January is almost here and we’re sure to start the month off right. Whether you don’t want to let the holiday wave go or ready to dive deep into winter fun, there are a ton of things to do in Toronto this January.
There’s never a dull moment in Toronto, but you already know that. Especially in the winter.
Now, let’s jump right into it and explore this list of the best things to do in Toronto this January.
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Wonka’s Sweet Escape
Have you ever thought of what it would be like visiting Willy Wonka’s factory? Well, now you can finally explore the world of the famous fictional chocolatier at this new immersive Wonka experience in Toronto. And you don’t need a golden ticket for this sweet adventure.
Visitors will have the chance to tap into the candy maker’s imagination and experience the magic firsthand through visual content displays and even replica props.
When: Until January 2nd, 2024
Where: Yorkdale Mall
Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights
The holiday magic is coming back to Toronto’s Casa Loma for the festive season, transforming the castle grounds into a winter wonderland. Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour experiences will take over Casa Loma this December.
Get ready to experience a holiday event like no other starting December 1st. Embark on a Christmas journey as you wander outdoors, through dazzling light displays in the gardens and throughout the castle grounds and tunnels.
Holiday Lights is a self-guided walk that will delight guests as they encounter the almost endless holiday decorations, lights, and live performances. There will be a magic show, a fire performer, roaming mime artists, mascots, and silt walkers. We can’t for the Christmas carolers and of course, Santa.
When: Until January 6th
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: Starting at $45+tax
Enjoy a hidden speakeasy
Toronto’s bar scene is one of the best in the world. Home to world-renowned cocktail bars and beloved local hot spots, the city clearly knows what it’s doing. But what about those low-key, hidden bars? If you’re looking for an escape from the busy city streets, check out some of these hidden bars and speakeasies in Toronto.
When: Whenever you want
Where: Across Toronto
Go for a winter walk
As the weather starts to get cold and the skies a little grayer, getting our daily dose of sun is much more difficult than we hoped. But don’t let that keep you indoors this upcoming winter. It’s still a great idea to head outside and stretch those legs as much as you can. Thankfully, believe it or not, Toronto is full of peaceful hiking trails that are enjoyed by locals all year round, especially in the colder months.
When: When you feel like it
Where:
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
The annual WinterFest has taken over Canada’s Wonderland with fun and festive activities, including ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, live shows, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of sparkling trees throughout the park.
This one-of-a-kind event transports you to a new world, full of stunning luminous displays, ambient holiday lights, and festive tunes.
When: Until January 6th, 2024 (Select nights)
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Cost: From $29.99 per person
Outdoor skating at City of Toronto rinks
Get ready to lace up your skates!
There are tons of City-run public rinks opening for the season in November. In past years, that has included Christie Pits, College Park, High Park, Kew Gardens, and Mel Lastman Square, Nathan Phillips Square.
So, grab your favourite people and glide the day away at the rink.
When: Until March 2024 (select rinks)
Where: See all locations
Cost: FREE
Toronto Tea Festival
Canada’s largest festival for tea lovers. Enjoy a wide selection of the finest teas from exhibitors and learn about tea culture. Tickets are on sale now.
When: January 27th & 28th – 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Toronto Reference Library – Appel Salon, 2nd floor – 789 Yonge Street
Bata Shoe Museum Access Sundays
Toronto’s iconic shoe museum is open to all visitors for free on Sundays.
Explore the BSM’s nearly 15,000 artifacts, learn about the fascinating history of footwear, and participate in educational activities, all for free every Sunday.
Where: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West
When: Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM
Cost: FREE
Winterlicious
Treat yourself to a three-course prix fixe menu for lunch or dinner during Winterlicious. Prices start at $20 depending on the selection and restaurant. Reservations start January 11th.
When: January 26 to February 8, 2024
Where: More than 200 participating restaurants in Toronto
Window Wonderland
Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood has transformed into a free outdoor art gallery with 20 augmented reality window installations and five murals.
The fourth annual Window Wonderland event runs until January 31st, 2024. This urban art walk features artwork designed by local and international artists.
Visitors can bring the artwork to life using an AR app, Artivive – a first of its kind for the city.
When: Until January 31, 2024
Where: Along Dundas St W – map
Cost: FREE
Catch a show at the Ed Mirvish Theatre
Musicals have taken over Toronto’s theatre scene! From Broadway favourites to revivals of beloved classic shows, the 2023/24 Main Mirvish Theatre Subscription list is out, and it includes 42nd Street, Chicago, Book of Mormon, and more.
When: Throughout January 2024
Where: 244 Victoria St
Watch the Toronto Raptors live
Missed the chance to catch the Toronto Raptors live in action? Not to worry, they’re playing a few games in the city and you can get tickets via Ticketmaster.
When: Select dates
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Taylor Swift Escape Room
The ultimate Swifty experience is here! Celebrate all of the eras by testing players problem-solving skills and knowledge on the icon. Do you have what it takes to take on this T-Swift escape room? The experience lasts 60 minutes and is available to all ages.
When: Select nights
Where: 1615 Dupont Street
Watch the Toronto Maple Leafs in action
Sit rink side and watch as the Toronto Maple Leafs face off against several teams this January. Get your tickets via Ticketmaster.
When: Select dates
Where: Scotiabank Arena
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Michael Snow: Celebration of Life
Learn and explore the works of art by legendary Canadian artist Michael Snow at the AGO this January. His highly acclaimed and influential pieces included painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film, video projection, sound art, bookmaking, and experimental music.
It’s a free event but you must get tickets online.
And on January 12th, you can stop by for a free screening of Fields of Snow: The Formative Years, which looks back on the artist Michael Snow’s early jazz days before Walking Woman and Wavelength, according to the AGO.
When: January 10th, 2024 at 7 PM
Where: Baillie Court, Art Gallery of Ontario
Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum also offers free admission to the public on Wednesday evenings from 4 PM to 8 PM.
No pre-registration is required, just show up in person to receive your free ticket and enjoy!
Where: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Drive
When: Wednesdays from 4 PM to 8 PM
Cost: FREE
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – In Concert
Enjoy a thrilling journey back to Middle-earth courtesy of the FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir with a live performance of the motion picture movie.
When: January 26th, 2024 from 7:30 PM
Where: Meridian Hall
Parkbus day trips
Explore the outdoors this January with a Parkbus day trip! There are several dates throughout January that take you to Arrowhead Provincial Park, Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Mountsberg Winterlit, and more.
Starting as low as $38 depending on the trip.
When: January 1st, 6th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 27th, 2024
Where: Select locations
The Bentway
According to the skating trail, its winter programming begins on December 16, and this year, skaters are invited back to cruise the 220m figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway. New will be the soaring art installation above the trail, which they say is and “inspired by the glowing hues of the northern lights.”
When: Until January 7, every day from 12 PM to 9 PM
Where: 250 Fort York, under the Gardiner
Catch Madonna on tour
There are a ton of concerts coming to Toronto this January and you don’t want to miss out. And this is one of them. Madonna is coming to Toronto for two,back to back days.
When: January 11th & 12th, 2024 at 8:30 PM
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Prioritize wellness
This cold season tends to drag our skin through the mud – dull and lacking moisture. That’s where skin care, spa days, and wellness experiences come in handy. And Ontario is filled with all these wonderful wellness escapes. Though perfect in any season, our skin needs A LOT of extra love and care during the winter.
When: Whenever it’s needed
Where: Locations across Toronto
