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NEW YORK: Niagara Falls at holiday time

BY DIANA ERBIO | Diana Erbio is a freelance writer.

November 20, 2005

Each year, millions of visitors flock to the famed Niagara Falls, where 20 percent of the world's fresh water plunges over a cliff created during the last ice age.

Although tourist season at Niagara is May to October, in winter the falls continue to flow and glow - literally. As temperatures drop, spectacular mounds of ice form from the mist, but the tremendous volume of water never stops flowing and the American and Horseshoe Falls remain illuminated in shades of the rainbow as darkness descends.

More dazzle arrives in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in the middle of November with the Winter Festival of Lights. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the event, which will run through Jan. 2. Fireworks, light parades and 2 million lights brighten an already glistening landscape.

ATTRACTIONS

Among the 100 motion light displays are the Great Canadian Outdoors showcasing wolves, deer, beavers and other Canadian wildlife; Enchantment of Disney; Noah's Ark; Nativity Scene; Snowman Band, and Father Time.

On the list of nine themed parades with brilliant floats, dancing candy canes, snowmen, clowns and live music are Winter Wonderland Fun and Santa Is on His Way. Parades begin at 8 p.m. through Jan. 2. Check the Winter Festival of Lights Web site at www.wfol.com or call 800-563-2557 for parade schedule and route, fireworks schedule and more.

Celebrate the magic of winter with a musical debuting this year. At the "Misty Kids Winter Wishes Show," learn the legend of icicle fairies who have been cast into the mist of Niagara Falls along with Chilly Dog, Crystal Bunny and Cool Cat. Shows run at 3, 4:30 and 6 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 17 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1 at the Hard Rock Club at Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, 5675 Falls Ave. Free, but donations appreciated.

In past centuries explorers, daredevils, notable personalities and honeymooners have been drawn to this natural wonder. In 1827 hotel owners staged a stunt in which they sent a schooner decorated as a pirate ship over the falls. Tourists and daredevils took the bait and began to arrive in record numbers. Today visitors can watch many of the dangerous stunts attempted at Niagara Falls at the IMAX Theatre, 6170 on Fallsview Blvd. (www.imaxniagara.com 905-358-3611). The free Daredevil Gallery allows visitors to see and touch actual barrels that carried foolhardy death-defiers over the falls.

A Winter Magic Pass includes admission to IMAX Theatre "Legends & Daredevils" movie, Bird Kingdom at the Niagara Falls Aviary, Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and Journey Behind the Falls for $26 adults, $16.25 children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free. Passes available at www.niagara parks.com.

WHERE TO STAY

Marriot (888-501-8916), Hilton (888-370-0700), Sheraton (800-267-8439) and Embassy Suites (800-420- 6980) offer rooms with views of the falls. A Winter Festival of Lights package at Embassy Suites, starting at $307, includes two nights' stay, a narrated lights tour and a $45 dinner voucher.

The Clifton Hill area, a block from the falls, is central to 40 restaurants and attractions such as Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and Guinness Record Museum.. The Comfort Inn (800-263-2557) and Quality Inn (800-263-7137) have indoor pools. The Quality Inn Clifton Hill's School Break Package includes two-nights' stay, with kids under 18 free, breakfast, and passes to several attractions, Dec. 26-29, $230.

WHERE TO EAT

There are many dining choices at Niagara Falls. Chain outlets such as Ruby Tuesdays, Applebee's and Rain Forest Cafe are budget-friendly.

The Keg Steakhouse (905-353-4022) on the ninth floor of the Embassy Suites Hotel, with great views of the falls, provides a memorable dining experience, as will a meal at Skylon Tower (905-356-2651), the tallest structure in Niagara Falls with a revolving dining room presenting a fantastic panoramic view of the falls. A children's menu is available.

Visit www.discoverniagara .com for more information about special packages, lodging, dining and more.