As Canada’s foremost illumination festival, the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls attracts visitors from across Ontario, Canada, North America and beyond.

It began in 1983 when the Niagara Falls, Canada Visitor and Convention Bureau (now Niagara Falls Tourism), the City of Niagara Falls, The Niagara Parks Commission and numerous local businesses banded together to create the Festival.  From humble beginnings, the Winter Festival of Lights continues to enchant and delight its many wintertime visitors.  It has grown from attracting approximately 250,000 visitors and 35 motor coaches to over 1 million visitors and nearly 1,000 motor coaches.

In 1992, the Winter Festival of Lights entered into an agreement with Disney Canada Inc. to create the Enchantment of Disney® displays, which are located in Queen Victoria Park at the base of Murray Hill.  These have quickly become the most recognized of all the Festival’s displays.

The Festival’s impact on the wintertime tourism season has resulted in a similar, positive impact upon the local economy.  The Winter Festival of Lights was recognized in the 2003 Festivals and Events Ontario Economic Impact Survey as having the largest economic impact ($60+ million) of all festivals in Ontario.  With the level of increased business activity in what years ago used to be the Niagara Falls tourism industry’s 'off season', the Winter Festival of Lights has directly contributed to a longer and busier tourism season and the extension of employment for many local residents.

Planning occurs year-round.  Staff review and plan each year’s events in the off-season while investigating new events and entertainment opportunities to introduce in future years.  

The efforts and dedication of Festival staff, Board members and hundreds of volunteers have earned the Winter Festival of Lights worldwide recognition.  In 1999, the North American Bus Association proclaimed it the "Number One" event in Canada.  The Festival also received a "Peoples Choice Award" for Best Event by S.W.O. Special Events Guide; was named by the Ontario Motor Coach Association as one of the Top 5 Festivals in Ontario; was recognized by the National Tour Association for its success in generating revenue in the off-season; and in 2002, the Winter Festival of Lights won the Attractions Canada Award for Best Cultural Event.

For the past several years, the Winter Festival of Lights has been recognized as a Top 100 Internationally Known Event by the American Bus Association, and a Top 100 Festival By Festival and Events Ontario (FEO).  Most recently, the Winter Festival of Lights was included in the prestigious Ontario Festivals & Events of Distinction list.

Its newest feature – Rink at the Brink – offers public ice skating in an iconic setting located just steps away from the Horseshoe Falls.  With its magnificent view you’ll enjoy the breathtaking experience of the mighty cataracts from a new perspective!