For decades now, Niagara Falls has been considered Canada’s place-to-be when the clock strikes midnight on January 1. Photo credit: Niagara Parks
While revellers will go another year without a marquee outdoor concert along the waterfront in Niagara Falls, there’s still lots to do in the “Times Square of Canada” this New Year’s Eve.
To accommodate early bedtimes for the little ones, two fireworks shows will illuminate the skies over the Falls at 8 pm and midnight.
The best views will be had in Queen Victoria Park, where there’s plenty of nearby parking.
While waiting for the fireworks, spectators can take-in the award-winning Winter Festival of Lights, with hundreds of displays and millions of glittering lights stretching from the foot of Clifton Hill to Dufferin Islands. For those with a sweet tooth, consider indulging in the Hot Chocolate Trail self-guided tour.
Visitors hoping to escape the cold can visit the new Niagara Parks Power Station, the annual Poinsettia Show, and, of course, all the attractions, games, and restaurants up, down, and around Clifton Hill.
For adults, the casinos are always a popular spot on New Year’s Eve, with a number of special events taking place along and around Fallsview Boulevard. There will be live entertainment at the many bars and restaurants in the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites. Dragonfly Nightclub will be hosting a “Black and White Affair” and Club Se7en will be hosting a “Las Vegas to Niagara Falls” party.
The Greg Frewin Theatre on Ellen Avenue is holding a New Year’s gala featuring a dinner buffet, live magic, and a musical performance from Jonesy.
A bit further afield from the main tourist hub, Taps Brewhouse is celebrating the New Year with a karaoke dance party, while Doc Magilligan’s is holding a New Year’s bash featuring the band Orangeman.
Outside of Niagara Falls altogether, there are several special dinner parties taking place at wineries across Niagara-on-the-Lake, including at Trius Winery, Peller Estates, Reif Estate Winery, Ravine Winery, and Wayne Gretzky Estates.
The Irish Harp Pub on King Street is also hosting a ticketed celebration featuring abundant hors-d’oeuvres, lively tunes by Right Proper Lads, and a midnight champagne toast complete with festive party favours!
In St. Catharines, Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre will host free public skating in the morning on December 31 from 9:30am to noon on all four pads – one of which will host the popular glow-in-the-dark event complete with glow sticks, character visits and a family photo booth.
Also in St. Catharines, Level Nightclub will be welcoming in 2024 with a dance party late into the night, while FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre will be playing Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on the big screen.
Also happening on New Year’s Eve: the Buffalo Bills take on the New England Patriots at home in Orchard Park at 1 pm in an effort to secure a playoff spot, and Team Canada faces off against Germany in the final game of preliminary round play at the World Junior Championship at 1:30 pm.
