Visitors who flock to Niagara to experience its world-wonder natural attractions, award-winning wineries, buzzed-about farm-to-table dining scene, and The Shaw Festival’s seasonal shows are often surprised to discover that the live arts scene here thrives all year long. Adding a performance at a new-to-you live arts venue to your itinerary is a fun way to experience a whole new side of Niagara on your next trip, especially when you take advantage of nearby spa and shopping options. Here are several venues to consider as you plan your next Niagara getaway.
OLG Stage, a world-class 5,000-seat theatre with state-of-the-art technology and outstanding acoustics, was built to wow music fans. Every seat in the house offers fantastic views to catch an impressive roster of touring musicians, which this winter includes acts like Matthew Good, I Mother Earth, Crash Test Dummies, The Northern Pikes, Lisa Loeb, Raymond Lam, Sarah Brightman, Johnny Reid, Arkells, Blue Rodeo, The Trews, The Watchmen, Skydiggers, Tom Cochrane, The Guess Who, Queensrÿche, Quiet Riot, Boy George and Culture Club, Glass Tiger, Trooper, Sawyer Brown, and more. The Avalon Theatre, an even more intimate 1500-seat venue just a short stroll away, also attracts a fantastic assortment of entertainers. This winter’s lineup includes Legends Live, a critically acclaimed tribute show, All-Star Vegas, featuring America’s Got Talent star and long-standing Las Vegas headliner Piff the Magic Dragon, and comedian Brad Garrett.
Be sure to build in some time for browsing before or after your show at the Fallsview Casino’s Galleria Shops, where you’ll find a delightful collection of boutiques filled with the latest styles, accessories, gifts, toys, and specialty foods. The nearby Canada One Outlets is a must-shop destination for those on the hunt for name-brand deals on labels like L.L. Bean, Coach, and other popular retailers. Those who prefer a pre- or post-show spa treatment will find themselves spoiled for choice in Niagara Falls! The Damara Day Spa, located right inside the Fallsview Casino Resort, offers a diverse range of treatments from relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials to scalp-nourishing head spas, kids spa fun, and full-body treatments. Burning Springs Spa and Thermal Pools, located just a short walk from OLG Stage, boasts three outdoor thermal pools providing a hydrotherapy journey in the original location of the spectacular natural spring that first drew the spa-seeking set to Niagara Falls! In addition to a luxurious assortment of spa treatments, Christienne Fallsview Spa, currently the top-rated Ontario spa on TripAdvisor, boasts the only hydrotherapy infinity tub with a spectacular view of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.
While The Shaw Festival wrapped its official season in early November, it offers theatre lovers one final holiday hurrah in November and December before pressing pause for the winter. Catch A Christmas Carol and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas until December 21. Then the cast and crew will focus on preparing for the 2026 season, which will feature an impressive array of productions, including Funny Girl, One For The Pot, Amadeus, Sleuth, Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, The Wind In The Willows, Heartbreak House, and Ohio State Murders. Tickets to The Shaw’s 2026 season go on sale to the general public on December 6.
Whether strolling the streets and browsing the shops of Old Town or scoring designer deals at Outlet Collection at Niagara, a few hours of shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake before or after your time at The Shaw is an excellent way to get a head start on holiday shopping or get a few things for yourself after the holidays. Those in need of a little pre- or post-holiday relaxation will find a wonderful assortment of options in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Bundle up and enjoy some fresh air self-care beside one of the cozy outdoor firepits at The Outpost at Pillar and Post, a Monet-inspired garden space that gets a winter glow-up, complete with an outdoor ice rink, twinkling lights, a cocktail and gourmet snack bar, and more. The award-winning spa at White Oaks is another sensational space to catch your breath. Ranked as the #1 spa in Niagara, #2 spa in Canada, and #23 spa in all of North America by Spas of America, The Spa at White Oaks invites its guests to enjoy the on-site indoor pool, steam rooms, and saunas as part of their spa experience, making it a wonderful place to escape for an entire morning or afternoon!
St. Catharines’ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is celebrating its tenth year with a bevy of birthday programming in the months ahead, including performances by Soweto Gospel Choir, Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie, Dallas Smith, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Stars, Jann Arden, Sam Roberts Band, Dwayne Gretzky, the Girls Night Out Comedy Troupe, and many more. The Art In Action: Climate experience is Niagara’s first-ever multi-day arts and climate festival, offering ten days of climate-focused programming from January 30 through February 8. Don’t miss In the Wake of Progress, a powerful immersive multimedia experience by renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky. Other events include captivating performances by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre and Avanti Singers, thought-provoking films, gallery exhibitions, educational programs, and a one-day climate symposium.
Just down the street, indie music fans will adore the vibe at Warehouse Concert Hall, an intimate venue with an impressive winter lineup that includes acts like Hawksley Workman, Virginia To Vegas, The Dears, Terra Lightfoot, and many more.
While Downtown St. Catharines is home to a winning selection of record shops, vintage retailers, and niche boutiques that show-goers will definitely want to check out, a shopping stop in nearby Jordan Village is also highly recommended. Grab a coffee at Restaurant Pearl Morissette’s partner property, RPM Bakehouse, and browse the village’s interesting selection of galleries, clothing, gift shops, and more. Spa on the Twenty, located in a historic building right on the main street, offers spa-goers a selection of distinctive and seasonally-inspired treatments.
During the winter months, Port Colborne’s Roselawn Theatre, the Niagara base for the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, serves up a delightful selection of shows, including author readings, tribute bands, comedians, and Canadian musicians. Fun shows to time a trip around in the coming months include the heartwarming A Charlie Brown Christmas Live, Canadian Celtic rockers, Mudmen, and Epic Eagles with their definitive Eagles tribute.
Downtown Port Colborne offers an interesting assortment of shops, cafés, and restaurants and its Niagara’s South Coast neighbour, Fonthill, is another lovely destination for some pre-concert exploring. Sneak in a little self-care time at The Yard Social Club, a creatively crafted boutique wellness space offering yoga, hot and cold contrast therapy, and more.
If a night out in a friendly small town complete with its own concert venue, craft brewery, and restaurants for a pre-show meal sounds like the perfect way to spend a winter evening, Ridgeway delivers on all accounts. The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts is a community-based event and concert space with stellar live concerts, theatre plays and comedy shows, including upcoming performances like Aysanabee, Tim Baker, and Paul Anthony’s tribute to Johnny Cash. Before sipping a pre-show pint at Brimstone Brewing Company, be sure to browse Ridgeway’s distinctive downtown retailers. Check out the schedule of drop-in classes, workshops and special events at The Yoga Dome, to see if there’s something interesting happening at this cozy country yurt before or after your show.
Discover a new way to winter in Niagara on a getaway that blends live entertainment, shopping, and some well-deserved spa time. Be sure to check out @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for additional trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, scroll through local accommodations and restaurant suggestions to find delightful options to add to your itinerary.
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