Toronto knows a thing or two about activities, especially during the winter months. But after the craziness of the holidays, your wallet could definitely use a break. Luckily, this January, you don’t have to spend a penny to be able to enjoy some amazing activities around the city. We’ve rounded up the very best free events for you to enjoy.
Here are 15 free events to check out this month in Toronto!
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
Grab your skates and head to Nathan Phillips Square where you can enjoy free daily skating as you enjoy the picturesque views of Toronto City Hall. Equipped with change rooms, washrooms, a snack shop, and skate rentals, this skating rink has everything you need for a quintessential winter day.
When: Open daily through March 22
Time: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 100 Queen Street West
Price: Skating is free, skate rentals available on-site
DJ Skate Nights at Natrel Rink
Toronto’s hottest winter skating party is back for another exciting season with another stellar lineup of DJs that will bring the heat to your Saturday nights. Featuring house, R&B, soul, disco, soca, hip hop, dancehall, throwback, drag anthems, and pop, there will be music for every taste, and for every occasion.
When: January 11, 18, 25
Time: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink
Price: Admission is free
The Bentway Skate Trail: Winter Season
The Bentway below the Gardiner Expressway is worth braving the cold for. Not only is there free ice-skating on the 220-metre, figure-eight skate trail (you may bring your own skates or rent for $10), there’s an on-site winter village that serves hot chocolate, drinks, and boozy beverages for skaters and spectators, while warming stations will help visitors get toasty before getting back on the ice.
When: January 6 through February 7
Time: Weekdays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; weekends, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Price: Skating is free; skate rentals start at $5 for kids or $10 for adults
AGO Free Wednesday Nights
Free admission on Wednesday nights at the AGO has been a longstanding tradition for years and is a great way to get your culture fix. The popular initiative invites Torontonians and visitors the chance to spend the evening at one of the largest and most distinguished art museums in North America and get inspired by the incredible art displays and new and changing exhibits.
When: Every Wednesday night (January 8, 15, 22, 29)
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West
Price: Admission is free
No Pants Subway Ride
The ‘No Pants Subway Ride’ returns to Toronto for another cheeky year. Hosted by the No Pants Society, the annual risqué event will be taking place simultaneously in over 50 cities around the world this month with the hopes of bringing a smile to commuters’ faces. Here in Toronto, the pantless ride will be be followed by a parade from Wellesley Station to a no pants dance party (location to be announced).
When: January 12
Time: 3 pm to 10 pm
Where: The ride begins at the CF Eaton Centre’s Dundas Street entrance
Price: Free to participate, but you’ll have to pay for your TTC ride
Mayor’s Skate Party
Celebrate the new year with Mayor John Tory and City Councillors at Kew Gardens for the annual Mayor’s Skate Party. Come on down to enjoy a fun afternoon that’s filled with music, hot beverages, and of course lots of skating. Even better is that skate rentals are free, too!
When: January 12
Time: 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Where: Kew Gardens
Price: Free
Winter Stations Presents: Loop
Leading up to the return of Toronto’s annual Winter Stations, event organizers are teaming up with the city’s Waterfront BIA to bring more public art to the city during the coldest months of the year. This month, Torontonians can check out ‘Loop’, which is an interactive retro-futuristic machine powered by the public. Visitors can hop on two at a time into one of the six illuminated cylinders and pump a lever to activate the lights and glowing images.
When: January 15 through February 18
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Where: York Street Park (York Street and Harbour Street)
Price: Admission is free
Province Apothecary Mini Facials @ Detox Market
If getting your skincare game together was on your list of goals for 2020, then look no further. On January 16, head to the Detox Market flagship for your free Province Apothecary mini-facial that’s followed by relaxing accupressure point stimulation and education about your skin type. There are limited spots available so make sure you RSVP early so you don’t miss out on your best skin ever thanks to this free event.
When: January 16
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Detox Market Flagship (116 Spadina Ave)
Price: Free
DesignTO
DesignTo returns to Toronto for its 10th installment this month to celebrate Canadian art and design. Over the past decade, DesignTO has grown from a collection of seven exhibitions and events to a ten-day Festival of over 100 free exhibitions and events throughout the city. You can find full programming details here.
When: January 17 through 26
Time: Varies by exhibition
Where: Venues throughout the city
Price: Over 100 exhibitions are free to the public (others are ticketed)
Toronto Light Fest
With the coldest and darkest days upon us, the city’s historic Distillery District will be the place to be for the fourth annual Toronto Light Fest. Bringing dozens of curated light installations and illuminated sculptures created by a number of local and international artists, the Toronto Light Festival should not be missed.
When: January 17 through March 1
Time: After dusk
Where: Distillery District
Price: Admission is free
Rom 3rd Tuesday Nights Free
The ROM is giving Torontonians the perfect reason to leave their homes this winter with the return of 3rd Tuesday Nights Free. During this monthly event, ROM guests will be able to explore art, culture, and nature in the museum’s 30 galleries and collections from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, completely free of charge.
When: January 21
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Price: Admission is free
Power Plant Opening Party
To kick off the 2020 winter exhibition season, Toronto art enthusiasts can check out a free party on January 24. Attendees will be amongst the first to experience new exhibitions by Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa, Dawit L. Petros, Naeem Mohaiemen, and Rashid Johnson. There will also be a cash bar available on-site throughout the evening.
When: January 24
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: The Power Plant
Price: Admission is free
The Mommonality MRKT
Experience the very first Mommonality MRKT to shop all sorts of goodies. It’s at this exciting market that you can shop over 40+ vendors from a wide range of categories including adult & children’s apparel, accessories, home decor, custom gifts, and lots more!
When: January 26
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Mississauga Convention Centre
Price: Admission is free
Winter Fridays
Happening every Friday until February 14 at Evergreen Brick Works is Winter Fridays where you can make the most of those chilly winter nights. While we love cozying up at home with a movie and cup of tea, sometimes you just need a night out. At Winter Fridays you can skate for free, enjoy DJ performance, and food & drinks from food trucks.
When: Every Friday night (January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, and 14)
Time: 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works
Price: Admission is free
Free Mindfulness Meditation
Clear your head with some free guided meditation. that’s happening every Monday at 6 p.m. until February 3. Located at Centre Place on Richmond East, the meditation is open to everybody regardless of your experience. While this event is totally free, a donation of at least $5 is suggested. If 6 p.m. doesn’t work for your busy schedule, you can still stop by until 8 p.m., although the guided part of the meditation ends at 7 p.m.
When: Every Monday night (January 13, 20, 27, February 3)
Time: 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Where: CentrePlace (320 Richmond St E – Unit 101)
Price: Admission is free
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The holidays are an expensive time of year, but luckily, getting your fill of holiday fun and cheer doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of free and festive activities to take part in from now until the end of the year.
From movie showings to skating galore, here are 16 free things to do in Toronto over the holidays.
Go Skating Underneath The Gardiner
Grab your skates and head down to The Bentway, the 220 metre skate trail underneath the Gardiner Expressway. The figure eight loop is open seven days a week and it’s completely free to visit! If you don’t have skates, there are rentals (for a fee) on site, as well as an outdoor Corona Après Patio bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic bevvies and The Quaker Lounge, stocked with delicious oat-based eats. Get more details.
Lace Up Your Skates At Union Station
You don’t need to own a pair of skates to skate Union Station! From now until January 4, the skating rink at Union Station is completely free to check out. There are free skate rentals, free skating lessons daily from 12 to 4 p.m., and DJ skate nights on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. Get more details.
Check Out The Winter Village At Evergreen Brickworks
It’s your last weekend to visit the free Winter Village at Evergreen Brickworks. There’s a picturesque outdoor skating rink, a local market for browsing, live music, and plenty of delicious eats. The last day of the market is December 22. Get more details.
Browse The Holiday Fair In The Square
Nathan Phillips Square has been transformed into a beautiful festive market! Take part in festive fun in the heart of downtown Toronto and enjoy skating, rides and games, seasonal treats, or a drink at the outdoor bar. Browsing is free, but you’ll need a little pocket change for everything else. The fair is open until December 23. Get more details.
Visit The Merry & Bright Holiday Market At Square One Shopping Centre
If you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Square One Merry & Bright Holiday Market! There are tons of Instagrammable moments and free DIY workshops, plus opportunities to win some amazing prizes like a SMEG stand mixer, IKEA gift cards, and more. The market is open until December 24. Get more details.
Free Community Screening: Elf — December 21
Check out a free screening of the Christmas favourite ELF over the holidays! The screening will take place at Revue Cinema on Roncesvalles Avenue. While the screening is free, they will be accepting donations for the Parkdale Community Food Bank. You can register for tickets online for the 1 p.m. showing, however, the tickets don’t guarantee entry, so be sure to get there early to save your seat! Get more details.
Free Community Screening: A Christmas Story — December 22
Another free movie screening happening in support of the Parkdale Community Food Bank is one for A Christmas Story. Like the showing for Elf, tickets can be reserved online for the 1 p.m. showing, but they don’t guarantee a seat. Get more details.
Sunday Morning Yoga at Lululemon Yorkdale — December 22
North Toronto yogis will be happy to hear that Lululemon will be hosting a free yoga class on December 22 at its Yorkdale Shopping Centre location. All you have to do is register online and show up with your mat to take part in the 45-minute practice. Get more details.
Winter Photo Walk — December 22
Photography enthusiasts will love this event. On December 22 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., join TDot Shots and other photographers to explore downtown Toronto, shoot new spots, and meet other likeminded folks. Get more details.
Scotiabank Next Generation Celebration — December 22
On December 22, Scotiabank will be throwing a special event at The Bentway in celebration of the Toronto Maple Leafs Next Generation Game. Hockey fans won’t want to miss this — from 1 to 3 p.m., you can #SkateThe8 with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ official mascot Carlton the Bear and meet NHL alum Shayne Corson. Get more details.
Make Your Own Personalized Holiday Ornaments — December 24
On the hunt for a super last minute gift? Here’s your opportunity to make one that’s super personal. The Toronto Reference Library will be making free 3D printed holiday ornaments for drop in visitors between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on December 24. There’s a limit of 1 ornament per person and it’s first-come-first-serve, so get there early! Get more details.
Catch A Free Screening Of The Isle Of Dogs — December 27
The Toronto Public Library – Lilian H. Smith Branch on College St. will be hosting a free family-friendly screening of the Isle Of Dogs on December 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. Get there early for the best spot! Get more details.
Pilates For Hikes Class at Fjallraven — December 29
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on December 29, head to the Fjallraven flagship store on Queen St. West for a free Pilates for Hikers class. Register online for the opportunity to do a free one-hour pilates class, light refreshments, and leave with a goodie bag with freebies from Manitoba Harvest, Love Good Fats, Well Told, Flow Hydration, and more. Get more details.
The Bentway Polar Bear Skate — December 29
You’ve heard of the polar bear dip, but what about the Polar Bear Skate? Another fun event happening at The Bentway will have you skating in your skivvies. From 1 to 4 p.m., join others in skating in their underwear on the figure eight loop — the first 100 pre-registrants will get free hot chocolate! Get more details.
Watch Party: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban — December 30
Calling all Potter Heads! On December 30 at 7 p.m., Poor As Shoes will be hosting a watch party for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and there will be games, prizes, and more, including a best dressed prize for the person who comes in their best Harry Potter garb. An RSVP doesn’t guarantee seating, so head there before 7 p.m. to guarantee your spot. Get more details.
Watch The Fireworks At Nathan Phillips Square — December 31
Just like years past, this New Year’s Eve, Nathan Phillips Square will be putting on a big celebration to ring in the New Year. The annual event will have a DJ skate party, live musical performances, and fireworks, making it a perfect event for the family! Get more details.
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With everyone buying up presents left, right, and centre this time of year, going to an event that you won’t have to dip into your wallet for is a welcome change. Now don’t think that just because these events are free of charge, it doesn’t mean that they’re any less fabulous than ones that cost money. From family-friendly holiday fun and ice skating, to seeing your fave Christmas flicks and ringing in the new year, these December events have it all.
Keep reading for 7 super fun and free December events in Toronto!
Holiday Fair In The Square
From December 7 until the 23, experience the excitement of Christmas while enjoying the magic of a winter carnival at Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square. Located in the heart of Toronto, this free and fun holiday market has it all — skating, rides, games, seasonal treats, and drinks!
Family Holiday Cheer at Yorkville Village
Grab the family and head to Yorkville Village on December 7. From 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., enjoy activities like letter writing to Santa, story time, ornament making, face painting and more. While the event is free for all to attend, a toy donation is suggested as it’ll benefit CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.
Hot Docs’ Free Holidays Classics Screenings
It’s not really the holiday season until you watch your favourite Christmas movie, is it? Whether you’re into classics like White Christmas, or prefer newer ones like The Holiday, head to Hot Docs for a free screening from December 14-21. Tickets can be reserved for members but if you’re not a member, fear not because you can grab your tix at the box office!
Skating at Union Holiday
Who doesn’t love a good, old fashioned winter skating session? Grab your family, friends, or go solo, and head to Union Station to enjoy skating at Union Station’s Union Holiday that’s open until January 4. Don’t have skates? No prob because skating lessons, skate, and helmet rentals will be offered by TD and Union for free.
Cineplex Community Day
What could be better than a morning of free movies? From 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on December 7, you and the whole family can enjoy holiday films like A Christmas Story, Elf, Gremlins, The Polar Express, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Cineplex’s Community Day. While the movie tickets are free, concession items like popcorn, soft drinks, and select candy will be just $2.50. All proceeds from donations and select concession sales will go to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
Newchoir Singalongs at stackt market
Get festive at stackt market this year and sing along to your favourite holiday carols. On December 7 and the 21, Toronto’s first rock choir, newchoir, will be performing holiday hits from artists like George Michael, John Legend, Wham, this will be a holiday spectacular unlike any other!
New Year’s Eve At Nathan Phillips Square
Don’t think that just because Christmas will be over, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Head back to Nathan Phillips Square to ring in 2020 in style. Admission is totally free and the event features DJ skating parties, live performances, and of course, a mind blowing fireworks display.
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It’s November and while the snow has already disappeared, that doesn’t mean you can’t take part in fun winter activities because after all, ’tis the season for ice skating and drinking a few glasses of mulled wine. We’ve rounded up our 11 favourite free places to get our skate on in Toronto to help narrow down your options. Bundle up, grab your friends or significant other, and visit one or all of these picturesque rinks. Winter has almost arrived, so we might as well suck it up and embrace the chillier temps. Now, go practice those triple axels you didn’t master last year.
Nathan Phillips Square
A unique fixture in Toronto is Nathan Phillips Square that’s right by City Hall. This popular spot offers an exceptional space to skate right in the heart of our city. Brightly lit and decorated for the holidays, this rink is totally Instagrammable, especially with that world recognized “Toronto” sign. Skate rentals are $10 per adult for 2 hours and $5 for children 12 and under, plus snacks and washrooms are located on site.
Where: 100 Queen St. West
Date Opening: November 30th
Harbourfront Natrel Rink
Arguably one the best skating rinks in Toronto is the Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront that has fabulous views Lake Ontario and the CN Tower. Skating here is completely free, but skate rentals are $13/adult. Hot food and drinks are available rink-side at Boxcar Social, and heated indoor changing rooms are on site.
Where: 235 Queens Quay West
Date Opening: November 16th
High Park
High Park has free ice skating for everyone of all ages, as well as organized games for child hockey. There are separate hours for unsupervised public skating but unfortunately, no skate rentals available.
Where: 1873 Bloor St. West
Date Opening: November 30th
Greenwood Park
Greenwood Park is a great place for an evening skate if you’re out and about in the city’s east end. While the rink is outdoors, it features a covered roof that provides some much needed shelter if it’s a snowy or rainy night. This park offers skating, hockey skills, and power skating classes for all ages. While no skate rentals are available, the rink is free to skate on.
Where: 150 Greenwood Ave
Date Opening: November 30th
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Located along a stretch of wooded shoreline in the Kipling and Lakeshore area (next to the Power House Recreation Centre), this ice skating rink is more of a figure-eight trail than it is a rink. There may not be food vendors, change rooms, or skate rentals available on-site, but skating is free!
Where: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd West
Date Opening: November 30th
Christie Pits Park
Located in the city’s west end, free ice skating is available at Christie Pits Park 7 days a week. Varying hours for women-only, children-only, all ages, and adult-only skating. There is no skate rental at this rink but there are change rooms.
Where: 750 Bloor St W
Date Opening: November 30th
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Another west-end rink is the one at Trinity Bellwoods Park, but this one is located north east section of the park. Aside from public skating, the rink also shinny for kids and adults.
Where: 790 Queen St West
Date Opening: November 30th
Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works offers free public skating and skating lessons for all ages throughout the week with a rink that surrounds a small garden of evergreen trees. Skate rentals are available for $5 a pair and they even provide free helmets for skaters 18 and under. The rink was supposed to open on November 30 but because of the warmer weather, it’s slated to open December 7.
Where: 550 Bayview Ave
Date Opening: December 7th
Ontario Place
Ontario Place will be transformed into the Aurora Winter Festival that’s great fun for the whole family. In addition to skating, there’s a tube park, massive light displays, a Christmas Market, amusement rides, food, and much more. Skating on the frozen pond is no extra charge when you purchase a ticket, but skate rentals cost $7.
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Date Opening: November 22nd
The Bentway Skating Trail
It’s back! The Bentway’s magical 220-meter skating trail will be open under the Gardiner Expressway. In addition to all the skating fun, The Bentway offers free skating lessons and rentals will also be abailable.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
Date Opening: December 20
Union Station
Head to Union Station on November 29 until January 4th to go for a skate. This is the first time that Union Station’s Sir John A. McDonald Plaza on Front Street will be home to a free outdoor skating rink in Toronto, that’s approximately half of the size of an NHL ice rink. What’s even better is that even skating lessons, skate rentals, and helmet rentals will also be offered by TD and Union for free.
Where: 65 Front Street West
Date Opening: November 29