Hey Niagara! 🎊
Can you believe it? We're ringing in 2026 tonight! ✨ Whether you're bundled up to catch the fireworks over the Falls (shows at 8 PM and midnight!) or cozied up at home watching from afar, here's everything you need to know about what's happening right now across our region. The Winter Festival of Lights continues through January 4, so there's still time to experience those magical 3+ million twinkling lights along the Parkway! 🌟
Local Business & Food Scene Highlights 🍽️
New Year's Eve Dining: Tonight's your last chance to experience spectacular New Year's Eve dinners with views! Table Rock House Restaurant is serving up a three-course feast literally steps from the Horseshoe Falls, while Watermark Fallsview Dining on the 33rd floor offers gourmet experiences with front-row seats to the fireworks ($129-$149 per person depending on seating time).
STK Steakhouse Now Open: Niagara Falls just got even more delicious! STK Steakhouse has officially opened at the Embassy Suites Hotel, bringing upscale dining with a modern, high-energy vibe to Fallsview Boulevard. Perfect for your next date night! 💕
Hot Chocolate Trail: Still running through February 1st! Warm up as you explore the self-guided Hot Chocolate Trail featuring chocolatey creations from top restaurants and bake shops across the region. Because winter calories don't count when you're supporting local, right? ☕
Community & Feel-Good Stories ❤️
St. Catharines Steps Up for the Homeless: In a heartwarming partnership, St. Georges Anglican Church and Niagara Region have joined forces to provide emergency overnight shelter when temperatures dip below -15°C. It's community care at its finest, St. Catharines! 🏠
Welland Scores Federal Funding: Great news for active transportation lovers in Welland! The federal government just announced funding for two new multi-use trail links. Mayor Frank Campion and MP Chris Bittle celebrated this investment that'll strengthen the city's biking and walking network. Get those bikes ready for spring! 🚴
What's Happening This Week (Highlights) 🎉
Here are the can't-miss events happening right now and into the new year:
Tonight – New Year's Eve:
Fireworks Over Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls) – Shows at 8 PM & midnight! Free to watch from anywhere along the Parkway
New Year's Eve Magic Show (FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines) – Spectacular evening of magic with buffet dinner add-on, tickets from $33
Spirit in Niagara 6-Course Tasting (Niagara-on-the-Lake) – Feature cocktails, wine, beer & live entertainment, 6-9:30 PM
Family Celebration at Welland Rec Centre – Free photobooth, face painting, Spiderman meet-and-greet, inflatable bouncers & open swim!
New Year's Day (Tomorrow):
Most major stores CLOSED in St. Catharines, Welland, Grimsby – but Niagara Falls has that special "tourist area exemption" so many businesses there stay open!
New Year's Brunch at Queenston Heights Restaurant – Award-winning Feast On-certified brunch with locally sourced delights
No Niagara Transit service on Jan 1 – plan accordingly!
Ongoing Through January 4:
Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls) – Over 3 million lights, free outdoor spectacle along the Parkway
Jingle Bar Pop-Up (Niagara Falls) – Festive cocktails & holiday vibes through Jan 11
Let It Glow - A Celebration of Light (Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines) – Interactive light displays & cultural programming
Coming Up in January:
Niagara Icewine Festival (Jan 10-26) – THE winter event! Featuring the Discovery Pass (Jan 16-18, 23-25, 30-Feb 1), Icewine Village in NOTL (Jan 17-18, 24-25), IceHaus Cocktail Competition (Jan 24), and the glamorous Cool As Ice Gala at Niagara Parks Power Station (Jan 31) 🍷❄️
Hot Chocolate Trail continues through February 1st
👉 See 60+ events happening this week across all 12 municipalities: Events This Week in Niagara Region
That's a wrap for this edition…
Happy New Year, Niagara! 🎆 Here's to 2026 being filled with good food, great community connections, and plenty of reasons to explore every corner of our beautiful region. Stay warm, shop local, and if you're heading out tonight – travel safe and celebrate responsibly!
The Niagara Digest Team
P.S. Planning to hit the Icewine Festival in January? Book your accommodations NOW – the best spots in NOTL and wine country sell out fast! 🏨 Check availability here
This post is part of the Niagara Digest Morning Brief — published weekdays.