Free Christmas Hockey Camp Returns to Toronto in 2026
Free Christmas Hockey Camp Opens Applications for Toronto Kids
A free Christmas hockey camp in Toronto is accepting applications for children ages 5 to 10, offering five days of professional coaching, ice time, meals, and hockey equipment during the 2026 winter break.
Organized by Open Ice Initiative, the program helps children from families facing financial barriers experience organized hockey for the first time. Parents won’t need to purchase equipment or pay registration fees, and children will get to keep their hockey gear after camp.
What’s Included in Christmas Camp 2026?
Open Ice Initiative’s Christmas Camp is designed for children who have never played organized hockey, including those with little or no skating experience.
Each day combines on-ice instruction with activities that help participants build confidence, develop skills, and work together.
The free program includes:
- Five days of hockey during the 2026 winter break.
- Approximately three hours on the ice each day, with professional coaching.
- A hot lunch provided daily.
- A complete set of hockey equipment, professionally fitted before camp and kept by each child.
- Off-ice activities designed to support teamwork and skill development.
- No fees or equipment purchases required from participating families.
Children who have never skated before are welcome, making the camp accessible to complete beginners.
Where Will Christmas Camp 2026 Take Place?
Open Ice Initiative plans to offer Christmas Camp at four arenas across Toronto, making it easier for families in different neighbourhoods to participate.
The currently proposed locations are:
- Leaside Memorial Community Gardens: 1073 Millwood Road.
- Ted Reeve Community Arena: 175 Main Street.
- North Toronto Memorial Arena: 174 Orchard View Boulevard.
- Upper Canada College, Wilder Arena: 200 Lonsdale Road.
The organization will confirm individual arenas and schedules as ice bookings are finalized.
Each participating family will receive the exact camp dates and assigned location when their placement is confirmed.
Families can find the latest arena information and TTC directions on the official Christmas Camp 2026 page.
Who Can Apply for the Free Hockey Camp?
Christmas Camp 2026 is intended for children between the ages of 5 and 10 who live in Toronto and have never participated in organized hockey.
The initiative focuses on helping families who may otherwise struggle with the financial costs of hockey, including low-income and newcomer households.
Eligibility details:
- Children must be between 5 and 10 years old.
- Applicants should live in Toronto.
- No previous organized hockey experience is required.
- No skating experience or personal hockey equipment is necessary.
- Families must be able to attend the full camp at their assigned location.
Families living just outside Toronto may also apply, with eligibility considered individually.
Open Ice Initiative prioritizes applications based on financial need rather than simply accepting families in the order they apply.
There is no fixed application deadline, although families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
How to Register for Christmas Camp 2026
Applications are currently open through the Open Ice Initiative website.
The online application takes approximately 15 minutes and includes registration information, a medical form, and a waiver.
The form also saves progress, allowing parents or guardians to complete it in stages.
How to apply:
- Online registration: open-ice.org/apply
- Application deadline: No fixed deadline.
- Email assistance: openiceinitiative@gmail.com
- Family referrals: open-ice.org/refer
Families who cannot use the online form can contact the organization by email in any language.
Teachers, social workers, and community organizations can also refer eligible children through the dedicated referral page.
Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee a place. Open Ice Initiative reviews applications and contacts families about available placements.
About Open Ice Initiative
Open Ice Initiative is a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization working to make hockey more accessible to children who face financial barriers to participation.
Founded by Andrew Adair, the organization provides free hockey camps that cover the costs of ice time, professional instruction, meals, and equipment.
Its previous programs include March Break and Summer 2026 hockey camps, giving children opportunities to learn skating and hockey fundamentals in a supportive environment.
Through Christmas Camp 2026, the organization hopes to introduce more young Torontonians to the sport while removing the financial barriers that prevent many families from participating.
For more information, visit the Open Ice Initiative website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas Camp 2026 completely free?
Yes. The program covers ice time, professional coaching, daily lunches, and a full set of equipment that each child can keep.
Does my child need hockey or skating experience?
No. The camp is designed for children who have never played organized hockey, including beginners who are still learning to skate.
When is Christmas Camp 2026?
The camp will take place during the 2026 winter break. Each family will receive its exact dates after their placement is confirmed.
Is there an application deadline?
No fixed deadline has been announced. Applications are assessed based on financial need rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do families register?
Parents can complete the online application at open-ice.org/apply. Those needing assistance can email openiceinitiative@gmail.com.
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Looking for more ways to enjoy winter in Toronto? Discover free family winter activities in Toronto or explore Christmas events in Toronto for families in 2026. For registration details and confirmed camp locations, visit the official Open Ice Initiative Christmas Camp page.
