Visiting Festive Niagara-on-the-Lake in the Christmas Season

The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, located on the south shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River, is often described as the prettiest town in Ontario. NOTL is a great choice for a day trip or weekend getaway any time of the year but is extra special during the holiday season when the historic town transforms into the most beautiful Christmas village.

Updated for the 2025/6 holiday season

We have visited the town many times over the past 30 years but always during the summer theatre season until the past few years when we have enjoyed multiple trips to Niagara-on-the-Lake in November.

The Christmas shows at the Shaw Festival begin performances early in November before the town is decorated for the holidays. Holiday decorating doesn’t get underway until after Remembrance Day on November 11th as the NOTL Poppy Project runs through that date and sometimes a couple of days beyond. Last year we visited on November 14th and the holiday decorating was still underway pre-show but appeared to be complete by the time we were leaving the theatre.

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Our visits have been planned to take place on a weekday and we have always enjoyed a lovely day. On each visit the town has been bustling but not as crowded as a summer visit and only a little snow could have made it more perfect!

Enjoy the festive spirit of December with FREE parking in Old Town from Dec 1 to Dec 31!

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Strolling a Christmas Village

My favourite part of holiday season in Niagara-on-the-Lake is enjoying a stroll through the town’s historic downtown area of Queen Street and environs appreciating the beautiful holiday decorations, the Christmas music and the festive atmosphere. I’m a bit like a little kid – I get excited at the first hint of Christmas!!

Buildings such as the Prince of Wales Hotel, the Shaw Cafe & Wine Bar and the Old Court House have beautiful garlands, wreaths and bows installed and each of the shops have decorated exteriors and festive window displays. This year we returned for an overnight stay and enjoyed an evening walk along Queen Street when it was lit up with twinkling lights – it was a bit rainy but the lights were still beautiful!

Christmas Shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Shopping for special Christmas gifts at the boutique shops along Queen Street and side streets is so much better than a trip to the mall!

My favourites are the Little Blue House Hatley boutique (they have the cutest Christmas pajamas), Greaves (for delicious jams and jellies), Beau Chapeau (if you need a stylish hat), Serendipity (French products), and Victoria’s Teas & Coffees but there are so many lovely shops to choose from that you can find a gift for everyone on your Christmas list (and maybe a little something for yourself too!).

The Christmas Store

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas emporium, Just Christmas, deserves a special mention for holiday shopping. Canada’s oldest year-round Christmas store, located in a historic building on Queen Street, opened its doors in 1985 and has been delighting Christmas lovers ever since.

Just Christmas offers over 5,000 different Christmas items including tree toppers, stocking hangers, nativity sets, Santas and snowmen, nutcrackers, and an enormous selection of hanging ornaments. I find it impossible to visit without picking up an ornament or two!

Shaw Festival Holiday Shows

The world-renowned Shaw Festival was launched as an annual summer theatre festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake to feature the works of George Bernard Shaw and other plays from and about his era. When Tim Carroll, the Shaw Festival’s new Artistic Director, arrived in town in 2016 he decided to mount a Christmas show and the Victorian feel of Niagara-on-the-Lake led him to choose A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Adding a Christmas show to the Shaw Festival playbill was a great success and now there are two holiday season shows mounted each year – A Christmas Carol at the Royal George Theatre and a musical at the Festival Theatre (White Christmas in 2025). This will be our third year in a row attending performances at the Shaw Festival’s Christmas shows and have enjoyed all of them.

A Christmas Carol – a family-friendly version of the holiday favourite where Ebenezer Scrooge becomes a changed man after Christmas Eve visits from a series of ghosts. This version of the classic tale includes puppetry and isn’t particularly dark making it suitable for ages 6+. November 1 – December 21, 2025 at the Royal George Theatre. Running time is 1 hour 40 minutes with one intermission.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – This delightful musical follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they team up with sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to put on a Christmas spectacular and save the charming Vermont Inn. Featuring dazzling dance numbers plus a splendid score with hits like “Blue Skies” plus “Sisters”, and of course, the title song, this joyous production is the perfect festive treat for the entire family! Recommended for ages 8+. November 7 – December 21, 2025 at the Festival Theatre. Running time is 2 hours and 35 minutes including one intermission.

Christmas Wonderland Garden at Pillar and Post

The Gardens at Pillar and Post are transformed into a seasonal Christmas wonderland complete with sparkling lights, holiday music, festive snacks, an ice rink, warming fire pits, and holiday movies under the stars.

Our visit this year was the last week of November and the Christmas Wonderland Garden wasn’t opening for a few days, however, the lights were already in place so we got a sense of what it is like. Next year I will be sure to book our stay the first week of December instead!

526 Regent Street. December 1, 2025 – January 3, 2026.

Holiday Events in Niagara-on-the-Lake

There are a number of special holiday events that take place in Niagara-on-the-Lake including:

• Candlelight Stroll – The traditional evening stroll begins with an opening ceremony outside the Old Court House at 26 Queen Street followed by a procession led by a horse drawn carriage. Participants walk along the stroll route behind the carriage while enjoying musical performances. Candles and candle holders are sold at stalls near the Court House during the event for a suggested donation of $5 each – cash only during the Stroll. Friday December 5, 2025, 6:30 – 9:00 pm. A free-to-attend event with non-perishable food donations collected to support families in the community.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour – Tour seven gorgeous, beautifully decorated homes; visit local historic and cultural sites; and sample complimentary tastings from 3 featured wineries and a winery/distillery. All the profits go to charitable causes. Friday December 5 and Saturday December 6, 2025, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
• A Merry & Bright Christmas at the McArthur Estate – Experience the enchantment of the seasonally decorated, spectacular McArthur Estate with live music, Peller Estates sparkling wine, crackling fires, Santa, the Grinch, and more! 210 John Street East. December 5 and 6, 2025. There’s also a Combo ticket that can be purchased for this event as well as the Holiday House Tour.
• A Victorian Candlelight Christmas at the McArthur Estate – Step into a Victorian evening at the stunning McArthur Estate, with a special children’s story time reading by Trisha Romance of her book, “A Star for Christmas”; live chamber music; first & second floor viewings; charcuterie by the fire; a festive drink; a visit with Santa; children’s goody bags; & seasonal festivities await. 210 John Street. December 7, 2025.
• Holiday Market at Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre – Experience the magic of the season with festive shopping at the Holiday Market featuring handmade holiday gifts, ornaments & decor created by over 20 talented artisans. 247 Ricardo Street. December 5 and 6, 2025 from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm as well as December 7-14, 2025 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Admission is free with a food item donation.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade – Considered one of Ontario’s most anticipated Santa Claus parades, this parade that goes through the heritage district is a favourite for locals and Niagara visitors alike. Saturday December 13, 2025 starting at 11 am.
• Afternoon Tea for the Holidays at the Prince of Wales Hotel – Surrounded by twinkling lights, garlands, and stunning holiday decor, guests can savour the charm of an English holiday tradition in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy premium teas, house-made finger sandwiches, sweet cakes and pastries, and the hotel’s signature scones, all served on fine china in a setting that feels straight out of a Victorian Christmas card. Daily 11 am – 5 pm.

Where to Stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

If you can spend the night or plan a weekend getaway in Niagara-on-the-Lake then there will be more time to enjoy the holiday season and events. On previous non-holiday season visits to Niagara-on-the-Lake, we have stayed at both Pillar & Post and Queen’s Landing and this year we stayed at Queen’s Landing for our recent getaway. The Prince of Wales Hotel has also been on my wish list for ages. All three of these boutique Niagara-on-the-Lake hotels are part of the Vintage Hotels group.

Pillar & Post – This 5 star luxury hotel housed in a 19th century building features all the modern comforts guests need including an on-site spa and fine dining restaurant. Located in the Old Town historic district just a short walk from the Queen Street shops. Seasonal bonus – the hotel’s garden is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland for the holiday season! Check reviews and current rates on TripAdvisor, or Booking.com.

Queen’s Landing – Located right on the water, the Queen’s Landing offers Niagara River views and award-winning dining in the picture-perfect setting of a luxurious Georgian mansion. Check reviews and current rates on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

Prince of Wales Hotel – Located on Queen Street just steps from the boutique shops and Shaw Festival theatres, this beautiful Victorian-era hotel is a historical landmark named in honour of a royal visit in 1901. The hotel features elegant guest rooms, an on-site spa and an award-winning restaurant. Traditional English tea served daily. Check reviews and current rates on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.