Epic holiday lights festival happening near Toronto

It might be early November, but we're already getting excited for Christmas. Hudson's Bay revealed its adorable enchanted forest holiday windows (with the help of Mariah Carey, the Christmas Queen herself) and there are plenty of twinkly lights emerging throughout the city.

But if you don't mind a bit of a drive, head to the twinkliest place of all: Niagara Falls.

From November 19 until January 31, the Winter Festival of Lights will transform the city into a winter wonderland. It all happens along the Niagara Parkway and features displays in areas such as the Dufferin Islands and the tourist districts, including Clifton Hill.

Thanks to the mist coming off the Falls that freezes on nearby trees, the attraction looks particularly festive when it lights up the night. You can drive through the whole light show. It's free to enter, but donations are encouraged.

If you want to see even more lights, consider taking a detour to Waterloo because starting on November 25, Waterloo Park transforms into the Wonders of Winter. The whole park gets dressed up for the holidays and instead of enjoying it by car, you can take it all in on foot - with a hot chocolate in hand, of course.

Photo by Christine Hess.