10 Winter Events for Families to Enjoy in Toronto & GTA
- Brigitte
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Snowy days don’t have to mean staying indoors. Toronto and the GTA come alive in the winter with events that are fun, magical, and perfect for all ages. From sparkling light displays to festive markets, outdoor skating, and holiday shows, there’s always something happening to brighten the colder months. To help you plan your next family outing, here are 10 winter events that bring joy, creativity, and a little extra warmth to the season.
Location: 2632 Vespra Valley Rd, Minesing, ON
Dates: November 14, 2025 - end of season
Admission Fee: $19 - $51
Why families love it: Enjoy the thrill of snowtubing – a fun alternative to skiing or snowboarding. Perfect for families, as it requires no skill or special clothing. Snow Valley in Barrie offers the best snow tubing terrain in Ontario with three lifts and 14 chutes over ten storeys high!
Tip: For the little ones (under 42”), they have a Kidz Zone!
Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Dates: November 29 – March 16, 2026
Admission Fee: Free / Skate Rentals: Child - $10 / Adult - $15 for 2 hours
Why families love it: Ice skating at Nathan Philips Square has been a celebrated Toronto attraction for generations! It is set in the unique backdrop of sparkling lights and a large holiday tree. Families, friends, and loved ones can come together and make magical memories on ice to cherish for years to come.
Tip: Bring your own skates or rent child or adult ice skates at Nathan Philips Skate Rentals.
Location: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr, Vaughan, ON
Dates: November 15 – January 3, 2026
Admission Fee: $32 and up + applicable fees
Why families love it: The park transforms into an immersive holiday experience for the whole family. This event features ice-skating, live shows, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of ChristmasTrees!
Tip: Live shows, light displays, select activities and rides included with park admission. Food, drink, merchandise, and select holiday experiences require separate purchase.
Location: Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON
Dates: December 7, 14, 21, 2025
Admission Fee: $5+
Why families love it: The Evergreen Winter Market provides families with the opportunity to step away from screens and enjoy meaningful moments together. The event features children’s activities, a cozy winter garden, workshops, skating, live performances, and so much more!
Tip: Check out their website for a full list of workshops – some require registering ahead of time, so make sure you save your spot!
Location: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON
Dates: December 6 – 19, 20, January 3, 2015
Admission Fee: $45 - $55 / Children 3 and under are free
Why families love it: Visitors may experience the wonder of winter in its glory, while wandering outdoors through a dazzling lighting display in the gardens and inside in the famous underground tunnels, adorned for the holidays. There will also be live performances, a magic show, and of course, Santa and his entourage!
Tip: This event is primarily outdoors and requires walking approx. 2km. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes!
Location: 462 Kingston Rd. E, Ajax, ON
Dates: November 15 – December 27, 2025
Admission Fee: $30.95 (Price per car)
Why families love it: From the comfort of your car, enjoy synchronized music, dazzling light tunnels, and mesmerizing 2D and 3D displays that create an unforgettable festive atmosphere for the whole family. This carefully designed route takes you through enchanting scenes that capture the essence of the holiday season.
Tip: The duration of the experience is approx. 30 minutes.
Location: Hendrie Park 680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington, ON
Dates: November 27 – January 4, 2026 (Thursdays to Sundays)
Admission Fee: Child: $18 / Adult: $22 / Children under 2 free
Why families love it: This event features dazzling lights, festive installations, and enchanting displays. Families can stroll the scenic pathways to the soundtrack of festive music while savouring warm holiday treats. New this year are interactive art installations that invite you to touch, explore, and play – where you create the magic!
Tip: Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours at this experience.
Location: 1 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON
Dates: December 11 - 21, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
Why families love it: This event brings together families, friends, and visitors into the heart of the city. Sankofa Square transforms into a vibrant holiday destination filled with lights, music, festive flavours, classic rides, and community cheer!
Tip: This event also features a Holiday Market with local artisan vendors and handmade gifts.
Location: High Park Nature Centre’s Cottage, 440 Parkside Dr, Toronto, ON
Dates: December 21, 2025
Admission Fee: $15
Why families love it: This family-friendly event celebrates the longest night of the year! You’ll craft lanterns to help light the night, then head outside, gather around a fire, and watch the sun set on the shortest day of the year.
Tip: This event is recommended for ages 5+
Location: 77 Wynford Dr, Toronto, ON
Dates: December 27-29, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
Why families love it: An event perfect for the whole family! Experience a dazzling evening of art and light as the museum’s front façade comes alive with mesmerizing lights, projections, and animations. There will also be pop-up performances, warm chai, and delicious food.
Tip: This event is partly outdoors and will take place rain or shine!
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