A list of free fun events in Toronto and GTA during January including fun family activities, festivals, live music, and more!

Bentway Skate Trail- photo by Denise Militzer
Must-Do free events include the Toronto Design Offsite 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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CF Toronto Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge St, Toronto
March 14, 2026 To March 15, 2026
5146214027
Free
Step backstage and go from everyday to red-carpet ready with the A-LIST Collection by TRESemmé. Indulge in luxurious hair with six prestige-inspired styling products delivering signature fragrance ... »
Toronto Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge St, Toronto
November 1, 2025 To January 15, 2026
Free
Step into an immersive new retail experience of trading cards, rare collectibles and Pokémon merch at the Collectors Vault — a limited-time EB Trends pop-up that celebrates ... »
The Distillery District, 55 Mill St, Toronto
November 13, 2025 To January 4, 2026
Free to $37.29
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 ... »
Whitby Civic Park, 555-575 Rossland Road East, Whitby
November 21, 2025 To January 5, 2026
Free
Join us for Whitby Lights the Night Festival, a magical evening of live entertainment, Christmas Farmers’ Market, and a dazzling lighting ceremony. Celebrate the spirit of the ... »
Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
November 22, 2025 To March 15, 2026
Free
There’s magic in the air at Celebration Square! With spectacular art installations, twinkling lights, and skating on the City’s largest outdoor ice rink, there are ... »
Union Station, 65 Front Street West, Toronto
November 26, 2025 To January 18, 2026
Free
Union Winter Roller Express, presented by TD invites guests to lace up and roll through the season in the TD West Carriageway. This one-of-a-kind indoor roller rink ... »
Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
November 28, 2025 To January 6, 2026
Free
Experience the sparkle of the season as Burlington’s waterfront transforms into a glowing winter wonderland! »
The Junction, Toronto
November 28, 2025 To February 1, 2026
Free
Window Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind public art exhibition that transforms the Junction into an immersive, open-air gallery featuring animated storefront windows and augmented reality (AR) murals. Created ... »
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
November 28, 2025 To March 1, 2026
(416) 973-4000
Free
Is there anything more magical than gliding across the ice under the open winter sky by the waterfront? Our beloved community skating rink returns, bigger, brighter, and ... »
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
November 29, 2025 To January 7, 2026
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 29, 2025 To March 16, 2026
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 Village Museum, 26557 Civic Centre Rd. Keswick
November 29, 2025 To January 4, 2026
Free to $2
Experience the enchantment of a traditional 19th century Christmas at Georgina Pioneer Village with a magical holiday tribute with festive lighting. »
Our front lawn, 47 Marquette Ave, Toronto
November 30, 2025 To January 30, 2026
647 261 4529
Free
Tyler’s Wonderland is a walk-through holiday display created in honour of our son Tyler, who passed away last year. The Wonderland has lights, 40 inflatables, photo-friendly spots, ... »
Various Venues, Halton Hills
December 1, 2025 To January 11, 2026
Free
Join us for an unforgettable walk through captivating displays as we illuminate the hills with our festival of lights. Our annual event celebrates the magic of the ... »
Allan Gardens Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave., Toronto
December 5, 2025 To January 7, 2026
Free
The entire conservatory is decorated and filled with thousands of flowering plants, various varieties of poinsettia and amazing seasonal topiary masterpieces made entirely of plant material. This ... »
Elgin Park, Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge,
December 6, 2025 To January 3, 2026
Free
Drive through fantastic light displays - over 100 light displays from community groups, businesses, schools, churches, families etc. from all around the Uxbridge area. Come and share your ... »
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
December 20, 2025 To February 22, 2026
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 ... »
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
December 20, 2025 To February 14, 2026
Free
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 ... »
The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
December 20, 2025 To February 16, 2026
(416) 304-0222
Free
This winter, experience a one-of-a-kind skate at The Bentway’s 220-metre figure-eight trail, nestled under the Gardiner Expressway. The free ice skating rink opens its doors to ... »
Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
December 20, 2025 To January 4, 2026
Free to $30 (Canada Strong Pass)
This holiday season, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has decked the halls with all the ingredients for time well spent – from last minute gifting on December 24 ... »
1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
December 22, 2025 To March 15, 2026
905-771-5490
Free
Glide through the trees at our 250 metre looped skate trail with lights for evening skating. »
Haliburton Sculpture Forest, 297 College Drive, Haliburton
December 30, 2025 To March 31, 2026
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, 2026 To December 31, 2026
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 ... »
Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto
January 1, 2026
Donation
Get ready to dive into an invigorating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned cold plunging ... »
Ace Hotel Toronto, 51 Camden Street, Toronto
January 1, 2026 To March 5, 2026
Free
Ami 8, a regular on the Brooklyn and Manhattan DJ circuit, channels the classic soulful NYC vibes with Bushwick Blues, an ode to the vibrant musically bustling neighbourhood ... »
Sweat and Tonic, 486 Front Street West, Toronto
January 1, 2026
6475464467
Free ($0)
To encourage Canadians to start the year with No B.S.®, RXBAR® Canada is offering Torontonians the opportunity to enjoy a FREE HIIT class at Sweat and ... »
4 Locations., Toronto
January 4, 2026
Free
Celebrate and glide into the new year with skating parties hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto City Council at four locations across the city. Enjoy free ... »
Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, 145 Queen St W, Toronto
January 6, 2026 To May 20, 2026
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 Dr, Etobicoke
January 8, 2026 To February 13, 2026
416 338 7255
Free
Grounded in observation, uncover paintings by Jeffrey Malcolm celebrating the Canadian landscape through a contemporary lens. Each work creates new light, distance, and tone reimagining present-day approaches ... »
Recreation Centres, Brampton
January 10, 2026 To January 11, 2026
$0
Kick-start your fitness journey and discover everything our City of Brampton fitness centres have to offer with free demos, tours, giveaways, and expert guidance from certified trainers. ... »
Toronto Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge St, Toronto
January 11, 2026 To January 15, 2026
Free
Step into a next-level experience at The Collectors Vault by EB Trends with rare collectibles, exclusive merch, Pokémon trading cards, the Nintendo Switch 2 and more! This ... »
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto
January 14, 2026
Free
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, ... »
Susan Hobbs Gallery, 137 Tecumseth Street, Toronto
January 15, 2026 To February 21, 2026
416.504.3699
Free
Expanding on the notion of a ‘personal atmosphere’, Howlett’s new exhibition undertakes a melancholic mapping of surface and structure. Layered and compartmentalized, the works give shape ... »
Saje Queen West, 399 Queen St W, Unit B, Toronto
January 15, 2026 To January 19, 2026
Free
As Blue Monday arrives, and darkness settles over Toronto by 5 PM, Saje Natural Wellness is bringing a moment of light to the city’s commute. Launching today, ... »
Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst Street, Toronto
January 17, 2026
6473133742
Free
Every year, hundreds gather for Jamaica in January because it feels like home (whether you were born on the island, visited, or simply love the culture). The ... »
Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E, Toronto
January 17, 2026
4374994693
Free
Step into God’s story through Tabernacle Encounter—a powerful one-day exhibition and live theatrical presentation that brings the ancient tabernacle to life. »
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
January 17, 2026 To February 14, 2026
Free
Beat the winter blues with a series of FREE indoor movie nights at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. Enjoy cozy, family-friendly films in a warm indoor space ... »
Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, Toronto
January 20, 2026
Free
Students of The Glenn Gould School compete for the opportunity to perform a concerto with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra during the 2026.27 concert season. Free tickets available starting ... »
Onsite Gallery, 199 Richmond Street West, Toronto
January 21, 2026
$0
Join us for the launch of The Shared Flight + Becoming (in the light of the miracle) + The Delaney Family Emerging Curator’s Prize: Metabolic Loop! Who is ... »
CF Markville Mall, 5000 Hwy 7, Markham
January 21, 2026 To January 27, 2026
647-475-3994
Free
Celebrate Lunar New Year with LEGO® bricks at CF Markville Mall from January 21-27. This immersive LEGO Lunar New Year activation invites families and fans of all ... »
Various Venues, Stouffville
January 22, 2026 To January 24, 2026
Free and Ticketed
Stouffville will be woken from hibernation by a diverse lineup of musical performances, installations and engaging interactive experiences. This community event will attract attendees from across York ... »
Various Venues, Toronto
January 23, 2026 To February 3, 2026
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 ... »
Multiple Venues,Toronto
January 23, 2026 To February 1, 2026
Mostly Free
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 ... »
STACKT market, 28 Bathurst St. Toronto
January 23, 2026 To February 1, 2026
FREE
The design collection @ STACKT will host 10 days of designer residencies, creative showcases and entertainment. Featured artists include: Amrit Phull & Lori Harrison Krutika Galgalikar Cammie Mulligan |Justin ... »
Motorista Studio, 45 Commercial Rd #25, East York
January 23, 2026 To February 14, 2026
Free
Winterista turns Motorista Studio into a shimmering winter world — featuring massive ice sculptures, live carving, a giant ice slide, a radiant ice throne, a fully immersive projection-mapping ... »
Maple Leaf Gardens,50 Carlton St., Toronto
January 24, 2026 To January 26, 2026
Free
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, ... »
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex , 25 British Columbia Rd, Toronto
January 24, 2026
416) 542-3789
Free
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, one of Toronto’s premier waterfront event venues, invites the public to its annual open house on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Guests will have ... »
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto
January 24, 2026
Free
Join a thought-provoking discussion with environmental scholar Dr. Deborah McGregor, inspired by our current exhibitions! In this edition of Cross Circuits, we welcome environmental scholar Dr. Deborah ... »
The PATH - King Station, 4 King St West, Toronto
January 25, 2026
PWYC
Calling all game enthusiasts in Toronto! Join Werewolf Toronto for a fun-filled afternoon where we will be playing the social deduction game Werewolf. Whether you\’re a ... »
Hangar YZD, 34 Hanover Rd, North York
January 25, 2026
Free
Channel your inner hero, witch, or woodland creature and skate the story! Come dressed as your favourite fantasy book character for a chance to win fun prizes. ... »
KFC, 1221 Dundas St W. , Toronto
January 26, 2026
6475403274
Free
We’re happy to share, KFC Canada is teaming up with renowned chef and Canadian icon Matty Matheson to launch a flavour-packed, limited-time menu. This Canadian exclusive ... »
Revival Event Venue, 783 College Street, Toronto
January 29, 2026
Free
Join us for our first ever Trivia Night- a chance to combine your love of trivia with the opportunity to help Canadians affected by cancer! By registering ... »
Celebration Square, Mississauga
January 30, 2026 To February 1, 2026
Free
APIK is a FREE urban winter event in the heart of Celebration Square. Ski and snowboard competitions, snowskate demos and lessons, DJ sets, afterparty… The mountain spirit ... »
Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
January 30, 2026 To January 31, 2026
Free
One downtown pop-up. Six lucky winners. And a year’s worth of cheese making everyday meals and snacks even better! Armstrong Cheese is introducing Canadians to its ... »
Alton Mill Arts Centre, Amelia Street, Alton
January 31, 2026 To February 1, 2026
519-941-9300
$5 to $10
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 ... »
Noodlebox Bloor Royal York, 3014 Bloor Street West, Etobicoke
January 31, 2026
Free
Join us for the Grand Opening of Noodlebox and enjoy a BOGO offer! On Saturday, January 31, Noodlebox will host its official grand opening in Bloor Royal York, ... »
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
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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.