Experience Niagara’s Icewine Village
Come experience Niagara’s Icewine Village with Vintage Hotels! The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival is a local favourite. Sample a variety of Icewines from local vineyards on the streets of the heritage district, snack on delicious culinary pairings, all while enjoying live music, ice sculpture and more. A day trip just doesn’t do it justice, so booking a stay in one of our beautiful locations in Niagara-on-the-Lake is the best way to get the most out of the festival. With Prince of Wales’ convenient location in the heart of Old Town, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the festivities of this winter wine festival.
Taste Icewine: Niagara’s Liquid Gold
Often referred to as Niagara’s “liquid gold” because of its premium production process and rich flavours, Icewine is a delicious dessert wine made by concentrating the sugars in wine to create a thick, sweet beverage. It involves leaving grapes on the vine after the typical harvest season ends and into the winter, allowing them to freeze before pressing. This process deepens the flavour of the grapes, creating the classic, refreshing sweetness that Icewine is known for. Icewine is usually served chilled, and—as the name “dessert” suggests—after the evening meal. Due to our ideal climate, Canada is the world’s largest producer of Icewine, producing more than all other countries combined, and 90% of our supply is made right here in the Niagara Region.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival Events & Activities
Icewine Discovery Pass
Image courtesy of the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Explore the enchanting world of Niagara’s winter wine country with the Icewine Discovery Pass! Taste your way through Niagara Icewine, learning how it’s made and enjoying the many exquisite flavours. Attend one (or more!) of the six memorable seasonal tasting experiences at some of the area’s top wineries, hosted on January 10-12, 17-19, & 24-26, 2025, 11 am – 5 pm.
Get ready for one of the most anticipated events of the year – the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village on Queen Street! Watch as the historic old town transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with some of the region’s best wines, ciders, craft beer, and savoury bites on January 18, 19, 25, and 26! Wineries of NOTL have taken over the Icewine Festival events with support from the Chamber and Tourism NOTL, so you can experience the Icewine season like never before!
This year, there will be an outdoor stage with live music, a guest speaker discussing the history of Niagara Icewine, and so much more. Admission to the festival is free to enjoy, though tokens, glasses, and festival packs are available for purchase online and at the event!
Dates:
- January 18th: 11am – 6pm
- January 19th: 12pm – 6pm
- January 25th: 11am – 6pm
- January 26th: 12pm – 6pm
Cool as Ice Gala
Image courtesy of the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
The Cool as Ice Gala is the ideal place to sip on some of Niagara’s finest Icewines! Hosted at the Niagara Parks Power Station on Saturday, January 18, 2025, you can enjoy a wide array of flavours from some of the region’s top wineries, with samples paired with gourmet bites from local restaurants. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Tickets to the Cool as Ice Gala are available through the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival.
The Icehaus Icewine Cocktail Competition
Join us for the Icehaus Icewine Cocktail Competition on Friday, January 25! This exciting event combines a Euro-pop themed Icewine cocktail showdown with a DJ competition, creating the ultimate party atmosphere. With plenty of lighting, music, and dancing to keep you warm, and concluding with a fireworks finale.
Your admission grants you the chance to taste all the creative Icewine cocktails and vote for your favourite. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the fusion of Niagara-on-the-Lake spirits and Icewine in a fun, interactive setting!
When: Saturday, January 25th
Niagara on the Lake Ice Skating Disco
Lace up your skates and join the fun at the Niagara on the Lake Ice Skating Disco! This high-energy, disco-themed skating party features a live DJ, vibrant disco lights, and a festive atmosphere. Enjoy icewine cocktails, hot chocolate, and food from local food trucks, all while skating under the stars. The night will end with a spectacular fireworks display. Best of all, admission is free. Don’t miss out on this unique, fun-filled event.
When: Saturday, January 25th
Icewine Progressive Dinner at Niagara on the Lake
Experience a unique culinary adventure at the Icewine Progressive Dinner on Friday, January 24. This “pub crawl”-style dining experience features two tiers of deliciousness. The Pub Tier offers Icewine-infused pub favourites and cocktails, while the Fine Dining Tier elevates the experience with sophisticated dishes and premium Icewine pairings. The event is designed to be walkable, showcasing local restaurants and culinary partners. A ticketed event with prices varying, this is a must for food and wine lovers looking to explore Niagara’s vibrant dining scene.
When: Friday, January 24th
Queen’s Royal Park Polar Plunge
Take the plunge for a good cause on Sunday, January 25 at Queen’s Royal Park! This fundraising event invites brave participants to dive into the icy waters while supporting a local charity. Participants can either fundraise or pay to play, which includes the exhilarating Polar Plunge experience and a warming post-plunge hot Icewine beverage. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your Sunday, and local restaurants may offer brunch specials to fuel your day. A great event for thrill-seekers and those looking to give back to the community!
Where: Queen’s Royal Park, Niagara on the Lake
When: Sunday, January 25th
Explore the Play Hub at Simcoe Park
Image courtesy of Niagara Now
The Play Hub at Simcoe Park offers a winter wonderland for both kids and adults. Enjoy a Maple-Taffy station, where you can taste this sweet treat made fresh on snow, and slide down the ice chute for some chilly fun.
Meet regional mascots in winter attire, take part in a Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win prizes, and watch as a Festival Snow Castle is built by visitors throughout the event. Other activities include a Snow Slide, Snowshoe Races, and the chance to rent a Snow Bike to explore the Parkway. Plus, a shuttle will take you to snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Fort George or tobogganing at Simcoe Park. It’s the perfect place for winter fun for all ages!
Plan an Icewine Getaway at Prince of Wales
The best of Niagara’s Icewine Festival takes place right in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, just steps away from the Prince of Wales Hotel. Our opulent Victorian manor is the perfect place to relax and take in the festivities while enjoying luxurious accommodations, fabulous fine dining, and more.
Our Icewine Lover’s Getaway Package is the ideal option for exploring Niagara wine country and sampling the spectacular Icewines of the region. You’ll enjoy a delicious charcuterie platter in our cozy lounge by the fire, complemented by a fabulous Icewine martini. After you’ve had your fill of the festivities, spend the night in one of our charming guestrooms, brimming with elegant vintage décor, and experience the difference that the royal treatment makes.
Reservations fill up quickly, so book your stay with us today and enjoy everything the Niagara Icewine Village has to offer!