File photo from 2017 Niagara Falls New Year's Eve party. Photo: Niagara Parks

It’s already December...time to plan your New Year’s Eve!
The last night of the year in Niagara promises to be full of joy and celebration as plans come together for one of Canada’s best New Year’s Eve parties.

With just under a month left to go until the big night, you’ll want to start planning your epic new year’s jaunt out to Niagara Falls. About 1 million party-goers make their way to Queen Victoria Park every year, and 2018/2019 promises to be no different.

One of the best things about the Niagara Falls bash is that it’s outdoors among the millions of lights lit up for the Winter Festival of Lights and the stunningly beautiful Niagara Falls just steps away. Even if you’ve been before, there’s something new to see every year.

“The great thing about an event like this, and visiting Niagara Falls in general, is there is something different to experience every time you visit,” David Adames, chief operating officer at Niagara Parks wrote in an email.

“The winter season produces some breathtaking landscapes in the gorge with the snow and ice producing the spectacular "Frozen Falls" phenomenon. The location of the stage is really designed to immerse concert goers in the beauty of the Queen Victoria Park which is glowing from end to end for the annual Winter Festival of Lights. Of course the amazing live music should be reason enough for many people, having the chance to see these calibre of artists for free in this type of setting is something pretty special.

Admission is free and the party kicks off at 8 p.m., with an all-Canadian lineup of Burton Cummings, Walk Off The Earth, The Sheepdogs and Avenue Inn taking the stage. Keep your eye on the Niagara Gorge and the Skylon Tower at 9 p.m. and midnight for spectacular fireworks displays.

The Skylon Tower (top) and Niagara Falls during the Niagara Falls New Year's Eve party in 2017. Photos: Niagara Parks

All involved are especially proud of the Canadian talent, said Adames.
“Being able to again feature an amazing all-Canadian lineup is something that was important! Both the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks are strong supporters of Canadian music, including another example like Niagara Parks’ Niagara Stage concert series this past summer, which showcased the abundance of musical talent in our country,” he said.

“Obviously having some huge acts like Burton Cummings, Walk Off the Earth and The Sheepdogs play in Queen Victoria Park is very exciting, but we also recognize the opportunity that event like this presents to support and showcase some of Niagara's top local talent like Avenue Inn as well. Stakeholders in Niagara Falls were very supportive of having a whole Canadian line-up!”

He also recognized the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks events teams for their hard work in pulling the event together.

“There are so many logistical challenges when executing an event like this, from the stage set-up to portable washrooms, security, event promotion, the list could go on and on. The event could not happen without the hard work of so many people at both the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks,” he explained.

“The Niagara Parks events team definitely deserves a huge amount of the credit for its success. They work many long days during the holiday season, often in less than ideal weather conditions to make sure everything comes together. On that note, December weather is always a question mark, so we advise guess attending to be safe and dress in layers!

Don’t forget to bring your cash - you’ll find a variety of food and beverage options, as well as a licensed area for alcohol.

Visit niagaraparks.com or the Niagara Parks Facebook page for up to date information on the festivities.

If you’d rather stay warm and toasty at an indoor party, plenty of area hotels are offering dinner and dancing packages. Head to the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview for a four-course dinner, champagne toast and Toronto's Blush band, or take in the 2019 Dance Package with Embassy Suites. If you'd like to stay for a night or two, visit our

Looking for a scrumptious menu that night? Try Milestones on the Falls for $69/person or the Skylon Tower, minimum $60 per guest.

Looking to stay close to the action for New Years? Find package deals at Niagara Falls Hotels and Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, and book now - they’re sure to quickly fill up. Also, visit our 

Best Deals page for some more great year-end prices.

Above all, the most important thing is to have a safe and happy new year, and that’s why WEGO is providing extended service on New Years, from 10 a.m. on December 31, 2018 to 3:30 a.m. on January 1, 2019. Visit WEGO’s website for a detailed schedule. 

See these and more photos of this month's events on our Facebook page, and be sure to 'Like' us! Get out and enjoy all Niagara has to offer!

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area - Grimsby 

Photos: Allison Smith

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