The holiday rush has officially arrived.
Candlelight, concerts, s’mores and house tours shape one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s busiest weekends of the season.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
Merry & Bright Christmas Tour at the McArthur Estate
9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 2 p.m.; 210 John St. E.
Part of the Rotary Holiday House Tour, the McArthur Estate opens for pre-booked daytime tours featuring festive décor and a look inside one of NOTL’s landmark properties. Runs Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6.
Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre Holiday Market
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Fri and Sat); 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun), 247 Ricardo St.
The Pumphouse turns into a creator’s market, featuring local artisans selling handmade gifts, ornaments and seasonal art — an easy stop for one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers. Runs Friday, Dec. 5, Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures Christmas Open House and Sale
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 855 Lakeshore Rd.
Shelves of vintage Christmas décor, collectable pieces and hard-to-find holiday items fill the shop for its seasonal open house. Runs Friday, Dec. 5, Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Candlelight Stroll
6:30 to 7:30 p.m., 26 Queen St.
A signature Old Town tradition returns, as residents and visitors walk by candlelight through the historic core and open the weekend on a warm, communal note. Proceeds from this year’s Candlelight Stroll support Pink Pearl Canada, an organization for young women with cancer.
St. Davids Firefighters Annual Turkey Roll
7 to 10 p.m., St. Davids Fire Station, 745 Warner Rd.
A long-running community tradition with prizes, socializing and festive energy, hosted by the St. Davids Volunteer Firefighters Association.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
NOTL Rotary Holiday House Tour
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., various locations
Homes across town open for a day of festive décor and heritage charm, drawing crowds for one of NOTL’s signature seasonal events.
6th Annual St. Nicholas Day Craft Sale
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sat); 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sun), Toad Hall Niagara, 1413 Lakeshore Rd.
A cozy holiday craft market with local vendors offering handmade and small-batch goods, hosted at Toad Hall Niagara for its sixth year. Runs Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
Icewine Village Tasting Bar and Fireside S’mores
12 to 6 p.m., Outlet Collection at Niagara
Warm up with free, fire-roasted s’mores while sampling seasonal icewine — a sweet stop for a quick festive photo and a taste of NOTL’s winter wine culture. Runs Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
Diapente Renaissance Vocal Quintet
4 p.m., Grace United Church, 222 Victoria St.
A concert of 15th–17th century carols performed in a Renaissance vocal style.
Handel’s Messiah at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
7 to 9:30 p.m., 323 Simcoe St.
A full performance of Handel’s classic oratorio by Ensemble Cantate Iterum, featuring four soloists and artistic director Johann VanIttersum. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
A Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tour at the McArthur Estate
4 to 7 p.m., 210 John St. E.
New to this year’s Rotary tour, the McArthur Estate opens for a candlelit Victorian Christmas experience to give visitors a glimpse inside the historic property. Proceeds will support the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.
Caity Gyorgy — Bravo Niagara TD Jazz Series
7:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Anglican Church
Three-time JUNO Award–winning jazz vocalist Caity Gyorgy performs with her trio in a special Bravo Niagara holiday concert, bringing swing and soul to an intimate evening show.
