Niagara Falls’ Winter Festival of Lights, which runs from Nov. 7 to Jan. 4, 2010, is receiving praise at home and abroad, being recognized as a Top 100 Festival and one of only 18 Ontario Festivals & Events of Distinction by Festivals & Events Ontario and a Top 100 Internationally Known Event by the American Bus Association.
Organizers say the event offers “an illuminating experience to more than one million people each year with three million dazzling lights and over 120 animated lighting displays, including the world-famous Enchantment of Disney displays, the spectacular Zimmerman Fountain display and the world’s largest illuminated Canadian-American Flag display.”
Most of the illuminations are found within the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland, which runs along the Niagara Parkway for about five km. The illuminations can be viewed from 5 p.m. to midnight every night during the festival. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted ($5 to $10 per vehicle is suggested) and used to maintain and enhance the illuminations.
“Being such a long route, it’s recommended that you drive through the Winter Wonderland,” organizers advise. “Afterwards, you can park your vehicle across from the Table Rock Complex to take photographs of your favourite displays or enjoy one of the many amenities found within Table Rock.”
Besides illuminations, the festival includes a calendar full of events, including Fireworks over the Falls; Opening Ceremonies with a showcase of theatrical presentations, including performances by Disney characters and the Festival of Lights Holiday Choir; Christmas Concerts featuring Loretta Lynn, The Gatlin Brothers and Ronnie Prophet; Niagara Falls Comedy Fest; Winter Festival Candle Light Stroll; Candy Cane Lane 5k Race & Fun Run; Festival of Lights Cheerleading Championship; and Canada’s largest New Year’s Eve Party.
The newest attraction is The Rink at the Brink, which “offers the experience of outdoor public ice skating in an iconic setting similar to the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City, yet superior in that it includes the breathtaking view and sound of the mighty cataracts located a stone’s throw away. The Rink at the Brink provides a magnificent location for viewing both the American and Horseshoe Falls and the prospect of skating at their brink – one of the most-famous natural attractions in the world – make it the quintessential Canadian wintertime experience.”
The Rink at the Brink offers paid admission recreational ice skating, skate, helmet and locker rentals, as well as skating clinics/lessons for groups and individuals. It hosts special events and on-site functions such as holiday, birthday and engagement parties. It is open daily (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, 2010.
Visit www.wfol.com for additional information.
