The annual Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival with 5 miles of lights and interactive displays that offer magical memories and unique pictures, all set against the backdrop of Niagara Falls. There are 7 weeks to enjoy the spectacular light displays with your family.
The 2024-25 Winter Festival of Lights is on every day from November 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025, between 5:00 pm and midnight. This event is free to enjoy as you drive along the Niagara River Parkway or walk around and interact with the displays at your leisure. With Niagara Falls, ON, about an hour and a half from Rochester, it is an easy day trip! Here is the scoop to help moms plan their trip.
Requirements for Visiting Canada
You can view Niagara Falls in New York or in Canada. It has an American side and a Canadian side. To get the Winter Festival of Lights, you will need to cross the Rainbow International Bridge to the Canadian side. Crossing the border at the bridge takes a little bit of extra planning for families. All adult U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card to enter Canada, while children 15 and under may just need a birth certificate and a letter with parental permission (if one or more parents are not present). Be sure to be familiar with the requirements so your family can be prepared for an easy border crossing.
Planning your Visit
Most of the Festival’s displays are located along the Niagara River Parkway between Clifton Hill and Dufferin Islands. Additional displays are scattered throughout the Fallsview District, Clifton Hill District, and Lundy’s Lane.
There are many places to park in the area (for a fee). You’ll want to check out which areas you’d like to drive through and which you plan to explore on foot.
This map of the Winter Festival of Lights shows where the displays and related events are located. If you’re looking for recommendations for the best or most unique views of the Festival, check out the WFOL Views Itinerary. Preplanned routes for a Family Fun Walk or a Date Night Walk are also available.
Another fun way to explore the Festival is by sampling the area’s best hot chocolate! The Hot Chocolate Trail guides you to plenty of locations where you can find a delicious cup of cocoa to warm you up on a chilly Canadian night.
Special Events
While planning your trip, be sure to check out the special events and fireworks that launch over the majestically illuminated Niagara Falls. Be sure to set aside time for the Santa Meet & Greet with a free photo for the kids!
Places to Eat
Other Attractions in the Area
- Bird Kingdom
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Clifton Hill
- Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
- Floral Showhouse
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Niagara Parks Power Station
- Skylon Tower
However you decide to enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights, there are plenty of opportunities for making memories. We hope the Festival of Lights provides you with all the nostalgia you need to relive the wonders of childhood and create new family traditions.
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