Niagara City Cruises is already preparing for the holidays. For the first time ever, cruises will continue through the last day of the year, Dec. 31, 2025, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to take in the iconic Niagara Falls like they’ve never seen it before.
“It’s an exciting milestone for Niagara City Cruises,” says Greg Bechkos, vice president of sales and marketing for City Cruises Canada. “Whether you're looking to play tourist for the day or hosting friends and family from out of town, hopping on a boat tour at that time of the year is a perfect addition to your plans.”
Niagara City Cruises will run a modified schedule for its extended season. With Mother Nature’s cooperation, daily cruises will be offered through November, then Friday through Monday in December and finally daily again the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 26-31).
The extended season coincides with another big draw for Niagara Falls, Canada: The Winter Festival of Lights, which runs Nov. 15-Jan. 4 and lights up the city with more than 3 million lights in 75 displays. It’s Canada’s largest, free outdoor light festival, and there is also live music, fireworks display and more, including an all-new, family-friendly Laser Light Spectacular show on select dates.
In line with the fireworks schedule, Niagara City Cruises will run evening fireworks cruises to the illuminated Horseshoe Falls on Nov 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29.
A voyage to the Falls is the perfect addition to these winter festivities, Bechkos says, and a great chance to take in the majesty that exists in our own backyard at a unique time of year.
“It's always a treat for people,” he says of the late-fall and early-winter season. “If you're an outdoor enthusiast, if you love the crisp air and sparkling scenery, if you love seasonal festivities—then Niagara Falls is a certainly a destination for you.”
Bechkos encourages guests to embrace the chillier temperatures of the extended season, noting that there are both full-mist voyages that take you right into the Falls (before dusk), as well as light-mist experiences, in which the boat only goes to the edge (after dusk). There is also an indoor viewing area for those who are looking for up-close views minus any mist at all.
“As long as you dress accordingly, you’ll be ready for what the amazing and mighty Niagara Falls has to offer this time of year,” he says. “It’s a great way to get out, get some fresh air and take in the sights and the sounds of the season.”
For boat tour schedule and bookings, visit niagaracruises.com.
