Niagara Digest — January 5, 2026 Edition
Your go-to guide for everything happening across the 12 Niagara municipalities…
Hey Niagara!
Brrr! ❄️ We’re officially in the deep freeze this week, but that just means more reasons to bundle up and go out! From cozy festivals to community meet-ups and artsy evenings, there’s lots to warm your heart. Let’s dive in! 🧤☕️
Local Business & Food Scene Highlights
🍷 Hot Chocolate Trail continues across shops and cafés — the perfect excuse to sip your way through downtown treats. Visit Niagara Canada
🍽️ St. Catharines restaurants are rolling out winter prix-fixe menus — check local patios and bistros for seasonal specials. (See lovestc.ca event calendar) loveSTC - Tourism St. Catharines
🛍️ Pop-ups and artisan markets are popping up across Niagara on the Lake this month — keep an eye out for local makers and winter goods. (Find details in Visit Niagara Canada) Visit Niagara Canada
Community & Feel-Good Stories
🌟 Big cheers for Walker Industries, contributing $2 M to the Niagara Health Foundation to support the new South Niagara Hospital and strengthen regional healthcare. Niagara Health Foundation
🧠 Local tourism partners are hosting FREE monthly networking events to support collaboration and strengthen the region’s visitor economy — a real nod to community spirit. Niagara Tourism Network
🗓 What’s Happening This Week (Highlights)
These are just a few standout experiences — head to the events hub for the full list!
Niagara Icewine Festival (Jan 16–Feb 1) – 🍷 Celebrate Ontario’s rich icewine tradition with tastings, discovery passes, and fireside décor. (Various Niagara venues) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region] NIAGARA GRAPE & WINE FESTIVAL
Icewine Village Weekend (Multiple weekends, Jan 17–18 & 24–25) – ❄️ Cozy street festival and icewine sampling in Niagara-on-the-Lake. (NOTL) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region]NIAGARA GRAPE & WINE FESTIVAL
Cool As Ice Gala (Jan 31) – 🥂 Elegant festival kickoff at the Power Station — wine, music, and winter vibes. (Falls) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region]NIAGARA GRAPE & WINE FESTIVAL
Hot Chocolate Trail Continues (Through Feb 1) – ☕ Hit spots across Niagara Falls & area for sweet and steamy trail flavours. (Wide region) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region] Visit Niagara Canada
Legends in Concert: “Back to the 80s” (Jan 7–14) – 🎤 Live performances bridging retro anthems and local stages. (Niagara Falls) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region] Niagara Falls Tourism
Road to Hotel California Concert (Through Jan 31) – 🎸 Classic hits live on stage this winter. (Niagara Falls) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region]Niagara Falls Tourism
Weekly Sunday Brunch at Queenston Heights (Sundays) – 🍳 Warm up with comfort eats and views. (NOTL) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region] Niagara Parks
Falls Fireworks (Various Dates) – 🎆 Nightly sparkle over Niagara Falls — great family night out. (Niagara Falls) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region]Niagara Parks
Local Pride Niagara Planning Events (Ongoing) – 🌈 Get involved with community celebrations and inclusivity initiatives across the region. (Various) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region]Pride Niagara
St. Catharines “Let It Glow” Light Celebration (Through Jan 4) – ✨ Twinkling displays and winter ambiance. (St. Catharines) — [Events This Week in Niagara Region] STC - Tourism St. Catharines
(Reminder: head to the hub link below for full weekly details, times, and additions!)
🔗 Events Hub Callout
👉 See 60+ events happening this week across all 12 Niagara municipalities:
[Events This Week in Niagara Region]
🎉 Looking specifically for festivals, fairs & signature celebrations?
Explore what’s happening right now:
Niagara Festivals This Week
That’s a wrap for this edition…
Stay warm, shop local, see you under the lights,
The Niagara Digest Team
P.S. If you’re keen for cozy winter hikes and hidden café gems, check out Visit Niagara Canada’s winter guides! 🍂☕️