A new year has begun, and we’re kicking things off on a high note here in our city. It may be cold out there, but there are still plenty of things to do in Toronto this January to keep these days exciting. Let’s start the year strong by celebrating the season and the glorious city we call home.
Here are 21 of the very best things to do in and around Toronto this January.
Winter Festivals & Holiday Events
Toronto Gingerbread Festival
When it comes to holiday treats, it doesn’t get more classic than gingerbread, and this year, the Toronto Gingerbread Festival is treating locals to a big dose of deliciousness.
The festival features a life-sized gingerbread display and gigantic installations, filling the streets with excitement and nostalgia. You can also enjoy all kinds of special deals and promos at local shops and restaurants.
When: Until January 11th, 2023
Where: Yonge and St. Clair, Life-sized display in the lobby at 2 St. Clair West
Northern Lights TO
Northern Lights has arrived in the city for the first time ever, and it’s described as an “an unparalleled winter wonderland.”
It has over 80,000 square feet of breathtaking installations and uniquely immersive experiences.
Some of the features include art installations, dazzling décor, a 25-foot illuminated Christmas tree, fun-for-all-ages games and activities, a holiday vendor market, and much more.
When: Until January 8th, 2022
Where: Grand Bizarre at Exhibition Place
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, 2023
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Cavalcade of Lights
The beloved event celebrates Toronto’s holiday season until well after Christmas, wrapping up on January 7th.
This year’s festivities are inspired by international lantern, fire, and light festivals. It transforms City Hall into a spectacular wonderland every night.
When: Until January 7th, 2023
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle
Step into a world of holiday magic at Casa Loma! Yes, the beloved Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights is a day-and-night experience that takes place at our beloved castle during and after the holidays.
Until January 8th, explore the castle grounds as it transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland, surrounded by holiday decor in every corner and draped in dazzling lights.
When: Until January 8th, 2023
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
Food & Drink Festivals
Winterlicious
Toronto’s annual restaurant festival Winterlicious is coming back this January, with prix fixe menus offered at eateries around the city.
Whether you’re looking to dine on a budget or experience new cuisine, Winterlicious is the perfect excuse to go out and give local restaurants your support.
When: January 27th to February 9th, 2023
Where: See participating restaurants
Niagara Icewine Festival
Wine country is just as fun in the wintertime during the annual Niagara Icewine Festival.
Take a trip out to the Niagara region for a weekend and experience the many icewine experiences at local wineries, which include live music, culinary delights, and sparkling ice sculptures.
When: January 20th to 22nd & January 27th to 29th, 2023
Where: See festival schedule
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Fun Activities
Skating at Toronto’s outdoor rinks
The season of outdoor skating is well underway! When it comes to outdoor skating rinks, Toronto has no shortage of fantastic options.
From ice trails through the city to DJ skate nights in the heart of downtown, these rinks will make you want to lace up your skates all season long.
Where: See Toronto’s best outdoor rinks here
When: Until March 2023
TD Union Winter
Toronto’s busiest transit hub has transformed for the winter season, inviting all to enjoy free outdoor skating, live music, and more.
The skating rink comes with free skate rentals and is located right on Front Street. Hit the rink for a fun and magical winter experience and be sure to register ahead of time as walk-in spots are limited.
When: Until January 29th, 2023
Where: Union Station, 55 Front Street West
Go on a gorgeous winter walk
This city is full of peaceful nature trails that are enjoyed by locals all year round, even in the colder months.
We Ontarians aren’t deterred by a little wind chill — just throw on a few extra layers, grab a cup of Toronto’s best hot chocolate, and you’re good to go.
Where: See the best winter trails in Toronto
Warm and cozy coffee dates
One of the best ways to stay warm this winter is with a hot cup of coffee at a cozy cafe. And these Toronto coffee shops give off homey vibes like no other.
Snug, comfortable, welcoming, and pleasant – Toronto’s coziest coffee shops capture it all from their interior design down to their hot drinks and treats.
Where: See Toronto’s coziest coffee shops
Go on a tabogganing adventure
When snow hits Toronto, we hit the hills — tobogganing hills, that is. We’ve got many days of snow to look forward to this winter and there’s no better way to take advantage than with an afternoon outdoors.
Get active and enjoy the winter fun at tobogganing hills around the city. There’s even a brand new one to check out this year!
Where: See Toronto’s best tabogganing hills
Free hot chocolate and skate rentals at The Bentway
Winter skating under the Gardiner is back for the fifth year in a row!
From January 8th to February 20th, skate rentals will available for free every Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM.
On Monday evenings, you can warm up with a cup of free hot chocolate. Free skate lessons for all ages will be offered by registration on Tuesday evenings.
When: Until February 20th, 2023
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd
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Indoor Festivals
DesignTO Festival
Canada’s leading and largest annual design festival returns this month with over 100 exhibitions to check out around the city.
“DesignTO Festival brings people together to design a better future, one that is more sustainable, just, and joyful,” says the description.
The best part is that most of the exhibitions are free to visit!
When: January 20th to 29th, 2023
Where: See all exhibitions
Toronto Tea Festival
Cups and saucers at the ready, tea lovers! Canada’s largest tea festival is coming to Toronto to keep us warm this January.
Sip on some of the finest teas in the world, learn from the experts about tea culture, learn new things, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon with family and friends.
When: January 28th and 29th, 2023
Where: Appel Salon – Toronto Reference Library, 2nd Floor
Interior Design Show Toronto
IDS Toronto is back! The annual interior design showcase returns this month with a brand new theme — MOVING PARTS: Design for a complex world.
You can look forward to unique showcases and thought-provoking panel discussions around the topic of adapting interior design to meet the needs of today’s world.
When: January 19th to 22nd, 2023
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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Performances & Exhibitions
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience
A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view! An exhibit called Disney Animation: Immersive Experience has arrived in Toronto and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
You’ll get to see Disney films old and new come to life all around you, including Encanto, Zootopia, Frozen, The Lion King, Peter Pan, and Pinocchio.
Prepare to be immersed in the music and artistry that made these beloved animations as iconic as they are today.
When: Until March 19th, 2023
Where: Lighthouse Immersive Inc, 1 Yonge Street
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – In Concert
See Middle Earth come to life with this live concert presentation of J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
The iconic film will play on the screen before you as talented musicians play the Grammy award-winning score, giving you goosebumps the whole way through.
When: January 27th to 29th, 2023
Where: Meridian Hall
Le Musk Toronto
Escape to another world during this 37-minute “cinematic sensory experience,” directed by the Grammy and Oscar-winning composer, A.R. Rahman.
This unique virtual reality show “combines cinema, motion, and scent to offer a thrilling evolution of immersive entertainment,” according to the description. It’s truly spectacular.
When: Until January 29th, 2023
Where: Lighthouse Artspace, 1 Yonge Street
Dave Chapelle: In Your Dreams Tour
Comedy legend Dave Chapelle is taking the stage in our city on New Year’s Day. The comedian will visit Toronto as part of his In Your Dreams tour.
If you want to score last-minute tickets, be prepared to shell out the big bucks. The cheapest seats available are over $450.
When: January 1st, 2023, 8 PM
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Old Dominion: No Bad Vibes Tour
Country fans, you don’t want to miss this! The iconic Nashville band Old Dominion will be hitting the stage in Toronto this month for what is sure to be an exciting show. It’s one of the live music highlights of the month here in our city.
When: January 28th, 2023, 7:30 PM
Where: Scotiabank Arena
