January is almost here and we’re ready to get right into all the fun things 2025 is sure to bring. Thankfully there are a ton of things to do in Toronto this January from sports to concerts, skating and even a few remaining holiday events.

There’s never a dull moment in Toronto, especially in the winter.

Let’s jump right into it and explore this list of the best things to do in Toronto this January.

Toronto Raptors

Get some NBA action in this January and cheer on the Raptors! Tickets are still available.

When: Jan. 1, 3, 6, 13, 15, 21, 27 & 31, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Cost: Varies

Christmas at the Castle & Holiday Lights

The holiday magic is coming back to Toronto’s Casa Loma, transforming the castle grounds into a winter wonderland.

Christmas at the Castle and Holiday Lights Tour experiences will take over Casa Loma this December 5th, 2024 to January 4th, 2025
from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and 5:30 PM to 10 PM, respectively.

Start your day surrounded by holiday magic that takes over the castle, including a 40ft tall tree in the Great Hall and eight other signature trees by talented Canadian designers

And in the evening, embark on a Christmas journey as you wander outdoors, through dazzling light displays in the gardens and throughout the castle grounds and tunnels.

When: Until Jan. 4, 2025
Where: Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace
Cost: Starting at $45+ tax

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 Jan. 4, 2025 (Select nights)
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Cost: From $39.99 per person

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: Jan. 4, 5, 11, 14, 16, 20, 22 & 29, 2025
Where: Scotiabank Arena
Cost: Varies

Parkbus day trips

Explore the outdoors this January with a Parkbus day trip! There are several dates throughout January that take you to Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Mountsberg Winterlit and  Hilton Falls

Starting as low as $38 depending on the trip.

When: Jan. 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2025
Where: Select locations

Holiday Afternoon Tea at the AGO

Book a reservation at the AGO’s The Grange for a celebratory holiday afternoon tea.

“A unique dining experience to share with friends and family over the holiday season,” shares the museum.

“Enjoy a curated menu by the AGO culinary team. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a spot for savoury snacks, we got you covered!”

Seatings are available from Thursday to Sunday until January 5th, 2025.

When: Until Jan. 5, 2025 – 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Where: 317 Dundas Street West
Cost: $85 + tax per adult and $40 + tax per child (12 and under)

The Distillery Winter Village

Toronto’s favourite winter wonderland, The Distillery Winter Village presented by Christian Dior Parfums is back.

Pay Santa and his Elves a visit, and enjoy the glow of the breathtaking 55-foot-tall silver fir Christmas tree.

When: Until Jan. 5, 2025
Where: 51 Gristmill Lane
Cost: $15 to $39.50

Wednesdays at Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum has a “permanent collection of over 1,200 masterpieces and innovative performing arts and educational programming” and on Wednesdays, you don’t need to worry about paying for admission.

The free admission promotion runs on Wednesdays during extended hours from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 77 Wynford Dr
When: Every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free

Fridays at MOCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art aka MOCA knows how to get your weekend started on the right foot.

Each Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., admission is free making this a great spot for date night.

Visitors can book in advance to guarantee entry or drop in at the door, just note that the last time slot for entry is 8:45 p.m.

Where: 158 Sterling Rd
When: Every Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

Winterfest Toronto 2024

Winterfest is a free winter activation coming to Toronto and will not only feature the return of the outdoor rink in the area, but it will also have a long list of seasonal festivities including marshmallow roasting fire pits, food trucks, lights displays and a fireworks show.

When: Until Jan. 5, 2025 – Fridays to Sundays
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free admission

First Wednesday Nights at the AGO

Another popular Toronto museum with a free admission day to take advantage of.

On the first Wednesday of each month between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. you can enjoy the waived admission cost, just be sure to book your free tickets online in advance to ensure you get a spot.

There is a limit of two tickets per booking.

When: Every first Wednesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 317 Dundas Street W

Disney’s The Lion King

One of the most beloved musical productions is in Toronto.

The Lion King will take to the stage of Princess of Wales Theatre for select dates this January. Get your tickets before they fully sell out.

When: Jan. 2 to 5, 7 to 12, 14 to 19, 21 to 26, 28 to 31, 2025
Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St W
Cost: $69+

KYGO

KYGO is bringing his world tour to Toronto in January!

The DJ/Producer will be taking over Scotiabank Arena and tickets start at under $100.

When: Jan. 23, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St
Cost: $85.25+ per ticket

Sum 41

Canadian rock band Sum 41 is hittin’ the stage again.

The band is playing two concerts in Toronto as part of the Tour of the Setting Sum. Mark January 28th and 30th on your calendar.

When: Jan. 28 & 30, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St
Cost: $61.75+ per ticket

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 Jan. 31, 2025. 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 Jan. 31, 2025
Where: Along Dundas St W – map
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: Jan. 31 to Feb. 13, 2025
Where: More than 200 participating restaurants in Toronto
Cost: Varies

Union Winter presented by TD

Union Station is bringing back Union Winter with its free indoor roller-skating rink inside the TD West Carriageway, Roller Express.

There will also be free music performances, holiday shopping and delicious bites.

Guests must pre-register online for a two-hour timeslot.

When: Until Feb. 2, 2025,
Where: Union Station
Cost: Free to skate

Hangar Skate

Hangar Skate, the beloved winter experience at the former Downsview Airport lands, is coming back his holiday season with free skating, a massive interactive public art installation, and the inaugural YZD Holiday Market.

Starting Dec. 20, 2024, YZD will transform into a winter wonderland, running until Family Day weekend. This year, organizers are bringing new and thrilling performances to the main stage, along with an incredible lighting ceremony.

When: Dec. 20, 2024 to Feb. 17, 2025
Where: 34 Hanover Road
Cost: Free to attend

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. ”

“On display along the Skate Trail, visitors can enjoy Toronto artist Jessica Thalmann’s new work Resurfacing, presented in partnership with Exhibition Place, which explores the many transformations of the Gardiner Expressway over time.,” shares organizers.

When: Until Feb. 17, 2025 from 12 p.m., to 9 p.m.
Where: 250 Fort York, under the Gardiner

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.

When: Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West
Cost: Free

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 2025 (select rinks)
Where: See all locations
Cost: Free

Recent Posts:
This lakeside Ontario town is a popular filming backdrop for Netflix movies & shows
This Ontario town is home to the most southern mainland point in Canada

Karen Doradea

Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

Read articles