Looking to brighten up the quiet winter season? The answer is the 43rd annual Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls. Running from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the entire area becomes a breathtaking world of light and color.
- Festival Highlights and New Attractions
- Laser Light Spectacular
- Illumination Feature: Sparkling Winter Lights
- Fireworks at the Winter Festival of Lights
- Interactive & Immersive Exhibits Throughout the Festival
- Misty Lodge and the Misty Kids®
- The Mascots
- Free Santa Photos at the Skylon Tower
- Clifton Hill: A Festival of Lights Favorite
- WFOL Display Map
- Nearby Attractions
- Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail 2025–2026
- Why not make a night of it?
- Festival Of Lights Parking
- A Bit of Local History
- Winter Festival Of Lights Sponsers
Join us for a favorite local tradition by journeying from Clifton Hill along the stunning Niagara Parkway. As day turns to night, watch the world light up—millions of tiny bulbs outline the trees, creating a dazzling, glittering scene. This magical stroll is the perfect way to feel the cozy charm of the season, offering a warm and wonderful escape all winter long.
Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
This winter festival started back when leg warmers were cool, in 1982. It’s wild to think how it’s grown from a small local event into this massive, heartwarming spectacle. We think that’s why people keep coming back. You see grandparents pointing out displays to their grandkids, sharing the same wonder they felt years ago.
Festival Highlights and New Attractions
Laser Light Spectacular
Don’t miss the new Laser Light Spectacular. Forget what you think a laser show is—this one in Queen Victoria Park is different. They’ve got the lasers synced to music that actually gives you chills, painting the sky right above you. It’s free, which is amazing. You can see it Fridays and Saturdays until December 20th, and then every single night between Christmas and January 4th. Shows pop off every half hour from 6 to 9 PM.
Show Dates, Times & Where to Watch
Show Dates
- Fridays & Saturdays from Nov 15 – Dec 20
- Nightly from Dec 26 – Jan 4
Showtimes
6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm, 9:00pm
Laser Show Location
The show runs in Queen Victoria Park, right along the Niagara Parkway at the base of Murray Street.
No tickets are required.
Illumination Feature: Sparkling Winter Lights
The real showstopper continues to be the Falls. The “Sparkling Winter Lights” turn all that roaring water into a moving painting. One minute it’s shimmering with icy blues, the next it’s swirling with colors from a northern lights dream. It’s one of those things that just makes you stop and enjoy.
This signature lighting show offers consistent evening entertainment throughout the festival period from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026, giving visitors a fun opportunity to enjoy this unforgettable display on multiple nights.
Fireworks at the Winter Festival of Lights
There’s something about seeing world-class fireworks explode over the frozen gorge that never gets old. They’re set off at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and then every night from December 25th onward. For New Year’s Eve, they do a double header—one at 8 p.m. and a massive one at midnight to bring in the new year with a bang.
Fireworks Schedule:
- November: 15, 21-22, 28-29 at 8:00 pm
- December: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 25s-31 at 8:00 pm
- New Year’s Eve (Dec 31): 8pm & Midnight
- January: 1-4 at 8:00 pm
The fireworks show lasts for 5 minutes during The Niagara Falls Summer Fireworks Series and The Winter Festival of Lights Fireworks.
Which holidays have extended fireworks shows?
The show is extended to nine minutes on Canada Day (July 1), Independence Day (July 4), and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31).
Is the fireworks show free?
The fireworks show is free to watch. If you view it from a paid attraction, you’ll need to pay to access the attraction.
Interactive & Immersive Exhibits Throughout the Festival
This year’s festival features a collection of installations designed to be experienced up close. Many of them respond to touch, sound, or movement, giving visitors a chance to take part in the artwork rather than simply observe it. Each one has its own personality and creative vision, and exploring them is half the fun.
Radiant
Radiant feels almost alive. The installation uses shifting colours and organic shapes that appear to grow and transform as you walk around it. Thanks to carefully designed volumetric lighting, the artwork seems to stretch beyond its physical boundaries, creating a sense of depth and motion.
The piece was created by Rob Jensen and the Radiant Team, working alongside Serge Maheu and Init, and produced through Zamboom LLC, Multicolore, and Init, with support from Creos.
Light Anemones
During the day, the Light Anemones quietly reflect sunlight with shimmering mirrors that shift and scatter colour. But as soon as night falls, the sculptures reveal another layer—rotating beams of light that flow across the surfaces and interact with the space around them. People walking nearby become part of the artwork, reflected and refracted in unexpected ways.
Designed by artist Malte Kebbel and distributed by the Wireframe Public Art Agency.
Roseaux
At first glance, Roseaux looks like a field of tall reeds glowing in soft light. When you step on the sensors at their base, the entire piece comes alive. Colours race up each stem, creating a playful competition between visitors. The soundscape adds to the energy, building a rhythm that makes the whole installation feel like a living organism.
Created by 1ToMn with UDO Design and Serge Maheu, co-produced by Init and 1ToMn, and tour produced by Creos.
Impulse
Impulse is built around play and sound. Visitors trigger light and musical responses that shift between calm pulses and more energetic bursts. The result is different every time, depending on who interacts with it and how long they linger.
Created by Lateral Office and CS Design, with sound by Mitchell Akiyama.
Cosmic Wolf
The Cosmic Wolf installation blends storytelling, reflection, and light in a single sculpture. As you approach, the wolf’s surface shifts with subtle colours and cosmic textures. Looking inside reveals another layer entirely—a symbolic space that invites people to slow down, reflect, and search for meaning in the imagery.
Created by artist Ryan Longo.
Poetry Hut
The Poetry Hut pairs digital art with visitor-generated creativity. Guests are asked a simple question—“What does your dream world look like?”—and then enter three words that inspire a custom poem and surreal image. These appear in the hut’s windows, giving each person a small, personal moment of creation.
Nearby screens collect words submitted by others, forming a drifting cloud of shared thoughts and dream fragments.
The installation team includes Artistic Director Bernard Duguay; Designer André Bazinet; Manager/Producer Juliette van Gaalen; Programmers Maxime Giraudeau and Maude Auberson-Lavoie; and fabricators at Jack World and Club Etabli.
Misty Lodge and the Misty Kids®
If you’ve got little ones in tow, make a beeline for the Misty Lodge in Queen Victoria Park on a Friday or Saturday night (from 6-9 PM). That’s where you’ll find the Misty Kids, the festival’s friendly mascots, ready for photos and fun. The glowing playground there is a total kid-magnet.
Misty Lodge Schedule
Fridays & Saturdays from 6–9 PM in Queen Victoria Park
Along with meeting the mascots, visitors can enjoy illuminated swings, glowing teeter-totters, fireworks on select nights, and the new Laser Light Spectacular.
The Mascots
Cool Cat
A music fan who loves anything with a beat—especially drums and guitar.
Chilly Dog
A snow-loving character who embraces winter sports and never shies away from a hockey game.
Crystal Bunny
Soft-spoken and endlessly enthusiastic about anything pink—from ribbons to fireworks.
Furry & Flake
The playful duo of the group, known for their mischievous energy and big personalities.
Thank you to our Misty Kids mascot sponsor: Cogeco – YourTV Niagara
Free Santa Photos at the Skylon Tower
Don’t forget to get your free photo with Santa. He’ll be at the Skylon Tower arcade on a few weekends in December (the 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th from 6-8 PM). It’s the perfect, no-fuss holiday memory.
- December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 from 6-8pm at the Skylon Tower
- Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Clifton Hill: A Festival of Lights Favorite
Clifton Hill always has that bright, electric energy, but when the Winter Festival of Lights rolls in, it’s like the whole place gets a double dose of magic. They layer in these incredible light displays that just take your breath away. We love the way they’ve strung warm white lights through the trees—it looks almost like soft Spanish moss, creating this incredibly cozy and enchanting vibe.
Finding Your Way to the Fun
Coming into the district from Victoria Ave. and Ferry St.? You’ll be welcomed by a series of glowing arches—it’s the perfect start to the experience. And don’t just rush past the corner of Victoria and Clifton Hill! It’s a real hotspot with some of the most vibrant displays around, guaranteed to light up your night and your photos.
Clifton Hill Light Displays and Festival Favorites
You’ll stumble upon all the classic displays: the spinning spiral trees, the giant LOVE sign perfect for an Instagram snap, and those cute moose everyone loves.
Down at the bottom of the hill, the Oakes Garden Theatre is a real standout. You’ll find these beautifully lit spiral trees and subtle accent lighting that gives the whole area a warm, festive glow.
Catch other “must-see” light displays near Clifton Hill, including:
- Zimmerman Fountain Display in Queen Victoria Park
- Oakes Garden Theatre
- Spiral Trees
- Spanish Moss Tree
- Rainbow Display Queen Victoria Park
- LOVE Display at Grandview Plaza
- Heart Bench On the Niagara Parkway
- Queen Victoria Park’s Path of Trees
- Swans on the Pond North of Niagara Parks Police Station
- Angels Near Niagara Parks Police Station
- Moose Adult on Niagara Parkway
WFOL Display Map
Nearby Attractions
The best way to experience it is to just start walking. Dive into Clifton Hill—the energy is contagious, with all those warm white lights strung up everywhere.
When your toes start getting cold, that’s your signal to duck into a patio with heat lamps or a cozy restaurant to warm up with some comfort food.
When it’s time to dine, there are plenty of great restaurant options, including Kelsey’s and Boston Pizza on Clifton Hill. Warm up with a hearty meal after exploring the lights and attractions.
Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail 2025–2026
30 Locations. 50+ Hot Chocolates.
November 28, 2025 – February 1, 2026
Warm up this winter with a sweet adventure! The Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail is back—featuring 30 cozy stops and 50+ creative, indulgent, and festive hot chocolates. From rich classics to bold seasonal blends, every stop serves a signature treat. Some even offer spirited versions for adults looking to add a little extra holiday cheer.
Why not make a night of it?
Discover your perfect home base in the heart of Niagara Falls’ vibrant Clifton Hill. Our inviting hotels place you right in the center of the action, where you’re just steps away from thrilling attractions, unique shops, and unforgettable dining. It’s the ideal launchpad for a fun-filled family adventure or a cozy romantic retreat.
Festival Of Lights Parking
Parking Made Easy: You won’t have to worry about parking. There’s a huge lot just off Clifton Hill that stretches toward the Skylon Tower. It puts you within easy walking distance of all the major attractions and light displays, which is a lifesaver on a chilly night.
A Bit of Local History
It’s pretty cool to think this all started back in 1982. Local businesses, the city, and tourism folks got together with a simple goal: to get people to visit Niagara Falls in the winter. That first year was humble, with just a few displays near the Falls, but it pulled in a quarter of a million people! It quickly caught on, growing bigger and brighter each year until it became the beloved winter tradition we know today.
Read more about the history of Niagara Falls’ Festival of Lights
Winter Festival Of Lights Sponsers
The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is brought to you by:
