The falls are lit every night
The illumination runs every night of the year. The start time follows the season, from 16:30 in November and December to 20:30 from mid-May to the end of July. It ends at 01:00 or 02:00, depending on the date. The full schedule is in the table below.
Fireworks are a different matter. They are a seasonal programme, not a nightly show all year. In summer they start at 22:00, and in winter they run on set dates. If you want to be on the water for the show, the Niagara Falls boat tour page covers the evening fireworks cruise.
Our pick: the lit falls with a guide
An evening walk to the best spots for the illumination on the US side.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Evening cruises and night tours at Niagara Falls
Evening boat rides, night tours and day trips that end after dark, with live prices and availability.
Illumination times through the year
Local time. The schedule can change with light conditions and programmes, so check the current times before you go.
| Dates | Lights on |
|---|---|
| 1 to 31 January | 17:00–01:00 |
| 1 February to 11 March | 17:30–01:00 |
| 12 to 31 March | 19:30–02:00 |
| 1 April to 14 May | 20:00–02:00 |
| 15 May to 31 July | 20:30–02:00 |
| 1 to 15 August | 20:00–02:00 |
| 16 to 31 August | 19:30–02:00 |
| 1 to 19 September | 19:00–02:00 |
| 20 to 30 September | 18:30–02:00 |
| 1 to 15 October | 18:15–02:00 |
| 16 to 31 October | 18:00–02:00 |
| 1 November to 31 December | 16:30–02:00 |
For most visitors, the easiest evening is a winter one. From November to January the lights come on between 16:30 and 17:00, so a late-afternoon visit covers the last daylight and the start of the illumination.
Fireworks and lights by season
Fireworks are weather-dependent and the dates below are the scheduled ones.
Summer fireworks
The 2026 summer series ran daily from 15 May to 12 October at 22:00, with extended shows on 1 July and 4 July. Wind and low cloud can cancel a show.
Winter fireworks
Fridays and Saturdays from 14 November to 12 December 2026, plus 8 and 9 January 2027. Daily from 18 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Shows start at 20:00 and last about 5 minutes. On New Year's Eve there is a second show at midnight, about 9 minutes long.
Winter Festival of Lights
From 14 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, light installations are on daily from 17:00 to 24:00, holidays included. It is free to walk and covers roughly 8 km through the tourist districts. It is a route, not a single attraction with a gate.
Fireworks cruise
The evening Falls Fireworks Cruise lasts about 40 minutes and includes a poncho. After sunset only the outer area is open, with a light mist. The gates close 20 minutes before your booked slot. From CAD 47.95 for ages 13 and over and from CAD 32.95 for children up to 12 (2026 prices shown as from-prices). The boat company does not run the fireworks, and a show is not guaranteed.
Boat tour options →Choosing your evening
The gap between lights-on and fireworks changes with the season. From mid-May to the end of July the illumination starts at 20:30 and the summer show follows at 22:00, so there is time for dinner in between. In October the lights come on at 18:00 or 18:15, and in November and December at 16:30.
- Summer: a long evening, with the show at 22:00 and lights until 02:00.
- Autumn: early lights, but the summer fireworks series has ended by mid-October.
- Winter: lights from 16:30 to 17:30, shows at 20:00 on show dates, and the free light route on top.
Stay behind the railings at every viewpoint. The current above the falls is strong and water levels change quickly, and swimming is not allowed anywhere along the river. If you plan to be on a boat in the evening, bring a layer for the mist, since the poncho does not keep you fully dry.
Plan the rest of your evening
Niagara Falls at night: frequently asked questions
Are the falls lit every night?
Yes. The illumination runs every night of the year. The start time moves with the season, from 16:30 in November and December to 20:30 from mid-May to the end of July.
Are there fireworks every night?
No. Summer fireworks ran daily at 22:00 from 15 May to 12 October 2026. In winter they run on set dates, listed above. Outside those dates the falls are lit, but there is no show.
When are the winter fireworks in 2026/27?
Fridays and Saturdays from 14 November to 12 December 2026, 8 and 9 January 2027, and daily from 18 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. Shows start at 20:00. New Year's Eve has an extra show at midnight. Check the announced dates before you travel.
Is the Winter Festival of Lights free?
Yes. The light installations are free to walk, daily from 17:00 to 24:00 between 14 November 2026 and 10 January 2027. The route is about 8 km long.
Can I take a boat ride at night?
The Falls Fireworks Cruise runs in the evening on the Canadian side. The US boat runs by day: 09:00 to 17:00 until 31 October 2026, shorter hours in early November, and until 20:00 in peak summer from 22 June to 9 August. The season ends on 8 November 2026.
Is this the official Niagara Falls website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by or connected to the parks, the boat companies or any tourism office.