The Niagara Falls are one of the most visited natural wonders of the world which present a spectacular sight at any time of the year. These breath-taking falls which are shared by both the US and Canada have been immortalized in countless works of art and literature as well. The beauty of these falls is greatly enhanced during the winter months when the falls are surrounded by fresh falling snow and are lit up with thousands of lights during one of Ontario’s grandest and most exciting events known as The Winter Festival of Lights.
During this annual lighting and cultural extravaganza the 5km (3.10 miles) route along the Niagara Parkway is known as the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland. The Winter Festival of Lights features more than 125 animated lighting displays and includes over 3 million twinkling lights which are used to adorn trees and structures within the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland. Some of famous of lighting displays located here are the world’s largest illuminated Canadian – American Flag and the Enchantment of Disney display. This year the Winter Festival of Lights which is celebrating its 26th anniversary will commence with a grand opening ceremony which is to be held on the evening 8th of November at the Queen Victoria State Park which is situated at the edge of the falls. The festival will last for the entire duration of the festive season and will finally terminate on the 5th of January 2009. This annual festival of lights is believed to attract more than 
one million people annually and is included in the list of Top 100 Internationally Known Events by the American Bus Association.
Apart from the spectacular lighting displays the Winter Festival of Lights includes a number of cultural events and parades which are to be held all throughout the two month period of this festival. For a complete listing of all the events and information about tickets and timings do log on to the website of the festival.
Fireworks over the Falls
During the Winter Festival of Lights fantastic pyrotechnic displays will be held over the falls during the chilly winter evenings which will be visible for miles around.
Illumination of the Niagara Falls
Though the Falls have been illuminated year round with the help of funding from the City of Niagara Falls, New York, the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, The Niagara Parks Commission, The Niagara Frontier State Park Authority of New York and Ontario Power Generation all which operate together as the Niagara Falls illumination Board the lighting takes on a special brilliance during this annual festival when the falls are illuminated daily from five pm until midnight.
The Santa Claus Parade
The calendar of events of the Winter Festival of Lights features a fun Santa Claus parade which is to be held on the morning of Saturday the 29th of November. This paraded which is guaranteed to enthrall and delight the many spectators will also feature many marching bands. The parade will begin at Victoria Avenue and travel along Queen Street to end at City Hall. The parade will be followed by another fun event called the Santa and his Elves party which will be held at Centennial Square in front of City Hall.
Winter Festival Candle Light Stroll
This magical event is to be held on the evening of December 13th at Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls. The ambiance of this beautiful event will be further enhanced by sounds of joyful Christmas carols which will be sung groups like the Christ Church Choir, the Singing Saints Barbershop Quartet, the Niagara Institute of Music Vocal Ensembles, the Niagara Falls Bell Ringing Choir, PK Hummingbird Steel Drum Band amongst others.
While you take part in the Candle Light stroll you will also be able to enjoy the re-enactment of the Live Nativity scene which will be performed by the Queensway Methodist Church. Traditional Christmas goodies like hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts will also be available for sale at the event which will also feature a live Santa Claus and horse and carriage rides. All proceeds from the sales of candles at the event will go towards a local charity.
New Year’s Eve Party at the Falls
If you haven’t yet made plans for your end of the year bash why not head to the Niagara Falls where there is a raucous event planned for ringing in the new year. The event whose details are still to be announced will be held on December 31st at the Queen Victoria Park. The party promises to be a blast as it will feature much live entertainment, fireworks and food and beverages. In previous years, this event which is broadcast live on local TV stations has attracted more than 30,000 people and it promises to be just as popular this year around as well.
These are just some of the many events which have been planned for this year’s fabulous Winter Festival of Lights and to truly enjoy this spectacle you might want to book yourself into one the many hotels that are located in close proximity to the Niagara Falls like the Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls and Brock Plaza Hotel Niagara Falls which will enable you to truly enjoy the experience of this grand spectacle.
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 at 2:38 pm and is filed under Fun, North America. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Fantastic pics and by the way, great blog
November 19th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Niagara falls is always a beautiful place to visit but it looks even more amazing when lit up. Go check this out if you have a chance.
November 24th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Those are some beautiful displays of Christmas lights. Thanks for sharing them!
November 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Thank you for your kind comments.
December 9th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Interesting photos, articles and beautiful blog. Thanks
January 14th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I really need to see the Niagara Falls. They simply look amazing. I’ve seen the falls in Yosemite but Niagra takes it to the next level.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:52 am
I’ve heard the display of lights during the holidays at Niagara Falls is a quite the site to see. Great pictures by the way.
January 27th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Yes it is .. its in fact quite breathtaking and majestic
February 21st, 2009 at 12:39 am
Wow, I’ll be sure to visit Niagra Falls next year at this time. We also have a festival of lights in Minneapolis called Hollidazzle parade. It occurs for one week just before the Christmas holiday.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Thanks Brian,I am sure that the Hollidazzle parade that you mention is truly spectacular as well.