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.

The post History of the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Canada appeared first on Niagara Falls Blog.

Embrace the Magic of 3.5 Million Lights and 75 Spectacular Displays!

Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025

42 Years of Celebration! Make the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights Your Winter Tradition

This year, Niagara Falls proudly unveils the 42nd Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights—a dazzling celebration featuring 3.5 million lights and over 75 displays that transform Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland. Spanning the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and popular tourist areas, the festival invites visitors to explore an expanded winter landscape that highlights Niagara Falls as a premier seasonal destination. The festival runs from November 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025, delivering a mesmerizing experience that promises to leave lasting memories.

Festival Highlights and New Attractions

The Winter Festival of Lights also welcomes several new large-scale art installations by internationally acclaimed artists. These light-based artworks offer interactive, immersive experiences that are sure to delight visitors of all ages:

• The TUNNEL by BIG ART: A magnificent 100-ft walkthrough installation, The TUNNEL’s polished surface reflects Niagara’s cityscape and illuminates its surroundings with a brilliant beacon of light.

• Cycle by Serge Maheu: Powered by Creos, Cycle is an interactive installation inspired by the sun and moon, with shifting intensities and colors that respond to movement, creating a vibrant and dynamic light show.

• Entre les rangs by KANVA Architecture: This urban sensory stroll covers an open space with flexible white stems topped with reflectors, mirroring the rhythm and motion of the city and engaging visitors with an ever-changing landscape.

• Les Diamants by Perséides studio: Featuring thousands of diamond-like structures, this installation, co-produced by QDS International and various Canadian cultural centers, presents a sparkling, crystalline design that enhances the winter atmosphere.

• Musical Bikes by Atracktiv: These stationary bikes form a music band of sorts, in which each bike is linked to an instrument’s track. In order to make the song whole, collaboration is essential between the cyclists to ensure all tracks play in harmony.

• A variety of songs and musical genres: QR codes allow participants to choose their song and to see their cycling distance and speed with data collection.

Opening Event and Niagara Parks Programming

The festival kicks off on November 16, 2024, with an exciting opening event similar to last year’s celebration. Additional entertainment and special programming will take place every weekend through December 1 at Queen Victoria Park, making the start of the season especially vibrant.

Sparkling Winter Lights at Niagara Falls

Experience the pinnacle of the Winter Festival of Lights with the Sparkling Winter Lights Falls Illumination, a mesmerizing, choreographed lighting sequence that transforms the Canadian side of Niagara Falls into an integral feature of this annual celebration. This unique illumination blends vibrant colors and intricate light patterns, creating a breathtaking visual showcase against the iconic falls.

Key Programming Details:

• Schedule: At the top of every hour, catch these dazzling presentations at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM
• Duration: 5-minute specialized illumination sequence

This signature lighting show offers consistent evening entertainment throughout the festival period from November 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025, giving visitors a structured opportunity to enjoy this unforgettable display on multiple nights.

The Sparkling Winter Lights Falls Illumination is a perfect complement to the other Festival of Lights attractions, making Niagara Falls shine as one of the most luminous winter destinations in the world.

Fireworks at the Winter Festival of Lights

Fireworks over Niagara Falls are a highlight of the festival. The dazzling fireworks display starts on November 16 and continues every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm. For holiday visitors, there will be nightly fireworks shows from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Don’t miss the special New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight to ring in 2025!

Fireworks Schedule:

• November: 16, 22-23, 29-30 at 8:00 pm
• December: 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-31 at 8:00 pm
• New Year’s Eve (Dec 31): Midnight
• January: 1-5 at 8:00 pm

Introducing Misty Lodge and the Misty Kids®

Meet the Misty Kids®, the Winter Festival of Lights goodwill ambassadors, at the Misty Lodge in Queen Victoria Park every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Kids and families alike are invited to take photos, say hello, and create holiday memories with these lovable characters.

Hot Chocolate Trail: Naughty or Nice

The Hot Chocolate Trail offers a delectable winter experience with 25 stops and 36 unique flavors of hot chocolate. This self-guided trail supports local businesses and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the area with each cup. Whether you’re in the mood for a “Naughty” (alcoholic) or “Nice” (non-alcoholic) flavor, this trail offers a delicious way to extend your Winter Festival of Lights adventure.

Free Santa Photos at the Floral Showhouse

Make sure to visit Santa Claus at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse in December! Sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, the Santa Meet & Greet includes complimentary digital photos on the following dates:

• December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21
• Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join us this winter to celebrate the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights and enjoy the magic that 3.5 million lights bring to this world-famous destination!

Clifton Hill: A Festival of Lights Favorite

Clifton Hill is generally lit up year-round, but during the Winter Festival of Lights, the area is further transformed by stunning light displays. Warm white lights drape from trees like Spanish Moss, creating a cozy, enchanting atmosphere. At the bottom of Clifton Hill in Oakes Garden Theatre, visitors will discover beautifully lit spiral trees and bright accent lighting, adding a festive glow to this popular area.

Visitors entering the district from Victoria Ave. and Ferry St. will be greeted by glowing arches marking the entrance to Clifton Hill. The corner of Victoria Ave. and Clifton Hill is a must-see spot, with vibrant displays to light up the night.

Clifton Hill Light Displays and Festival Favorites

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
• JOY on the Niagara Parkway
• Skylon Path Area (South of Clifton Hill)
  • Cycle: Cycle was created by Serge Maheu and is powered by Creos.
  • Kilkenny Bear: Walkway from Murray St to Robinson St
  • Tree Lighting Along City Path
  • Gingerbread Family Along City Path
  • Snowflakes & Stars Along City Path
  • Waterloo: Walkway from Murray St to Robinson St
  • Reindeer: Walkway from Murray St to Robinson St
  • Reindeer & Stars At Skylon Tower
  • Frosty Frame & Candy Canes At Skylon Tower
• Niagara Parkway South of Clifton Hill
  • The TUNNEL, a BIG ART Work, Tour Produced by Creos.s.
  • Teeter-totters on Queen Victoria Park
  • PLAY Display Queen Victoria Place
  • Pathway of Lights: Queen Victoria Park at Bottom of Murray Street

WFOL Display Map

Clifton Hill offers a variety of year round activities to complement your Winter Festival of Lights experience. Take a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel for a panoramic view of the illuminated Falls, or enjoy fun indoor attractions like Zombie Attack or the Great Canadian Midway.

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.

Festival Of Lights Parking

There is plenty of parking just off of Clifton Hill that extends to the Skylon Tower. Easily accessible to all attractions and viewing the incredible light displays.

For directions to this parking lot, click the image below:

A Magical Winter Tradition

Since its founding in 1982, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights has become a winter tradition for over a million visitors annually. With millions of lights, spectacular displays, and entertainment for all ages, the festival offers a truly magical winter getaway.

Plan Your Visit

• Festival Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Key Events: Sparkling Winter Lights Illumination, Fireworks, Hot Chocolate Trail, Santa Meet & Greet
• Nearby Attractions: Clifton Hill, Niagara SkyWheel, Great Canadian Midway
• Nearby Restaurants: Kelsey’s, Boston Pizza, Tim Hortons

Join us in Niagara Falls this winter for the Winter Festival of Lights, where the magic of the season comes to life through brilliant illuminations, festive activities, and unforgettable memories.

About the Festival

Enjoy the most popular Illumination Festival in Canada in Niagara Falls as we capture the winter’s magic.

In 1982, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights was established. With over 1 million annual visitors, we are today delighted to be the largest lighting festival in Canada and the most prestigious in all of North America.

Recognition

The Winter Festival of Lights has grown into one of North America’s largest and most recognized holiday light shows, attracting millions of visitors annually and  hundreds of motor coach tours each year.

Numerous honours from the event and tourist industries have been given to the Festival, including the prestigious Events of Distinction Award from Festivals and Events Ontario, Best Volunteer Program, Top Festival/Event in Ontario, and Most Innovative Partnership (FEO). Additionally, the Winter Festival of Lights has long been acknowledged by the American Bus Association (ABA) as one of its Top 100 Internationally Recognized Events.

Each year the festival is committed to keeping the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights: family friendly, free to attend and open to everyone. So bundle up and celebrate the power of light and community!

History

The Niagara Falls Canada Visitor and Convention Bureau, now known as Niagara Falls Tourism, the City of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Commission, and a number of private businesses in the Niagara Falls tourism industry joined forces to create the Winter Festival of Lights in 1982.

The Festival was started as an effort to lengthen Niagara Falls’ summer-only tourist season, which had existed for more than a century. The Festival’s initial season featured a modest assortment of lights displays close to the Falls that attracted a respectable 250,000 visitors. A trip to Niagara Falls became rapidly a yearly winter tradition for family and friends as the Festival displays evolved and audience sizes increased each year.

The post Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls Update appeared first on Niagara Falls Blog.

The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights invites you to join them as they kick-off the 2019-2020 season on Saturday, November 16th, 2019!

The family friendly Opening Ceremonies of the WFOL will take place in  Queen Victoria Park just steps from Niagara Falls’ brink where Murray Street meets the Niagara Parkway just steps from the Falls.

The Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Festival of Lights will officially kick off at 3:00 pm and run until 8:00 pm with fireworks launching at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Come out to enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, interactive displays and special guests over the course of the event. Children’s entertainment will include a performance by magician Greg Frewin, cast members from Oh Canada Eh? and Belle & the Beast by Linus Hand Productions.  The flip-the-switch ceremony is to start at 7:30 pm with greetings from dignitaries and a visit by Santa Claus.

Opening Ceremonies Fireworks:
Saturday, November 16th – WFOL Opening Ceremonies fireworks at approximately 8:00PM & 10:00PM

Full Opening Ceremony Schedule:
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Niagara Face Painting, Food Trucks, Tim Horton’s Coffee Truck, Home Depot Kids Workshop, RBC Experience (Photo booth, Kids colouring sheets, Leo the Lion, Plinko game & Canadian Olympians meet & greet), Life-sized games (Chess, X’s & O’s), Impulse illuminated See-Saws, Character Meet & Greets with Peppa the Pig, PJ Masks and appearances by WFOL’s very own Misty Kids!

Opening Ceremonies will feature performances by:

• Cast members of Oh Canada Eh? at 4:00 PM
• Niagara Star Singers at 4:45 PM
• Elsa, Anna & Rapunzel in partnership with Linus Hand Productions at 5:00 PM
• Spiderman, Captain America, Captain Marvel photos and Meet & Greet 5:00 – 7:00PM
• International Grand Champion of Magic Greg Frewin at 6:00 PM
• The Niagara Ballet at 7:00 PM

Flip-the-Switch Ceremony – 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
8:00 PM – Grand finale firework show synchronized to music

WFOL Opening Ceremony FAQ’s

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Reading Time:  3 minutes -Here is a list of some events not to be missed this Winter in Niagara Falls.

 1. Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights

The Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s premiere illumination festival, and has received a number of awards including being named one of the Top 100 Festivals on Ontario, Sponsor of the Year, Best Volunteer Program, Most Innovative Partnership, and the prestigious Events of Distinction Award from Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO). The American Bus Association has long recognized the OPG Winter Festival of Lights as one of its Top 100 internationally Known Events from 2005-2015.

There are many new additions this year, including a 3-D woolly mammoth light display. The mammoth display is part of the Canadian wildlife light displays at Dufferin Islands. This year’s festival will feature 400,000 lights in Dufferin Islands alone (an increase of last year’s 340,000).

Also new this year is the Deck the Falls walking tours along Fallsview Blvd., and other selected venues. One of the much-anticipated additions, Deck the Falls is a self-guided walking tour that allows visitors to admire Niagara’s finest hotel lobbies decorated in their holiday best. Attendees can take in the giant Lite Brite, listen to live musical performances and sample some holiday appetizers along the way.

For more information on everything fabulous this year please visit www.wfol.com 

*When: November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017*

2. Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade

The 2016 Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade is a can’t miss family event that happens this year on Saturday, November 19th.

This year’s Parade will feature 12 marching bands, Superheroes, Stilt Walkers, and so much more!

The Parade Route begins at 11:00 am on Victoria Avenue at Armoury Street, and travels north along Victoria Avenue, turning right onto Valley Way, right onto Queen Street, and then ends just past the Niagara Falls City Hall.

During the Parade:

*The Salvation Army will be giving away free Hot Chocolate at the Roseberg Family Park.

*Free face painting, balloons. and caricatures at City Hall.

*Canada Post will be collecting letter to Santa long the parade route — so have them ready!

*Project SHARE will collect food donations along the route.

After the Parade:

*Meet and Greet with Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus.

*283 Performing Arts Company will provide entertainment.

*Zoosemobile and Kobbler Jay will be there.

For more information please visit www.niagarafalls.ca

*When: Saturday, November 19th, 2016 at 11:00 am*

3. Niagara Icewine Festival 

For three weekends in January, the Niagara Region is transformed into a wintry wonderland, celebrating one of Canada’s most cherished products – Ontario Icewine.

From Gala evening toasts to chestnut roasts, ornate ice bars, ice skating and winery tours, the 22nd Annual Niagara Icewine Festival offers plenty for every taste.

This year, celebrate 2017 at the Xerox Icewine Gala: Sugar and Spice, Everything Ice, an all-inclusive event held inside the Grand Halls at the Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls. This is the official kick-off to the Niagara Icewine Festival which features incredible culinary from the world-class Fallsview Casino Resort Chefs and over 100 VQA Icewines and table wines from over 35 award-winning wineries.

Experience the best of Niagara wineries over three weekends with the Discovery Pass program

The Niagara Icewine Festival Discovery Pass is your key to three weekends of wine and culinary adventures at wineries across Niagara. Discovery Pass holders can enjoy eight experiences per pass.

For more information please visit www.niagarawinefestivals.com 

*When: January 13 to January 29, 2017*

Need accommodations for an overnight stay for any of these exciting events ? Click here for a list of nearby Niagara Falls Hotels to choose from.

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Reading Time:  2 minutes -The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles light displays will officially be unveiled this Friday, December 12th as part of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights festival.
Head to the top of Clifton Hill and Victoria Avenue to watch as numerous Ninja Turtles light displays get switched on along the Promenade. This is just another new addition to this year’s Festival of Lights displays, which will add a little more dimension to the festival, as well promote the December 16th release of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie on DVD and Blue-Ray.
“We are always looking for something new and exciting for the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fit that bill perfectly,” says Festival co-chair Brian Crow. “The youngsters will certainly enjoy seeing the Ninja Turtles in lights. We know they have a core audience that will enjoy seeing their movie and comic book heroes in a new way, and there is a whole new audience out there for these iconic characters.”
The lighting ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm, and the festival will be handing out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Holospex glasses in order to add a 3D effect to the Ninja Turtles light displays, PLUS Ninja Turtles rain ponchos.
Following the lighting ceremony, stay for a really special Niagara Falls Fireworks display at 9:00 pm that will feature colours of the Ninja Turtles — blue, orange, red, purple, and green!
To add to the excitement, on Tuesday, December 16th, there will be several special screenings of the movie at the Ripley’s 4D Moving Theatre on Clifton Hill.
These showings will be at the following times: 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
The festival has also launched a Ninja Turtles colouring contest, with the winner earning a one-night stay for a family of four at the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.
For tickets to the movie showings, or for the colouring contest details, please click here.

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

www.cliftonhill.com

Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb

Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt

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Reading Time:  4 minutes -It’s that time of the year when Clifton Hill takes a little bit of a break from the chaos of Summertime. It’s just before Christmas and people begin to really watch their budget. The Comfort Inn Clifton Hill room rates are considerably cheaper in the Fall/Winter months than any other time of the year…and now they added a Niagara Falls Casino contest!
This is one of the best times to travel to Niagara Falls, or to simply get away for a staycation. Fewer people travel in December than the most popular months of June to August. This means less crowds, less lineups at popular Niagara Falls attractions, some great deals and there are still some great Niagara Falls events going on in the region — especially with Christmas on the way. As an added incentive, the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill is taking part in a Niagara Falls casino contest — book a room on either Friday, December 6th, 2013 or Saturday, December 7th, 2013 and you are automatically entered into a draw for $200 worth of casino game tokens to use at either Casino Niagara or Fallsview Casino.

* Click here to book a room! You must book by December 4th, 2013*
 So what is going on during those days?
For starters, the Winter Festival of Lights is in full swing! This famous festival transforms the Niagara Parkway into a Winter Wonderland that attracts up to 1.5 million tourists annually both locally and internationally. This year, festival organizers have set up about 20 Korean lantern displays to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea. This year’s festival features 125 displays and three million tree and ground lights. The festival runs from November 4th, 2013 to January 31st, 2014.

Conveniently, the Fallsview Casino is running the Fallsview Casino Christmas on Ice show until the final day being Sunday, December 8, 2013! It’s a thrilling high paced spectacle of world-class ice skating and features national championship ice skaters, dancers and singers that will fill you with the magic of the season. Tickets start at $25 and there are various showings. If you are interested in booking on the two eligible dates for the Niagara Falls casino contest, here are the showings:
Friday, December 6th, 2013: 9:00 pm. Click here for ticket info.
Saturday, December 7th, 2013: 3:00pm & 9:00pm. Click here for ticket info.

Make sure to grab your camera and check out Niagara-on-the-Lake, just a short distance from the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel . On December 6th and 7th, 2013 from 10:00am – 4:00pm the 15th Annual Rotary Holiday House Tour commences. The most gorgeous historic properties are decked out for the season in holiday decorations by local businesses and volunteers. The tour operates regardless of the weather.
Purchased tickets ($25) can be picked up between 10 AM and 5 PM, 7 days a week, at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce, on the lower level at 26 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Of course the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel is not only walking distance from both the Casino Niagara, Fallsview Casino and the Winter Festival of Lights, but it’s also located right on Clifton Hill itself where all the attractions are open this time of the year — and Friday and Saturday nights until 12:00-1:00am for most attractions! The Niagara Skywheel has heated gondolas for your comfort, so no matter how much the temperature drops, the ride is open and offers spectacular one-of-a-kind views on the Niagara Falls and the surrounding landscape.
The best value for your buck is the Clifton Hill Fun Pass, where you get 5 Clifton Hill attractions for only $25.95+tax/Adults and $19.95+tax/Children — these include the Niagara Skywheel (TWO admissions if you purchase online), Dinosaur Adventure Golf (dependant on weather) OR Galaxy Golf, Movieland Wax Museum, the XD Ride Theatre and the Ghostblasters Dark Ride — plus a bonus of 5 tokens to use in the Great Canadian Midway!

There is so much to see within Niagara Falls, this is only a short summary of events that fall into the days of December 6th and 7th, 2013 — just a little added incentive to book on one or both of those two dates in order to be automatically entered into the Niagara Falls casino contest! To get started, click here. Good luck and enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls and your stay at the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill.

Christine Lynn
www.cliftonhill.com
Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb
Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt
Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus

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Reading Time:  3 minutes -The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights is launching its 31st season tomorrow on November 9th, 2013! The opening ceremonies will get underway at 2:00pm at Queen Victoria Park along the Niagara Parkway.
The Winter Festival of Lights has released some Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to this event in which I will share, but there is also further questions answered on their website by clicking here.
FAQ #1: Where can I park?
There is plenty of parking available, including across from the Table Rock Welcome Centre , the Skylon Tower and adjacent to the Skylon Tower in the large grassy area, right up to the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel (just do not park in the first row of the hotel parking as that is reserved for hotel guests). Tourists can take advantage of the WEGO bus system which travels to and from various tourist districts into the Niagara Parks. Visit www.wegoniagarafalls.com for details and real-time scheduling.

*Picture dictates Skylon Tower Parking, as well as following the arrow into the lot across from the tower. Parking prices fluctuate.*
FAQ #2: Is there seating available for the show?
There is seating for 1000 people for both the Korean War Veterans Tribute Ceremony and the Flip the Switch Lighting Ceremony. There will also be some seating for the cooking demonstrations and other activities. You may also bring your own lawn chairs.
FAQ #3: Is there a cost to attend?
No, the Opening Festivities is a free event! There are certain activities (i.e. lantern making) that DO have a small fee associated with them. The Winter Festival of Lights will also be collecting food donations on behalf of Project Share.
FAQ #4: What time should I show up at?
The day’s activities will begin at 2:00pm with the Korean War Veterans Tribute Ceremony. Afterwards, there will be an abundance of activities throughout the day to keep the family occupied and entertained! The fireworks extravaganza will take place at 7:45pm, so it is best to arrive in plenty of time to ensure a good spot!
For further information on scheduling throughout the day please visit www.wfol.com or click here for a previous blog post listing this information.
FAQ #5: What should I bring?
Bring your family and friends, your camera and warm clothing!! Please do not bring outside food or drinks as they are not allowed on-site.
FAQ #6: Are there washrooms available?
Yes, there are two options for washroom facilities — those located on-site and those located at Tim Horton’s (located on the south side (across from Murray Street) adjacent to Queen Victoria Park.
*******************************
And as usual, make a day of it and check out the attractions on Clifton Hill! Warm up in the Great Canadian Midway or get a bird’s-eye view of the festivities on the Niagara Skywheel ! Bundle a variety of attractions together for one low, low price with the Clifton Hill Fun Pass!

I hope you have a fantastic weekend and you are able to join us with the opening of one of the most gorgeous festivals around the globe — the Winter Festival of Lights!

Christine Lynn
www.cliftonhill.com
Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb
Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt
Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus
 
 
 
 
 

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NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — A new public skating rink will open next month “a stone’s throw from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls,” say organizers of the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights.

The outdoor Rink at the Brink, two-thirds the size of an NHL rink, will be located across from the newly renovated Table Rock Centre and offer excellent views of the Falls, says a release.

It will be open daily between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Nov. 23 to Feb. 28. Skates and helmets will be available for rent, and skating lessons will also be offered.

Admission without skate rental is $8 for adults, $5.75 for children.

“We think it’s going to be a huge hit with both local residents and visitors to Niagara Falls,” said festival chair Joe Miszk.
On the web:

http://www.wfol.com/rinkatthebrink/index.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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