Toronto 
Bentway Skate Trail- photo by Denise Militzer
A list of free fun events in Toronto and GTA during January including fun family activities, festivals, live music, and more!
Must-Do free events include Toronto Design Offsite Festival, Toronto Light Festival, and more!
For free admissions to Toronto attractions and cheaper ways to visit attractions, see Free Things to Do & Cheap Ways to Explore Toronto.
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Aga Khan Museum & Aga Khan Park , 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
September 23, 2023 To March 31, 2024
416.646.4677
FREE
Dive into the fragility and complexity of life underwater through a series of photographs by renowned wildlife photographer Prince Hussain Aga Khan. Khan Park and Lower Level ... »
The Distillery District, 55 Mill St, Toronto
November 16, 2023 To January 7, 2024
Free to $15
The Distillery Winter Village is the picture-perfect holiday experience, where friends and family gather to explore the rich history of The Distillery District, the timeless romance of ... »
Yorkdale Shopping Centre , 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto
November 21, 2023 To January 2, 2024
Free
Wonka’s Sweet Escape is a world-exclusive and immersive activation to celebrate this holiday’s most anticipated film release. From now until to January 2, shoppers can step ... »
Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
November 24, 2023 To January 8, 2024
Free
Come share your holiday spirits with family and friends while strolling through the 60 magical lighting displays set up at Spencer Smith Park. »
Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display, 2176 Devlin Drive, Burlington
November 24, 2023 To January 7, 2024
Free
An animated show with over 10,000 lights that run nightly. Tune in on 106.3 FM on your vehicle radio though to enjoy the show. »
175 Sagebrush Street, Oshawa
November 24, 2023 To January 6, 2024
289-355-1418
Free
See this Oshawa house all aglow in holiday lights in support of Oshawa Simcoe Hall. Christmas lights 2023 synchronized with music @FM88.7 Who is it for? All ages ... »
The Junction, Toronto
November 24, 2023 To January 31, 2024
Free
With the holiday season upon us, Toronto’s award-winning winter art exhibit, Window Wonderland returns to the Junction for its fourth consecutive year. From November 24, 2023 to January 31, 2024, ... »
Myseum of Toronto, 401 Richmond St. W. Toronto
November 24, 2023 To March 9, 2024
Free
Winners & Losers: Toronto Sports Histories an exhibition at Myseum of Toronto explores the ways our city has been shaped by the games we play. The exhibition ... »
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
November 25, 2023 To January 7, 2024
311
Free
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group at Nathan Phillips Square. Inspired by international lantern, fire ... »
Nathan Phillips Square, Queen Street West, Toronto
November 25, 2023 To March 17, 2024
Free
In the winter the water fountain in front of Toronto City Hall turns into an outdoor Ice Rink. Take in the downtown sites while pleasure skating. »
Georgina Pioneer Village 26557 Civic Centre Rd. Keswick
November 25, 2023 To January 2, 2024
$1 to $2
Experience the enchantment of a traditional 19th century Christmas at Georgina Pioneer Village with a magical holiday tribute with festive lighting. »
Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
November 25, 2023 To January 2, 2024
Free
Mississauga’s downtown transforms into a technicolour wonderland as six glowing art installations make their home at Celebration Square and Living Arts Centre (LAC) Park. Skating on ... »
Langstaff Community Centre, 155 Red Maple Rd. Richmond Hill
November 27, 2023 To April 29, 2024
0
Enhance Your Public Speaking and Leadership Skills with Our Toastmasters Group! 🎤 Dreaming of becoming a confident public speaker? 🌟 Aspiring to develop your leadership abilities in a practical ... »
Susan Hobbs Gallery, 137 Tecumseth Street, Toronto
November 30, 2023 To January 13, 2024
Free
After a re-encounter with a clock from his first studio in Quezon City, Patrick Cruz began to think about the time in-between studio spaces and the differing ... »
65 Front Street West, Toronto
December 1, 2023 To February 4, 2024
Free
Union Holiday—Presented by TD will transport commuters and passersby to another world by experiencing new textures and landscapes, from larger-scale cliffs that emulate the edge of ... »
Various Venues, Halton Hills
December 1, 2023 To January 14, 2024
Free
15th annual winter lighting festival in 3 parks in Halton Hills! »
Elgin Park, Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge,
December 2, 2023 To January 6, 2024
Free
Drive through fantastic light displays - over 75 light displays from community groups, businesses, schools, churches, families etc. from all around the Uxbridge area. Come and share your ... »
High Park Zoo, 77 Deer Pen Road, Toronto
December 8, 2023 To January 1, 2024
Free
Come and enjoy the season with a stroll through the Zoo. Sponsor decorated holiday trees will be lining the roadway. Vote for your favourite tree. FHPZ is ... »
Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
December 16, 2023 To February 19, 2024
Free
The Bentway is a unique and innovative public space that transforms 1.75km underneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway, from Strachan Avenue to Bathurst Street. Bring your family down ... »
The Bee Shop, 1340 Bloor Street West,Toronto
December 17, 2023 To February 16, 2024
416 533-2337
Free
Explore this exceptional honeybee themed art that features inspiring themes about this fascinating beneficial insect that helps to ensure our nation’s food supply. The Sacred Bee ... »
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 Pottery Road, Toronto
December 19, 2023 To January 7, 2024
Free
UNFOLDING is an after-school arts program that proposes a different method of education for the arts in which participants are immersed in pure experiential learning with the ... »
1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
December 21, 2023 To March 17, 2024
905-771-5490
Free
Glide through the trees at our 250 metre looped skate trail with lights for evening skating. »
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
December 23, 2023 To February 25, 2024
Free
Skating is back at Evergreen Brick Works! Experience the magic of one of the best skating rinks in Toronto. The Brick Works’ outdoor skating rink weaves through ... »
Haliburton Sculpture Forest, 297 College Drive, Haliburton
December 30, 2023 To March 31, 2024
Free or by donation
This winter discover the magic of Haliburton Sculpture Forest – a unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists located in the Haliburton Highlands, only 2.5hrs ... »
Various, City of Toronto History Museums
January 1, 2024 To December 31, 2024
Free
General admission to all 10 Toronto History Museums is permanently free to provide everyone with an opportunity to fully participate in cultural heritage and spaces. This is one ... »
Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto
January 1, 2024
Free
The New Year’s Levee is an opportunity to meet the Lieutenant Governor, learn about her role and responsibilities, enjoy local entertainment, and welcome the New Year ... »
Gallery Arcturus, 80 Gerrard Street East, Toronto
January 2, 2024 To January 27, 2024
4169771077
Free
Meet a dramatic cast of puppet sculptures by Sae Kimura upstairs in the Collage Gallery as part of a new installation entitled Curtain Call. The artist’s ... »
229 Richmond St. W., Toronto
January 4, 2024 To February 29, 2024
Free Skating/Cabins - $150 for 2
– WinterViews presented by RendezViews is part cottage retreat part Winter Wonderland Experience an eco-friendly winter lifestyle park built right here in the city we love. Ever dream ... »
The Japan Foundation, Toronto, 2 Bloor Street East, Toronto
January 5, 2024 To June 28, 2024
Free
This special presentation of the collection of the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, reveals that Western modernization and the demand for exports influenced Japanese ceramics during the transitional ... »
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W., Toronto
January 7, 2024
Free
Grab your skates and join Mayor Olivia Chow and Council Members at Nathan Phillips Square for the Mayor\’s Annual Skating Party! Free skates, delicious treats, and ... »
Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, 145 Queen St W, Toronto
January 9, 2024 To May 30, 2024
Free
The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, presented by TD Bank Group, brings artists from around the world to share their talent and passion in ... »
Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke
January 9, 2024 To February 15, 2024
Free
See the streets of Toronto through the eyes of local artist Kate Land as she celebrates her hometown with a collection of breathtaking cityscapes in eye-popping acrylic ... »
Bau-Xi Dufferin, 1384 Dufferin Street, Toronto
January 13, 2024 To January 27, 2024
Free
This January, Bau-Xi Dufferin presents Year In Preview, a curated selection of artworks to preview our exhibiting artists for the year ahead. Featuring works by Chris Shepherd, ... »
Bau-Xi Dufferin, 1384 Dufferin Street, Toronto
January 13, 2024 To January 27, 2024
Free
This January, Bau-Xi Dufferin is thrilled to present Sculpture Feature, that will showcase the sculptural work of Tom Burrows, Ted Fullerton, Joshua Jensen-Nagle, and Will Robinson. See ... »
Roncesvalles United Church, 214 Wright Ave, Toronto
January 13, 2024
Free
Gather with us this Saturday, from 3 to 5 PM, in the heart of downtown Toronto for a harmonious blend of Yoga, Sama, and live music. 🧘♀️🎶 As we welcome ... »
Studio idFK, 190 McCaul St., Toronto
January 14, 2024 To January 23, 2024
Free
The DrawnTogether Gallery Show is a must-see event for art enthusiasts and creative souls alike. Immerse yourself in a world of captivating digital art, sketches, and illustrations ... »
Planet Fitness, 444 Yonge St Units G1 And G4, Toronto
January 15, 2024
6472123121
Free
Planet Fitness – home of the Judgement Free Zone – is set to have a once in a lifetime experience downtown Toronto. On this Blue Monday, a noteworthy Canadian ... »
University of Toronto Art Centre, 15 King’s College Circle, Toronto
January 17, 2024 To March 23, 2024
416-978-8398
Free
Caroline Monnet’s first exhibition in a Toronto public gallery comprises a survey of her prolific production, centering around a new series of sculptures exploring the deep ... »
Cineplex Junxion Erin Mills, 5100 Erin Mills Parkway, Mississauga
January 18, 2024
Free Admission
Come join us at Cineplex Junxion at Erin Mills for a night of fun and socializing with other singles! There will be ice breaker games to get ... »
Various Venues, Stouffville
January 19, 2024 To January 20, 2024
Free
From Jan 19-20, Stouffville, ON will be woken from hibernation by a diverse lineup of musical performances, installations and engaging interactive experiences. This community event will attract ... »
Downsview Airport, Across from 95 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto
January 19, 2024 To March 17, 2024
Free
A free skating experience at The Hangar District in Downsview. Presented by Northcrest, North York Arts and Your Peak Performance. Join us every weekend in February for “... »
Multiple Venues,Toronto
January 19, 2024 To January 28, 2024
Mostly Free
Celebrate art and design online and in-person at venues across Toronto. Going into its 14th year, Canada’s leading and largest annual design festival will see over 100 ... »
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
January 20, 2024 To January 27, 2024
Free
DJ Skate Nights are coming to the Brick Works this January and February! Join us as we transform one of the most beautiful skating rinks in Toronto ... »
Various Streetcar Stops & Partner Bars, Toronto
January 20, 2024 To January 27, 2024
Free
Heineken Route 0.0 will be transporting riders in the heart of downtown action with free entry, free line bypass and free Heineken 0.0 at partner bars. DJs Karim Olen ... »
Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto
January 23, 2024
Free
Students of The Glenn Gould School compete for the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra during the 2024-25 concert season. Free tickets available ... »
Altea Active, 25 Ordnance St, Toronto
January 23, 2024 To January 25, 2024
4168059545
Free
To help Torontonians kick off their wellness goals for 2024, Dairy Farmers of Ontario is launching the limited-edition Smoothie Bar. From January 23 to 25, at Altea Active, there will ... »
Onsite Gallery, OCAD University, 199 Richmond St. West, Toronto
January 24, 2024
6477744785
Free
Join us for the exciting simultaneous launch of power + Taqralik Partridge: ᐳᓛᖃᑎᒌᑦ (Pulaaqatigiit) exhibitions! Mawadishiwewin (visits) is a year-long two-part collection of solo exhibitions that delve into the ... »
Port Union Community Recreation Centre, 5450 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto
January 27, 2024
FREE
Port Union Winterfest is a winter community festival for all ages! Come on out and enjoy Live Entertainment, Displays, Games,Inflatables, and much more! »
Walter Hall, 80 Queen's Park, Toronto
January 27, 2024 To February 4, 2024
Varies
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 ... »
Booster Juice, 1390 Neilson Road, Unit B2, Scarborough
January 27, 2024
Free
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Booster Juice Scarborough – Neilson Road with buy one get one FREE smoothies! All day, Saturday, January 27th, 2024, from 8AM-9PM. We’ll ... »
Little Portugal Toronto BIA, 1532 Dundas St W, Toronto
January 27, 2024
Free
🎉Free Gallery Visits & Vintage Crawl in Little Portugal. 🖼️ Gallery Visits—Free Featuring 10+ galleries with local and international artists exhibits 👕 Vintage Crawl 10+ boutiques with one-of-a-kind treasures 📍Dundas ... »
Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave, Toronto
January 27, 2024 To January 28, 2024
Free
We are back with our annual January film showcase! This year we are bringing contemporary Japanese cinema to Innis Town Hall to warm your hearts and keep ... »
Various Venues, Toronto
January 30, 2024 To February 24, 2024
Free
Throughout the month of February, enjoy delicious and cozy cocoa, coffee, and churros from the drew house pop-up truck! Keep your eye out for the truck in ... »
Moonlight Lounge, 319 Augusta Ave, Toronto
January 31, 2024
Free Admission
Join us at the Moonlight Lounge in the heart of downtown Toronto for a fun night of Karaoke! We have over 40,000 songs to choose from, so rest ... »
MORE FREE THINGS TO DO THIS JANUARY:
Go Skating!
Grab your skates, hit the ice and spend some time with your family and friends at an outdoor skating rink.
@ Various Locations.
For Tobogganing, see Tobogganing Locations in GTA
At the library
Register for free classes run by Toronto Public Library. You and your child can learn 3D Design, Photoshop, and Web Design, Learn how to design and print a 3D object starting from an existing design, or create your own. Programs also include classes for kids under 10 and teens that build technology skills and creativity – including Maker Clubs, Lego Challenges, Maker Drop Ins and K’Nex Club.
Various Dates @ At various library branches
Toronto in January is quite cold, but you can still do a lot of stuff there, and that’s what I appreciate. I hope that I can go to Toronto with my friends and have a fantastic time there, and do some of these activities.