On January 31, 2026, Niagara Falls hosts certainly one of its most distinguished winter occasions inside a venue that defines the area’s engineering and cultural legacy. From 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Cool as Ice Gala takes over the Niagara Parks Energy Station, reworking the century-old landmark into an immersive celebration of Ontario wine, culinary artistry, and stay efficiency.
Previously referred to as the Niagara Icewine Gala, this reimagined night has advanced right into a broader showcase of Niagara’s food-and-wine identification. Black-tie apparel units the tone, whereas thoughtfully curated tasting stations, stay arts performances, and architectural drama set up an environment that feels refined, intentional, and distinctly Niagara.
A Historic Setting with Unique Entry
Few venues in Canada provide the visible and emotional affect of the Niagara Parks Energy Station. Constructed greater than a century in the past, the previous hydroelectric facility has been meticulously restored, preserving its hovering generators, industrial textures, and monumental scale. Gala company obtain unique night entry to the Energy Station, together with entry to The Tunnel, a exceptional underground passage resulting in an outside viewing platform overlooking the Niagara River and illuminated Niagara Falls.
This uncommon entry elevates the occasion past a conventional gala, connecting company to certainly one of Niagara’s most compelling experiences whereas underscoring the area’s innovation, heritage, and pure energy.
An All-Inclusive Winter Celebration
The format encourages exploration relatively than a seated eating schedule, permitting company to have interaction with winemakers, cooks, and performers at their very own tempo.
Showcasing Niagara’s Main Wineries
Wine stays central to the Cool as Ice Gala, with a curated roster of vineyard companions representing Niagara’s appellations and Icewine experience. Company can pattern a broad vary of kinds that replicate the area’s local weather, soils, and worldwide status.
Collaborating wineries embody:
- 180 Property Vineyard
- Bella Terra Vineyards
- De Simone Vineyards
- Harbour Estates Vineyard
- Inniskillin Vineyard
- Jackson-Triggs Niagara Property
- Konzelmann Property Vineyard
- Lakeview Wine Co.
- Magnotta Vineyard
- Marynissen Estates
- Niagara School Instructing Vineyard
- Peller Estates Vineyard
- Pillitteri Estates Vineyard
- Queenston Mile Winery
- Reif Property Vineyard
- Sue-Ann Employees Property Vineyard
- Trius Vineyard
- Wayne Gretzky Estates.
Collectively, these producers provide a complete have a look at Niagara’s winemaking experience, from internationally acknowledged Icewines to expressive VQA alternatives.
A Collaborative Culinary Program
The gala’s culinary lineup brings collectively cooks and eating places from throughout the area, every contributing dishes that emphasize seasonal elements, approach, and world affect. Dietary wants are thoughtfully addressed, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian choices obtainable all through the night.
From freshly shucked oysters and artisan charcuterie to smoked specialties, refined desserts, and hand-rolled sushi, the menu displays Niagara’s depth as a meals vacation spot.
Highlights embody:
Social Graces with Afrim Pristine presenting warmed Swiss raclette with mini potatoes and cured French sausage, alongside herb and lemon whipped ricotta with aged balsamic and crispy prosciutto.
Tide & Vine providing freshly shucked Canadian East Coast oysters with signature sauces and Icewine granita.
Bolete Restaurant serving duck rillette crostini with orange glaze and roasted cauliflower completed with brown butter, capers, and fried hazelnuts.
Pharmacii that includes conventional pork kimchi mandu and recent vegetable rolls with peanut dipping sauce.
Jackson-Triggs contributing chorizo tartlets, scallop crudo with ajo blanco, and a vegetarian butternut squash shishito tartlet.
Niagara Parks anchoring the night with an expansive charcuterie and cheese show, artisan breads, house-made pickles, preserves, fruits, and composed bites starting from hen liver parfait tarte to bocconcini and prosciutto skewers.
Smoke & Barrel Niagara showcasing Vidal hen liver parfait and Filipino-style Pacific snapper ceviche with Icewine-pickled ginger.
The Restaurant at Wayne Gretzky Property Vineyard providing smoked beef brisket sliders and Korean-inspired smoked pork sausage.
Purple Ganache delivering refined desserts together with cheesecake lollipops, white chocolate cranberry mousse with Icewine gelée, and raspberry choux à la crème.
Izumi Sushi getting ready hand rolls that includes shrimp tempura, avocado, and imitation crab.
Close by Sights: Prolong Your Go to
Winter in Niagara Falls provides a novel attraction, and whereas the climate could also be chilly, the close by Clifton Hill district offers loads of cozy and entertaining choices to reinforce your go to. Bundle up and discover this vibrant space simply minutes from the Niagara Parks Energy Station.
Listed below are some high points of interest:
- Niagara SkyWheel: Expertise breathtaking, heated gondola rides on certainly one of Canada’s largest remark wheels. Soak up panoramic views of the Falls and the glowing winter panorama.
- Ripley’s Consider It or Not! Museum: Escape the chilly and uncover a world of oddities and curiosities at this intriguing indoor attraction.
- Nice Canadian Halfway: Heat up with some indoor enjoyable! Get pleasure from over 300 interactive video games and traditional arcade favorites on this full of life leisure complicated.
- Kelsey’s Clifton Hill: After the gala or your Clifton Hill adventures, loosen up at this cozy eating spot. Identified for its hearty meals and alluring environment, it’s an ideal place to unwind and refuel.
Whether or not you’re strolling the illuminated streets or having fun with indoor points of interest, Clifton Hill provides a mixture of winter-friendly actions that complement the magnificence of the Cool As Ice Gala.
Cool as Ice Gala FAQs
Sure. The Cool as Ice Gala is a proper night. Company are inspired to put on tuxedos, robes, or elevated cocktail apparel that displays the magnificence of the occasion.
What does the ticket worth embody?
The ticket consists of entry to the Niagara Parks Energy Station, limitless tastings of Icewine, Niagara VQA wines, craft cocktails and mocktails, chef-curated culinary stations, stay leisure, and unique entry to The Tunnel with views of Niagara Falls.
The place can company park?
Parking is accessible in designated Niagara Parks parking areas close to the Energy Station. Company are inspired to reach early to permit time for parking and entry.
Is that this an accessible occasion?
Sure. The Niagara Parks Energy Station is an accessible venue, with elevators and accessible washrooms obtainable all through the power.
Will the occasion solely be serving Icewine?
No. Whereas Icewine is a featured spotlight of the night, company can even take pleasure in a wide array of Niagara VQA wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Will there be a sit-down dinner?
No. The Cool as Ice Gala is designed as a tasting-style occasion with chef stations and small plates obtainable all through the night relatively than a seated dinner service.
Will there be culinary choices for company with dietary restrictions?
Sure. The menu consists of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian choices, clearly recognized at every station.
Are there transportation choices obtainable?
Company are inspired to plan transportation prematurely, together with taxis or rideshare companies, particularly for these meaning to benefit from the full wine program.
A Defining Winter Expertise in Niagara Falls
Mixing heritage structure, world-class Icewine, and regional culinary expertise, the Cool as Ice Gala stands as certainly one of Niagara Falls’ most compelling winter occasions. With its mixture of unique entry, curated flavors, and a setting rooted in Niagara’s historical past, the night provides a refined technique to expertise the area throughout the winter season—considerate, immersive, and unmistakably Niagara.