Welcome to 2023, Toronto! It’s the first full week of the new year and that means it’s time to stick to our resolutions – going out more and enjoying all the things to do in Toronto – you already know that our city is ready to deliver.
Here are 10 of the must-do activities in Toronto during the first week of 2023:
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Winter Festival of Lights
Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara welcomes all to experience a night of “larger-than-life’ displays. They’re worth every picture! over three million lights and over 75 spectacular displays transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland. Go for a drive or take a stroll through NEW displays and themed illumination areas like the Royal Promenade, Frosted Falls, Enchanted Forest, and Great Canadian North.
When: Until February 20, 2023
Where: Throughout Niagara Falls
Holiday Nights of Lights
There are only a few more days left of Holiday Nights of Lights in Vaughan. It’s bigger and brighter than ever before. Feast your eyes on the most dazzling lights display and exciting pop-up experience. Take a stroll down its immersive walking trail featuring over 1.5 million LED lights animated and synchronized to holiday tunes.
When: Until January 7
Where: Assembly Park – 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan
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Skating on The Bentway
The 220-metre figure-eight skate trail is located under the Gardiner Expressway, with free lessons, rentals, hot cocoa, and entertainment to make this season extra special. Starting on opening day until January 8th, skating will be open at The Bentway every day from 12 PM to 9 PM, including skate rentals, skate sharpening, and a hot chocolate bar.
When: All winter long
Where: The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd
Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail
The season of skating around the city is back, and open in Toronto this year is the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park. The five-metre-wide trail opened in 2019 and is located right in the heart of downtown. It’s also the first exterior skating path in North America to “incorporate state-of-the-art carbon dioxide technology in its refrigeration system,” according to the City of Toronto.
Where: College Park, Toronto
Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle
Step into a world of holiday magic at Toronto’s Casa Loma this joyous season! Yes, the beloved Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights is a day-and-night experience that takes place at our beloved castle during the holidays. Until January 8th, you can explore the castle grounds as it transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland, surrounded by holiday decor in every corner and draped in dazzling lights.
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: Until January 8th, 2023
Northern Lights TO
Northern Lights has arrived in 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.
Where: Grand Bizarre at Exhibition Place
When: Until January 8th, 2023
Rent an outdoor fire pit
You don’t have to trek to a cottage or campsite to bask in the glow of an open fire under a starry night sky. In fact, you don’t even have to leave downtown Toronto. Ontario Place has fire pits you can book for an outdoorsy evening with your favourite people. You can invite up to 24 guests to hang at the fire pit with you during your reserved time slot.
When: Daily from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Where: See locations
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Frozen Fairways – hockey and golf activity
If you’re looking for a new outdoor activity to try this winter, look no further than Frozen Fairways. This game combines two things we Canadians love most — hockey and golf. The golf-hybrid activities will be coming to CF Markville and CF Sherway Gardens this December and January. Those of you who were sad to say goodbye to golf season can have something to look forward to this winter because this sport is basically mini golf on ice.
When: January 2nd to 8th, 2023 (CF Sherway Gardens)
Where: CF Markville & CF Sherway Gardens
Cost: $5 per person
Toronto Gingerbread Festival
When it comes to holiday treats, it doesn’t get more classic than gingerbread, and this year, the Toronto Gingerbread Festival will treat locals to a big dose of deliciousness. The festival will feature a life-sized gingerbread display and gigantic installations, filling the streets with excitement and nostalgia. But, what makes this event extra special is the interactive element. Visitors to the festival can scoop up a free gingerbread-building kit and join a contest for the best creation!
When: Until January 11th, 2023
Where: Yonge and St. Clair, Life-sized display in the lobby at 2 St. Clair West
Enjoy a cozy coffee shop
Though it’s still Fall, it definitely feels like the winter season is here. Sometimes we just want to stay at home, in the comfiest of clothes, and work away. But during those odd times, we feel compelled to explore different environments. Soon our city will be covered in snow and nothing’s more comforting than watching the stillness of winter weather, as you’re warm and toasty indoors. That being said, it’s the perfect time to explore the many picturesque cafes in Toronto that you’ve been meaning to check out. Tempting as it may be to stay in your PJs on the couch, these coffee shops are totally worth putting on pants for.
When: You need a warm and quiet place to work from
Where: Handful of locations
