Well, it’s official — 2021 is history and we’d be lying if we weren’t a little bit relieved to see it go. We’ve got high hopes for 2022 and with everything going on in and around Toronto this January, it seems like we’re off to a great start. We may not be heading to Raptors and Leafs games for the time being, but we’ve got plenty of activities to keep us entertained on wintry days.
Here are 20 of the best things to do in and around Toronto to kick off the new year!
Editor’s note: In light of Ontario’s current restrictions, some of these events and activities may be cancelled or modified. You can reach out to them directly or check their social media for the latest information.
Arts & Culture Events
IMMERSIVE KLIMT
A new immersive art experience has officially opened its doors in Toronto. Joining the ranks of Immersive Van Gogh and Beyond Monet is Immersive Klimt, a colourful new exhibition curated by the “world-renowned master of digital art” Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi. Through vivid 360 projections, the revolutionary works of Gustav Klimt come to life all around you. Klimt is described as a “rebel, genius and legend” of a painter, and now you can be swept up in his electrifying world.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Until March 13th
60 WORKS / 60 YEARS
Experience the evolution of our city through the eyes of Toronto’s emerging artists. The art gallery at the St. Lawrence Market is now showcasing 60 artworks acquired by the City from the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair over the past six decades. Do a little shopping at the market and then head upstairs to this free show and explore the ever-changing geographical and cultural landscape of our city.
Where: The Market Gallery, 95 Front St E
When: Until April 17th
IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH
If you still haven’t checked out Immersive Van Gogh, this January is your chance. One of the most talked-about immersive exhibits in cities all over the world is still running in Toronto. Stop by for a fully immersive display of the famous artist’s greatest works. This exhibit can be enjoyed as a walk-through experience or as the backdrop to a relaxing yoga or barre class, which you can sign up for here.
Where: 1 Yonge St
When: Until March 13th
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FESTIVAL OF COOL
Experience Nordic culture and art at Harbourfront Centre this winter. The festival features illuminating outdoor winter experiences, starting with Nordic Lights. While you’re there you can also take a walk along the Bifrost, a dazzling rainbow bridge that “connects us with the realm of the gods to our world of light and art.”
Where: 235 Queens Quay W
When: January 27th – February 13th
BEYOND MONET
This breathtaking exhibit is now open for the first time in the world — here’s a sneak peek so you know exactly what to expect. Over 400 of Claude Monet’s works come alive before your eyes through vivid 360-degree displays that swirl all around you, enhanced by sound effects and music. Forget the world and get lost the mind and masterpieces of this great painter.
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W
When: Until February 27th
PICASSO: PAINTING THE BLUE PERIOD
Joining the ranks of Monet and Van Gogh is Pablo Picasso, with a landmark celebration of his iconic modernist masterpieces. The Picasso exhibit now running at the AGO takes visitors through the early projects from his signature Blue Period with over 100 works sourced from 15 countries. You’ll get to experience the world as he interpreted it as a young artist in the early 1900s.
Where: 317 Dundas St W
When: Until January 16th
BUG LAB IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION
A one-of-a-kind exhibition has arrived at the Ontario Science Centre! Wander through a surreal world filled with giant, ultra-realistic models of bugs while you learn about the profound impact that insects have on our lives. The exhibit is both a fascinating and beautiful experience suitable for all ages, so if it’s been a minute since you’ve paid a visit to the Science Centre, this is your excuse!
Where: 770 Don Mills Rd
When: Until April 2, 2022
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Live Performances & Concerts
ART BATTLE TORONTO
Watch the city’s talented artists battle it out for the top prize in a series of fast-paced competitions and see their canvases come to life before your eyes. The event is described as an “incredible night of community and creation,” so you’re definitely in for something special.
Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St W
When: January 18th
NEXT STAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Next Stage Theatre Festival is coming to Toronto this month with a slate of live shows and digital performances. These productions promise to be funny, light, and challenging at the same time, inviting audiences to explore themes around desire, ageing, and identity. See the city’s local talent light up the stage, it’s sure to be a good time.
Where: Ada Slaight Hall at Daniels Spectrum
When: January 19th – January 30th
CANADA’S DRAG RACE TOUR
Ready, set, death drop! Canada’s Drag Race is coming back with a brand-new cast and tour. With a new show, your favourite queens from season 2, and the Queen of the North, a.k.a. Brooke Lynn Hytes, this multi-city tour is sure to delight fans new and old. Get ready to be “gagged by the iconic charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent these queens have to offer!”
Where: Meridian Hall
When: January 29th
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Outdoor Events & Activities
WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
It’s the season of all things merry and bright in Niagara Falls with its annual Winter Festival of Lights! Known as Canada’s biggest free outdoor light festival, the 8-km trail is now open with millions of lights on display for even longer than before. This time around, the festival will run for 101 nights all the way until the end of February.
Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario
When: Until February 21st
SKY SKATE TORONTO
Another season of skating in Toronto’s skies is about to begin. The popular Sky Skate rooftop rink at The Porch is opening up at the start of December and it’s one of the most picturesque spots in town for gliding under the stars. There are heaters all around the rink to make your skate a bit more comfortable, but you’ll definitely still want to dress for a typical Canadian winter night. You’ll also be able to warm up with a drink at the bar afterward!
Where: 250 Adelaide St. W
When: Until March 2022
WINTERLIT
Take a dreamy winter stroll under the stars and the glow of twinkling lights and campfires. This special experience is a great excuse to enjoy the fresh air and nature and snap some adorable photos while you’re at it. Enjoy the art installations displayed along the trail, live performers, food and beverages, and of course, breathtaking scenery.
Where: Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Milburough Line
When: Until February 20th
SKATE BY THE WATERFRONT
The Harbourfront Centre’s revamped rink is now open and it’s one of the city’s most picturesque spots for an outdoor skate. The rink is free to visit but rentals are available on-site for a small fee. The new rink is nestled along the Lake Ontario shoreline, along with an ice loop in the South Orchard that connects to the rest of the rink. And once you’re done, you can warm up with a hot drink from Boxcar Social right next door.
When: Until Sunday, March 6th
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
CROKICURL
Toronto’s very first Crokicurl rink is open for the season and you can rent it out to play with friends. This Canadian-made game is a blend of cornhole and curling and it’s loads of fun. Your reservation comes with 45 minutes of game time and two tables on the heated patio. You can even upgrade your experience with a fried chicken feast, drinks, and neon toques.
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
When: Multiple dates
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SNOW MAGIC
Something magical has arrived at Ontario Place and it’s like a snow globe come to life! Snow Magic is inviting you to “explore a wonder-filled adventure inspired by fire, ice, and light.” Drive your way through 1.7 km of magical sights, including 18 art installations, crystalline caverns, awe-inspiring creatures and “mysterious sights that only dreams are made of.”
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: Until January 16th
FAIRWAY OF LIGHTS
Take a stroll on a sparkling trail through the woods this January at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham. Pets are invited to enjoy the 1 km trail every Sunday this month. The walk takes about 45 minutes to complete, so be sure to dress warmly. There are plenty of spots to snap photos along the trail too. If you didn’t get enough twinkling lights and magical vibes in December, this is definitely the place to go!
Where: 10080 Kennedy Rd
When: Until January 30th
THE BENTWAY SKATE TRAIL
Toronto’s iconic skating trail under the Gardiner Expressway is open for the winter season. The 220 metre, figure 8 loop has skating lessons, rentals, sharpening services, special events, and art installations throughout the season. You can also warm up with a free hot chocolate every Thursday evening, but drinks are available for purchase on-site every day of the week.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: Until February 21st
TERRA LUMINA
Are you ready to be whisked away to the year 2099? Terra Lumina continues at the Toronto Zoo this month for more nightly magic under the stars. The immersive light show features an illuminated 1.5 km trail designed to make you feel like you’ve travelled to a “radiant” future world.
Where: The Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd
Cost: Adult (18-64) $29.99 + HST
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Wellness Activities
PUPPY YOGA & BUBBLY
Puppies, yoga, and mimosas — has a better combination ever existed? You can experience it all under one roof this January and it’s the ultimate cure for the winter blues. You don’t need any yoga experience to enjoy the session, but a love of four-legged furballs is a must! You’ll have an extra 30 minutes after the class to cuddle with the puppies and sip your glass of bubbly.
Where: Kardia, 10 Lower Spadina Ave
When: January 15th
OTHERSHIP
If your New Year’s resolutions include upping your self-care routine and making some new friends, this new retreat is the place to do it. Set to open in January, Othership will be a “vessel of transformation” as you participate in sauna and ice bath rituals. In between sessions and unique guided programming, you can connect with others around the fireplace and rehydrate with a tasty drink.
Where: 425 Adelaide St W
When: Opens January 2021
There you have it, Toronto — 20 of the best things to do in the city this January.
