Winter weather can be pretty topsy-turvy here in Toronto. There may not always be snow on the ground, but there is always ice! Thanks to city-run rinks with cooling equipment, as well as independent organizers, there are numerous well-maintained spots to go skating around town. So, why not get the most out of the season by having a party, right? Even better, it’s free! Join the fun with our Guide to the Best Skating Events in Toronto…
Of course, don’t forget to check out our Guide to the Best Spots to Go Outdoor Skating in Toronto for great adventures throughout the winter months!
Continuing This Winter
Street Eats Market & Harbourfront Centre: Winterfest Toronto
Date: Until December 31, 2025
Street Eats Market and Harbourfront Centre have joined together to host Winterfest Toronto, a new holiday experience featuring twinkling lights, an indoor/outdoor artisan market, Winter Express train rides, marshmallow fire pits, food stalls, free ice skating and more.
City of Toronto: Cavalcade of Lights
Date: Until January 7, 2026
The City of Toronto hosts Cavalcade of Lights, a free festival that bathes Nathan Phillips Square, transforming City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling wonderland every night during the the holiday season.
December
YZD: Hangar Skate
Date: December 19, 2025 — February 16, 2026
Hangar Skate returns to YZD, with a free pop-up skating rink at the vibrant 370-acre neighbourhood at the former Downsview Airport lands. The event features complimentary indoor arts programming, Friday DJ Skate Nights and special events, affordable skate rentals, free lessons, and more.
The Bentway Skate Trail
Date: Until February 16, 2026 (weather dependent)
Embrace winter at the Bentway with its Skate Trail, including the popular Polar Bear Skate event taking place on New Year’s Eve.
City of Toronto: Skate Lending Library
Date: December 19, 2025 — March 22, 2026
Supported by the City of Toronto and Desjardins Financial Group, this travelling skate lending crew provides residents with all the equipment necessary to have fun on the ice. The program visits different rinks all over the city – check out the full schedule here.
Harbourfront Centre: DJ Skate Nights and Opening Night
Date: December 20, 2025 — February 14, 2026, New Year’s Eve Party December 31
Harbourfront Centre hosts another season of DJ Skate Nights, featuring a different guest DJ every Saturday night until Valentine’s Day (plus a New Year’s Eve party) as skaters enjoy gliding under the stars and along the shores of Lake Ontario. Admission is free and is fun for all ages, plus free skate rentals are available on Saturdays!
City of Toronto: Free New Year’s Skating Parties
Date: January 4, 2026
The City of Toronto, the Mayor and Toronto City Council host Free New Year’s Skating Parties to celebrate the start of 2026 in four venues covering all corners of the city!
Willowdale Skating Party
Date: January 10, 2026
Join the Yonge North York BIA and Councillor Lily Cheng at the free Willowdale Skate Party, including warm drinks, free skate rentals, and entertainment.
City of Mississauga: Mayor’s New Year’s Levee 2026
Date: January 11, 2026
The City of Mississauga hosts the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee 2026, where families can welcome the new year with a free skating party in Celebration Square, complete with treats, family-fun activities and a DJ.
Downtown Yonge BIA: Skates And Sounds
Date: February 6-27, 2026
Downtown Yonge BIA hosts a month of skating parties with free skate rentals on-site at the Skates And Sounds series at College Park’s Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail.
Friday Harbour: The Skate Escape
Date: January 16 — March 15, 2026
Celebrate the joys of the winter season at Friday Harbour with The Skate Escape on the shores of Lake Simcoe, featuring ice skating, live entertainment, and more!
Strap your skates on and fly over to our full list of Outdoor Skating Rinks in Toronto here!
