8 Dazzling December Dates In Niagara

8 Dazzling December Dates in Niagara

Hectic holiday schedules can make it tricky to find time for that special someone. This year, make spending time together a priority by dedicating one day away for just the two of you. Jump in the car or hop on the GO Train and venture to Niagara. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect over a shared activity you both enjoy.

December Date Idea #1:
A Picture-Perfect Outdoor Wine Trail

The Winter Wine Trail takes place December 2-3, and is a tasty way to experience a diverse selection of Niagara’s best wineries, craft beverage producers, and restaurants throughout five stunning locations across the Niagara Benchlands.

December Date Idea #2:
Outdoor Art & Butter Tarts

Recognized as Ontario’s number-one winery at the 2022 National Wine Awards, 13 th Street Winery offers so much more than just wine. Bundle up and explore the grounds surrounding the winery, which feature a permanent exhibit of spectacular sculptures with scannable QR codes that allow you to learn more about the artwork. There’s also an on-site gallery that specializes in Canadian historical and contemporary fine art. After you’ve browsed the artwork, break for the on-site bakery, where the butter tarts were voted Canada’s best by House and Home magazine. If you’d prefer an indoor winery art experience, visit Henry of Pelham Family Estate, where visitors can enjoy the collection of Canadian art proudly on display in a light-filled space above the tasting room.

December Date Idea #3:
Lager & Lights

Get a taste for St. Catharines’ hopping craft beer scene and enjoy a flight with some fabulous food at Merchant Ale House, Cold Break Brewing, Decew Falls Brewing Company, Dragan Brewing & Wine, or Trust Beer Bar. Afterward, take a stroll through Downtown St. Catharines to enjoy the beautiful Let It Glow holiday light installations. If you’d prefer your pint in Port Dalhousie, visit Lock Street Brewing Co. and then enjoy a winter’s walk along the old canal, where 2,000 feet of twinkling lights will sparkle throughout the holiday season.

December Date Idea #4:
High Tea & Greenery

The Watering lush Vineland greenhouse hosts daily Garden Teas complete with finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and all the trimmings. Before or after, enjoy a few hours of creative crafting in one of their hands-on workshops, and you’ll take home a holiday urn, wreath, or arrangement that’s uniquely yours. Afterward, keep the green thumb fun going with a visit to Adam’s Flora in St. Catharines.

December Date Idea #5:
Campfire & Charcuterie

Cuddling up beside a crackling fire with a glass of wine and some tasty snacks is the perfect way to win at winter dating! Wineries in the St. Catharines and Niagara Benchlands area with fire pits available for visitors include:

If you’d prefer a little protection from the elements, consider one of Fielding Estate Winery’s cozy heated wine domes or a flight beside the fireplace at Westcott Vineyards.

December Date Idea #6:
Waterfall Walk & a Wonderful Meal

A frosty hike with the promise of a stunning waterfall along the way is a pretty perfect way to spend a December day. Excellent options for your waterfall hike include:

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
Rockway Falls Conservation Area
The Swayze Falls Trail at Short Hills Park
The Louth Side Trail at Louth Conservation Area

After your hike, cue up comfort food favourites that will chase away any chill. Tasty choices include:

Authentic Caribbean favourites like curries and jerk chicken at 7 Mile Bistro or a monster charcuterie board at Twenty Kitchen and Bar in St. Catharines.
Hearty pasta dishes at Just Cooking Rustic Italian or Lake House Restaurant in Vineland.
Tasty barbecue at 1954 Bourbon and Smoke in St. Catharines or Smoke and Moonshine in Beamsville.

December Date Idea #7:
Spa & Sleepover

Spending the afternoon together at the spa and then sneaking away to a cozy hotel room for the evening feels extra luxurious during a busy month like December. Some spectacular spa and stay combinations include:

Spa On the Twenty and a room at Inn On The Twenty
Sugar and Spice Elite Spa and a room at The Juniper Waterside Inn
Bench and Balance Elite Spa and a room at Jordan House
Kevin Lunn Salon and Spa and a room at Stone Mill Inn

December Date Idea #8:
Destination Dining

Sometimes a dinner date in your own neighbourhood feels like it’s over too soon. Picking a road-trip-worthy restaurant stretches out the fun, so you have time to enjoy each other’s company a little longer on the commute. Fabulous choices in Niagara for a meal to remember include:

Get even more ideas for enjoying the holiday season in the Niagara Benchlands and St. Catharines.