Nov 3, 2018 - Jan 31, 2019
Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls
Winter Festival of Lights
The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a palette of breathtaking colour with millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, located within the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and surrounding tourist districts.
As part of the Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Parks presents Aura: Let it Glow, bringing several incredible illumination-themed events to the Winter Festival of Lights throughout the entire 56-km Niagara Parks.
CASCADES OF FIRE
Join us November 9 – 18 as Niagara Falls and the Winter Festival of Lights hosts its first Cascades of Fire: International Fireworks Competition, presented by Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
For six nights, experience 18-minute fireworks displays synchronized to music in an incredible series of professional pyrotechnics in Niagara Parks. Each weekend, teams representing countries from around the world will perform in this spectacular international competition. On the last night, team Canada will put on an unforgettable finale to cap off the series.
At the event, tune in to Star 102.5 FM to enjoy the corresponding music with each display. All fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Check out our interactive map below for the best viewing areas, parking information, and more.
BEST CASCADES OF FIRE VIEWING SPOTS
Niagara Parks is the place to be to experience all six Cascades of Fire displays. With the launch site at the International Control Dam on the upper Niagara River, you have plenty of options to choose from:
Table Rock Centre
With access to Table Rock Centre, Elements on the Falls Restaurant, quick serve Table Rock Grill, Tim Hortons, indoor restrooms and more, set up right at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls.
Toronto Power Park
Directly north of the launch site, you’ll have an unobstructed view of these massive displays. It’s just a 10-minute walk (1 km) from the Falls Parking Lot (Lot A) next to Table Rock Centre.
Kingsbridge Park
Park at Kingsbridge Park, south of the launch site, for an alternative viewing experience. The illumination of the falls will peak over the horizon, with the sparkling lights of the Niagara Falls skyline as your backdrop.
WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS + AURA EXHIBITS
Niagara Parks will officially unveil its 2018 illumination displays on November 16, marking the beginning of Aura: Let it Glow, part of the Winter Festival of Lights.
WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS FIREWORKS SCHEDULE
The Winter Festival of Lights Fireworks series, presented by Fallsview Casino, begins with a special show on Saturday November 3 at 9 p.m., part of the Winter Festival of Lights opening ceremonies.
Enjoy displays every Friday night at 9 p.m. from November 9 through January 25, 2019. Special displays daily December 23 – 29, with two displays on New Year’s Eve at 9 p.m. and midnight.
FEATURED ILLUMINATIONS
Explore unique lighting nodes across Queen Victoria Park, Oakes Garden Theatre, the Floral Showhouse, Table Rock Centre and more. Explore some of the featured displays from Aura and the Winter Festival of Lights below.
DUFFERIN ISLANDS
Explore this winter wonderland of nature-themed light displays perched among the winding footpaths and bridges of the popular Dufferin Islands. Park your car and explore on foot to get up close and personal with these family favourites.
TORONTO POWER GENERATING STATION
Completed in 1906, the Toronto Power Generating Station was a key piece to Ontario’s energy production through the first half of the 20th century. Watch as this historic structure is transformed by a spectacular sound and lights show. Dancing colours and patterns move in time with holiday music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, broadcast locally on 100.5 FM.
FLORAL SHOWHOUSE
The holiday tradition returns at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse. Explore the grounds, including traditional-themed holiday light displays, before heading inside for the annual Christmas Display. Poinsettias, cyclamen, azaleas, Christmas cactus and paperwhite narcissus are just a few of the expertly-crafted features you’ll find from the Niagara Parks horticultural team.
TABLE ROCK CENTRE
Table Rock Centre, located at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, comes to life once again with breathtaking blue and white lights, complementing the main attraction: the illumination of Niagara Falls.
QUEEN VICTORIA PLACE
Multi-coloured lights abound in Queen Victoria Park, with gorgeous displays throughout the grounds. Take a photo with our larger-than-life guardian angels, keeping watch outside the Niagara Parks Police headquarters. Outside Queen Victoria Place, Niagara Parks Aura’s signature Christmas tree steals the show.
OAKES GARDEN THEATRE
Constructed to serve as a grand gateway for those arriving to Canada, Oakes Garden Theatre beautiful architecture is further accentuated by numerous illumination displays throughout the grounds.
WHERE TO PARK & MORE
Parking and transportation throughout Niagara Parks has never been easier. Choose from several options to explore this year’s Aura and Winter Festival of Lights at your convenience:
PAID PARKING
Parking is available at Falls Parking, across from Table Rock Centre and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Entry includes in and out access all day. Paid parking is also available at the Floral Showhouse, Queen Victoria Place, and Rapidsview Parking.
WEGO TRANSPORTATION
The fully accessible, hop-on, hop-off WEGO transportation system is your ticket to everything Aura. With stops at each node and lines that connect to other key areas in Niagara, it all comes together at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls and Table Rock Centre.
PARK & RIDE
Check back for information about convenient park and ride shuttles for Aura: Let it Glow and the Winter Festival of Lights.
FESTIVAL MAP
Explore our interactive map for the best viewing areas, parking, festival nodes and more!