Winter Break Family Fun
A list of suggestions for family Christmas holidays/winter break activities and events to attend with kids in Toronto and GTA – December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026.

Winter Maze/Credit: Harbourfront Centre
See Christmas / Holiday Lights
- Enjoy great Christmas displays in Toronto & GTA.
- Go on a day trip to see the best lights in Ontario!
- If you are interested only in drive-thru events, there are plenty of those, too.
Canada Strong Pass During Holidays
The program will run from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Visit national, provincial, and territorial museums, parks, and historic sites without added cost, and includes discounted VIA Rail fares for young travellers.
Toronto Festive Lights Double Decker Tour
Visiting Toronto? Discover the magic of this holiday season on this enchanting Festive Lights Tour. Hop on board & enjoy views of the city’s iconic landmarks, beautifully illuminated with dazzling Christmas lights.
Trip Planning: until December 31, 2025 @ City Sightseeing Toronto, Yonge-Dundas Square
Canada Strong Pass
Free admission for all visitors to national historic sites and national parks, and discounted admission to provincial museums.
- Parks Canada: Free admission for all visitors to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada.
25% discount on camping fees. - National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum, Provincial Museums: Free admission for children aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
When: December 12, 2025, and January 15, 2026
National Parks in Ontario to visit during winter:
- Point Pelee, Bruce Peninsula
Museums:
- Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto)
- McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Kleinburg)
- Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto)
- Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington) -Winter Wonders (Christmas Light Displays)
- Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg) – Alight at Night (Christmas Light Displays)
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (Ottawa)
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum (Ottawa)
- Canadian Museum of History (Ottawa)
- Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa)
- Canada Science and Technology Museum (Ottawa)
- Canadian War Museum (Ottawa)
- National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa)
- Science North (Sudbury)
Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival

Credit: Red Pepper Arts Spectacle
Experience a magical evening on the longest night of the year with Red Pepper Spectacle Arts. Enjoy live music, theatrical performances, tall puppets roaming the streets, and mesmerizing fire arts throughout the market.
Trip Planning: December 21 @ Kensington Market, Toronto
Winter Blooms: Circus at the Garden
This intimate and interactive high-flying circus show features breathtaking displays of aerial silks, acrobatics, strength, artistry and humour. Your garden hosts, “Rosie Petals” and her mischievous blossom-buddy “Dust Bunny” will take you on a magical journey as the garden awakens from its gentle winter slumber.
Trip Planning: December 19 to 21 @ Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto
Holiday Season at The Village
- Santa at the Village: Spend a fun-filled festive time with Santa and his helpers at The Village at Black Creek!
- Festive Nights: Experience all the joys of the season on a moonlit adventure and step into a holiday wonderland and enjoy the sights and sounds of a classic Victorian Christmas.
Trip Planning: until December 23, 2025@ The Village at Black Creek, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, Toronto
Treewalk Village Enchanted: The Forest of Glowing Wonders
Treewalk Village at Treetop Trekking transforms into an enchanting world in the evening. Wander among glowing treehouses, where gentle lights sparkle, and colours dance on every bridge.
Traverse radiant paths, climb vibrant walls, and slide into pools of soft light. Discover The Rivernet—an illuminated web inviting you to explore the night like never before.
Trip Planning: Weekends Through Winter @ Treetop Trekking, 3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Winter Maze
Explore twists and turns at our giant Winter Maze on West Campus. Wander through sparkling lights and discover hidden holiday surprises at every turn. A perfect way to spend a snowy day outdoors, this immersive seasonal experience brings fun, laughter and sweet memories in a festive setting. Details
Trip Planning: December 31 @ Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Santa’s Enchanted Elevator
This free, family-friendly attraction takes you on a whimsical journey to the North Pole, complete with shimmering northern lights, snow-dusted trees, and a playful holiday train. A cheerful bellhop guides your adventure, adding a fun and festive touch for guests of all ages.
Trip Planning: Through December 24, 2025 @ Bramalea City Centre, 25 Peel Centre Dr, Brampton
UPLÅ Aglow
Uplå transports guests into a suspended wonderland high in the trees, where an intricate web of nets becomes your playground. The Aglow Night Experience will transform Uplå into an enchanting nocturnal spectacle. Glowing pathways will guide visitors from the entrance, leading them into a world illuminated by candlelit animations. Details
Trip Planning: Various Dates Through Winter @ Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area at 3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Winter Glow
The event will feature popular carnival rides, including Astro Amusements’ brightly lit 45-foot-tall Ferris Wheel and the Great Canadian Carousel, and a midway game. Visitors can also indulge in a variety of carnival treats, including cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, churros, hot chocolate, and more.
Trip Planning: Until December 21 @ Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas Street East, Toronto
Union Winter
The Roller Express, presented by TD, returns to Union Station, offering free skate rentals, lessons, DJ skate nights, and roller dance shows. Highlights include Union Beats Skate Nights on Fridays, and free lessons on Tuesdays and Sundays. Guests can also enjoy live holiday music from local artists and Steinway Spirio performances.
Trip Planning: Through the Holidays @ north west side of Union Station, one level below the Great Hall, 65 Front Street West, Toronto
Winterfest Toronto
Winterfest Toronto is the city’s largest new winter experience, offering unforgettable fun for all ages, featuring twinkling lights, indoor/outdoor artisan market, marshmallow fire pits, mulled wine bar, cozy food stalls, free ice skating and so much more.
Trip Planning: Through December 21, 22025 @ Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Light the Dark
Art comes to life this holiday season on the Aga Khan Museum’s exterior walls in a spectacular 3-D projection show. The Museum’s front façade will come alive with mesmerizing projections by students and graduates from OCAD University’s Experimental Animation program. Inspired by objects from our Collections and the current exhibition, Light: Visionary Perspectives, celebrating the Museum’s 10th anniversary, these radiant displays — ranging from digital to stop-motion — will transform the night into a vibrant canvas of colour.
Trip Planning: December 27 – 29 2025 | 6 PM – 9 PM @ Aga Khan Museum | FREE
Holiday Bricktacular
Legoland will transform into a winter wonderland with a LEGO® twist! Take a family photo with our giant holiday LEGO® tree, witness the breathtaking MINILAND, and celebrate the holidays with unique seasonal build activities.
Trip Planning: Until December 24, 2025 @ LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan
Festive Lights
Bring the whole family to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario this holiday season for an unforgettable celebration of free and festive fun! Festive Lights serves up a wide variety of programming that will delight Ontarians of all ages.
Trip Planning: Dec 20, 22, 23, 2025 @ Ontario’s Legislative Building, 111 Wellesley St. West, Toronto
Christmas at Casa Loma
Explore the Magic of Casa Loma at night or celebrate and take part in the holiday magic at Casa Loma! Enjoy a wide range of activities and exciting performances that are sure to be fun for the whole family.
Trip Planning: Until January 3, 2026 | 9.30am – 4pm & 5pm – 10pm @ CasaLoma, 1 Austin Terrace , Toronto | $45 to $55
The Distillery Winter Village
Trip Planning: Until January 4th, 2026 @ The Distillery District, 55 Mill St, Toronto | Free & Ticketed Days
Victorian Christmas
Step back in time to 1899 to see how an early settler family celebrated the season. You will learn about why and how some of the traditions started and continue to this day.
Trip Planning: December 27-30, 2025 @ Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
RBG Express
All Aboard! Don’t miss a ride on the RBG Express during your day visit the Gardens. Purchase tickets at the door to take a round-trip train ride through beautiful Hendrie Park to round out your RBG experience.
Trip Planning: Until January 4, 2026 @ Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Special Programming at GTA Attractions

Curious adventurers can walk a tightrope and learn all about the science behind circus acts at Circus! Science Under the Big Top. This hands-on exhibition is on now at Ontario Science Centre Experiences at CF Sherway Gardens.
Christmas/Winter Break Holiday Hours of Famous Tourist Attractions in Toronto & the GTA
- Winter Break at Art Gallery of Ontario: The AGO invites visitors to celebrate the holidays with special exhibitions, festive teas, hands-on artmaking, and family-friendly programs. Enjoy David Blackwood and Joyce Wieland exhibitions, extended studio hours, Bistro holiday dining, live performances, and artist talks. Admission is free for members, Indigenous Peoples, Ontarians under 25, and youth 24 and under through the Canada Strong Pass, making art-filled celebrations accessible for all.
- Winter Break at the BSM: Everything changes the day the Little Rooster finds a shiny silver coin. Hilarious consequences and supreme shenanigans abound! Dazzle and delight at this retelling of this beloved folk tale performed with music, dance, puppets, circus and cabbage!
- Christmas Tour at Parkwood National Historic Site: Using historic décor, the main floor of the mansion will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland!
- Ontario Science Centre Experiences: Fill your Winter Break with hands-on discovery at Ontario Science Centre Experiences! Explore Rowland Emett’s whimsical Dream Machines, enjoy science-packed Winter Break Camps, and learn through play at KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre. Plus, tackle thrilling adventures like Survival: The Exhibition and explore Earth Matters, Innovation Station and more—curiosity shines bright for the whole family this holiday season.
- ROM for the Holidays: ROM for the Holidays returns with enhanced programming, live performances and hands-on activities for all ages. Explore four special exhibitions, refreshed dinosaur galleries, lantern-making, bioluminescence, shark discoveries, puppet shows and pop-up performances. Enjoy a festive, curiosity-filled day with family and friends, plus free or discounted admission for ages 3–24 with the Canada Strong Pass from Dec 12, 2025 to Jan 15, 2026.
Mythos at Illuminarium
Mythos at Illuminarium Toronto invites all ages into an immersive world of global storytelling. Free for kids 9 and under, this limited-time experience blends 360° visuals, atmospheric sound, and hands-on installations. Explore creation stories and cultural legends from China, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and Nigeria, celebrating themes of creation, balance, perseverance and connection within the Distillery Winter Village.
Trip Planning: Until January 4, 2026 @ Illuminarium at The Distillery District, 28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto
Watch some spectator sports
Cheer on GTA’s home teams this Holiday season.
See a Holiday Family theatre performance:
Enjoy some of the best holiday theatres with the whole family.

Champions Of Magic
Holiday performances include:
- Champions Of Magic: These world-class illusionists bring their signature humor, creativity, and theatrical flair to Toronto in an all-new holiday celebration filled with jaw-dropping escapes, mind-bending predictions, and festive surprises for audiences of all ages. @ Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St E, Toronto
- A Very Merry Magic Show: Packed with laughter, wonder, and plenty of audience participation, this high-energy show blends dazzling illusions, hilarious comedy, and heartwarming holiday spirit. @ Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, Toronto
- Joy to the World: A wondrous, enchanting musical that will excite everyone, no matter what the age! A gift arrives with a magical surprise that comes to life and decorates the stage with Joy and Hope! @ Famous PEOPLE Players, 343 Evans Avenue, Toronto
- Shrek The Musical: This holiday season, enjoy the humour, heart, and hijinks of this ogre-sized production — one of YPT’s largest ever! Bursting with catchy tunes and laugh-out-loud moments, Shrek The Musical features a kaleidoscopic crew of fairy tale misfits – a wisecracking donkey, a fierce warrior princess, a pint-sized villain, and even a cookie with an attitude. @ Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front Street E, Toronto
- Beauty + Beast = Cat: The forgetful Belle while trying to escape her narcissistic ex, a famous Cuban singer Gaston, stumbles into a castle full of chaos — a Beast trapped by “permanent COVID,” a sentient Mrs. BlackBerry, a dramatic SIM card named “Chip” who are devastated to be obsolete, and an overbearing Dame Queen Twanky. @ Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen Street East, Toronto
- The Sound of Music: With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. @ Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West, Toronto
- Robin Hood: A Very Merry Family Musical: Join Robin and her friends on a medieval romp through merry old Torontoshire! Journey through the lush forests of High Park, go head-to-head with the greedy Prince John, and rescue those in need – all with a hearty dose of laughter, pop hits, and plenty of surprises. @ The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto
- Seussical the Musical: Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. @ Wychwood Theatre, 76 Wychwood Ave, Toronto
- Rudolph Runs Wild: Share silliness this holiday season with Rudolph Runs Wild… a rollicking comedy extravaganza for kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and reindeer of all ages! @ The Second City, 1 York Street, Toronto
- The Nutcracker: The adventure begins at a Christmas Eve party in a 19th-century barn and introduces siblings Marie and Misha to delights beyond their wildest dreams, from magical creatures to savoury treats and the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. @ Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
- A Christmas Carol: A mirthful medley of magic, music, and the macabre, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story features original scenes, characters, and songs, making it a retelling of the beloved tale unlike any other! @ The Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen St W, Toronto
- Snow White & The Secret Vault: A Holiday Pantomime: When Snow White returns home to find her father missing and the kingdom under the rule of her self-absorbed, wicked Stepmother, she sets out on a daring quest to save him. Along the way, she teams up with seven Gen Z sidekicks as well as seven surprising new friends hidden deep within the Secret Vault. @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy St, Oakville
- HOOK: A NEW FAMILY MUSICAL: In the grand British tradition where audiences cheer the hero and boo the villain, Hook shifts the focus of the timeless classic Peter Pan to focus on our anti-hero, the one and only, Captain Hook! @ Town Hall 1873 Theatre, 302 Queen St, Port Perry
- Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker — A Canadian Tradition: Kids and adults alike will follow along on Klara’s magical dream journey as she arrives in Canada, experiencing winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties, and woodland creatures. @ Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience
Featuring fantastical landscapes, the attraction delivers dreamy experiences using a magical combination of optical illusions, lasers, bubbles, balloons and 360-degree projection technology.
Trip Planning: Through the holidays @ Downsview Airport Lands (YZD), 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
Arcadia Earth Toronto
In a stunning 10-room adventure, enhanced by interactive projection mapping, augmented reality and virtual reality, the immersive experience showcases the beauty of our planet and the impact of human actions on the environment. The experience is educational, inspiring and fun for all ages! Celebrate the holiday season sustainably at Arcadia Earth Toronto with daily crafting workshops that bring festive cheer to life!
Trip Planning: Year-Round @ Arcadia Earth, 486 Front St W, Building C, Toronto
Winterlit – Nature Illuminated

Conservation Halton
The Winterlit Trail features a unique and stunning lighting experience with inspirational art installations along the trail. Also, the Illuminated Sugarbush Trail has soft overhead lighting to allow for a beautiful evening stroll through the sugarbush. This experience will include soundtracks from local musicians while you enjoy the beauty of Mountsberg in winter.
Trip Planning:
- December 31 – February 16 @ Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
Welcome 2026
Ring in 2025 with massive fireworks and other family-friendly celebrations.
- New Year’s Eve Family Activities in GTA – Check after December 14th.
Go on a nature walk
Enjoy a winter walk at the many parks across GTA. If it is snowing, strap on a snowshoe and try snowshoeing.
Zoos & Petting Zoo
There are quite a few options for those who want to visit zoos or a petting farm during winter break. Toronto Zoo, Reptilia (Vaughan & Whitby), Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park (Orono) are all great visits any time of the year.
High Park Zoo and Riverdale Farm are free to visit and open daily including Christmas Day. 150-year-old barn (also a play barn) at Bronte Creek Provincial Park has a petting zoo and is open during holidays.
During the holidays, you can explore decorated holiday trees at High Park Zoo.
You may like:
15 Family Winter Getaways in Ontario
Visit Indoor Attractions & Playgrounds:
In case of inclement weather or if you want to escape the cold, visit indoor attractions like Hockey Hall of Fame or Bata Shoe Museum and take part in holiday-themed activities. Take the kids to one of the indoor kids’ playgrounds and let them have a rollicking time climbing on play structures, going down the slides, racing indoor go-karts and other fun activities. Holiday Hours of Famous Indoor GTA Attractions
More Fun:
- Indoor Attractions in Mississauga
- Indoor Attractions in Whitby
- Indoor Attractions in Oshawa
- Things to Do in Vaughan
- Things to Do in Etobicoke
- Things To Do in Scarborough
- Things to Do in North York
Go Bird Watching
Birding is a fun activity to do in winter. What are the popular winter birds that you can spot? Can you notice any changes in winter adaptations in them? Grab a pair of binoculars, download a bird ID app, and try to name all the birds that you can spot.
Do a Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t want to venture outside, do an unofficial count of the birds that visit your bird feeder.
Go Snow tubing
With absolutely no skills necessary, snow tubing is a great winter family fun activity to get your heart pumping with all the thrill that the winter season brings. Weather dependent.
Snow Tubing in and around the Greater Toronto Area
Experience the thrill of tobogganing
Weather dependent.
Where to Toboggan in the Greater Toronto Area?
Go Skiing
Weather dependent.
Snowboarding and Skiing in the Greater Toronto Area
Lace-Up
Weather dependent.
Lace up for a twirl on the ice – Outdoor skating in GTA.
- Hangar Skate: Get ready to glide into winter at YZD with FREE outdoor ice skating! Experience our 4,500 square foot refrigerated rink, surrounded by vibrant art installations at the YZD Plaza. Friday December 19, 2025 to Monday February 16, 2026 @ YZD, 34 Hanover Road Toronto
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- Special Dates:
- Dec 24 – A Winter’s Tale (12 PM – 5 PM): A festive family skate day featuring wintery characters and surprises.
- Dec 31 – A Very 80s New Year (12 PM – 5 PM): Mid-day music, retro vibes, and countdown fun for the whole family.
- Special Dates:
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- Winter Skating at The Bentway – The Bentway Skate Trail: This winter, experience a one-of-a-kind skate at The Bentway’s 220-metre figure-eight trail, nestled under the Gardiner Expressway.
- Skate by the Lake: Is there anything more magical than gliding across the ice under the open winter sky by the waterfront?
Outdoor Winter Activities & Getaways
- 24 Ontario Resorts and Lodges for Christmas/Winter Break Getaway
- 15 Family Winter Getaways in Ontario
- 25 Scenic Waterfalls to See Around Toronto During Winter
- 25 Things to Do Outdoors During Winter in York Region
- 25+ Outdoor Winter Activities in the Durham Region
- 25 Outdoor Winter Activities in the Halton Region
- 25 Outdoor Winter Activities in the Region of Peel
- 20 Outdoor Things to Do this Winter in Mississauga
Visit a provincial park
Most people think of visiting a provincial park in the summer. But what might not be so apparent is that most provincial parks in Ontario remain open in the winter months and offer several winter activities, nature programs and unique nature sightings.
All Upcoming Family-Friendly Events:













