A Breathtaking New Tradition Starts this Holiday Season at Niagara Falls

During the summer, there are few experiences as iconic as Niagara City Cruises’ Voyage to the Falls adventure.

When the temperature drops and the holiday season approaches, it is the annual Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights that anchors a visit to Niagara Falls. With the spectacular display of lights celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Niagara City Cruises is offering an all-new experience to enjoy the sparkling lights and illuminated Falls from in the mist aboard a special holiday cruise that will run between the opening of the Winter Festival of Lights on November 12th and the end of the Niagara City Cruises season on November 27th.

“This is the start of a new holiday tradition that brings together two of the most memorable attractions in Niagara Falls,” says Mory DiMaurizio, Chief Operating Officer of City Cruises in Canada. “Every evening starting at dusk, guests on the Voyage to the Falls will see the dazzling illumination of Niagara Falls up close and from a perspective that is wildly different than standing at the top of the gorge. In the mist is a truly unique way to enjoy the magic of the season — and a light snowfall would certainly help make that much better!” 

The special Voyage to the Falls tour will operate on a different schedule than is typical for Niagara City Cruises at this time of year. Between November 12th and 27th, the boat tour rated as one of the best tourist experiences in Canada will operate between noon and 8 p.m. The tours that depart after dusk — typically around 4:30 p.m. — will include the Winter Festival of Lights experience.

The Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival, with millions of lights and larger-than-life displays in Queen Victoria Park, along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and across the tourist districts of Niagara Falls. Running from November 12th until February 20th, this year’s installation also includes 40 nights of live entertainment.

“Enhance your visit to the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights and experience family-friendly entertainment aboard the Voyage to the Falls boat tour,” says Janice Thomson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Falls Tourism. “Niagara Falls is an unforgettable winter getaway destination and we are thrilled that this popular iconic experience will be part of the winter fun during this milestone 40th Festival year. With the Winter Festival of Lights and Niagara City Cruises, we look forward to welcoming visitors and local residents alike.” 

The Winter Festival of Lights will set up light displays in front of the Niagara City Cruises main ticket plaza, and festive lights will be added to the lower landing area near the dock.