The 'prettiest town in Ontario' is a winter wonderland with magical snow globe vibes

If you're looking for a magical winter experience, you'll want to head to this enchanting small town near Toronto. Brimming with frosty charm, the destination is transforming into a glistening wonderland that will have you feeling like you've stepped into a snow globe.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint Victorian village that's full of old-world charm. Located about 1.5 hours from Toronto, the destination is surrounded by wineries and is often called "the prettiest town in Ontario," according to Niagara Falls Tourism.

The town is getting even more magical with the annual Niagara Icewine Festival taking place on select dates from January 10 to 26, 2025.

Hosted by Niagara Grape & Wine, the event features several attractions and boozy experiences.

You can head to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village, which "transforms Queen Street into a picturesque winter wonderland where you can experience Niagara’s world-renowned Icewine," according to the website.

The Icewine Village, located in the quaint historic district, offers tastings, fire pits, ice carvings, and more. It's free to visit, or you can purchase a VIP package which includes cozy seating in Snow Globes, complimentary snacks and other treats.

The festival also has a Cool as Ice Gala where you can "enjoy a full evening of premium Niagara wine, Icewine cocktails and mocktails, locally-inspired culinary creations, live arts performances, and so much more."

Other offerings include the Icewine Discovery Pass which gives you access to food and drink pairings at participating wineries.

If you're looking for a unique winter experience, this Icewine Festival is worth adding to your plans.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.