Christmas is the most fun time of the year, for shoppers. They have a chance to turn shopping into an event, buying gifts and curiosities that are not available any other time of the year. Niagara falls created the Art By The Falls Annual Christmas Festival. The festival runs one weekend, usually early in December at the Optimist Hall, corner of Morisson Street & Dorchester Road.
The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise. Many craft organizations support and promote the event through their magazines and websites attracting some of the best talent from across the country. The festival has been running for 15 years, has up to 100 booths, and is attended by more than 5000 shoppers.
More than 80 juried artisan/artist vendors sell everything a Christmas shopper could want. Skilled artisans and crafters work in their booths while shoppers watch. Anything can be purchased: photography, art, stained glass, clothing, jewelry, candles, decorations, food, and Mennonite cooking.
Several food vendors are on site offering a selection of wonderful holiday treats to tempt the taste buds like the treasures tempt the eyes. This is a great place for last minute shoppers to find the perfect gift, for themselves as well as for others.
The event runs for 10am to 7pm. The admittance fee for adults is $2.00. Children under ten are free. Parking is free. The Annual Art by the Falls is located only minutes from the Fall view hotels, making it convenient to combine the shopping excursion with the winter light show and other seasonal festivals.