A Perfect 2-Day Itinerary to experience the 42nd Annual Winter Festival of Lights
Create Unforgettable Memories
Running from November 16 to January 5, the Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival. Experience 51 nights of dazzling illuminations, breathtaking views of the Falls, interactive displays, and the Hot Chocolate Trail! Featuring over 3 million twinkling lights, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic date night or a fun outing with friends and family.
This 2-day itinerary has everything you need, from travel tips and must-see displays to cozy accommodations and winter activities.
Day 1: Arrival & Festival Fun
Leave Union Station at 9 a.m. for a convenient, relaxing trip to Niagara.
A helpful tip: If you’ve already purchased a GO/WEGO Combo Pass, you can start using it immediately upon arriving at Niagara Falls Station. Simply take the WEGO Bus to the Table Rock Welcome Centre.
When you arrive at your hotel, take some time to settle in, unpack, and prepare for a full day of winter magic. .
Begin your day with a delicious lunch at TGI Fridays – Embassy Suites Hotel or Ruby Tuesday.
After your meal, head to Bird Kingdom, the World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary and encounter hundreds of tropical birds as you explore the pathways throughout the multi-level rainforest. Meet friendly parrots and exotic animals at Bird Kingdom’s Animal Encounters and explore the ruins of the Night Jungle that is home to owls, bats and other fascinating creatures.
Then discover an exciting new way to experience Niagara Falls with Journey Behind the Falls, which provides an extraordinary view from below and behind the cascading waters. Descend 125 feet through solid bedrock to explore tunnels that lead to the Cataract and Great Falls Portals. Then step onto the Upper Observation Decks at the base of the Falls to take stunning, up-close photos.
Hungry for more than just views? Head over to Table Rock House Restaurant or Watermark Fallsview Dining for an incredible dining experience, featuring locally sourced and internationally inspired menu with the breathtaking Niagara Falls as your backdrop.
The time has come to explore the stunning displays, but before you begin be sure to visit the Hot Chocolate Trail to cozy up with a delicious ‘nice’ or ‘naughty’ hot chocolate. Take a stroll through the Niagara Parkway and see the pathway of lights, illuminated heart benches, light tunnels and more while you find the perfect spot to watch a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the sky with spectacular views of the illuminated Falls!
Head back to your hotel, rest up, and get ready for an even more exciting day 2!
Day 2: Adventures & Farewell
Rise and shine— it’s time to kick off Day 2! Get ready to start your day with a hot cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
Head over to Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works. It’s time to walk among the stars and snap some selfies with unique, lifelike wax figures of superheroes, characters, and celebrities! You can even create your very own wax hand keepsake. Choose your favorite colors and dip into a memorable experience.
Time for a break! Grab lunch at Mick & Angelo’s Kitchen + Bar or Lucky’s Restaurant & Bar.
A visit to Niagara Falls isn’t complete without a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel! Soar 175-feet above Niagara Falls for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other landmarks from the vantage of climate-controlled gondolas.
Stop by the Niagara Falls History Museum and step back in time. Try on a replica uniform from the War of 1812, feel the weight of a musket, build a bridge across the Niagara Gorge, or walk a tightrope like the daring adventurers of the past.
For dinner, check out Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Restaurant, the only historic restaurant in Niagara Falls dating back to 1904 or try Yukiguni Japanese Restaurant.
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime! Take a Night Flight with Niagara Helicopters for an unforgettable view of Niagara Falls. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Falls, twinkling lights, and dazzling displays— an experience you’ll never forget!
Grab your hot chocolate and set off to explore even more enchanting displays, glowing brightly with twinkling lights!
Step into an enchanted forest and see 3D deer, moose and bison. From there, make your way to Lundy’s Lane and check out the holiday displays. Head back to your hotel and share your adventures with family and friends on social media. #WFOL
How to book
Your GO ticket
Experience the convenience of taking GO transit to Niagara Falls. GO currently offers six daily train trips, three in each direction, between Toronto Union Station and Niagara Falls, seven days a week year-round.
The GO/WEGO Combo Pass combines a round-trip journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls, with pick up at the Niagara Falls GO station by WEGO bus service that will connect you to top Niagara attractions. WEGO’s hop-on, hop-off service connects all Niagara Parks locations, your hotel, and other tourism areas. Check the schedule and plan your trip today!
How to book
Your hotel stay
There are accommodation options to suit every need. From luxury Fallsview hotels to affordable hotels near Clifton Hill, Niagara has it all. Explore your hotel options.
Travel Tips
Clothing and Essentials
Dress warmly in layers, wear waterproof boots, and bring along hand warmers for extra comfort— and, of course, don’t forget your camera!
Booking in Advance
Be sure to reserve accommodations and dinner spots early, as it can get busy.
Take Lots of Photos
Remember to share your Winter Festival of Light memories on your socials. Tag @niagarafallstourismcanada and include the hashtags #WFOL #winterfestivaloflights for a chance to be featured on our official Instagram account.
Fireworks Schedule
The WFOL Fireworks series kicked off on Saturday, November 16th and will continue every Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00pm. Nightly shows will take place over the holidays from December 27 through until the finale on Sunday January 5th, 2025.
November: 16, 22-23, 29-30 at 8:00pm
December: 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-31 at 8:00pm
December 31 * NYE at 12:00am
January: 1-5 at 8:00pm