The Niagara Region comes alive during the holiday season. Snow-dusted vineyards glow with thousands of lights, historic towns celebrate beloved traditions, and families gather to enjoy festive events happening from late November through early January.

Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or thinking of investing in this beautiful region, this 2025 Holiday Guide captures the best of the season—curated by a team proudly serving Halton, the GTA, Hamilton, and the Niagara Region.

🎄 1. Holiday Markets & Boutique Shopping

✨ Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Market

Dates: November 14–December 7, 2025 (weekends)
Times: Fridays 4–9 PM | Saturdays 11–9 PM | Sundays 11–6 PM
A magical outdoor market with artisan vendors, handmade goods, gourmet snacks, live music, and twinkling lights against the historic NOTL backdrop.

🛍️ St. Catharines Holiday Market – Downtown

Dates: December 5, 12 & 19, 2025
Times: 4–9 PM
Shop from local artists, makers, bakers, and small businesses—perfect for holiday gifting and supporting Niagara’s vibrant creative community.

🎁 Jordan Village Holiday Stroll

Dates: December 6–8 & 13–15, 2025
Times: 12–7 PM
Jordan Village transforms into a Hallmark-style Christmas town with festive décor, boutique shopping, gourmet samples, and holiday lights.

🍇 2. Winery Magic & Seasonal Experiences

🍷 Holiday Wine Tastings & Pairings

Available: All season (mid-November–January)
Wineries including Trius, Peller Estates, Megalomaniac, Reif Estate, and Ravine Vineyard offer curated holiday tasting flights, mulled wine, and seasonal pairings.

✨ Winter Igloos at Niagara Wineries

Available: November 15, 2025–March 2026
Cozy, private domes with heaters, blankets, charcuterie boards, dessert flights, and signature wines—ideal for romantic nights or festive gatherings.

🔥 Fireside Lounges

Available: Daily throughout December
Enjoy mulled wine, hot cider, and holiday cocktails by outdoor fire pits at participating wineries like Gretzky Estates and Trius.

🎭 3. Festive Entertainment & Holiday Shows

🎶 Holiday Concert Series – Niagara Region

Dates: Various dates December 1–21, 2025
Featuring local choirs, symphonies, and guest performers in NOTL, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and Welland.

🎭 Shaw Festival Holiday Productions (NOTL)

Dates: November 15, 2025–January 4, 2026
A seasonal favourite with heartwarming plays and musicals, including classic Christmas stories and family-friendly performances.

🎤 Festival of Stars – Niagara Falls

Dates: December 7–22, 2025
Nightly shows featuring musical acts, holiday performers, and themed entertainment leading up to Christmas.

❄️ 4. Outdoor Adventures & Winter Fun

🛷 Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights

Dates: November 15, 2025–January 12, 2026
Canada’s largest and longest-running lights festival, featuring:

• Over 3 million lights
  
  
• Stunning illuminated displays
  
  
• Dufferin Islands Light Trail
  
  
• Fireworks shows on select nights
  
  

Perfect for families, couples, and holiday photography.

⛸️ Outdoor Skating at Wayne Gretzky Estates (NOTL)

Season: December 1, 2025–March 1, 2026
Hours: 12–8 PM daily
Skating, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and cozy winter fire pits.

🌲 Snowshoeing & Winter Trails

Open: Weather-permitting
Popular trails include:

• Laura Secord Homestead Trail
  
  
• Short Hills Provincial Park
  
  
• Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
  
  

Snowshoe rentals available at select conservation areas.

☕ 5. Cozy Cafés & Holiday Treats

• Balzac’s NOTL: Peppermint mochas, winter blends & holiday cookies.
  
  
• Dispatch (St. Catharines): House-made pastries & seasonal lattes.
  
  
• Black Sheep Lounge (Welland): Artisan doughnuts + cozy holiday vibes.
  
  
• Mahtay Café (St. Catharines): Live music, warm drinks & festive atmosphere.
  
  

Perfect stops before or after exploring holiday events.

🎅 6. Family-Friendly Fun & Community Traditions

🎄 Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 15, 2025
Time: 11 AM
Floats, performers, community groups, and holiday magic.

🕯️ NOTL Candlelight Stroll

Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
A moving tradition where the community gathers with candles to stroll through Old Town in support of local charities.

❄️ St. Catharines Winter at the Market

Dates: Saturdays, December 6–20, 2025
Time: 8 AM–2 PM
Craft booths, local food vendors, family workshops, and Santa appearances.

📚 Holiday Storytelling & Crafts (Libraries Region-Wide)

Dates: December 1–23, 2025
A lineup of children’s storytimes, ornament workshops, and holiday craft programs across Niagara’s library branches.

🏛️ Christmas at the Museum

Hosted at various museums with interactive displays, crafts, and seasonal demonstrations.
Dates: Throughout December 2025

🌟 7. Why the Niagara Region Shines During the Holidays

The Niagara Region blends small-town charm, rich history, vibrant cities, and a deep sense of community—especially during the holidays. Families gather, traditions grow, and unforgettable moments are created year after year.

For homebuyers, investors, and families considering a lifestyle shift, the holiday season highlights exactly what makes this region so special.

🏡 Thinking of Buying or Investing in the Niagara Region?

From Niagara-on-the-Lake to St. Catharines, Grimsby, Pelham, Welland, Thorold, and Niagara Falls, opportunities continue to grow for buyers and investors.

Our team at Ana Bastas Realty delivers the expertise, strategy, and white-glove service needed to navigate the market confidently.

✨ Wishing You the Most Magical Holiday Season Across the Niagara Region

If you’d like a personalized neighbourhood report, a curated list of homes, or insight into the 2025–2026 Niagara market, we’re here to help.