Niagara Icewine Festival 2026: Schedule, Tickets, & Tips
Let’s be real. By the time January hits, we’re deep in the “grey-slush” part of the Toronto winter. The holiday lights are down, the sky is permanently monotone, and we’re all just… damp.
My advice? Don’t just suffer through it. Plan the perfect winter road trip.
As a long-time Torontonian, my favourite escape is the Niagara Icewine Festival. It’s when the whole region turns our worst weather into its biggest asset. They’re out there picking frozen grapes in the dead of night to make “liquid gold,” and we get to drink it. It’s a brilliant system.
The Niagara Icewine Festival 2026 schedule is already out, which means it’s time to get planning. Here’s the inside scoop on how to do it right.
First Off: What’s the Big Deal with Icewine?
If you’re new to this, Icewine isn’t just “wine that’s cold.” It’s a super-concentrated, incredibly complex dessert wine made from grapes (like Vidal or Riesling) that have literally frozen solid on the vine. This only happens when the temperature drops below -8°C.
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The result is a tiny, precious amount of super-sweet juice. It’s sweet, yes, but not in a sticky, syrupy way. Think rich honey, apricot, and peach, balanced with a sharp acidity that makes it delicious. And Canada, specifically Niagara, is the best in the world.
The Official Niagara Icewine Festival 2026 Schedule
The festival is a multi-weekend affair, so you can pick the one that works for you. The main festival activities and the Discovery Pass program run over three weekends in 2026:
- Weekend 1: January 16-18, 2026
- Weekend 2: January 23-25, 2026
- Weekend 3: January 30 – February 1, 2026
This festival is not one single event. It’s a collection of three main experiences. You can do one, or you can try to do them all.
How It Works: The Three Ways to Festival
You’ve got options, from a casual road trip to a full-on black-tie affair.
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1. The ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’: The Icewine Discovery Pass
This is, in my opinion, the classic way to do the festival. The Icewine Discovery Pass is your ticket to a self-guided tour.
- What it is: A pass (usually with 6 or 8 “credits”) that you buy in advance. Each credit gets you one unique culinary creation paired with one amazing Icewine (or VQA wine) at a participating winery.
- The Vibe: You and your friends (and a designated driver!) cruise between wineries at your own pace. One stop might have a roasted chestnut soup with a Vidal Icewine, while the next has a spicy-sausage-and-icewine-jelly concoction. It’s a foodie’s dream.
- The Dates: You can use your pass on any of the three festival weekends: Jan 16-18, 23-25, and 30-Feb 1, 2026.
- Pro Tip: They also sell a “Driver’s Pass” for a reduced price, which gets your DD a non-alcoholic drink and the food pairing. Do this. Don’t be a hero.
2. The ‘Main Street’ Magic: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
This is the picture-perfect, storybook version of the festival. It’s also the easiest to access.
- What it is: The historic, absurdly charming Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake gets shut down and turned into a winter wonderland. Think ice sculptures, live music, cozy fire pits, and rows of winery booths.
- The Vibe: It’s a free-admission street party. You can walk around, soak in the atmosphere, and buy tokens to sample different Icewines and food from the vendors. It’s perfect for a day trip.
- The Dates: This only runs for the first two weekends: January 17-18 and 24-25, 2026.
3. The ‘Big Night Out’: The Cool As Ice Gala
Want to get fancy? This is where you do it.
- What it is: The official kick-off party, and it’s a massive, all-inclusive gala. We’re talking endless VQA wines, Icewine cocktails, incredible food from top Niagara chefs, and live entertainment.
- The Vibe: Full-on glamour. This isn’t a “jeans and a parka” event. It’s a chance to dress up and celebrate. For 2026, it’s being held at the Niagara Parks Power Station, which is an absolutely stunning venue.
- The Date: One night only: Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Let’s Talk Money: Niagara Icewine Festival 2026 Tickets and Price
Budgets are important. Here’s the most transparent breakdown based on verified 2026 info and pricing from the Niagara Icewine Festival 2025.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village:
- Price: Free to enter. You then buy tokens on-site to purchase wine and food samples.
- VIP Pass: For 2026, they are offering VIP passes (approx. $75 – $100) that get you access to a warm VIP lounge and other perks.
- Icewine Discovery Pass:
- Price: The official Niagara Icewine Festival 2026 price for the pass isn’t posted just yet. However, the Niagara Icewine Festival 2025 pass was $57 for 6 experiences. You should budget for something in the $55 – $65 range per person.
- Cool As Ice Gala:
- Price: The Niagara Icewine Festival 2026 TICKETS price for the Gala is the big one. The 2025 tickets were $225 per person. Expect a similar price point for the 2026 event. Yes, it’s a splurge, but it’s all-inclusive.
A Note on the ‘Ice wine Festival 2025′
If you heard amazing things about the Ice wine Festival 2025, you heard right. It was one of the best. The Niagara Icewine Festival 2025 schedule was packed, and the 2026 event is following the exact same successful formula: three weekends of the Discovery Pass, two weekends of the NOTL Village, and one massive Gala.
My “Been-There-Done-That” Tips for Torontonians
- Book Your Stay. Now. Seriously. The best B&Bs and hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Jordan Station sell out months in advance. Do it before you even buy your festival pass.
- Dress Warmer Than You Think. This is not a fashion show (except for the Gala). It is an ice festival. You will be standing outside, on a frozen street, drinking a cold liquid. Wear two pairs of socks. Bring your “good parka.”
- Start in Jordan. Most people head straight to Niagara-on-the-Lake. I like to start on the Twenty Valley wine route (around Jordan and Beamsville). The wineries are just as good and often a little less crowded.
- Buy a Bottle. You’ll sample a dozen amazing things. When you find one you love, buy the bottle. It supports the winery directly, and it’s the best souvenir.
Disclaimer: All information related to the 2026 schedule, dates, and event structures is based on official announcements from the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival as of November 2025. Please always check the official festival website for final details and to purchase tickets, as pricing and availability can change.
You’ve Got Your Winter Trip. How About Planning the Next One?
Once you’ve thawed out from all that Icewine, you’ll probably be dreaming of your next big trip. Since you’re clearly a planner, why not think about a 2026 family adventure? For some incredible inspiration, check out this list of 18 Unmissable Places To Visit In Canada This 2026 (Here’s Who Made The Nat Geo List).
Stay warm, Toronto!
More…
- https://eventsliker.com/unlocking-the-magic-of-the-niagara-icewine-festival-2026
- https://www.carnifest.com/niagara-icewine-festival-2026
- https://www.reddit.com/r/niagara/comments/17xiha0/is_the_niagara_ice_wine_gala_worth_it
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/miracle-on-bloor-street-toronto-2025-guide
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