Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, and it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
With guaranteed sub-zero temperatures, Niagara Falls turns into a frozen wonderland in December. Snow everywhere including a partially frozen Niagara Falls greets visitors.
December is the month of festivities in Niagara Falls with Hanukkah and Christmas being observed during this month.
Niagara Falls can be seen from the US and Canadian cities of Niagara Falls which are located around the waterfall. The Niagara River divides US and Canadian territory.
Niagara Falls, Canada has more attractions, so we will focus on what to expect in Niagara Falls Canada in December.
Niagara Falls gears up to welcome tourists who visit in December to see the frozen Falls, celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, and to ring in the New Year.
Hotels offer special packages for visitors in December. It gets especially busy during the Christmas-New Year week.
Some of the Niagara River and Falls-centred activities are closed, but you can still see Niagara Falls and enjoy many other activities.
Things to do in Niagara Falls Canada in December
Winter Festival of Lights: From mid November to mid January every year, lighting displays are put up all over the tourists districts of Niagara Falls Canada. This includes the 55-km stretch of Niagara Parkway, various Niagara Parks attractions, Lundy’s Lane, Clifton Hill, and other tourist frequented areas.
Dufferin Islands, Oakes Garden Theatre, Queen Victoria Park, and Floral Showhouse are some of the places where you can see amazing lighting displays.
Journey behind the Falls: This Niagara Parks attraction stays open even in winter and gives visitors an opportunity to see Horseshoe Falls from a very close range. Walk through 130-year-old tunnels that go behind Horseshoe Falls. You can hear the roar of the Falls and see it plummeting down through port holes cut into the rock behind the Falls.
Standing on the observation deck next to the base of the Falls is an experience you will never forget.
Niagara Falls Illumination: Walk along the path on Niagara Parkway to see Niagara Falls lit up in many colours at night.
Niagara Wineries: Most wineries offer tours in winter. Touring the inside of wineries, tasting wine and learning the process of wine-making will make you forget the cold outside.
Niagara Falls Fireworks: There will be short fireworks displays daily in the last week of December at 9:00 p.m. On December 31, there will be two fireworks displays, one at 9:00 p.m. and the second one at midnight.
Clifton Hill: This area in Niagara Falls Canada is popular with tourists because of its many attractions. You will find museums, great eateries and restaurants, fun family activities, and lots of shopping. At night, it is the hub of nightlife with glittering lights and many activities. Some of the attractions you could visit are:
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Movieland Wax Museum
- Strike Rock n’ Bowl
- Guinness World Records Museum
- Canada Trading Company
- Nightmares Fear Factory
No matter what type of food you want to eat, you will find it on Clifton Hill. You will find cafes, steakhouses, cake shops, etc. Some of the popular places are:
- Rainforest Café
- Tim Hortons
- Clifton Hill Family Restaurant
- Boston Pizza
- Funnel Cakes
- Burger King
- BeaverTails
- Kelseys Original Roadhouse
- Wendy’s Restaurant
- Mama Mia’s
Casinos: Niagara Falls, Canada has two casinos – Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara. Try your luck at the slot machines, roulette tables and card games. It is a great place to spend your time indoors.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations: If you are planning to visit Niagara Falls Canada at the year end, you can enjoy many celebrations organized by Niagara Parks. There will be live entertainment, fireworks and many special events.
Other popular sights in Niagara Falls, Canada are:
- Skylon Tower
- Bird Kingdom
- Floral Showhouse
- Butterfly Conservatory
Niagara Falls in December: A Frozen Wonder
One of the reasons to visit Niagara Falls in December is the chance to see a near frozen Falls. Frozen waterfalls are an absolutely stunning sight. They look entirely different from summertime and offer a different perspective on a natural wonder.
As it is located close to the Arctic region, visitors can expect to see snow and ice in Niagara Falls in winter.
Sections of Niagara Falls get frozen. Snow and ice blocks the view of the water flowing underneath. The Niagara River too is covered by a thick layer of snow and ice. You can still see the fast flow of water where there is a break in the ice cover.
The landscape is completely transformed with frozen trees and snow covering almost everything.
Escape the crowds seen in summer and enjoy great winter scenery, discounts at hotels, and the festive season in Niagara Falls.
Toronto is a major city in Canada that is close (128 km) to Niagara Falls. It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Day tours from Toronto are popular with tourists. Click here for Niagara Falls tours.
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
