Get inspired to spend the holidays wandering Niagara, where cozy cafés, charming boutiques and snow-dusted vineyards create a magical backdrop for both winter getaways and thoughtful local gifting.

Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted treasures, sipping something warm between stops or simply soaking in the seasonal sparkle, Niagara offers endless ways to make the holidays feel special.

This three-day festive foodie itinerary takes you from the heart of St. Catharines to the rolling snow-covered vineyards of the Niagara Benchlands, with delicious stops, talented local artisans and twinkling light displays along the way.

Bundle up, bring your appetite and wander Niagara this holiday season!

Day 1: A Festive Wander Through St. Catharines

Spend your first day soaking up the flavours and festive sparkle that make St. Catharines such a delightful winter destination.

Pique-Nique

Where: 166 Russell Ave, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

Kick off your wandering winter adventures in St. Catharines, a city buzzing with cool urban energy and packed with incredibly unique local gems waiting to be discovered.

Start by fuelling up with a cozy stop to Pique-nique, a neighbourhood café and wine bar known for its warm ambiance and beautifully crafted fare. During our visit, we enjoyed an assortment of pastries, from the classic butter croissant to a decadent Reuben croissant filled with smoked meat and melted cheese.

For the holiday season, the café serves up festive handcrafted coffee like the candy cane latte for a cheerful start to the day!

Beyond breakfast, Pique-Nique also serves delicious plates for lunch and offers a thoughtful apéro menu in the afternoon and evenings, to pair with a delicious glass of wine. It’s a fantastic spot to keep in mind if you’re picking up goodies to share with your holiday host or searching for something special to share with that foodie friend in your life.

Garden City Essentials

Where: 35 James St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5B9 (View Map)

The Twisted Pig 

Where: 1 Lock St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

After a laid-back morning of exploring it’s time for lunch! Enjoy a cozy midday meal at The Twisted Pig in Port Dalhousie. The restaurant is known for serving up classic Italian food with a modern twist. From soul warming pastas to crispy wood-fired pizzas, every dish feels familiar and comforting, exactly what you’d want to eat on a cold winter day.

During our visit we tried the Lasagna Bianco layered with house made pasta, chicken, spinach, bacon and truffle cream then finished with melted provolone. We also couldn’t resist one of their unique pizzas and decided to try the Smoked Duck pizza topped with gorgonzola, fior di latte, pickled shallots, a drizzle of hot honey and topped with fresh arugula.

Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring and with the holidays around the corner it feels like the right time to indulge a little. A standout was the the Barrel Aged Maple Apple Old Fashion made with Maverick Distillery’s Barnburner Union Whisky, apple brandy and maple apple simple syrup to complement our delicious meal.

Thistle Bookshop & Cafe 

Where: 50 Lakeport Rd #103, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

After lunch, wander next door to Thistle Bookshop & Café, a charming independent bookshop that blends warm café culture with shelves full of great reads. The shop offers something for every kind of reader and the café brings its own magic with a pastry case that’s hard to walk past.

For the holidays they’re serving up playful seasonal drinks like the cheerful green Grinch peppermint hot chocolate and the bright blue Frosty vanilla hot chocolate, both guaranteed to bring out your inner kid. Pair you warm bevy with a sweet treat like their peppermint sugar cookie square or a holiday Nanaimo bar topped with colourful sprinkles for a delightful pick-me-up.

With a festive drink in hand, wander through the curated shelves and pick up stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts for the book lovers in your life before you continue your afternoon exploring.

Bolete

Where: 176 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

As you begin to wind down the day slide into the early evening with pre-dinner drinks at Bolete, a stylish spot in downtown St. Catharines that’s just as lovely for a relaxed cocktail as it is for dinner later on. The modern dining room and open kitchen set the tone for chef Andrew McLeod’s approach to modern Canadian cuisine, built around seasonal ingredients and thoughtful craftsmanship.

We opted to settle in with a drink and a few small bites like warm marinated olives served with roasted garlic, orange and feta and their crowd favourite truffle fries topped with parmesan and scallions.

Their seasonal mocktail made with cranberry and apple was a bright and festive option for thoughtful imbibing, but if you’re leaning into something spirited the Black Dragon Highball with oolong scotch, yogurt soju and club soda brings a creative take on a classic sip.

The District Tapas & Bar 

Where: 24 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

For dinner make your way to The District Tapas & Bar, a lively St. Catharines spot known for bold flavours, fun cocktails and a celebratory vibe that feels just right for a night out over the holidays. The cool atmosphere and 90s to early 2000s R&B and hip hop playlist set a fun vibe for a relaxed and playful finish to your first day of wandering Niagara.

Their tapas-style menu makes sharing easy and we sampled a few standouts. The Bao-Mac, a prime rib burger tucked into a fluffy bao with the works and topped with their signature Mac sauce, was a favourite. If you have it in you to share (no judgment if you don’t), the Capri ricotta dip blended with, feta, pesto, roasted red peppers and lemon chili preserve is dangerously easy to polish off as a group. We also tried the Not Quite Philly Cheesesteak for a cozy, familiar bite with its own spicy twist.

To sip, we ordered a margarita flight that felt like a tiny tropical vacation with classic lime, spicy tropical and strawberry flavours to toast to our first day well spent!

Mahtay Cafe 

Where: 241 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

After dinner, stop by Mahtay Café, a beloved community hub in downtown St. Catharines. Opened in 2011, Mahtay is known as a welcoming space for all with a focus on serving local products as well as coffee from East Dock Coffee roasted in the Niagara Region and showcasing the work of local artists. It’s the kind of place where grabbing a coffee feels like connecting with the community.

Pick up a cozy hot chocolate or latte for the road, then make your way back to Port Dalhousie to Rennie Park to take in the Let It Glow holiday light display.

Rennie Park

Where: 60 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

End day one at Rennie Park with Let It Glow : A Celebration of Light. This beloved St. Catharines festival is returning for its fourth season and transforms Rennie Park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Running from Nov. 29 2025 through Jan. 4 2026 the event fills the city with brilliant light displays, family friendly scenes and plenty of festive cheer.

Wrap up your evening with a slow stroll through the glowing installations as colourful arches, bright sculptures and twinkling pathways light up the park. It’s a joyful and uplifting way to close out your first day wandering Niagara.

Day 2: From St. Catharines Treats to Niagara Benchlands Charm

Day two promises a tasty trail of doughnuts, tacos, artisan finds and countryside charm as you make your way from St. Catharines into the cozy heart of the Niagara Benchlands.

Dohboy’s Diner

Where: 429 Glendale Ave Unite #1, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

Day two starts with a classic, no-frills breakfast at Dohboy’s Diner, a local favourite for hearty morning plates. This rock n’ roll diner is decorated with vinyl on the walls and music memorabilia that gives the place a fun, nostalgic vibe.

Along with a hefty cup of coffee, we decided to try the early bird special Walk of Shame— a stacked plate served with eggs, bacon, sausages, home fries and toast. For a colourful start to the morning their Guac n’ Egg on Toast served with fresh berries on the side was a delicious option for those looking for something slightly lighter!

Before you hit the road, check out the freshly baked donuts, bagels and scones at the bakery counter. They make for an excellent car snack to reach for on the morning drive.

Beechwood Doughnuts

Where: 165 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

Next, treat yourself to a sweet morning pick me up at Beechwood Doughnuts, the first 100 percent vegan doughnut shop in Niagara. With the holidays approaching they lean all in on festive flavours making it a fun stop to enjoy something seasonal or to pick up a box to bring along to a holiday party.

Their lineup includes creations like the Snowflake, a whip filled doughnut topped with vanilla dip, blue snowflake drizzle and sugar. The Mulled Wine Apple Fritter is made with apples, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, finished with a mulled wine inspired glaze crafted from cranberry and Concord grape juice simmered with warming spices. The Candy Cane Cake Doughnut brings chocolate peppermint goodness with candy cane pieces sprinkled on top.

These are just a few of the flavours waiting behind the counter. Whether you grab one doughnut or a full box Beechwood Doughnuts adds a bright and delicious touch of holiday cheer to your morning.

Fine Grind Cafe

Where:  37 James St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

Just a short five minute walk from Beechwood Doughnuts, make your way to Fine Grind Café to round out your sweet haul. After all, nothing pairs better with a doughnut than a really good coffee.

This eclectic and comfortable café has been serving the community since 1995 and offers everything from classic coffee to milkshakes with vegan options too. Their signature chai latte is a must try and comes highly recommended by locals. Grab your drink to go and warm your hands as you wander the city.

Someday Books

Where: 21 King St Suite B, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

With just a ten minute walk from the café or a short drive down the block you’ll find Someday Books, a book lover’s dream. This independent bookstore in downtown St. Catharines features thoughtfully curated shelves filled with new fiction, non fiction and children’s titles along with handmade goods and small gifts that fit the holiday spirit. It’s also a great place to continue your gift shopping with unique holiday cards, unique stationery and little treasures that add a personal touch to any present.

Browse at a relaxed pace and pick up something meaningful for the readers in your life. Someday Books brings a warm, creative energy to the neighbourhood and makes holiday gifting feel personal and fun.

Taqueria El Cerrito

Where: 491 Merritt St, St. Catharines, ON (View Map)

Before heading into wine country, enjoy flavourful and authentic tacos at Taqueria El Cerrito, a vibrant and satisfying midday stop. The team here believes good food starts with freshness and you can taste that in every bite. Their tacos are made fresh daily using traditional Mexican recipes and ingredients that bring bold, comforting flavours to the table.

While we were there we opted to try the Fajitas de Pollo with grilled chicken, peppers, onions and mushrooms along with Suadero tacos filled with tender beef brisket. The Al Pastor nachos topped with marinated pork and pineapple added a bright, sweet twist that was a standout. To sip, we paired our meal with their homemade horchata, a creamy cinnamon rice milk drink that’s cool, sweet and refreshing!

Taqueria El Cerrito is a warm and inviting spot to close out your wandering adventures in St. Catharines before taking a drive to the Niagara Benchlands and continuing the festive fun!

Drive to the Niagara Benchlands (Jordan Village)

The Niagara Benchlands is where Ontario’s countryside magic really shines. With rows of snow covered vineyards, friendly makers and unique boutiques, it’s an area made for lingering and uncovering little gems along the way.

Upper Canada Cheese Company

Where: 4159 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON (View Map)

Continue your holiday shopping in the Niagara Benchlands with a stop at Upper Canada Cheese Company in Jordan, an essential stop for any foodie on your list. Here you can taste small batch locally crafted cheeses that make thoughtful gifts or delicious pairings for your holiday table.

As artisan cheese makers they take pride in crafting everything by hand in small batches with a focus on traditional methods and high quality local milk. Their trio pack featuring a sampling size of their Comfort Cream, Nanny and Smoked Baby soft cheeses is a fun gift idea and a great way to taste a few favourites.

Alongside their award winning cheeses you’ll find a carefully curated selection of Ontario made gourmet food items like chocolates, bagels, jams, honey and more to add something special to your holiday charcuterie board and make entertaining more local this season.

Avante-garde Emporium

Where: 3744 Main St, Jordan Station, ON (View Map)

Next, continue your holiday shopping with a quick five minute drive to Jordan Village, an iconic corner of the Niagara Benchlands lined with small shops and boutiques. A must visit over the holidays is Avante-guarde Emporium, a beautifully curated shop on the south end of Main Street where eclectic art, handcrafted décor, vintage finds and holiday treasures fill every corner. Housed in one of the village’s original 1842 buildings and run by a true “Jordanian,” the shop carries a deep sense of local charm.

Browse Canadian made jewelry, bath and body products, retro toys and games, Fair Trade natural fibre clothing and some of the region’s best cast and forged iron pieces. It’s a place made for slow wandering and little discoveries, offering the kind of retail therapy that feels both fun and meaningful. Avante-Garde Emporium is as homegrown as it gets and a lovely stop to pick up something special from somewhere special.

The Watering Can

Where: 3725 King St, Vineland, ON (View Map)

For an afternoon pick-me-up and peruse, stop into The Watering Can in Vineland, a nursery transformed into a floor to ceiling holiday wonderland. Festive décor, twinkling displays and lush plants make browsing feel fun, bright and cozy. Their onsite café and bistro stands out this time of year with a holiday menu that leans into all the flavours and colours we’ve come to love this in the winter.

While browsing holiday decor and greens, treat yourself to a peppermint hot chocolate and something sweet like peppermint cheesecake topped with a candy cane or a frosted peppermint sugar cookie. It’s a delightful, festive pause that brings a burst of holiday spirit to your afternoon wander.

Plus, for the lucky green thumbs on your list, check out their workshops and hands on classes. They make a fabulous gift and the perfect excuse to come back again… not that you’ll need one.

Dillon’s Distillery 

Where: 4833 Tufford Rd, Beamsville, ON (View Map)

Before dinner squeeze in a tasting experience that feels uniquely Benchlands. Although the region is best known for its wines, it is also home to Dillon’s Distillery, where small batch spirits are crafted with a deep connection to the land. Dillon’s sources fruits, grains, grapes and botanicals from local farmers and even their own distillery garden on the property.

A guided tasting at Dillon’s is a chance to slow down and explore their craftsmanship of distilling. During the tasting guests choose four spirits to sample and it’s well worth chatting with the associate leading the tasting for suggestions, especially if you’re open to trying something outside your usual comfort zone.

The lineup we tried during our visit included limited releases like a seasonal cranberry gin crafted with their Dry Gin 7, Bala cranberries and winter spices, as well as a cantaloupe gin steeped with local melons and sweetened with organic cane sugar. We also sampled a ten year single grain rye whisky aged in new Ontario oak barrel and presented at cask strength.

For something a little more playful we finished with a bittersweet chamomile and gentian liqueur, a bartender favourite, used to help enhance the flavour of any cocktail.

If you’re thinking gifting, Dillon’s also offers cocktail making gift packs stocked with everything you need to make an epic drink, they make thoughtful presents for budding mixologists or anyone who loves experimenting with spirits during the festive season. After your tasting experience be sure to browse their selection of spirits, gift packs and canned cocktails to add a special touch to your holiday gifting this year.

The Good Earth 

Where: 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville, ON  (View Map)

Wind down the day with dinner at The Good Earth, a restaurant that draws inspiration from Niagara’s bounty and wraps it in cozy ambiance and warm hospitality. The space feels inviting from the moment you step inside, making it an ideal spot to relax after a full day of wandering.

Their menu highlights thoughtful, seasonal plates. During our visit we enjoyed the Flat Iron Steak Frites served with braised kale, herb mayo, crisp fries and a peppercorn cream jus. It pairs beautifully with their Cabernet Franc, which brings just the right amount of richness to the dish.

The Fennel and Rapini Paccheri is another standout featuring a silky fennel cream sauce with dry cured olives, red onion, buttered panko and fior di latte. Enjoy it with a glass of their Chardonnay for a bright, balanced pairing.

Dinner at The Good Earth feels un-rushed, comforting and deeply connected to the flavours of the region, making it a lovely way to finish the day.

Jordan Village 

End the evening with a peaceful wander through Jordan Village, where twinkling winter lights and heritage buildings create a slow, cozy kind of magic. After dinner treat yourself to a handcrafted coffee and a pastry from one of the local cafés before strolling through the village.

As you wander you can browse unique boutiques that line Main Street, each offering its own mix of locally-made goods, home décor, accessories and holiday treasures. It’s a lovely way to soak in the festive glow and enjoy the quieter side of the season in a small town setting.

Hot Tip: Be sure to check store hours before you head out since many shops close earlier during the winter months.

Day 3: A Delicious Finale in the Niagara Benchlands

End your Niagara journey on a high note with thoughtful food, inspiring makers and one final toast to the region’s rich flavours.

Revalee Brunch Cafe

Where: 4100 Victoria Ave, Vineland, ON  (View Map)

Start your final day of wandering Niagara with a stunning brunch at Revalee Brunch Café, a local favourite known for creative dishes and delicious vegan options too. The bright, modern space sets the tone for a relaxed and flavourful morning.

During our visit we tried the Pistachio Cream French Toast, a beautiful plate layered with rose scented ricotta, saffron and cardamom syrup, pistachio cream, rose petals, pomegranate and crisp kataifi. For something savoury, the Pork Belly Benedict Tartine delivered rich, comforting flavours with seared pork belly, poached eggs, lemon and chive Hollandaise, pickled onion and herb and garlic crushed potatoes.

The coffee here is delicious, but the star of the show was their refreshing Awake Juice that combines a cold pressed blend of orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime and mango juices for a delightful start to the morning.

Grand Oak Culinary Market

Where: 4600 Victoria Ave, Vineland Station, ON (View Map)

Continue your day with a visit to Grand Oak Culinary Market, a welcoming space dedicated to great meals, fresh local produce and a wide selection of Niagara and Ontario made products. The market offers sandwiches made on freshly baked bread, in house soups, garden salads with handmade dressings and plenty of pastries and sweets, including many gluten free options.

Take your time browsing the market shelves where you’ll find artisanal pantry staples like Stoke Deli’s maple chili crisp, a locally made favourite from Pelham just next door. The bakery counter is also worth a stop with fresh breads and pastries that rotate seasonally. Around the holidays you may spot peppermint shortbread topped with peppermint chocolate, soft crinkle cookies or their signature buttery Toblerone cookies which tend to sell out quickly.

With spacious seating and a comforting lunch menu, Grand Oak is a great place to dine in or simply peruse while stocking up for holiday hosting and entertaining. Fresh breads, preserves, pastries, cheeses and other Niagara made goods make thoughtful edible gifts and add something special to any festive gathering.

Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant 

Where:  3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland, ON (View Map)

Next up, make your way to Vineland Estates for a lunchtime experience that captures the very spirit of wine country in the Niagara Benchlands. Before settling in at the restaurant, pop into the wine shop for a quick tasting and a browse.

Sip a few estate favourites, explore shelves filled with thoughtful gifts and gourmet finds like cheeses and cured meats, to set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon.

After visiting the bottle shop, head next-door to the restaurant, where gorgeous vineyard views meet refined, locally driven cuisine. Led by Executive Chef George Ward, the kitchen showcases the region’s flavours with creativity and care.

Vineland Estates is proudly Feast On® certified, which means every bite and sip you take supports Ontario growers and makers.

Their pre-fixe lunch menu invites you to savour a thoughtful assortment of plates that ensure you finish your meal feeling fulfilled, refreshed and ready to ease into the afternoon. During our visit we started the meal with the Estate Made Spaghettini, a luxurious mix of shellfish broth, clams, mussels, white bean, arugula, pomodorino and lobster butter.

Then for our mains we enjoyed the deeply comforting 16 Hour Braised Beef Chuck Flat with whisky onion jam, black pepper raclette, smoked spuds and rapini, along with the Cumbraes Chicken Breast with Niagara mushroom farce, truffle polenta and bacon and pearl onion jus.

For dessert we couldn’t resist the indulgent Dark Chocolate Cheesecake layered with banana custard, dulce de leche, toasted hazelnut and chocolate mint, it was the ultimate end to a delicious meal!

Littlefoot Farm Meat Shop

Where: 4107 Quarry Rd, Beamsville, ON (View Map)

Next, venture slightly off the beaten path to Littlefoot Farm, an inviting stop where you can stock up on locally grown and produced essentials for your holiday meals. Browse artisanal meats, house made charcuterie and seasonal specialties that showcase the care and quality of this local farm. It’s a great place to gather ingredients for festive dinners back home or to build a thoughtful, locally sourced gift basket.

Beyond their farm raised meats, the shop also carries local produce and one of a kind goods made by Niagara artisans, including jewellery, artwork and clothing. The mix of farm fresh food and handmade items makes Littlefoot Farm a warm, community driven stop and a lovely place to support local makers while prepping for the holidays.

Rosewood Estate Winery

Where: 4352 Mountainview Rd, Lincoln, ON (View Map)

End your Niagara wander at Rosewood Estate Winery, a family run winery known for exceptional wines, beautifully crafted meads and honey inspired creations. As Niagara’s original wine and honey estate, Rosewood blends 20 years of sustainable farming and winemaking with more than 90 years of beekeeping heritage.

Settle in for a tasting flight featuring a mix of their meads and wines, a combination that highlights both their beekeeping roots and their winemaking expertise. The experience is made even sweeter with thoughtful pairings like their seasonal dip served with vegetables and flax crackers or a board of Ontario cheese with honeycomb, honey nuts, fruit and fresh house made sourdough bread. It’s a cozy, flavourful send off to your time in the Benchlands.

Before you go, take a moment to browse the shop for holiday gifting. Pick up a bottle of your favourite wine from your tasting to share with a host, or tuck a few stocking stuffers into your bag like their small batch honeys or the unique hot honey fudge pieces. It’s the sweetest way to bring a little Niagara magic home.

3 Deliciously Festive Days Wandering Niagara Made Easy!

As your three day wander through Niagara comes to an end you’re left with full bags, full bellies and the warm glow that only the holiday season can bring. From cozy cafés to sparkling light displays and vineyard views, every stop offers its own kind of magic.

Whether you’re gathering gifts, tasting the region or simply soaking in the scenery, Niagara in winter has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way. Until your next visit may the flavours, memories and little treasures you’ve collected carry the spirit of St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands with you.

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