Last Updated on December 18, 2025
To me, there’s nothing more enchanting about the holiday season than strolling through a Dickenson inspired scene and feeling part of the magic of Christmas past. If you’re up for a weekend trip as the Christmas holidays draw nearer, why not visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Canada’s most historic and delightful towns? Wander back in time and experience a holiday spirit alive with glittering festivities from December until the end of January.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its historic architecture, performing arts, wineries, and fruit-growing region. It is perfectly situated just a 25-minute drive north of Niagara Falls, an hour drive from Hamilton and about a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. Here you’ll find boutiques with quaint art galleries, unique clothing stores, and a Christmas store for those special moments.
Woven throughout its history is the town’s importance as the first capital of Upper Canada, home of the First Nations and the War of 1812. Stretching from historic Fort George to the existing scene, bikes and shuttle buses transport you to a winter wonderland.
And for those romantics out there, don’t miss the horse-drawn carriages on a snowy night amidst glowing lights.
Explore the Old Town during the Candlelight Stroll
Join the annual Candlelight Stroll in the Old Town, starting at the historic courthouse, led by horse-drawn carriages. Joyful sounds of carolers and musical acts fill the air and the scent of holiday drinks and treats entice you to experience the magic of the season.
The spirit of Christmas is alive as each year an individual or family in-need is chosen as recipients for the event proceeds.
Join a House Tour and Experience the Joy of the Season
As a national historic site, the old town’s early 19th century homes and charming main street have been precisely restored and maintained. To capture the feeling, take a leisurely stroll along the tree-shaded streets amongst lovely old homes.
During the holiday season visitors have the opportunity to experience a special glow and warmth as every building tells a story. The town contributes to charitable projects, while showcasing a number of historic and contemporary homes, adorned for the season, during the traditional Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour. You can use your General Tour ticket for both days from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Feeling in the mood to pick-up one-of-a-kind unique handmade holiday gifts by local artisans? Stop by the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre for the Holiday Market, part of the annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour. Who knows, you may find that special gem to add sparkle to the holiday season.
A special annual holiday event for adults and families is a visit to The McArthur Estate. Join A Merry and Bright Christmas Tour of the stunning McArthur Estate showcasing the old-world elegance, harking back to a more gracious living.
Outdoors, the captivating Victorian Gardens surround this splendid 1829 brick Georgian home. Frosted ponds and romantic pergolas mix with a special nativity scene, Christmas angel, and the delightful Reindeer Stables. Scattered throughout the grounds the sounds of merry carollers floats through the air. Goody bags and Santa visits sprinkle holiday magic for the children.
Enter the festive house to the sounds of music, a glass of sparkling wine, and a towering 13-foot Christmas tree. Reminisce on Christmas past with a hot apple cider and gingerbread cookie around a popping fire.
If you choose to join celebrations on the Merry & Bright Christmas Tour, as stated on your ticket your tour is only for that specific day and time.
Holiday Getaway Package: Escape to a Christmas Wonderland
Niagara-on-the-Lake offers the chance to escape to one of Ontario’s prime holiday locations. Experience a vacation getaway during the holiday season when you stay at one of the three boutique vintage hotels: Prince of Wales, Pillar and Post and Queens Landing. Each provide an unforgettable sense of relaxation with a lounge, indoor pool, first-class restaurant and complimentary shuttle services. For those wanting to stay a little longer, you can book a Holiday Getaway Package.
Your getaway package with exclusive inclusions for hotel guests at Queen’s Landing, Pillar and Post, or Prince of Wales includes access to the enchanting Christmas Wonderland Garden located across the road from Pillar and Post. You won’t want to miss the magic of the Christmas Wonderland Garden to celebrate the season.
“Christmas Wonderland Garden” is transfigured for the season into a place of enchantment. A time to create special memories. Experience a sense of wonder as you enter a world of twinkling lights, ice skating rink, festive music, tasty snacks around cozy fire pits and outdoor movies to entertain.
Holiday Getaway Package: Prince of Wales Hotel
Step into a Victorian Christmas fairytale at the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
For those guests preferring a romantic and luxurious getaway, look no further than the Prince of Wales hotel. The regal Prince of Wales, an historic 1864 Victorian hotel, provides a romantic feel with a sense of majesty, showcasing a world-class spa, a traditional afternoon tea service, breakfast with Santa, ornate inlaid floors, sparkling chandeliers, Secret Garden Spa, award-winning Noble Restaurant, and original art. Located in the centre of Old Town guests will find easy access to boutique stores, the Shaw Festival Theatre and wineries.
Capture the spirit of the season with an annual festive “Dickensian Feast” at the Prince of Wales. Scrooge, a communal table and period costumes are all part of the fun. Guests can continue the theme after dinner at the nearby Shaw Festival with the annual production of the “Christmas Carol” and make this a magical evening. Tickets to the performance can be purchased separately from the Shaw Festival Box office.
Holiday Getaway Package: Pillar and Post Hotel
Guest preferring a romantic or family getaway, should consider the Pillar and Post hotel. The renovated five-star Pillar and Post was first built in the 1890s as a canning factory and offers rustic old country allure.
As you step inside glance up to see the original post and beam design overlooking a sunny lobby and the Cannery Restaurant. Take some time to relax through this festive season with multiple hot springs,outdoor pool or visit the 13,000 square foot spa.
Holiday Getaway Package: Queen’s Landing
Guests looking for an elegant, Georgian-style hotel with sweeping views of the harbour and Niagara River will want to consider Queen’s Landing.
Constructed in 1990 on the site of the historic Old Niagara Harbour and Dock Company, the architecture of Queen’s Landing reflects the Georgian Era with Neoclassical elements like the exterior Venetian windows. For all that it is a recent construction, the hotel elicits a majestic feeling. Inside you will find a romantic awe-inspiring staircase, marble flooring, and gorgeous stained-glass windows, along with the five-star Tiara Restaurant, representing a sense of boutique chic and Old-World elegance. Be sure to set aside time to recharge in the indoor pool, infinity hot tub, and sauna.
For those planning on visiting the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake over the holidays, be sure to book early to reserve a spot for the event of your choice as tickets sell out quickly. I found it to be one magical, unforgettable experience!
