The Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival, is set to return to the Niagara River corridor, transforming the area into a dazzling 5 mile / 8 kilometer wonderland. Running from November 16th, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this beloved annual event promises a spectacular array of twinkling lights, captivating performances, and family-friendly activities.
Kicking off the 42nd edition of the festival, guests are invited to Queen Victoria Park on November 16th for an evening filled with free entertainment. The festivities will start at 6:30pm as the park is illuminated, setting the stage for a mesmerizing performance by Circus Orange and featuring gravity-defying acts and electrifying fire displays. The night will culminate in a stunning fireworks show that lights up the winter sky.
This year’s festival boasts an exciting lineup of both new and returning attractions. Iconic displays such as the interactive "Impulse" see-saws and the larger-than-life Aurora Moose will be featured alongside four new interactive installations: "Les Diamants" by Perséides Studio, "Entre les rangs" by KANVA Architecture, "Musical Bikes" by Atracktiv, and "The TUNNEL," a BIG ART Tour produced by Creos.
These installations are designed to spark play and connection, inviting visitors to engage with the holiday spirit in a unique way. In addition to the light displays, the Annual Poinsettia Show will open on November 16th at the Floral Showhouse.
This festive display will showcase the iconic poinsettia in vibrant arrangements that symbolize goodwill and community. The Floral Showhouse will extend its hours from 12pm to 8pm during the festival and feature special lighting activations to enhance the experience.
Families will also enjoy performances by award-winning children’s entertainer Chris McKhool who will take the stage for three special evenings of music. Known for his high-energy shows, McKhool will engage audiences with a mix of global beats, fiddle tunes, and lively percussion, making for an unforgettable experience for young listeners and their families.
To make the festival even more accessible, Niagara Parks will offer a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle service on all performance nights operating between 5pm to 9pm. This service will connect guests to key illumination displays at Table Rock Centre, Grand View, and Queen Victoria Place.
Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, expressed enthusiasm for the festival, stating, “Niagara Parks’ Winter Festival of Lights attracts over one million visitors annually and is the largest illumination festival in Canada. This year’s event has something for everyone, from spectacular light displays to family-friendly performances and the Hot Chocolate Trail. Make the trip to Niagara Falls to create amazing memories that will last a lifetime!”
For more information on the Winter Festival of Light s and to view the full event programming, visit niagaraparks.com/WFOL.
Winter Festival of Lights Shines Bright in Niagara Falls for 2024 Holiday Season