Winter tradition continues with new illuminated displays
Niagara Falls’ 38th annual Winter Festival of Lights kicks off Saturday
Kicking off Saturday, the 38th annual Winter Festival of Lights will feature more than 15 new displays transforming Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and streets across Niagara
Falls into a winter wonderland this holiday season.
The festival, with its three million lights, will run daily from 5 p.m. to midnight until Jan. 10.
A 6.1-metre-tall moose family, 5.5metre-tall polar bear and cub, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a giant gingerbread house, castle and unicorn are just some of the new displays.
With no cost of admission, and displays located outdoors in open spaces, organizers said the festival provides a COVID-friendly way to light up the end of the year.
Visitors can walk to see the lights up
close, drive along the festival route in their vehicles with family or take it all in from hotel and restaurant windows.
“Niagara Falls has earned an outstanding reputation as a reliable
destination to create long-lasting memories and the Winter Festival of Lights is one of the signature events the city is known for,” said Janice Thomson, president of Niagara Falls Tourism.
“The accommodation properties, attractions and restaurants look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to the festival, all within the prescribed public health protocols.”
The festival began in 1982 and is now produced by Niagara Falls Tourism, in partnership with Niagara Parks Commission and business improvement areas within the tourism districts of Niagara Falls.
“As a founding partner in the Winter Festival of Lights, I am excited to once again welcome families for a special holiday tradition in Niagara Falls and in Niagara Parks,” said Sandie Bellows, parks commission chair.
“I am so pleased that there are many safe ways to explore the festival this year and we look forward to creating special memories for everyone this season.”
Mayor Jim Diodati said the festival of lights is one of several COVID-friendly events that have been planned in the city.
He also pointed to this Saturday’s reverse, drive-thru Santa Claus Parade, when between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Queen Street spectators can drive past stationary performers.
Diodati said he’s “really excited” for this year’s festival of lights, adding “everybody is starving” for family events during the pandemic.
“A lot of people, myself included, we turn our Christmas lights on when the festival of lights begins,” he said.
“I know as a family, for our kids, for lots of years, this was kind of the kickoff of the Christmas season.”
Diodati said, unlike in the past, this year’s opening will not feature a ceremony due to the pandemic.