While Toronto is typically a pretty expensive city, there are lots of free ways to get outside and enjoy the holiday season.
From a winter carnival to free pet portraits, here are some economically-friendly activities to check out in Toronto.
Holiday Hills
Location: STACKT Market
When: Nov. 14 – Dec. 28
Holiday Hills, a celebration of the holiday season, is back at Toronto’s STACKT Market.
Featuring art installations, shopping, and a rotating lineup of nostalgic experiences, the annual event offers guests the perfect opportunity to enjoy the season, capture some Insta-worthy snaps, and get their holiday shopping taken care of.
Entry to the market is free, and STACKT is open Tuesday-Sunday, from 12:00-10:00 p.m.
Find the full lineup of events and live entertainment, visit STACKT Market’s website.
Winterfest Toronto
Location: Harbourfront Centre
When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31
Winterfest is returning to Harbourfront for another season of fun activities for the whole family.
The celebration kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 28, and from choir performances and pantomimes to a Winter Solstice celebration, the centre has something for everyone.
Plus, back by popular demand, the Harbourfront Express, featuring a classic choo-choo train ride, takes passengers on a ride through a frosted fairyland around the centre’s west campus, allowing you to rest your feet while taking in the sparkling lights and seasonal decor.
Transforming the centre into a breathtaking celebration of wintertime and holiday joy, Winterfest is open on Fridays from 6-11 p.m., Saturdays from 12-11 p.m. and Sundays from 12-8 p.m.
Entry to Winterfest is free, with some rides and activities available for a fee. Find out more about this year’s lineup of events on the Harbourfront website.
Window Wonderland
Where: The Junction
When: Nov. 28 to Feb. 1
Head to the Junction to check out Window Wonderland, an award-winning exhibit returning to Toronto with immersive augmented reality displays created by both local and international artists.
Window Wonderland transforms the Junction neighbourhood into a free, open-air gallery, showcasing 20 artist-designed storefront windows and 11 vibrant murals. Each display is animated with augmented reality, using cutting-edge technology to bring the art to life.
Those strolling through the area can check out displays at various businesses, including Padaria Toronto, Nodo Junction, Full Stop Coffee and Haveli Home, while murals are featured throughout the Junction.
A full map can be found on the Junction’s official website.
Winter Glow
Where: Sankofa Square
When: Dec. 11-21
A winter carnival is set to pop up in Sankofa Square this December, bringing holiday cheer to the heart of Toronto’s core.
Returning to the city for a third year, Winter Glow will turn the square into a winter wonderland filled with lights, music, festive treats, rides, and community activities, welcoming families, friends, visitors, and neighbours to celebrate the holidays in the downtown core.
Featuring a Ferris wheel and a carousel, the opening night festivities will commence at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11, featuring a performance by My Pop Choir, an artisan market, seasonal drinks at the licensed Polar Point Bar, and photo ops with Santa Claus.
Winter Glow runs from 4-10 p.m. on weekdays and 12-10 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free, but some activities require tickets.
Santa Paws
Where: PetSmart
When: Dec. 13-14
Calling all pet parents, PetSmart is offering free festive photo sessions with Santa Claus.
According to the pet store, 77 per cent of pet parents in the country plan to include their furry friends and other animal companions in their holiday traditions. So, in the spirit of the season.
The sessions will run on Dec. 13 and 14 from 2-5 p.m., and welcome dogs, cats, and small pets into any PetSmart store for a free photo session with the man in red.
Those interested can find participating locations and book their photo shoot on PetSmart’s website. Spots are limited, so don’t miss the paw-fect opportunity to create holiday memories with your pets.
DJ Skate Nights
Where: Harbourfront Centre
When: Saturdays from Dec. 20 – Feb. 14
Music lovers and skaters, rejoice! Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre is hosting a series of DJ skate nights this winter that you will want to check out.
The venue now boasts a larger, new and improved rink with more space to carve up the ice. And if you need skates, rentals are available for all ages and sizes for free on Saturdays.
From soca to Afrobeats and Latin music, almost every genre you can think of will have a time to shine, with a variety of different DJs are set to hit the deck throughout the season. You can find the full schedule on the Harbourfront Centre website.
Hangar Skate
Where: YZD Plaza & Experience Centre
When: Dec. 19 – Jan. 4
Hangar Skate is returning to the west end for a series of skating events you won’t want to miss.
Highlights include the Glow & Glide opening party on Dec. 19, from 5-9 p.m., featuring LED drummers performing a roaming glowing animation, a Snowflake Princess, A DJ from the Remix Project on deck, and freeze-dance moments on the rink.
Then on Dec. 24 from 12-5 p.m., celebrate Christmas Eve with classic holiday and winter films playing inside the YZD Experience Centre.
The Hangar will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve afternoon party, featuring DJ Me Time, glowsticks, and freeze-dance on the rink, setting the tone for a season that fuses art, rhythm and play. The party is perfect for families with young kids and those who prefer an early night, with two countdown celebrations happening at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
Admission is free, but requires advanced booking through the YZD website. Both helmets and skates can be rented onsite. They are free for kids 12 and under, and available for a $5 fee for those over 12.
By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
