Annual Sites on Tour
Friday, December 1 & Saturday, December 2, 2023
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
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Enjoy free admission to exhibits and special offerings at local historic and cultural sites as part of your Holiday House Tour ticket.
St. Mark’s is the oldest Anglican Church building in continuous use in Ontario. It was completed in 1804. The transepts, galleries and high pulpits were added in 1839. After the removal of the galleries and box pews in 1892, memorial win-dows began to be added. The original organ was in the chancel, but moved to the balcony in 1968. The two newer organs, both made by Ontario organ builder Gabriel Kney, are add-itions in recent years. Many concerts are held here, including the Music Niagara Festival, because of the excellent acoustics. Although the history of the parish is present in every stone, this is very much an active place of worship.
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A guide will be available 9:30 am-5 pm 
Friday and Saturday.
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Enjoy a hearty lunch at a thrifty price in the Church Hall from 11 am-2 pm, Friday and Saturday.
8: Annual Site
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Decorated by dedicated volunteers
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The Niagara Historical Society opened Memorial Hall in 1907 as the first purpose-built museum in Ontario. It is linked to the former Niagara High School (1875) and houses one of the most significant local history collections in Ontario.
During the tour, visitors are welcome to explore the Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibits exploring the rich history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The main gallery will be decorated for the holidays.
You are invited to enjoy a cup of hot apple cider and browse the lovely selection of holiday and historical gifts and books which can be purchased in the Gift Shop.
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Experience the ‘Holiday Market’ at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. www.holidaymarket.ca
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Make the art hub of the community your holiday shopping destination! Explore a wide selection of one-of-a-kind treasures by local artisans. Christmas trees are adorned with unique ornaments and stocking stuffers, while gallery walls showcase winter-themed artworks.Holiday helpers and festive treats are available on-site to enhance your shopping experience. The Holiday Market runs from December 1st to 10th.
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre hosts year-round events, exhibitions, and programs, giving back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
Rotary volunteers will be on hand at the Pumphouse as an information station until 1:oo pm.
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10: Annual Site
McFarland House
Decorated by the Garden Club of Niagara
The Garden Club of Niagara will decorate both the inside and outside of McFarland House in the theme, ‘Christmas Through the Ages’. The club uses authentic natural materials for designs and decorations suitable to the period of the home.
This historic Georgian manor home was built by John McFarland and his sons.
Descendants of the McFarlands lived in the house for over 140 years before it was
restored by The Niagara Parks Commission and opened to the public in 1959. During the War of 1812, both British and American forces used the home as a hospital, and in 1813, the British attack on Fort Niagara was launched from the ravine on the property. McFarland House is one of the only structures to survive the burning of the town when occupying American forces retreated from the area, making it one of the oldest properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Today, McFarland House portrays early nineteenth century life in Upper Canada.
There will be sticky toffee pudding, scones, homemade hot chocolate, mulled cider, and tea.
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Find unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list at our Holiday Market, featuring one-of-a-kind local artists & artisans. The museum will be decorated festively, in holiday tradition. Visitors are also welcome to explore the beautiful grounds overlooking the Niagara River, while they enjoy hot chocolate and delicious goodies from Plant No.1.
We will have three new exhibitions on display for visitors to explore. With ‘The Mom Project’, Toronto-based artist Mark Bell brings a series of portraits of his mother, painted from observation during the final years of her life. ‘On Aging’ features portraits from the permanent collection and is intended as a compliment to The Mom Project. Finally, Niagara-based artist and member of the Cayuga Nation, Samuel Thomas will present his contemporary beadwork in an exhibition titled ‘New Beginnings’.
RiverBrink is a collecting and exhibiting art museum open to the public since 1983. It is home to a collection of historical artworks created by Canadian, American, and European artists, including many of Canada’s most celebrated artists, such as Tom Thomson and members of the Group of Seven. Located at the intersection of the Niagara Parkway and Queenston Street in the historic village of Queenston.
