Toronto 
If you are looking for cheap family fun activities, here are some of the best free things this winter in Toronto and the GTA.
Outdoor Ice Skating
When: Until March Break
Where: Various locations in GTA
Holiday Lights
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) come alive with the festive spirit during the holiday season, with a dazzling array of Christmas and holiday light displays that captivate visitors and locals alike. . … More Details
When: Until Early January
Where: Various locations in GTA
Things to Do this Winter in Toronto & GTA
Winter Glow at Sankofa Square
Sankofa Square is set to glow even more with 'Winter Glow', a holiday fun event for all in the heart of Toronto. Sankofa Square transforms once again into a vibrant holiday destination filled with lights, music, festive flavours, classic rides, and community cheer. Now in its third year, Winter Glow ... More Details
When:
December 11 to 21, 2025
Where:
Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas Street East, Toronto
DJ Skate Nights
Make your winter Saturday nights epic with DJ Skate Nights! Thanks to our partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the rink has expanded, giving even more of our community the chance to enjoy skating this season. Glide across our newly improved, larger waterfront rink while top DJs spin the beats ... More Details
When:
Saturdays, December 20 to February 14, 2026| | 08:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where:
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival
Come celebrate the return to warmth and light in the heart of Kensington Market over the Winter Solstice. Support our local merchants and unique culture of Toronto's beloved neighbourhood over the holidays ... More Details
When:
Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where:
Kensington Market, Toronto
The Bentway Skate Trail Polar Bear Skate
The Bentway will host their annual Polar Bear Skate, inviting adventurous Torontonians to skate the trail in their bathing suits for a refreshing - and unconventional - winter event. ... More Details
When:
Sunday, December 28 | 12 PM to 1:30 PM
Where:
The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
City of Toronto New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Celebrations
One of Canada's largest fireworks displays will light up Toronto’s central waterfront with a spectacular 10-minute, high-altitude show beginning at midnight ... More Details
When:
December 31, 2025 | 10 p.m. to Midnight
Where:
Various Locations, Toronto
DesignTO Festival 2026
Celebrate art and design online and in-person at venues across Toronto. DesignTO Festival isn’t just about events, it’s about making real change. Celebrating 15 years of impact, DesignTO brings people together to design a better future that’s sustainable, just, and joyful. As Canada’s largest non-profit design festival, the 10-day event ... More Details
When:
January 23—February 1, 2026
Where:
Multiple Venues,Toronto
New Music Festival
An international festival of contemporary music presented annually by the University of Toronto Faculty. Join us for 10 days of concerts, workshops and master classes as we celebrate new music ... More Details
When:
January 23 – February 3, 2026
Where:
Various Venues, Toronto
Maple Leafs Outdoor Practice
he Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the team will hold the annual Outdoor Practice presented by Sport Chek at Westway Outdoor Rink. Beginning on Saturday, January 24, Maple Leafs fans can participate in a schedule of weekend events for free, closing with the Outdoor Practice on Monday, January 26 ... More Details
Where:
Maple Leaf Gardens,50 Carlton St., Toronto
Fire & Ice Winter Festival
Ignite your winter weekend at the Alton Mill’s annual Fire & Ice Festival presented by TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley— a high-energy winter celebration packed with live outdoor fire performances, ice carving, skating on the millpond, cozy food + drink, family activities, and magical moments around every corner. Wander the ... More Details
When:
January 31 & February 1, 2026
Where:
Alton Mill Arts Centre, Amelia Street, Alton
Kuumba
Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA Festival, presented by TD Bank Group through the Bank’s Corporate Citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival. This year, KUUMBA celebrates a legacy milestone: its 31st anniversary. For decades, the festival has been a vital platform for celebrating Black ... More Details
When:
February 1–28, 2025
Where:
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Richmond Hill Winter Carnival
The Richmond Hill Winter Carnival is a weekend of affordable fun and entertainment organized by volunteers to celebrate the community of Richmond Hill in a welcoming atmosphere. Who is it for? All ages HOW MUCH FREE ADMISSION While there is no admission fee, we would appreciate you purchasing a $3 ... More Details
When:
February 7 & 8, 2026
Where:
Mill Pond Park, Mill Street, Richmond Hill
Vaughan Winterfest
Join for exciting entertainment and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy as Vaughan celebrates its annual Winterfest ... More Details
When:
February 7 & 8, 2026
Where:
Vellore Village Community Centre, Vaughan
Family Day Weekend Harbourfront Centre
Enjoy a full lineup of exciting activities for all ages, including skating, storytelling and crafts, science experiments and film screenings. Family performances celebrating heritage and courage through music and interactive storytelling. Two daily performances celebrating heritage, resilience, and the wisdom nature offers us, told through music, storytelling and interactive family ... More Details
When:
February 14 to 16, 2026
Where:
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Winter Stations
Launched by RAW Design, Ferris + Associates and Curio in 2015, the competition captures the imagination of local and international designers, inviting them to transform the lifeguard stations along Toronto’s east-end beaches into whimsical works of public art. The six winning installations, selected amongst hundreds of submissions from around the ... More Details
When:
February 16 to March 30, 2026
Where:
Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto
Lumière: The Art of Light at Ontario Place
This free light exhibition allows visitors to explore the park and experience art developed by Ontario artists. Explore unique installations, from vibrant neon colours to interactive light displays, each offering a visually captivating journey. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, sparking curiosity, or simply embracing wonder, Lumière invites you to discover the magic of ... More Details
When:
February 16 to March 27, 2026.
Where:
Trillium Park, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration
To welcome the Year of the Snake, Toronto Chinatown BIA will spearhead the celebrations with a lineup of interactive games and performances to showcase the rich heritage of Asian traditions during the 2026 Lunar New Year Celebrations. Anime Characters and Performance Chinese and Western Songs Performance Plum Blossom Poles Lion ... More Details
When:
February 21 & 22, 2026
Where:
Toronto Chinatown, Toronto
Celebrate Toronto – 192nd Anniversary (Fireworks)
Celebrate the city we love as Celebrate Toronto takes over Nathan Phillips Square for Toronto’s 192nd birthday with an unforgettable festival in the heart of downtown. Explore 120+ local vendors and artisans, indulge in food stalls spotlighting flavours from across the city’s many cultures, and soak in the energy of ... More Details
When:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
3:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Where:
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St West, Toronto
Revlon, $10 Shoe Sale & Clothing Clearance
2 WAREHOUSE SALES IN 1 -- $10 Clothing & Shoe Pop-Up Warehouse Sale, Revlon Warehouse Sale by SaleEvent. $10 Pop-Up Warehouse Sale Enjoy a stunning selection of footwear and apparel items all for only $10 or less. All apparel items like: hoodies, blouses, button-down shirts, sweaters, pants, shorts and skirts ... More Details
Where:
The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga
Endy & Hush Warehouse Sale
Endy is celebrating its 11th birthday with its first-ever Warehouse Sale in Toronto. From March 12–15 at Exhibition Place, shoppers can score up to 60% off select Endy mattresses, bedding, and sleep essentials — with inventory refreshed daily. For the first time, downtown Toronto shoppers can test Endy products in ... More Details
Where:
Queen Elizabeth Building, 190 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
Japanese Cultural Pop-Up at Welcome Market
Toronto is getting an immersive taste of Japan through a curated cultural marketplace, inspired by Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms! For a limited time, Next Stop Japan, organized by JETRO and Japan Foundation, is transforming Queen West into a vibrant hub of Japanese food, beverage, lifestyle, artisanal crafts, homeware, anime, and ... More Details
Where:
The Welcome Market, 938 Queen St W, Toronto
Toronto Career Fair and Training Expo
Attention Opportunity Seekers! Career Fair Canada is back and better than ever, helping you advance your career in the right direction! Get in front of hiring managers, and network and apply to our recruiting exhibitors. Learn about exciting new career options and obtain valuable information about how to earn the ... More Details
Where:
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto
Sugar Shack TO presented by Redpath – 2026
The Shack is back! Sugar Shack TO returns March 14-15 for more March Break Maple Madness. Toronto’s urban cabane à sucre experience is coming to Harbourfront Centre for the first time ever with a sweet weekend of winter fun and plenty of fresh maple syrup. Tap into your true Canadian ... More Details
When:
March 14 & 15, 2026
Where:
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto
St Patrick’s Day Parade Toronto
Join us for the biggest St Patrick's Day parade to hit the streets of Toronto. It is an amazing afternoon filled with music, dance, floats and fun! Everyone is welcome whether you were born in Ireland, have Irish ancestors or you’re just looking for a great time! The Parade has ... More Details
When:
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Where:
Bloor St W & St George St to Yonge-Dundas Square,Toronto
Tobogganing
Get slides or tubes and head to the nearby tobogganing hill and embrace winter to the fullest. … More Details
When: Winter Season
Where: 50+ locations in GTA