It’s the most magical time of year here in our snowy slice of Southern Ontario — lights are twinkling, icewine festivals are on the horizon, and the region is buzzing with seasonal cheer. From Fallsview glow to historic village strolls in NOTL, there’s no shortage of reasons to bundle up and get out this winter! 🎄🍁

• Food insecurity rising across Niagara: A new Niagara Community Observatory brief finds food bank use has spiked dramatically recently — up by 148% in both Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines-Thorold, and 154% in Pelham — showing hunger is a growing concern in our communities. (Brock University)

• Winter Festival of Lights continues through Jan 4: Millions of lights and nightly fireworks display illuminate Queen Victoria Park — one of Canada’s biggest free winter events running until early January. (Niagara Falls Tourism) or check out our guide here.

• Icewine Festival shaping up for January: Niagara-on-the-Lake’s annual Icewine Festival returns with Icewine Village weekends and a Cool as Ice Gala at the Niagara Parks Power Station — mark your calendars for mid-January. (Visit Niagara Canada)

• Break-ins reported in Welland & Pelham: Niagara Regional Police say three connected break-ins occurred in mid-November, prompting safety reminders for residents. (archive.vn)

• Indigenous history initiative moving forward: Plans to restore the historic Thunderbird totem pole at the Niagara Regional Native Centre in NOTL aim to preserve local Indigenous heritage. (Niagara Now)

✨ Icewine specials are pouring! Local wineries across NOTL and the Benchlands are gearing up for the annual Niagara Icewine Festival, featuring special tastings and culinary pairings — grab a Discovery Pass for the full winter wine experience. (Visit Niagara Canada)

🍽️ Winter menus & cozy vibes:

❤️ Support local this season: Many restaurants and markets offer gift card deals — perfect for holiday gifting and supporting Niagara businesses during the slower winter months.

🎁 Holiday kindness in Niagara Falls: Local volunteers delivered warm meals and winter care packages at community shelters — spreading warmth and goodwill during the chilly season.

👟 Pelham community walk raises support: Families and friends gathered for a winter walk fundraiser supporting local food programs — cozy mittens and hot cocoa included!

🎨 St. Catharines art showcase: Young local artists displayed winter-themed works at a community pop-up, with proceeds donated to art programs at local schools.

(Links available on social platforms for each initiative — search community “Niagara winter kindness” to find details!)

🎄 Nightly Winter Festival of Lights ✨ (Niagara Falls)
Nov 15–Jan 4 | Millions of lights + nightly fireworks & laser shows 📸
➤ https://www.wfol.com/ (Niagara Falls Tourism) or check out our guide here:

🎆 New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls 🎇 (Niagara Falls)
Dec 31 | Festive lights, live music, parties & two fireworks shows at 8 pm & midnight 🥂
➤ Local chatter & celebration tips (Reddit)

🌟 Safari Lights Display (Niagara Falls)
Dec Friday & Saturday evenings | Animated lights & family fun!
➤ https://www.wfol.com/ (Visitors.Guide)

🍷 Clifton Hill Winter Treats & Games (Niagara Falls)
Daily through winter | Warm up with indoor fun at attractions like SkyWheel, Movieland & more 🎡🍫
➤ https://www.cliftonhill.com/

🍷 Niagara Icewine Festival 2026 (Niagara Region)
Jan 16–25 & Jan 30–Feb 1 | Icewine Discovery Pass tastings & Icewine Village on Queen St. (NOTL) 🍾
➤ https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/events/niagara-icewine-festival-2026/ (Visit Niagara Canada)

❄️ Icewine Village on Queen St. (NOTL)
Jan 17–18 & Jan 24–25 | Free admission, fire pits, ice carving & wine tastings 🧊🍷
➤ https://niagarawinefestival.com/icewine-village (NIAGARA GRAPE & WINE FESTIVAL)

🍷 Cool As Ice Gala (Niagara Falls)
Jan 31 | Gala event with icewine, culinary pairings & live entertainment 🥂
➤ https://www.niagarawinefestival.com/ (Visit Niagara Canada)

❄️ Hot Chocolate Trail 🍫 (Region-wide)
Now–Feb | Warm stops with hot chocolate treats — perfect family fun! Check out our guide here:

🏙️ Winter Walking Tours (Various Towns)
Daily | Explore downtown heritage districts in NOTL, St. Catharines & Grimsby.

❄️ Butterfly Conservatory Visits (Niagara Falls) – indoor tropical warmth 🦋
🎨 Art Classes & Workshops (St. Catharines & Welland Libraries) – winter creativity
📚 Storytime & Kids Events – check local library calendars

🏒 Niagara IceDogs Game Nights (Home games in early Jan — check schedule)
🎬 Winter Film Screenings (Select theatres in St. Catharines & Welland)

🛍️ Holiday Markets — local craft fairs & artisan markets across Niagara through early Jan
📆 Check municipal event calendars for pop-ups in Thorold, West Lincoln, Port Colborne, Grimsby & more

(Local event listings update regularly — bookmark community calendars!)

Stay cozy, explore your own backyard, and sip that icewine by a fire 🥂❄️ — Niagara winters are pure magic when you soak it all in.

See you under the lights (or by the fire pits)!
— The Niagara Digest Team

P.S. Want to share your event or feel-good story? Email us at [email protected] ❤️