Categories: Things To Do

New winter festival with free skating & fireworks to takeover Toronto’s harbourfront

Image via Gustavo Toldeo/Shutterstock

If you’ve been missing the skating rink at Toronto’s harbourfront over the last few years, we have some big news. 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.

Running from Nov. 29, 2024, until Jan. 5, 2025, this is a holiday attraction you won’t want to miss out on.

Winterfest Toronto

The festival is put on by Street Eats Market and according to CEO and Founder Philip Suos, it’s their biggest project to date.

“The skating rink will be returning after many years. Also making its return is the popular DJ skate nights on weekends which is free for all to enjoy,” Suos shared with Curiocity.

The opening date for the skating rink is Dec. 21, 2024, and it will remain open until Mar. 16, 2025.

Aall the other festivities you can enjoy starting on Nov. 29 include:

33′ tall walk-in tree
Food trucks and food/drink pop-ups
Marshmallow fire pits
60′ light tunnel
Nordic-themed mulled-wine bar
Maple taffy sugar shack
Cookie decorating classes
Train rides
Twinkling light displays

On the opening night (Nov. 29th) there will be a tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.

Following the opening night, visitors can check out the festival every Friday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Saturdays from noon until 10 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 8 p.m.

From Dec. 14 until Dec. 15 there will be a special Donut Fest and from Dec. 21 until Dec. 22, a delicious Hot Chocolate Fest.

No New Year’s Eve plans? Winterfest will also be putting on a free fireworks show from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a winter day with friends, and family or as part of a date night.

Don’t forget to dress warm!

Winterfest Toronto 2024

When: Fridays – Sundays from Nov. 29, 2024 until Jan. 5, 2025 (Skating rink opening Dec. 21, 2024)
Where: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W
Cost: Free admission