There are so many great things to do in Toronto this January to make the first month of 2026 a memorable one. Don’t let the chilly temperatures keep you indoors! January in Toronto is a vibrant time, offering everything from spectacular light festivals to thrilling sports and world-class culinary experiences.
Here’s our suggestions of the most incredible things to do this January in Toronto.
1. Dive into 2026 at the Record Breaker Cold Plunge
Toronto is kicking off 2026 with a bold, feel-good tradition as hundreds gather at Woodbine Beach on January 1 for the annual Record Breaker Cold Plunge. Taking place at 1 p.m., the event invites participants to plunge into Lake Ontario in support of youth mental health, with all funds raised going to Jack.org. Organized by a collective of wellness communities, the goal is to set a new record for Toronto’s largest cold plunge while starting the new year with courage, community, and purpose.
When: January 1, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Where: Woodbine Beach – 1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto
2. Ice skate at an old airplane hangar
Hangar Skate returns to YZD from December 19, 2025, to February 16, 2026, transforming a former airplane hangar into a massive 6,000-square-foot indoor skating rink. Now in its biggest year yet, the free event features a Fire & Ice theme with LED performances, live music, fire shows, family-friendly activities, arts workshops, and local food and drinks.
When: December 19, 2025 – February 16, 2026
Where: 34 Hanover Road, Toronto
3. Catch the last of the Distillery Winter Village
If you didn’t get a chance to visit the Distillery District’s iconic Winter Village before the new year, you still have a few days left to see it in January! While there won’t be any live entertainment or vendor stalls in January, you can see all the festive decor and stunning Christmas tree without the crowds or need for a paid ticket.
When: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Where: Distillery District – 55 Mill St, Toronto
4. Attend a cozy Candlelight Concert
Stay warm this January while basking in the glow of countless candles while a string quartet plays mesmerizing tributes to some of your favourite artists. Candlelight Concerts also make for the perfect romantic date, set within an iconic Toronto venue like the Paradise Theater or the Metropolitan Community Church. Grab your tickets here!
When: Various dates
Where: Various venues
5. Challenge yourself at Pursuit OCR
Looking for an active and fun activity to do this January? Pursuit OCR in Etobicoke offers an indoor obstacle course packed with high-energy challenges like monkey bars, tricycle races, and more across a massive 30,000-square-foot space. Designed for all fitness levels, the experience is perfect for friends, families, coworkers, or even a unique date night. Find out more here!
When: Any time
Where: 75 Westmore Drive, Etobicoke
6. See free art at DesignTO
Celebrate 16 years of Canada’s largest festival of design this January at DesignTO, which returns to the city from January 23 to February 1. Explore over 100 free exhibitions spread throughout Toronto created by more than 500 artists and designers. From interactive pieces to virtual ones, there are countless things to see. Besides the art itself, you can also sit in for expert talks, go on a studio tour, or attend a party.
When: January 23 – February 1, 2026
Where: Various locations
7. Enjoy the final days of the Cavalcade of Lights
Nathan Phillips Square will be illuminated with the annual Cavalcade of Lights festival until January 7, so there is still time to see it in the new year! Go for a skate with free rentals under the twinkling lights, snap photos with Toronto’s official Christmas tree, and explore this year’s new art installations.
When: November 29, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto
8. Eat your way through Winterlicious
Every winter, restaurants across the city participate in the Winterlicious food festival by offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, usually showcasing their best dishes for a great price. This year, over 200 local restaurants are joining in on the fun, some offering meals for as low as $20. The City of Toronto will soon update their website with the full list of participating restaurants and their menus.
When: January 30 – February 12, 2026
Where: Various locations
9. Explore the immersive pastel world of Bubble Planet
Keep warm and entertained this January indoors at the captivating world at the Bubble Planet Experience! Perfect for kids or your own inner child, the 11 themed rooms feature surreal landscapes which will appeal to all five of your senses. Tickets start at $26.90 for adults and $20.90 for children.
When: Various dates
Where: 30 Hanover Road, Toronto
10. Immerse yourself in the story of Medusa at Ophis
Following its sold-out debut last year, Ophis returns to The Great Hall this January for an expanded second run. Presented by Transcen|Dance Project, the immersive, mask-led experience reimagines the myth of Medusa through striking choreography, interactive storytelling, and a haunting original score by Canadian composer Owen Belton. Audiences are free to wander the venue’s four levels, choosing their own path through Medusa’s world as the story unfolds from multiple perspectives.
When: Various dates from January 9 – 18, 2026
Where: The Great Hall – 1087 Queen St W, Toronto
11. Go tobogganing at Riverdale Park East
Weather permitting, dust off that sled this January and head to Riverdale Park East, one of Toronto’s best tobogganing hills. Home to incredible city skyline views, this hill dips into the Don Valley Ravine from Broadview Avenue. Prepare for a workout trekking back up after your ride!
When: Any time
Where: 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto
12. Root on on the Toronto Raptors
See the Toronto Raptors hit the court at Scotiabank Arena. January is packed with home games, including a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The electric energy inside the arena is a great way to warm up!
When: Various dates
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St., Toronto
13. Skate by the lake at Harbourfront Centre
Enjoy outdoor skating with a view of Lake Ontario under the stars at the Harbourfront Centre’s newly expanded ice rink. Be sure to check out their DJ Skate Nights on select Saturdays (running through March 1, 2026). For those that don’t own skates, you can rent them directly onsite.
When: November 28, 2025 – March 1 2026
Where: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
14. Watch art come to life at the 5th Annual Window Wonderland
Window Wonderland returns to the Junction from November 28, 2025, to February 1, 2026, turning the neighbourhood into a free, immersive outdoor gallery. More than 20 animated storefront windows and 11 AR-enhanced murals spring to life through the Artivive app, including a new permanent piece titled Greetings from The Junction.
When: November 28, 2025 – February 1, 2026
Where: The Junction, Toronto
15. Sweat it out at Toronto’s first floating sauna
Toronto has just opened its first floating sauna and cold-plunge facility on the waterfront, and what better time to check it out? Löyly Floating Sauna, a Finnish-inspired wellness experience, is now offering year-round relaxation located at 275 Queens Quay West.
When: Any time
Where: 275 Queens Quay W, Toronto
16. Roller skate indoors at Union Station
Union Station has brought back its popular Union Winter Roller Express until January 18, transforming the transit hub into a festive 5,500-square-foot indoor roller rink for the holidays. The experience is completely free, including skate rentals, and runs daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with pre-booked two-hour time slots. Featuring twinkling lights, retro décor, beginner lessons, DJ skate nights, and 19+ mixers, it’s a cozy and fun winter activity away from the cold.
When: November 26, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Where: TD West Carriageway at Union Station – 65 Front Street West, Toronto
17. Shrek Rave
The Shrek Rave is returning to Toronto on January 30, 2026, taking over Lee’s Palace for a night of ogre-themed chaos. Billed as “the silliest rave on earth,” the 19+ event will feature live DJs, Shrek-inspired visuals, throwback hits, and fairytale costumes encouraged. Tickets start at $25, with additional tour stops across Ontario this winter.
When: January 30, 2026
Where: 529 Bloor St W, Toronto
18. Experience the new ice and light festival Winterista
Toronto’s newest winter festival, Winterista, will run from January 23 to February 14, transforming Motorista Studio into an immersive winter festival filled with ice sculptures, live carving, a giant ice slide, a projection-mapped ice room, and an illuminated ice bar. Hosted at a 4,000-square-foot venue on Commercial Road, the event blends art, community, and winter magic, with family-friendly attractions by day and signature adult events like Après Ski nights and a Fire & Ice Valentine’s finale.
When: January 23 – February 14, 2026
Where: Motorista Studio – 25 Commercial Rd., Toronto
19. Cheer on the Toronto Maple Leafs
Grab a ticket and join the roaring crowds for a classic Toronto sports night this January. Catch the Leafs in action at the Scotiabank Arena, including a home game against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
When: Various dates
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St., Toronto
20. Get inspired at the Interior Design Show
Get inspired for a home refresh at Canada’s largest design fair, the Interior Design Show, which returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from January 22 – 25. While the first two days are for the trade, the weekend (January 24–25) is open to the public, featuring cutting-edge products, visionary talks, and immersive installations.
When: January 22 – 25, 2026
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building – 255 Front St W, Toronto
21. See the world’s largest indoor lake at the Toronto International Boat Show
Escape the snow this January and imagine yourself on the water at the Toronto International Boat Show. This massive indoor event features the world’s largest indoor lake for boat rides, wakeboarding demonstrations, and hundreds of exhibitors showing off the latest in marine tech and leisure.
When: January 17 – 25, 2026
Where: Enercare Centre – 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
22. Catch a concert in the city
Toronto’s 2026 concert calendar heats up this January with a mix of pop, rock, indie, and orchestral magic. Pop artist Halsey returns to the city with her Back To Badlands Tour (Jan 9–11), while Canadian legends Blue Rodeo celebrate 40 years of music with back-to-back shows at Massey Hall (Jan 23–24). Fans of theatrical rock can catch Ghost’s immersive Skeletour 2026 at Scotiabank Arena on Jan 31, while Gregory Alan Isakov delivers an intimate, soulful set at Massey Hall on Jan 26. Rounding out the month are epic orchestral experiences, from the Toronto Symphony’s performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (Jan 11) to cinematic fan favourites like Lord of the Rings in Concert (Jan 23–24) and Distant Worlds: Final Fantasy in Concert (Jan 30–31).
When: Various dates
Where: Various venues
23. Embrace self-care at one of the city’s best spas
Treat yourself to a facial or deep tissue massage at one of Toronto’s many relaxing spas. From the Spa at the Four Seasons to the women’s only Body Blitz, we’ve rounded up some of the best spas in the city here.
When: Any time
Where: Various destinations
24. Skate at Nathan Phillips Square
Embrace the classic Canadian winter experience by lacing up your skates at Toronto’s most iconic rink. Glide by the city’s famous “Toronto” sign with City Hall lit up in the background, and warm up with a hot beverage or explore the rink-side Cavalcade of Lights afterwards.
When: November 29, 2025 – March (weather dependent)
Where: Nathan Phillips Square – 100 Queen St W, Toronto