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50 Best Things to Do in Toronto in Winter (2024)

There are many amazing things to do in Toronto in winter that are exclusive to this time of year. Toronto is a magical city to visit in all seasons. If you happen to find yourself visiting Toronto in the winter, you don’t need to limit yourself to staying indoors. Get out and explore!

As someone who has lived in and around Toronto and the GTA all her life, I’m here to provide you with expert insights and local tips for travelling to Toronto in the wintertime. I’ll show you where to stay, a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, the best attractions in Toronto, and special events that take place in the winter and during the holidays.

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Things to do in Toronto in winter

Of course, Toronto is a city most notable for its food and drink. I’ll recommend restaurants, cafes, food and drink tours, and some intriguing themed bars where you can enjoy a cocktail or beer alongside a fun activity. Are you ready to learn more about the best things to do in Toronto in the winter? Let’s go!

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Chelsea Hotel

Chelsea Hotel - Our room

The Chelsea Hotel is one of the best places to stay in downtown Toronto. First, it’s the largest hotel in Canada with over 1500 rooms. Justin and I spent the night in one of the newly renovated Classic Rooms. Stylish and comfortable, our room had everything we needed for a wonderful stay, plus a balcony with impressive views of the CN Tower.

I loved that our room had a Nespresso machine with coffee as having a good coffee maker in the room is something I always look for when I travel. There’s also a flatscreen TV, a large desk and workspace, a mini fridge, and a bright bathroom with toiletries.

Chelsea Hotel - Our room
Chelsea Hotel - View from balcony of CN Tower

The Chelsea Hotel is extremely family-friendly with a large heated indoor pool and whirlpool. There’s also a corkscrew waterslide that goes outside of the building and back indoors, which is fun for kids and adults alike.

Travelling as a couple or with friends? Deck 27 is an urban oasis with a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, saunas, and fitness centre. There’s a beautiful sundeck to enjoy in the summer months, so you’ll need to return in the warmer season to soak up the sun.

Chelsea Hotel Toronto Pool
Chelsea Hotel Toronto Waterslide

The Chelsea Hotel is situated in the perfect location for sightseeing around Toronto, steps away from the popular Yonge-Dundas Square. It’s ideal for visiting many of the attractions that I’ve listed in this guide for the best things to do in Toronto in winter. You’ll see that many activities are within walking distance of the Chelsea Hotel. Otherwise, you can easily take an Uber or the TTC around town with ease.

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Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Indoor Attractions

Things to do in Toronto in winter

Brrr…it’s cold outside! On a cold winter’s day in Toronto, choosing some indoor attractions is key. While I totally think it’s a great idea to embrace winter and get outside (it’s all about a warm winter coat and layers), it’s never a bad idea to visit some of the best indoor attractions in Toronto. Plus, if it’s overly snowy or rainy, swap the stormy weather for these activities.

Little Canada

One of the best things to do in Toronto in winter is to see one of Toronto’s newest attractions, Little Canada. It’s an immersive experience that showcases the best of Canada through highly detailed, animated miniatures. See Canada’s most famous landmarks, like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, all under one roof.

Little Canada is a fascinating experience for solo travellers, couples, children, and multigenerational visitors. Explore Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Golden Horseshoe, Ottawa, Quebec City and more. There are so many little details that bring these miniature cities and towns to life.

You really need to see this attraction in person to realize just how incredible it is. I’ve visited Little Canada twice now, and I am sure that I will be back. They are continuing to add new cities and regions, such as Montreal, Eastern Canada, Western Canada and more. Get your skip-the-line ticket here.

CN Tower

CN Tower

The CN Tower is one of the most celebrated architectural icons in Canada. It’s exactly what comes to mind when you think about Toronto, and the Toronto city skyline wouldn’t be complete without it. If you’re visiting Toronto for the first time or looking for things to do in Toronto in winter, why not take a trip to the top of the CN Tower?

Travel to the top of the CN Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. This was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, so you’ll be witnessing Toronto from high up above. You can also dine at the 360 Restaurant, and this restaurant is part of Winterlicious (I’ll share more about Winterlicious later in the article).

In the winter, Edgewalk at the CN Tower opens back up during March Break and then again in April if you’re seeking a thrilling experience. It’s the world’s highest hands-free external walk on a building. You’ll be walking 116 stories above the ground (1168 feet high), so it’s not for the faint of heart!

The CN Tower is included in the Toronto CityPASS, which is a great investment if you plan to visit a few attractions throughout your stay. It includes the CN Tower, as well as four other top attractions in the city. You’ll save money during your trip and have the opportunity to visit some unforgettable places. Get your Toronto CityPASS here.

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Feeling like you’re in the tropics might be one of the best things to do in Toronto in winter. It’s totally possible at the Allan Gardens Conservatory. It’s one of the best gardens in Toronto and completely free to visit. It’s an indoor botanical garden with six greenhouses. Expect to spend at least an hour to explore the whole place, especially if you’re taking photos.

Allan Gardens Conservatory
Allan Gardens Conservatory

There are two tropical greenhouses with many species of plants, including begonia, orchids, bromeliads and more. You’ll find one cool temperature greenhouse featuring plants from the Mediterranean and Australia.

There’s a palm house with palm plants and tropical vines. The tropical landscape greenhouse has hibiscus, gingers, cycads and other exotic plants. And lastly, the arid house (quite possibly my personal favorite) has cacti, succulents, aloe, agave, and more.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the best and most comprehensive museums in Canada, showcasing art, culture, and nature from around the world and throughout history. There are numerous collections on display, including dinosaur bones, meteorites, minerals and gems, ancient Greek and Roman art and sculptures, ancient Egyptian objects, and Indigenous American artefacts, just to name a few.

The ROM always has new and exciting exhibitions and special events as well. You could easily spend all day exploring the exhibits, and it’s somewhere you can visit over and over again throughout the years. If there’s one museum you visit in Toronto, it’s the ROM. Get your ticket here.

For art lovers, a trip to Toronto is not complete without discovering the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). It’s one of the best art museums in North America with a collection of more than 120,000 works of art. These works range from European masterpieces to significant works by Indigenous artists. Whether you love classic pieces or stunning modern art, you’ll cherish your hours at the AGO.

There are always new exhibitions arriving at the AGO featuring contemporary artists, musicians, and icons. You’ll have to check out the calendar before you visit to see what’s happening. Get your ticket here.

Aga Khan Museum

While the Aga Khan Museum is located outside of the downtown core, it’s another fascinating museum that’s worth the trip. This museum is dedicated to Islamic, Persian and Muslim art and culture. It’s home to around 1200 rare pieces gathered by His Highness the Aga Khan and Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan.

This is a showcase of the scientific and artistic contributions throughout history by Muslim civilizations. Though it’s a newer museum that opened in 2014, the Aga Khan Museum has received several honours and awards for its contributions to the arts and global humanities.

Escape Rooms in Toronto

Museums not your thing? There’s plenty of indoor fun that challenges your brain and Toronto’s escape rooms. Gather up your crew and solve clues to conquer these themed rooms. Try popular Escape Rooms at Escape Manor Toronto, Captive Escape Rooms, Roundabout Canada Escape Room, Looking Glass Adventures, Dream Escape, Enigma Escape Room, and even Casa Loma.

Ontario Science Centre

Ontario Science Centre

Much like the Aga Khan Museum, the Ontario Science Centre is situated outside of the downtown core. It’s well worth the trip, as it’s one of the best things to do in Toronto in winter, especially if you have children. It’s one of the best interactive science museums with a number of permanent and travelling exhibitions, including popular Harry Potter and video game exhibitions.

There’s also a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre inside the Science Centre showcasing films about nature and space. Ontario Science Centre is one of the attractions included in your Toronto CityPASS, which I highly suggest picking up if you plan to visit even a few attractions in the city.

Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Outdoor Attractions

Toronto city view from Casa Loma rooftop

We’ve all been taught to embrace winter here in Canada, so you might as well get outdoors and enjoy it. Toronto receives milder temperatures than some other places around Ontario. Plus, Toronto tends to receive less snow due to its positioning on Lake Ontario. With that said, Toronto can still get buried beneath layers of snow (and slush), so it’s best to dress warmly and take care if you venture out in blustery conditions.

Winter Stations Public Art Exhibit

Winter Stations

Winter Stations is an annual outdoor art installation that isn’t to be missed. It’s an international design competition that gives purpose to a space that’s underutilized during the winter. Designers create public, outdoor art around several lifeguard stands at Kew Beach in Toronto. These lifeguard stands are only used during the summer months and otherwise are vacant bits of metal.

Winter Stations
Winter Stations

The result? Thought-provoking, inspiring, and even interactive works of art that everyone can enjoy. So, let me show you around this stretch of beach in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto to discover these outdoor art displays. Visit Winter Stations annually between February and the beginning of April.

Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands

Many people don’t think of visiting the Toronto Islands in the winter, but it’s a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. Take the Ward’s Island ferry across to the islands in any season. There aren’t any rentals on the islands in the winter, so you’ll need to bring your bike or snowshoes with you. Admire the city skyline view from the shore or go ice skating on the waterways between the islands when the ice has completely frozen over.

Discover Graffiti Alley and Street Art

Things to do in Toronto in winter: See street art and graffiti

One of the best free things to do in Toronto in the winter is admiring the street art and graffiti all over the city. You can do this any time of the year, any time you like. Toronto has a vast outdoor public art gallery in many neighbourhoods around the city. Visit the popular Graffiti Alley or take a self-guided walking tour of Toronto’s best street art.

Things to do in Toronto in winter: See street art and graffiti
Things to do in Toronto in winter: See street art and graffiti

Other than Graffiti Alley, some of the best areas around Toronto to see colourful murals and splashes of artful graffiti include Liberty Village, Underpass Park, West Queen West, Dundas Street West, and Kensington Market.

Go Tobogganing at Riverdale Park

One of the best winter activities in Toronto is tobogganing or sledding, and Riverdale Park tops the list of places to participate in this iconic winter pasttime. It offers one of the best views of the Toronto skyline from any park in the city. Plus, there’s a big, steep hill to fly down on your sled. This 18 hectare park near Danforth and Broadview will bring out the kid in you!

Go Snowshoeing at Toronto Public Golf Courses

Snowshoeing in Toronto

There are many free places to go snowshoeing in Toronto (here is a full list of places to go snowshoeing in the GTA along with places to rent snowshoes). As for free places within the boundaries of the city itself, you can go snowshoeing at five public golf courses when there’s enough snow on the ground (Dentonia, Don Valley, Humber Valley, Scarlett Woods, and Tam O’Shanter). More great places to go snowshoeing include the Don Valley Ravine Trails, High Park, Tommy Thompson Park, Rouge Park, and the Beltline Trail.

Lumière: The Art of Light

Lumière: The Art of Light (formerly the Winter Light Exhibition) is an annual art event at Trillium Park. It’s completely free to attend. Explore the park and experience works of public art by local artists. The park becomes illuminated and transformed by light and innovative pieces to celebrate the changing of the seasons, from winter to spring.

Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Ice Skating Rinks

When you visit Toronto in the winter, you need to lace up your skates and go ice skating. Skating at an outdoor rink is a beloved Canadian tradition. While some of these skating rinks require you to bring your own skates, there are others with rentals on site in case you don’t have your own pair.

Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square Skating Rink

This popular outdoor ice skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square opens for drop-in skating as soon as it becomes cold enough outside. The large fountain is transformed into a skating rink for everyone to enjoy. Skate past the famous Toronto sign and be sure to snap a few photos. Around the holiday season, you can also check out the Holiday Fair in the Square event around the same property.

Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park

Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park

College Park is home to the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail in the winter months from 10am to 10pm. It is a leisurely, unsupervised skate without any ice rentals on site. Bring your own skates and glide around this loop skate trail whenever you like.

Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park
Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park

We loved that this ice skating trail was just around the block from the Chelsea Hotel where we stayed. It was easy to grab our skates and walk over there whenever we liked. While it is a smaller ice skating loop trail, it wasn’t very busy when we visited. This is a hidden gem when it comes to the best things to do in Toronto in winter.

The Bentway Skate Trail

Have you ever gone ice skating beneath a highway? The Bentway Skate Trail is a 220-metre figure-eight skate trail underneath the Gardiner Expressway. There are skate rentals and skate sharpening on site, free skate lessons (must register in advance), skate aids (first come, first served), and a bar with hot chocolate and goodies for sale.

Harbourfront Centre

The Harbourfront Centre has a large outdoor skating rink with views of Lake Ontario. Unfortunately, the ice rink is closed this year as the site is undergoing construction, but the ice rink will be back next year.

Union Station Ice Rink

There is an outdoor ice rink at Union Station that offers free skating and free skate rentals. This is a welcoming environment for all levels, even for those who have never tried ice skating before. You’re also steps away from shopping and dining options inside Union Station itself.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

This was the first outdoor ice skating rink that Justin and I visited when we first started dating! Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Etobicoke has a figure-eight skating trail, and this one is the first ice skating trail that opened in the city. This skating rink is open from morning until night, though there aren’t any rentals here.

Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Hiking and Walking Trails

While the image of skyscrapers and city streets may come to mind when you think about Toronto, there are quite a few preserved and protected natural spaces around the city. Here are a few of the best Toronto hiking trails to discover this winter. Please follow this guide with helpful winter hiking tips before embarking on any walks in the snow and ice.

Rouge National Urban Park

Credit: Thanujan24

Rouge National Urban Park is Canada’s first national urban park, and it’s a unique wilderness setting in the capital city of the province. It combines amazing biodiversity and natural landscapes with history and culture of the area. There are numerous hiking trails here, though the most popular ones to check out first include the Mast Trail, the Vista Trail and the Orchard Trail.

Don Valley Brickworks Park

There are many beautiful hiking trails within the Don Valley Brickworks Park, a 40 acre park on a former quarry. You can hike around the Moore Park Ravine, continue to Evergreen Brickworks and David Balfour Park. Walk on the Beltline Trail north or south, or hike along the Lower Don River Trail. Crothers Woods links up with Evergreen Brickworks and runs along the edge of the Don Valley. The possibilities within this network of trails are endless!

Glen Stewart Ravine

The Glen Stewart Ravine is a hidden forest escape in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto. On the Glen Stewart Park Trail, there’s an expansive boardwalk across a protected forested area where you’ll quickly forget that you’re walking in Toronto. The path itself is a little over 1km long, but it’s perfect when you’re looking for a short walk on those chilly winter days.

High Park

Winter hikes in Toronto

High Park is one of the most beautiful city parks in Toronto, and there are some lovely wintry trails to explore, too. There are many forests and wooded areas around the park, including an off-leash trail for dogs. The High Park Area Trail is a loop trail around the perimetre of the park, spanning about 5km.

Humber River Recreational Trail

The Humber River Recreational Trail is an 8.2km out and back trail on a paved path. It meanders along the river from Humber Bay to Old Mill and eventually to Scarlett Woods. The Humber Bay Park East trail connects with the Humber River Recreational Trail, so you can easily explore both in one day for an extended trek.

Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Food and Drink

While exploring the great outdoors is one of the best things to do in Toronto in winter, getting back indoors will be something that you’ll end up craving. Speaking of craving, Toronto has one of the best restaurant scenes in the entire world. We’ve got just about every cuisine imaginable as Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of the greatest markets in the world with hundreds of food and drink vendors on site. In the South Market, you’ll find specialty vendors with something for every taste, including fresh produce, baked goods, preserves and more. The North Market is home to the Saturday Farmers Market, a weekly tradition that started back in 1803. Farmers and growers from across southern Ontario bring seasonal and farm fresh products to the city.

Visit a Cozy Coffee Shop

Toronto has some of the best coffee shops in the world! I’m slowly drinking my way around all of the independently owned coffee shops myself, and enjoying ever moment. There’s nothing like warming up in a cozy cafe on a snowy day, and it’s one of the top things to do in Toronto in the winter. Check out my guide to the best coffee shops in Toronto so you know where to start.

Enjoy an Amazing Vegan Meal

GIA Restaurant - Vegan

While I’ve followed a vegan diet for a very long time now, I highly recommend enjoying a vegan meal when you’re in the city (even if you don’t follow a plant-based diet). There are so many delicious vegan options where you won’t miss the meat. I have lots of fantastic recommendations in my Toronto vegan guide, though I’d like to highlight one restaurant in particular in this article: GIA Restaurant.

GIA Restaurant - Vegan
GIA Restaurant - Vegan

GIA is a plant-forward restaurant specializing in vegan meals, though they do have some vegetarian offerings, too. It’s one of the first restaurants in Canada to be recognized and recommended by the Michelin guide.

Justin and I had the most amazing feast of Italian-inspired cuisine at Gia Restaurant, including focaccia, olives, meatballs, pasta, risotto, and dessert. Simply put, you must dine here. It’s one of our new favourite spots in the city.

Food and Drink in Kensington Market

Kensington Market is an area of the city you need to visit in all seasons, for its eclectic vintage shops and cute cafes. It’s easy to embark on your own food and drink tour of Kensington Market. There are restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world. It’s possible to eat sushi, empanadas, Caribbean eats, Indigenous food and more, all within a couple of city blocks. Bring your appetite (and your stretchy pants).

Toronto Craft Beer Walking Tour

Toronto beer tour

Looking for a fun afternoon in Toronto? Justin and I had a blast on this beer tour of Toronto! You’ll learn more about the history of Toronto (and more broadly, Canada) and how these interesting facts intersect with the world of beer.

This Toronto beer tour strongly focuses on this region’s craft beers with a sprinkling of local history as we travel past the city’s landmarks. If you love walking tours, craft brews, and learning along the way, you’ll love this one. 

Farmers Market at Evergreen Brickworks

While many local farmers markets in Toronto are seasonal and shut down in the winter months, the farmers market at Evergreen Brickworks remains open every Saturday year round. It’s outdoors from May to November and indoors from December to April. The Saturday Farmers Market has over 60 vendors, and it’s the largest farmers’ market in Toronto. Visit the market on Saturday morning and go for a winter hike at Evergreen Brickworks in the afternoon.

Things to Do in Toronto: Unique Bars with Activities

While these spots aren’t exclusively winter activities, they’re among the best things to do in Toronto in winter. Toronto is fantastic at combining lively bars and pubs with unique activities to do with your friends. Gather up your crew and visit one of these top picks.

LOB Toronto

LOB Toronto

Lob is a completely unique activity that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world, so you need to check out Lob Toronto to play. It combines the game of bocce with mini golf. Toss balls down one of nine tracks and try to get your ball closest to the pin. Pair your game with craft beer and pub fare for the ultimate night out.

Track and Field Bar

Track & Field Bar isn’t only a place to meet for pints. There are two floors of party space, a 30ft bar, a dance floor, two lanes of bocce ball, tabletop shuffleboard and a photo booth. It’s one of the most lively bars to meet your friends for cocktails and perhaps a game or two.

Snakes and Lattes

Snakes and Lattes

Snakes & Lattes is Toronto’s original boardgame cafe. Well over a decade old with multiple locations, Snakes & Lattes is the largest board game bar and restaurant in North America. They’ve got a vast selection of games, even ones for just two players if you’re traveling as a couple. Be sure to ask the employees for their recommendations as new games are always arriving at Snakes & Lattes.

Toronto Video Game and Pinball Bars

Toronto Video Game bars

If you love arcades and video games, Toronto is the city for you! I remember back when The Pinball Cafe was the best spot in the city (RIP Pinball Cafe!), but there are so many awesome establishments to play video games and enjoy a drink. Try ZED*80 Arcade Bar (from the owners of Tilt, which was destroyed by a fire and will hopefully reopen in the future), FreePlay Toronto, and The Rec Room.

Storm Crow Manor Cocktail Bar

Storm Crow Manor is known as “Toronto’s geekiest bar” and it’s one of the most interesting bars in the city. There are an array of secret doors, theme rooms, catacombs, glowing cocktails, cyberpunk bars, all within an old mansion on Church Street. Roll the 20-sided die to leave your choice of shot up to complete chance, and sample the geek-themed pub fare.

Par-Tee Putt

I went to Par-Tee Putt for my birthday and had an amazing time. It’s an indoor mini golf attraction with 27 themed holes offering the perfect dose of quirky nostalgia. There are holes featuring video game characters, 80s movies, retro TV shows and more. There’s also pizza in case you get hungry and a vast beverage menu of beer, shots and craft cocktails.

SPIN Toronto

Do you love ping pong? SPIN Toronto is a 12,000 square foot social club for fans of table tennis. There are 12 Olympic-style ping pong tables, two full service bars, and a full menu to fuel back up. It’s time to get competitive and challenge your friends to some ping pong matches this winter.

Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Holiday and Christmas Events

Toronto is one of the best places to visit around the holidays. There are so many Christmas events, holiday lights, and wintery festivities all over the city. Here are a few of my favourite holiday events in Toronto. Please check out the full list of the best Christmas events in Toronto for more details.

Distillery Winter Village (Toronto Christmas Market)

Distillery Winter Village (Toronto Christmas Market)

The Toronto Christmas Market, renamed in recent years to the Distillery Winter Village, takes place every year at the historic Distillery District. The cobblestone streets of this pedestrian area is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. 

There are winter displays, music, outdoor shopping cabins, food stalls, and all of your favourite Distillery shops and restaurants to visit. Like many traditional Christmas Markets, there are dozens of open air stalls selling handmade crafts and sumptuous treats.

You also won’t want to miss the massive Christmas tree at the Distillery District. It’s the perfect centerpiece for the dazzling twinkling lights displays all around.

Casa Loma’s Holiday Lights & Christmas at the Castle

Casa Loma Christmas

Toronto’s castle is all ready for the holidays, too. Casa Loma has two Christmas events: Christmas at the Castle and the Holiday Lights Tour. At Christmas at the Castle, you’ll find holiday decor, an impressive 40 foot tall Christmas tree in the Great Hall, and eight other Christmas trees by Canadian designers. There are also wintery holiday mascots and Santa for the kids and kids at heart!

Casa Loma Holiday lights
Casa Loma Christmas

The Holiday Lights Tour is a self-guided walk at Casa Loma that you don’t want to miss. There are brilliant outdoor Christmas lights display every night between the beginning of December and the first week of January. Wander through dazzling lights in the gardens and tunnels. For those looking to celebrate Christmas in Toronto, the activities and displays at Casa Loma are experienced you need to check out.

Holiday Fair in the Square

Holiday Fair in the Square

Holiday Fair in the Square is a second Christmas market in Toronto, since the original Toronto Christmas Market became so popular. It combines the charming traditional Christmas market with a bustling winter carnival.

There are vendor booths and artisan market, a midway with rides and games, food trucks, performances, a bar with mulled wine, and more. You’re also welcome to lace up your ice skates and glide around the skating rink on site, too.

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic

Bloor-Yorkville is one of the best places in Toronto for Christmas decorations. Check out Holiday Magic for their beautiful display of lights. Go for a stroll around Yorkville Village with a hot chocolate or coffee in your hand from a nearby cafe. There are also 138 illuminated Christmas trees along Bloor Street. 

Holiday Hills at Stackt Market

Holiday Hills at Stackt Market

Stackt Market is a unique marketplace in Toronto where the shops are made out of shipping containers. The entire market turns into a winter wonderland at their Holiday Hills event. There are immersive photo installations, beautiful holiday ambience, small business Christmas shopping, and community workshops and programs.

Things to Do in Toronto in Winter: Events in January, February and March

Toronto winter

There are so many fun things to do in Toronto in winter, whether it’s December, January, February or March. Winter might last a long time in Toronto, but these fun winter events will keep you in good spirits throughout the frosty season. For December events, take a look at the ones I mentioned above for the holidays. Here are more festivals and events in Toronto that may become annual traditions.

Toronto Light Festival

The Toronto Light Festival is a visual and playful journey through Toronto’s Distillery District. Bundle up and take a walk around the cobblestone streets to witness bright and vibrant light displays, meant to light up these darkest nights. While the Toronto Light Festival went on hiatus in 2021, we’re anxiously awaiting its return.

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest

The Bloor-Yorkville Icefest is a free event taking place across one weekend in February. Take a walk through the Village of Yorkville Park and throughout the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood to view incredible ice sculptures. There are over 40 ice creations made from 60,000 pounds of ice. It’s one of the best things to do in Toronto in February. Don’t miss it!

Winterlicious

From the end of January through the first week of February, Toronto’s Winterlicious event showcases some of the best restaurants in the city through special prix fixe menus. Gather with your friends and family to try some new restaurants in the city together. Over 220 restaurants are participating! There are a variety of price points for every budget.

Toronto Tea Festival

At the end of January, celebrate a love for all things tea at the Toronto Tea Festival. It’s the largest festival for tea lovers in Canada with tea tastings, speakers, and tea culture. This is one of the top things to do in Toronto in January. Warm up with tea this winter!

Winterfolk Music Festival

The Winterfolk Music Festival is a celebrated festival of live music in Toronto for over 20 years. Taking place at the end of February, Winterfolk showcases over 100 artists across five stages in Kensington Market. It’s an all-ages, winter event featuring the best of  urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music. This is typically a slow time of year for musicians, and Winterfolk provides artists with gigs outside of the popular summer season.

DesignTO Festival

The DesignTO Festival is Canada’s largest and leading annual design festival. It celebrates design as a multidisciplinary form of creative thinking and making, with 100+ exhibitions and events. The DesignTO Festival takes place at the end of January in Toronto, both online and in-person at venues around the city. Many events are exhibitions are free, though some are ticketed events.

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