early-nineteenth-century Christmas traditions, including crafts, activities, and games for the entire family! Enjoy the gardens and musket demonstrations while seeing Fort George decked in traditional Christmas greenery. Join Parks Canada and the Friends of Fort George for some festive holiday cheer!

December 9 and 10, 2023, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door for regular entry.

Get Details

Balls Falls Winter Solstice Concert

DATE RANGE: Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023

Experience the Magic of Winter at Ball’s Falls!

Mark your calendar for the Winter Solstice Concert on December 20, 2023, featuring the captivating WomEnchant Chorus & Drummers. Hosted by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, this event builds on the success of our 2019 collaboration, promising an enchanting evening amid the beauty of Ball’s Falls as winter unfolds. Nestled in the scenic Glen Elgin Room at the Centre for Conservation, the concert offers breathtaking views of the park, elevating your enjoyment of seasonal songs and drumming. Join us for a heartwarming celebration of music and community spirit as we embrace the new season together. All proceeds from ticket sales, priced at $25 for Adults/Seniors (available online at Showpass), contribute to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation, ensuring the preservation of our natural environment for current and future generations. Families are welcome, with free admission for children 12 and under. Enjoy light refreshments during the concert and engage in the excitement of our Silent Auction. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of winter and support a meaningful cause!

Get Details

McFarland House Heritage Christmas

DATE RANGE: December 9 – 10, 2023 · 10 am – 4 pm

Step back into the charm of a 19th-century Christmas at McFarland House, where the Garden Club of Niagara brings the era to life with authentic decorations! Get ready for Victorian crafts, carols, and delightful refreshments that will whisk you away to a bygone time at one of Niagara’s most cherished historical sites.

This unique experience comes as an added treat with your regular entry to McFarland House.

McFarland House, a living legacy standing tall for over two centuries, reflects Niagara-on-the-Lake’s enduring grace, refined taste, and hospitable living. Constructed in the early 1800s by Scotsman John McFarland, the house played a pivotal role as a military hospital during the War of 1812, serving both American and British forces. Today, the house is brought to life by costumed interpreters offering guided tours, while various events throughout the year add to its vibrant history.

Get D etai ls

Grimsby Fantasy Of Trees

DATE RANGE: November 23 to Sunday, December 3, 2023

Experience the joy of Christmas with your family and friends by heading to the Grimsby Museum during our event dates to see dozens of decorated seasonal trees, wreaths and prizes. If you’d like to win the displayed items to take home in early-December, you can purchase raffle tickets or bid on our online auction.

As always admission and entrance to our magical event is FREE. Don’t forget to visit the Museum’s own gift shop while you’re there.

All the proceeds from the 2023 event go to 11 local registered charities.

Get Details

Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade

DATE: Saturday November 18, 2023 @ 3:30pm

Parade commences at 3:30 p.m., followed by tree lighting, live entertainment, and a meet & greet with Santa at City Hall starting at 5:30 p.m.

The City of Niagara Falls shared details today for the 2023 Santa Claus Parade, presented by Ontario Power Generation, to take place on Saturday, November 18th.

More than 50 community groups, bands, floats, characters, performers and, of course, Santa Claus, will be participating in this year’s parade. See below for the official route. The parade will run rain or shine.

Get Details

The Ultimate Christmas Village in Niagara-on-the-Lake

DATES: December 1st to January 29th, 2023

Dive into the enchanting realm of the beloved Dickens classic at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Ultimate Christmas Village. From December to January, this unique “village” offers a blend of activities crafted for adults, kids, and the whole family. Experience the magical metamorphosis of Niagara-on-the-Lake with festive decorations, holiday joy, and everything you could wish for this Christmas season.

Get Det ails

Other Amazing Christmas Activities

Give the Gift of Fun, Get Fun Passes at Costco!

Stop by a Costco Warehouse to get a great deal on our Clifton Hill Fun Pass! Costco Fun Passes can be used directly at any of the Clifton Hill attractions listed on the card! They are an awesome deal for your next Niagara vacation or could be an amazing winter holiday gift for all your friends and family.

**Costco Price:** Adult is **$27.99+HST** and for Children it is **$17.99+HST**

Deals, Family, Food, Packages, Shopping

Spread Holiday Joy with The Fudge Factory’s Festive Gift Baskets!

November 28, 2023 ntritchew Leave a comment

Reading Time: 2 minutes -

There’s no better way to spread joy during the holiday season than with a thoughtfully designed gourmet food gift basket. At The Fudge Factory in Niagara Falls, we love creating Christmas gift baskets for your loved ones to enjoy. Explore our options below and embark on a delicious journey of sweet gifting.

Don’t miss our current holiday additions, including the “Festive Box” and “Festive Round” gift baskets that capture the essence of the winter holiday season. This Christmas, make The Fudge Factory your go-to destination for spreading joy through the delightful art of gifting.

Holiday Gift Basket Options

Festive Box: Gift Basket- $110 + tax

Beer nut peanuts
Beer nut almonds
Chocolate almond bark
Rice Krispie dipped in chocolate
Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate – 2 packages
Cookie pops dipped in chocolate – 2 packages
Salt water taffy tube large assorted flavours
Sour Soothers dipped in chocolate 4pc – 2 packages
Fudge – 2 boxes / 2lbs (decadent chocolate, maple, Oreo, and terrific turtle)

Important Details:

Require 1 week notice to order (No orders after January 7th, 2024)
Standard or seasonal packaging (Christmas) available

Festive Round: Gift Basket – $150 + tax

Beer nut peanut – 2 packages
Beer nut almond – 2 packages
Chocolate almond bark assorted – 3 packages
Rice Krispie dipped in chocolate
Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate – 2 packages
Licorice dipped in chocolate
Cookie pops dipped in chocolate – 2 packages
Salt water taffy tube large assorted flavours
Sour soothers dipped in chocolate 4pc – 2 packages
Fudge – 2 boxes / 2lbs (decadent chocolate, maple, Oreo, and terrific turtle)
Assorted candies

Important Details:

Require 1 week notice to order (No orders after January 7th, 2024)
Standard or seasonal packaging (Christmas) available

Gift Basket Order Inquiry:

Make your gift truly memorable by ordering a gift today from The Fudge Factory. Let the flavors of our delectable offerings speak volumes about how much your special people mean to you. Share quality moments over good food, creating lasting memories that will be cherished.

Address: 4848 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4

News

Tips on How to Host a Stress-Free Christmas Party

December 23, 2014 clynn Leave a comment

Reading Time: 4 minutes -Is it your turn to host a Christmas party this year? Here are some tips on how to host a stress-free holiday party — especially if this is your first time doing it.
#1: Have a theme
I find this is a simple, but overlooked aspect of planning a Christmas party. Having a theme actually allows the whole party to fall into place without causing confusion and headache later. For example, will you be planning a sit-down dinner or a buffet-style atmosphere? Having this crossed off your checklist first will determine how casual or fancy you wish to go.
Do you want to use silverware, or plastic forks, knives and spoons?
Do you want to make a turkey or a crock pot favourite?
Do you dress up, or dress down?
Will you prepare all the food yourself, or ask everyone to bring along a dish or baked goods?
Having a theme will also determine the mood of the party. Obviously an “ugly sweater” Christmas party will be a casual, fun, laid-back atmosphere. So have an idea on Christmas games to play afterwards (i.e. see these awesome “Minute to Win it” game ideas for Christmas).
Party theme ideas:

#2: Know how to properly set a table
If you are planning a casual buffet, who cares? — just have the cutlery on hand, but if you are doing a traditional dinner and you are unsure on how to “properly” set a table, check out the graph below:

When you are sure that you have this part figured out, be sure to know how to creatively decorate the table to make it appealing to the eye and holiday festive. See our Pinterest board: Christmas Gift Ideas/Decorations for some great holiday table decorating ideas!
#3: Prepare a menu ahead of time based on your guests likes/dislikes
This isn’t so important if you are asking each guest to bring along a dish to the party — there will then be enough variety to go around, plus you will already know that they like based on that they brought it along themselves. However, if you plan on going fancy, there is nothing wrong with asking your guests their likes/dislikes/allergies and sensitivities in advance. Whether this be a section on an invitation to send back, or via a phone call or quick email. For example, be sure to have some vegetarian options or (if you can) prepare more than just one type of meat.
Also, save yourself some cooking stress by preparing appetizers well in advance. This will save you time and energy the day of the Christmas party. Here are some suggestions of some great freezable appetizers:
Cheese and crackers. Click here for a great Christmas cheeseball recipe.
Crab Cakes. Click here for Martha Stewart’s recipe.
Ravioli Bites, Sausage Balls, Crab Wedges. Click here for information on preparing all three of these.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Click here for the recipe.
On foods that you can, try to have most of it prepped ahead of time. Any foods that you have to make the day of the party, have the food prep done the evening before (i.e. onions diced).
#4: Clean your house!
Another reason to do as much food preparing the day before is because you will need to set aside time to tidy-up. Unless you can delegate certain tasks to your spouse or kids for assistance, you will definitely need adequate time to vacuum, mop up and organize and pick up toys (if you have kids). Make sure your bathroom is spic and span and the seats are pet hair free!
#5: Gift exchange
What’s Christmas without giving — and of course receiving something special? If you decide to have a gift exchange, it’s a good idea to set aside a budget for everyone to follow. This will avoid any uncomfortable issues or embarrassment if you feel your gift doesn’t compare to the extravagance of another. After you have established that, there are many different “types” of gift exchanges that you can take part in:
Secret Santa:
Probably the most popular method of gift exchanging, you draw each other’s names out of a hat. Without revealing who drew whom, each must get their assigned giftee a present and give it to them “secretly.”
White Elephant Gift Swap:
You will need approximately 4-6 people. This is meant to be a laugh. Each brings something completely useless you had lying around at home. All gifts are placed in a central area where all participants can see them. Then, everyone draws a number to decide the order in which they’ll select gifts. The lucky individual who draws number one chooses the first gift and opens it. Number Two can choose either to open another gift, or steal Number One’s gift. Number Three gets to open anew or steal from Two or One, and so forth. The game ends after the last gift is opened.
Cobweb Party:
Yarn is attached to presents around the room — the yarn is weaved in and out of furniture etc. You pick an end to the yarn and follow it until you reach the gift its attached to.
#6: Decorate the house
Get into the holiday spirit and create the mood by decorating your house for your event. Add your own special touch by personalizing it, or decorating based on your “theme”. Deck the bannister, have on display holiday lanterns and candles, deck out your fireplace mantle, add holiday colours to napkins, seat covers and centerpieces, and don’t forget the exterior of the house! Have out your wreath, Christmas lights on, and even decorate a bird bath if you have one. Obviously, have your tree visible and nicely decorated.
Check out this video for some Christmas party decorating ideas:

Lastly, relax and have fun with your Christmas party! Play some Christmas music and take a breather. When you are relaxed, your guests will naturally enjoy themselves a lot more.
Check out our two boards on our Clifton Hill Pinterest account for any further information on anything I mentioned, plus many more additional Christmas-inspired posts: Holiday Recipes & Christmas Gift Ideas/Decorations.
Have a very Merry Christmas!