A Merry & Bright Christmas Tour
AT THE McARTHUR ESTATE
210 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake
A magical indoor/outdoor tour of the seasonally decorated, spectacular McArthur Estate!
This year, we have an extra special surprise for you — a Christmas Market at the McArthur Estate!
Friday, December 4 or
Saturday, December 5, 2026
1-Hour sessions: 4:30 pm | 5:30 pm | 6:30 pm | 7:30 pm
SEPARATE TICKET:
Adults - $65* | Children 0-12 years - Free
Please register children's tickets.
Does NOT include the General Tour ticket with 6 homes.
Your McArthur ticket is only good for a specific date & time.
Combined General AND Merry & Bright Tour ticket : $104*
LIMITED TICKETS!
*Eventbrite fees apply.
Hear what our guests say about A Merry & Bright Christmas Tour.
The McArthur Estate
Decorator:
La Belle Flowers & Gifts
The McArthur Family & Friends
Presented by: The McArthur Family
This event has been made possible by the incredible generosity of the McArthur family. Thank you, McArthur family, for opening your home and your hearts to us all.
An indoor/outdoor tour of the stunning McArthur Estate
Like a dreamy, winter snow globe, this magnificent 1829, brick Georgian home is surrounded by enchanting Victorian Gardens, snow-topped statuary, ice-capped ponds, and pergolas. Guests will delight in the exquisite nativity scene, a radiant Christmas angel, and the whimsical reindeer display. Children will be treated to holiday gift bags, while festive carollers and guitar melodies drift across the seasonally adorned 10-acre grounds.
Inside, savour a glass of Peller Estates sparkling wine amidst stunning décor, with live chamber music by The Soenen Sisters, and the piano stylings of Eddie Pizzo. Santa awaits beside a dazzling 13-foot Christmas tree at the grand staircase, while the mischievous Grinch offers a welcome along the way. The Snow Queen will be greeting guests and dazzling them with her magnificence.
Finally, with hot apple cider and gingerbread cookie in hand, guests will be invited to cozy up around crackling fires and savour this magical event.
This year, we have an extra special surprise for you — a Christmas Market at the McArthur Estate! Brenda McArthur and her team have handpicked a beautiful selection of festive holiday décor and seasonal treasures. Browse unique pieces to add a special touch to your home, find inspiration for your own holiday decorating, and discover something wonderful to take home.
We send a special thank you to the McArthur family and staff for the phenomenal amount of work and creativity they put into this event; and the following talented artists and supporters for contributing so much to the enchantment of ‘A Merry & Bright Christmas’:
Pianist, Eddie Pizzo has been entertaining fans with his vast repertoire of songs for more than 60 years. A Niagara legend, beloved by fans across the region, his talent and charm have ensured his place as a highlight of the McArthurs' annual Holiday House Tour event.
The Soenen Sisters, a talented ensemble of 2 harps, cello, and flute have been bringing stellar performances to concert stages for years. They are a top choice in Ontario at celebrity events and weddings, and even opened last year at an exciting concert of 'The Tenors'.
A chorus of Yellow Door Theatre singers will be greeting guests before they enter the McArthur home. Based in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Yellow Door Theatre Project offers musical theatre skill training and performance opportunities for youth with the full intention of changing lives.
Live guitar by David Israelson will serenade guests as they enjoy hot apple cider and crackling fires. David Israelson studied clarinet and saxophone and taught himself guitar, bass, piano and, more recently, drums. He has played in jazz orchestras and small ensembles and for several years was songwriter, rhythm guitarist, sax and bass in a Toronto rock and roll band, The Nerve. He continues to write and arrange music across all genres.
Volunteers in period costume from The Friends of Fort George will guide guests through the gardens and regale them with stories of what has transpired on this incredible, historic property. The Friends of Fort George is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with Parks Canada to preserve and promote the heritage of Niagara National Historic Sites.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum provides authentic Victorian costumes for our volunteers to wear at the historic McArthur Estate evening event. The Niagara Historical Society continues to promote and preserve our local heritage by owning and operating the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum. See our Annual Sites page for more information about the museum.
Grinchy Tina Lus, magnificently icy Helene Laniak, and jolly Ward Simpson are always festive crowd pleasers. Ho, ho, ho.
Gallery
