If you thought Niagara-on-the-Lake couldn’t look more picture-perfect during holiday season, a new experience is about to make it even more magical.
For one festive three-day weekend this November, the Gardens at the luxurious Pillar and Post Inn & Spa are set to transform into an enchanting woodland Christmas village.
The first annual Vintage Hotels Christmas Market is making its grand debut from November 20-22, featuring seasonal food tastings, festive workshops, Victorian banquets, and an Old-World artisan village.
From warm sips of spiced mulled wine and fresh cider to authentic Bavarian pretzels, sweet crêpes, and hearty bratwurst, you’ll get to wander through an open-air marketplace filled with unique makers, live carolers, and cozy holiday vibes.
The festivities kick off on Friday evening, November 20, with an exclusive Sip & Savour event from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For $59 per person plus tax, your tasting passport unlocks garden access along with four food and four beverage vouchers to sample gourmet creations from 14 of Niagara’s top culinary tastemakers, accompanied by live music.
On Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, the outdoor Christmas Market in The Gardens is completely free to attend from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Browse dozens of curated stalls packed with handcrafted jewellery, winter fashion, artisanal home décor, natural bath products, and gourmet pantry goods, all set to the sounds of live performances by the St. Michael’s Choir.
Those looking for an elevated dining experience can book the Vintage Holiday Tea on Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the festively adorned Garden Barn. Starting with a 2:00 p.m. sparkling wine reception followed by afternoon tea from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests will enjoy artisanal sandwiches, local cheeses, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries paired with live music. Tickets are $85 for adults and $40 for children 10 and under (plus tax and gratuity).
Saturday evening also brings an opulent Victorian Nutcracker Feast inside the Victoria & Albert Ballroom at the Prince of Wales Hotel from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The candlelit, family-style buffet dinner by Chef JP Comte features nostalgic carols and lavish period décor, with tickets available for $95 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under (plus tax and gratuity).
Craft lovers can also sign up for interactive, hands-on workshops throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Niagara College instructors will lead an outdoor Christmas Wreath Workshop from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Holly & Pine Workshop Tent on the Barn Terrace. On Sunday, guests can return to the tent for a Holiday Centrepiece Workshop from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., or head indoors to Queenston Hall from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to build custom chocolate Advent calendars and decorate sugar cookies alongside Pastry Chef Zoë Ellis and live piano music. Each workshop is priced at $75 per person plus tax.
The Vintage Hotels Christmas Market runs from Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22, 2026, right in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
You can find out more details and browse specific holiday experiences here on their website.
