Best Winter Festivals in Toronto & GTA This 2025-2026
The first snowfall changes everything—suddenly weekends are filled with hot drinks, twinkling lights, and reasons to head outside. To make the season even better, this guide to the best winter festivals in Toronto & GTA this 2025-2026 rounds up the events worth adding to your calendar. Winter doesn’t have to feel long when your weekends are packed with festivals that mix food, music, and holiday spirit.
Always confirm event details on official websites or social media pages before heading out, as plans can change. Remember that even at free events, some activities, food, and drinks may have a separate cost or require an RSVP.
15+ Best Winter Festivals in Toronto & GTA (2025-2026)
Toronto
Holiday at The Well
If you’re downtown this season, swing by Holiday at The Well. It feels like a Nordic-inspired hangout with twinkling lights, local vendors, and plenty of comfy spots to chill.
- When: November 12-December 28, 2025
- Where: 486 Front St W, Toronto
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://thewelltoronto.com
The Distillery Winter Village
You can’t skip the Distillery Winter Village. The cobblestone streets glow, carollers sing, and the giant Christmas tree steals the show every year. Grab some mulled wine and soak it all in.
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- When: November 13, 2025-January 4, 2026
- Where: 55 Mill Street, Toronto
- Tickets: Only required during specific peak periods. Entry is free at all other times.
- Website: https://www.thedistillerywintervillage.com
Toronto Burlesque Festival
Want something spicier? The Toronto Burlesque Festival brings four days of feathers, sequins, and circus-inspired fun.
- When: November 13-16, 2025
- Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander St, Toronto)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.torontoburlesquefestival.ca
Holiday Hills
Holiday Hills feels like a big holiday block party. You’ll find seasonal eats, shopping stalls, and fun corners to just hang out. It’s free, so no guilt if you just wander.
- When: November 14-December 28, 2025
- Where: STACKT market (28 Bathurst St, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://stacktmarket.com
DesignTO Festival
If January feels dull, the DesignTO Festival fixes that. The city turns into an open gallery with cool installations, design talks, and creative energy everywhere.
- When: January 23-February 1, 2026
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Most events are free (some require a RSVP or purchased tickets).
- Website: https://designto.org
Toronto Spring Festival Fireworks Celebration
Looking for something festive in February? The Spring Festival Fireworks light up the sky for the Lunar New Year. Expect performances, food, and cultural workshops that make the city buzz.
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- When: February 14-16, 2025
- Where: Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St W, Toronto)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.torontospringfestival.ca
Winterlicious
Winter feels less harsh with Winterlicious on the calendar. It’s basically Toronto’s food crawl, with prix fixe menus at restaurants all over the city. Perfect chance to try that spot you’ve been eyeing.
- When: January 30-February 12, 2026
- Where: Over 200 restaurants across Toronto
- Price: Varies
- Website: https://www.toronto.ca
La Poutine Week
Need comfort food? La Poutine Week features restaurants serving wild takes on fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Diet plans can wait until spring.
- When: February 1-7, 2026
- Where: Multiple restaurants
- Price: Varies
- Website: https://lapoutineweek.com
Greater Toronto Area
Light Up the Hills Winter Festival
If you’re near Georgetown, the Light Up the Hills Festival is worth a stroll. The trails glow with bright displays, making even the chilliest evening feel magical. It’s a family-friendly spot that’s easy on the budget, too.
- When: December 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Where: Multiple venues like Dominion Gardens Park Georgetown
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.lightupthehills.com
Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights
The Fantasy of Lights in Uxbridge has been a tradition for nearly two decades. It’s one of the biggest holiday light displays in the country, and locals pour their hearts into it every year. Grab a hot drink and enjoy the glow.
- When: December 6, 2025-January 3, 2026
- Where: Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.uxbridgeoptimist.com
APIK Mississauga
Into action sports? APIK Mississauga brings snowboarding and skiing right into the city. Add food trucks, music, and celebrity appearances, and it feels more like a festival than a competition.
- When: January 3-February 1, 2026
- Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @apikfest
Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest
Food and jazz come together at Jazzlicious WinterFest in Markham. Enjoy gourmet dinners followed by intimate live performances from top jazz artists. It’s dinner with a side of soul.
- When: Mid January-Late March 2026
- Where: Multiple venues
- Tickets: Starts at $35
- Website: https://jazzlicious.ca
Ajax Winterfest
Looking for something family-friendly? Ajax Winterfest has inflatables, crafts, snow painting, ball hockey, and even free hot chocolate.
- When: February 16, 2026
- Where: Audley Recreation Centre (955 Audley Rd, Ajax)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.ajax.ca
Bronte Creek Park Maple Syrup Festival
March means maple season, and Bronte Creek Park knows how to do it right. Wagon rides, taffy on snow, farm animals, and a pancake house serving stacks with sausage.
- When: March 1-29, 2026
- Where: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
- Tickets: $18 Vehicle Permit
- Website: https://www.ontarioparks.ca
Puppet Festival Mississauga
Puppets aren’t just for kids. The Puppet Festival Mississauga features local and international shows with plenty of creativity packed in. It’s quirky, fun, and something a little different for your March break.
- When: March 14-22, 2025
- Where: Multiple locations
- Tickets: TBA
- Website: https://cranecreations.ca
Other Winter Festivals to Check Out
- Chess Fest 2025 – November 22, 2025 at Meadowvale Community Centre (6655 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga) | Ticketed
- Winter Roots Music Festival – January 24, 2026 at Rivoli Toronto (334 Queen Street West, Toronto) | Ticketed
- The Rhubarb Festival – February 4-16, 2026 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander St, Toronto) | Ticketed
Looking for More Ways to Stay Warm?
After a day out at a winter festival, there is nothing better than warming up with a good drink. Toronto is full of great cafes serving rich and velvety hot chocolate.
For a full list of spots, check out our guide to the Best Hot Chocolate in Toronto: 15+ Top Spots for a Cozy Drink.
More…
- https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/festivals-events-calendar
- https://www.todocanada.ca/festivals-in-toronto
- https://www.destinationtoronto.com/leisure-blog/post/winter-festivals-toronto
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