
Photo Credit: Winterloo
From outdoor skating trails to theatre festivals, here are 33 of the best things to do this January in Ontario.

Winter Festival of Lights
A historic festival dating back to early 1900’s, the Ontario Power Generation Niagara Winter Festival of lights is a must see event of the region. The spectacular illuminations transforms the Niagara Falls area into a true winter wonderland ... More Details
Where:
Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Guided Night Snowshoe Hikes
Strap on your snowshoes for a night-time hike, where stars and shadows create a dramatic setting for adventure. Professional staff members guide your group on a 1 ½ to 2 hour romp through an enchanting winter wonderland. Experience beautiful trails that wind through a mature forest of 100 foot tall ... More Details
Where:
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, 260/280 Scenic Caves Rd., The Blue Mountains

Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail and Fire & Ice Nights
In the winter, Arrowhead Provincial Park staff grooms and maintains more than 33 km of cross-country ski trails that are designed for classic skiing or skate skiing. During select nights during winter season, called Fire & Ice Nights, 1.3 km skating trail that winds through the Muskoka forest is lit with ... More Details
Where:
Arrowhead Provincial Park, Arrowhead Park Road, Huntsville

Next Stage Festival
With its most diverse lineup to date, Toronto’s premiere winter arts celebration, Next Stage Theatre Festival, returns January 2020 for its 13th edition. Presented by the Toronto Fringe, the 12 carefully curated shows are a thrilling showcase for bold, independent voices and a broad range of new, innovative plays. 2020 is the ... More Details
Where:
Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto

Twenty Valley’s Winter Winefest
Here in Niagara's Twenty Valley, we know how to have fun! Our annual Winter WineFest brings together Niagara's top winemakers, chefs and premium VQA wines. The event offers great food, premium VQA wines; red, white, sparkling and Icewine served outdoors on the streets of pretty little Jordan Village. Cozy fire ... More Details
Where:
Main Street, Jordan Station, ON

Niagara Icewine Festival
For three weekends in January the Niagara region is transformed into a wintry wonderland, in celebration of one of Canada’s most cherished products, Ontario Icewine. The 2020 Niagara Icewine Festival offers plenty for every taste – glamour and indulgence at the Niagara Icewine Gala, unique wine and food pairings at ... More Details
Where:
Various venues, Niagara Falls

Canadian Tire National Skating Championships
The pre-eminent all-Canadian competition will see athletes vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the 2020 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, the 2020 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships and the 2020 ISU World Figure Skating Championships. Having previously hosted ... More Details
Where:
Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Rose Cherry Place, Mississauga

Winter Bites Restaurant Week
WindsorEats invites you to a week long event and the best time to dine out in Essex County. Diners can visit any Winter Bites Restaurant Week participating restaurant and indulge in a 3-course meal from only $13! ... More Details
Where:
Participating Restaurants across, Windsor-Essex

Contact Ontarois
Réseau Ontario invites everyone to attend for an opportunity to discover Francophone artists from across the country. Several Franco-Ontarian performers will take the stage, including Edouard Landry, Janie Renée, Créations in Vivo, De Flore, Reney Ray and Les Chiclettes. Participating artists from the Maritimes and the Prairie Provinces include Kelly ... More Details
Where:
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa

Snow Globe Soirée: Domed Dining Village
Shake up the first months of 2020 with a one-of-a-kind wine and dining experience in Niagara Falls with Snow Globe Soirée: Domed Dining Village. Enjoy world-class wines and a delicious three-course meal prepared by one of Niagara’s most celebrated chefs while taking in an unforgettable view of the falls from ... More Details
Where:
Rainbow Bridge Lot, 4348 Hiram St, Niagara Falls

London Wine & Food Show
The show brings Londoners an enticing mix of local restaurants, wineries, craft beers, and spirits and pairs them with tasting seminars, stage presentations and entertainment. Come sip, sample and savour at London’s Wine & Food Show! ... More Details
Where:
Western Fair District Agriplex , 845 Florence St, London

Toronto Light Festival 2020
The Toronto Light Festival, the City’s first-ever light art festival, is returning for the another year to the Distillery Historic District! Visitors will be taken on a new visual journey and cerebral adventure, designed to entertain and inspire. The Festival will transform the picturesque historic neighbourhood into one of the ... More Details
Where:
The Historic Distillery District 55 Mill Street, Toronto

Skate Night, Date Night
Skate Night, Date Night is an evening of good food, energizing skating, and entertainment by local musicians. Start off with a three course meal at The Benchwarmer, then skate away the evening on the Carolyn Fedy rink, RIM Park accompanied by live music. ... More Details
Where:
RIM Park, 2001 University Avenue East, Waterloo

Winter Fest 2020
This year's Winter Fest will feature even more excitement for fans of all ages, with select player, prospect, and alumni appearances, Sportsnet personalities, Jr. Jays activations, live entertainment, historic memorabilia, baseball-themed games, Winter Slide, Demonstrate your best two-seam fastball while you pitch like a pro in the bullpen, Skating Rink, ... More Details
Where:
Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

Family Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Day
Have you ever experienced the Ganaraska Forest on a pair of skis or snowshoes? Trust us, after you do, you'll want to keep coming back to explore! Join Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) staff for a morning or afternoon on the trails. Receive an introduction to cross-country skiing, followed by ... More Details
Where:
Ganaraska Forest, 10585 Cold Springs Camp Road, Campbellcroft

Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Queen Street transforms into a winter wonderland as the town comes together to play their part in wine country’s annual Icewine celebration. Established 23 years ago in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Festival delivers a warm Winter setting for the Wineries to pour liquid gold. The renowned Signature Kitchen Chefs will ... More Details
Where:
Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Fire & Ice Winter Festival
Rediscover the joys of the winter season and great Canadian outdoors with friends and family at the historic Alton Mill Arts Centre in rural Caledon. Pond hockey, food & drink, ice sculptures, a super snow slide, skating, art workshops ... and more fun for the whole family. Don't miss the ... More Details
Where:
Alton Mill Arts Centre, Amelia Street, Alton

Peterborough Snofest 2020
Snofest offers a wonderfully diverse range of events and activities for children, young people, families and seniors, all of which remind us how important it is to celebrate the seasons, embrace winter and remain active. ... More Details
Where:
Various Venues, Peterborough

Hiawatha SnowFest
Join for the annual Hiawatha SnowFest presented by Hiawatha Highlands. SnowFest includes winter activities for everyone and all abilities, including: Cross-country ski, snowshoe run, and fat bike loppets, guided snowshoe tour, and more! ... More Details
Where:
Hiawatha Highlands, Fifth Line East, Sault Ste. Marie

Trek for Cancer Snowshoe Fun Run and Fat Bike Race
Do you snowshoe, like the outdoors and want to help the NCF? Strap on your snowshoes and hit the course for a fun day on Kivi Park's beautiful trails. Compete on your own or part of a team and raise funds for the Northern Cancer Foundation! Trek for Cancer - ... More Details
Where:
Kivi Park, 4472 Long Lake Road, Sudbury

Severn Winterfest
Bring the whole family and enjoy many fun activities including inflatables, horse-drawn wagon rides, roller skating, food trucks, grab a drink at the ice bar, and experience many other events for all to enjoy! ... More Details
Where:
ODAS Park, 4500 Fairgrounds Road, Severn

Stratford Winterfest
3 days of spectacular winter programming. Some of the events include Apple Land train rides, ice carving demonstrations, the Bethel Puppet Show, Big Screen Movie Night, Yuk Yuk’s, snowshoeing, a petting zoo, pancake breakfast, outdoor skating and ice building blocks and more! WHEN & WHERE Date & Time: Friday January ... More Details
Where:
Queen's Park Drive, Stratford

Shiverfest
Join in for the annual winter carnival, Shiverfest. A lot of the favourite activities including free public skate, magic show, pancake breakfast, sleigh rides, bingo, curling demos and Trivia Night and more! ... More Details
Where:
Manotick, Ottawa

Winter Beer Festival
The Annual Burlington Winter Beer Festival is the culmination of the Festival of Beer, an exciting celebration of beer and beer food pairing in partnership with local restaurants and progressive craft brewers from across the Province. This celebration will once again be hosted by our friends at Holiday Inn Burlington ... More Details
Where:
Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre, 3063 South Service Road, Burlington

Treadwell’s Annual Ice & Snow Drag Races
A day filled with fun and excitement for all ages! Come and race for cash prizes and bonuses or come with the whole family to check out the races and vendors on site! Cantines & beaver tails for the foodies, 50/50 raffle, vendors, and much more entertainment ... More Details
Where:
3729 Concession Road 2, Alfred

Snowshoe Ecotour
Experience areas of the Wye Marsh that are otherwise not open to the general visiting public! After a brief lesson on the art of snowshoeing, you will head out in search of the many mysteries that animal tracks & signs present. Hungry chickadees that like to eat right out of ... More Details
Where:
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Highway 12 East, Midland

Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids
Snowmobilers from across Ontario are revving up their engines for the annual Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids events taking place across Ontario. This unique fundraising experience combines thrilling snowmobile riding with an opportunity for snowmobile clubs and snowmobilers to join in the camaraderie of family activities to help children and ... More Details
Where:
Various Venues,Ontario

Winterloo
Join the thousands of visitors who attend this annual event to celebrate all things winter. This 3-day festival takes place in various locations throughout UpTown Waterloo. Ice sculptures, skating at the public square, horse drawn carriage rides, scavenger hunts, dog sled rides (sunday) and sliding down the giant ice slide ... More Details
Where:
Waterloo Park, Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo

Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival
The Fire & Ice Festival is set to return to Downtown Bracebridge this January! The festival offers a unique approach to a traditional winter carnival. "FIRE" features will include fire artist as well as fire pits throughout the Downtown and fireworks to close the show. "ICE" features will include interactive ... More Details
Where:
Manitoba Street, Bracebridge, ON

Skate the Lake
We build 1km & 2.5km ovals on Big Rideau Lake and host speed skating races of varying distances to appeal to amateur & professional skaters, young & young at heart. Activities for spectators include curling, ice stock, sleigh rides, fireworks on the ice, Snert (dutch pea soup) and Skate Tails ... More Details
Where:
Hanna Park, Water Street, Portland

Dance Ontario’s Dance Weekend
Totally unique and completely captivating, DanceWeekend is a veritable feast of globally inspired dance from 25 professional companies presenting in Toronto throughout the year. A platform for over 350 dancers and live musicians, PLUS WORLD PREMIERES BY Tracey Norman and Maddie Hanson. Who is it for? All ages HOW MUCH Tickets ... More Details
Where:
Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Wiarton Willie Festival
The world famous prognosticating groundhog is going to be coming out February 2nd and we want you to be there! The festival is all weekend long, will be better than ever and promises to be full of fun for the whole family! As the most famous groundhog in Canada and ... More Details
Where:
315 George St, Wiarton

Sunnidale Winterama
Celebrate the 45th Sunnidale Winterama presented by Clearview Township! 2020 Theme is 'Jazzin' the 20's'. Enjoy the annual parade, Bed Races, Burning of the Green, Log Sawing Competition, Children's Activities, Outdoor Skating, Sno-Pitch Tournament,Snowmobile Fun Run, Soup'er Bowl and more! Touting itself as “the greatest little show on snow” Sunnidale ... More Details
Where:
New Lowell Recreation Park, County Road 9, New Lowell
TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Fest
The art of jazz balances new technologies, while still connecting with the human experience. Energize your winter nights at the TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival from Jan 30 – Feb 1. Discover a remarkable gathering of artists performing at various venues in Arts Court Ottawa from around the world. #winterjazz2020 ... More Details
Where:
Arts Court, Daly Avenue, Ottawa

Reelout Queer Film Festival
See some of the best and brightest LGBTQ+ films from around the world to be exhibited over 10 days ... More Details
Where:
Various Venues, Kingston

Tube & Dine
Soar down Ontario’s longest snow tubing hill! With unlimited trips down the longest snow tubing hill in Ontario and a $15 food credit, Thursday nights have never been this fun! ... More Details
Where:
Horseshoe Resort, 1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd W, Barrie

Spotlight Weekends: 2-for-1 Tickets & Discounts
Starting this January, Toronto's winter experience takes centre stage with the introduction of Toronto Spotlight, highlighting the city's celebrated and vibrant arts and culture scene, vast selection of culinary experiences, and top attractions and tours. The campaign includes 2-for-1 admission and special offers over four different "Spotlight Weekends" – providing ... More Details
Where:
Various Venues, Toronto

Discovery Harbour Skate Trail
Lace up your skates and experience the magic of skating along the unique 1.5 km skate trail at Discovery Harbour, nestled along the shores of beautiful Penetanguishene Bay ... More Details
Where:
Discovery Harbour, Jury Drive, Penetanguishene

Bon Soo Winter Carnival
The Bon Soo Winter Carnival is Northern Ontario’s largest winter carnival and Canada's third largest Winter Carnival. Join in the fun at the winter carnival’s new home at the Machine Shop in the historic Canal District of Sault Ste. Marie. Enjoy 10 days and over 75 indoor and outdoor events, ... More Details
Where:
Various Venues, Sault Ste. Marie

Days of Wine & Chocolate
Explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing. Visit our wineries to taste up to 20 VQA wines matched with chocolate-infused dishes – from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises. A romantic celebration for two or a great reason for a girls’ getaway weekend! If ... More Details
Where:
Various Wineries, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Winterlicious
Toronto's winter culinary celebration offers the perfect opportunity to discover delicious cuisine at more than 220 restaurants and experience unique culinary events. Produced by the City of Toronto. The Licious programs began in 2003 as a way to boost Toronto's restaurant industry during typically slow periods of business. In the ... More Details
Where:
Various Venues, Toronto, ON
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Things to do in January in Ottawa
Things to Do in January in Toronto
Must Visit Outdoor Ice Skating Trails in Ontario
Did we miss any great events and activities to do? Email us or submit your event online.