Cheers, it’s 2023! January is a good month for hibernating on the couch and recovering from the holiday season. However, when you need to get out the house, you’ll still be able to find fun indoor and outdoor events and activities around town. So, here is your January Event Guide for Family Fun in Toronto and the GTA.
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Events Starting in January
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s New Year’s Levee (January 1)
Welcome the arrival of 2023 at the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario New Year’s Levee, hosted by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, this New Year’s Day, including local entertainment such as a magician, holiday treats, live music and fun for the whole family.
Friday Harbour’s The Skate Escape (Starts January 13)
This winter, families can embrace the best of the winter season at Friday Harbour with The Skate Escape. Discover a winter wonderland at this luxury lifestyle resort community on the shores of Lake Simcoe, featuring ice skating, live entertainment, and more!
Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! (Starts January 21)
This family play brings celebrated children’s characters to life based on books by Mo Willems, about two “best time ever” pals.
TO Live’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” In Concert (January 27-29)
This live film concert, featuring 250 musicians from ILMharmonic Orchestra and Amadeus Choir, will transport you to the heart of Middle-earth.
Hot Docs’ Family Screening of “The LEGO Movie” (January 28)
Hot Docs hosts a family screening of the hilarious animated film “The LEGO Movie” in honour of International LEGO Day.
Port Union Winterfest (January 28)
This free family-friendly festival in the Port Union community of Scarborough returns with live entertainment, food and a market place.
Events Continuing In January
Lights on Stratford
The Lights On Stratford annual winter festival transforms Stratford’s heritage downtown core and parks with luminous art and interactive light installations.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Get your fill of sparkle and good cheer at the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, presented by Ontario Power Generation. It’s Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival!
Winterlit: An Illuminated Walk Through the Woods
Bask in the natural beauty of Campbellville’s Mountsberg Conservation Area this winter by taking an illuminated walk in the woods at Winterlit.
Events Ending in January
Holiday Nights of Lights (Ending January 7)
Lights, music and holiday cheer are in abundance at Holiday Nights of Lights and the pop-up Mistletoe Lane at Vaughan’s Assembly Park.
Cavalcade of Lights (Ending January 7)
City of Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square will be bathed in light again this year with Cavalcade of Lights, transforming City Hall into a winter wonderland.
Bata Shoe Museum’s Cobbler Workshop (Ending January 7)
Celebrate the holiday season at Bata Shoe Museum with their Holiday Cobbler Workshop, including shoe-themed games and crafts.
Panto Players’ “The Little PINKO Hen (or how the Cat got RadiCATized)” (Ending January 7)
Playing at the Redcastle Theatre in Leslieville, Panto Players presents a fun and interactive theatre experience in the pantomime tradition. is a fun and interactive theatre experience in the pantomime tradition.
Royal Ontario Museum’s ROM for the Holidays (Ending January 8)
This holiday season, the Royal Ontario Museum hosts ROM for the Holidays, offering special daily activities and programming for all visitors.
Journey Into Enchantment Christmas Light Show (Ending January 8)
Experience the magic of over two million light decorations, 3-D interactive displays and musical lights while safely driving through a two-kilometre route in the comfort of your vehicle.
Winter Carnival (Ending January 8)
Feel the festive vibes at Winter Carnival, featuring rides, bouncy castles, animatronic dinosaurs, ice sculptures, games, magicians, and more.
Fort York Holiday Family Drop-In (Ending January 8)
Celebrate the holidays at Fort York with their Holiday Family Drop-In to learn about baking, archaeology and music… all free!
ROM’s “Fantastic Beasts” Exhibit (Ending January 8)
The “Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature” exhibit at the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) explores the links between natural and mythical worlds.
TYT Theatre’s “The Little Circus That Could” (Ending January 8)
The Little Circus That Could is a family-friendly interactive acrobatic comedy for all ages from the “The Philip and Lucinda Dino-Show” team.
Family Fun Toronto Guides
Cheap and Free Winter Activities
Has your wallet taken a hit from the holidays? Ours too. So we have compiled a list of cheap and free activities and events in Toronto to occupy you and your family this winter.
Outdoor Skating in Toronto
Opportunities for outdoor ice skating have become more plentiful in the city in recent years. Freeform paths are being built in parks and even under highways. We’ve rounded up the best spots to check out.
Toboganning in Toronto
An afternoon of sledding on the hills is family winter fun at its finest and it’s completely free to enjoy!
Snow Tubing in Toronto and the GTA
Looking for a new fun and thrilling outdoor family activity? Check out snow tubing at these hills in and around Toronto!
Downhill Skiing Around the GTA
Whether you shred, jib, carve or snowplow your way down the slopes, we’ve got you covered with our Guide to Downhill Skiing around Toronto and the GTA!
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in the GTA
If you like it flatter and slower than those crazy sledding kids, you can do it here in Toronto and the GTA. There’s even snow loops for snowshoeing on city-run golf courses.
Hiking Paths in Toronto
They might be busier in warmer months, but Toronto’s hiking paths are still beautiful in winter!
But Wait… There’s More!
Want even more ideas for Family-Friendly Events in Toronto This Weekend? For a complete listing of all the best events around Toronto, click on our Calendar and stay tuned to all the best local family events through both our Facebook and Instagram pages. Plus, we’re now on TikTok!
If you are looking for tips on how to keep your kids occupied without attending in-person events, you can find our best ideas, activities and inspiration here!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, as well as a photo, and we’ll do our best to get your event added to our events calendar.
