Winter Carnivals and Festivals for Families

Winter Carnivals and Festivals for Families

Winter Festivals Guide for Toronto Families

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It’s time for some ‘cool’ outdoor play! Get into the spirit at a winter festival, and be sure to plan for the holiday season ahead, as many events require advance tickets. This guide includes Holiday Lights festivals as well as Winter carnivals that are typically held in January/February each year (a great way to beat those winter blues!) with fun activities like dog sled racing, participate in traditional winter games, snow shoe, sledding and plenty of other creative winter activities.

2023 Winter Festivals Guide in and around Toronto

Celebrate Winter in the GTA and Southern Ontario

FEATURED

Holiday Nights of Lights

An immersive walk-through experience like no other, featuring more than 1.5 million LED lights animated and synchronized to everyone’s favourite Holiday tunes. Back for the fourth year, the event will be bigger and brighter with new displays and interactive activities! Walking through giant ornaments and animated tunnels… upon exiting the light show, enter the Market – filled with delicious food trucks and artisan vendors!

2023 Family Friendly Winter Festivals

Gift of Lights
Nov 17, 2023 
to Jan 6, 2024
Bingemans
Gift of Lights is a family-friendly drive-thru holiday light display with two tunnels and over 300 animated and static light displays! Enjoy this holiday spectacle from inside the …

Gift of Lights Read More »

Jingle Bell Rock
Nov 17, 2023 
to Jan 6, 2024
Bingemans
Experience the magic and wonder of the Region’s most spectacular and dazzling light displays this holiday season. Bask in the beauty and wonderment of Gift of Lights; a …

Jingle Bell Rock Read More »

Cavalcade of Lights
Nov 25, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
Nathan Phillips Square
Celebrate holiday magic in Toronto during Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Desjardins Financial Group. Inspired by the luminous festivals and cultural revelries from around the globe, enjoy a …

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Holiday Fair in the Square
Dec 1, 2023 
to Dec 23, 2023
Nathan Phillips Square
Holiday Fair in the Square is moving to the heart of North Toronto! This year, the Fair will be transforming Mel Lastman Square into a magical winter wonderland! …

Holiday Fair in the Square Read More »

Journey into Enchantment
Dec 1, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
Journey into Enchantment Halton Hills Location
Experience a magical Christmas and holiday season like never before! Take a 2km drive through a breathtaking display. See Santa and his reindeer, happy elves, and more. It …

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Sainte-Marie’s First Light
Nov 16, 2023 
to Dec 2, 2023
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Now in its 23rd year, Sainte-Marie’s First Light is an award-winning, must-see holiday event with a great lineup of family activities and live musical performances, all amidst the …

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Safari Lights
Nov 16, 2023 
to Jan 5, 2024
Safari Niagara
Make this holiday season a special one by driving through our dazzling holiday lights drive-thru adventure! There is snow-much to see! Immersive light tunnels, luminous motion lights, whimsical …

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WinterFest
Nov 17, 2023 
to Jan 6, 2024
Canada’s Wonderland
Select Nights Nov. 17, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024 Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a magical, winter wonderland for WinterFest – an immersive holiday experience for the whole family. …

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Brampton Winter Lights
Nov 17, 2023 
to Nov 18, 2023
Downtown Brampton
Kick off the holiday season with the City of Brampton at its annual Winter Lights Festival, presented by Fieldgate Developments, on November 17 and 18. Join the City …

Brampton Winter Lights Read More »

Christmas Land With Polar Express at Niemi’s
Nov 17, 2023 
to Dec 23, 2023
Niemi Family Farm
Experience the Magic of Christmas – Polar Express, Santa Claus, Bonfire, Smores, Christmas Market & Santa Land! Polar Express will bring you around the farm to meet the …

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The Distillery District Winter Village
Nov 18, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
The Distillery Historic District
The Distillery Winter Village is an intimate, picture-perfect holiday experience, where friends and family gather to explore the rich history of The Distillery District, take-in the timeless romance …

The Distillery District Winter Village Read More »

Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain
Nov 18, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
Blue Mountain Village
Holiday Magic is back at Blue Mountain. By day the Village sparkles with festive décor, holiday music and fires to warm by. Evenings, starting at dusk, follow the …

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Santa Fest
Nov 18, 2023 
to Dec 23, 2023
Santa’s Village
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – in the most magical place in Muskoka! Once again, Santa and his Elves will be hosting a special Christmas …

Santa Fest Read More »

Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Nov 18, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
Niagara Falls Ontario
101 Nights of Twinkling Lights The most enchanting of Niagara Falls attractions, the annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival. Experience the spectacular …

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Holiday Magic Light Trail
Nov 18, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
Blue Mountain Village
Step into a world where every street sparkles with twinkling lights, every building is wrapped in holiday bows, and the air is filled with festive tunes and jolly jingles. Enjoy …

Holiday Magic Light Trail Read More »

Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights
Nov 18, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
Downtown Owen Sound
The Festival of Northern Lights Will Shine Brightly Again in 2023! The events will run from Saturday, November 18th Until Sunday, January 7th. Nightly from 5:00pm until 10:00pm …

Owen Sound Festival of Northern Lights Read More »

RGB Winter Wonders
Nov 23, 2023 
to Jan 7, 2024
Hendrie Park
This unique outdoor experience guides visitors along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive lights, new interactive light to sound installations, and magical displays that celebrate the …

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Winter Nights, City Lights
Nov 24, 2023 
to Nov 25, 2023
The Esplanade Park
Pickering’s Winter Nights, City Lights kicks off the holiday season with family fun This event will include the lighting of Esplanade Park, fireworks, activities, live entertainment, food vendors, …

Winter Nights, City Lights Read More »

Winter Blooms Festival
Nov 24, 2023 
to Dec 17, 2023
Toronto Botanical Garden
Enjoy a wonderful indoor/outdoor holiday experience that combines the magic of the season with the wonders of nature – featuring shopping, food, workshops, Elf School for Kids and …

Winter Blooms Festival Read More »

Brooks Farms Festive Nights
Nov 24, 2023 
to Dec 23, 2023
Brooks Farms
Festive Nights on the farm! Join us this Festive Season to take part in a magical evening of lights in our new enchanted forest! festive nights returns November …

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Magical Christmas Forest
Nov 24, 2023 
to Dec 23, 2023
Kortright Centre for Conservation
Escape into the Magical Christmas Forest at Kortright Centre for Conservation! Experience a winter wonderland filled with lights, crafts, activities, wagon rides, and treats for the whole family …

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Burlington Festival of Lights
Nov 24, 2023 
to Jan 8, 2024
Spencer Smith Park
The Festival of Lights illuminates Burlington’s waterfront through December to early January each year. Thousands of local residents and visitors from across the region, and beyond, have made …

Burlington Festival of Lights Read More »

17th Annual Wanderlust
Nov 25, 2023 
to Nov 25, 2023
Lesliegrove Park
Get outside and enjoy the local festive cheer this season! Join us on Saturday, November 25th from 12-8pm for a host of FREE Leslieville Wanderlust activities to help …

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Light Up the Square 2023
Nov 25, 2023 
to Nov 25, 2023
Mississauga Celebration Square
Join the fun as we light the Christmas tree for the first time this season. There will be ice skating, live performances, and the Holiday Street Market will …

Light Up the Square 2023 Read More »

Alight at Night
Dec 1, 2023 
to Dec 26, 2023
Upper Canada Village
Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting! Over one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a …

Alight at Night Read More »

Holiday Fair In The Square 2023
Dec 1, 2023 
to Dec 1, 2023
Mel Lastman Square
Holiday Fair In The Square is back, and it’s better than ever before! Get ready for a magical winter wonderland in the heart of North York’s Mel Lastman …

Holiday Fair In The Square 2023 Read More »

Pingle's Christmas Fest
Dec 2, 2023 
to Dec 17, 2023
Pingle’s Farm Market
Join Pingle’s for the ho-ho-holidays! Here’s what you can expect when you visit him at the farm on weekends from December 2nd – 17th, 2023 Visits with Santa …

Pingle’s Christmas Fest Read More »

Wye Marsh Winter Open House
Dec 2, 2023 
to Dec 2, 2023
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Welcome Winter at Wye Marsh! Join us to welcome in the winter season at Wye Marsh on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Winter Open House Features: Bannock Roasting Raptor …

Wye Marsh Winter Open House Read More »

Cooksville's Magical Holiday Season Celebration
Dec 2, 2023 
to Dec 2, 2023
67 Hillcrest Ave, Mississauga
Back by popular demand is Heart Comonos’ annual Holiday Magic Season Celebration. Join hundreds of your neighbours for music, food, conversation, and gathering around fire pits in Cooksville’s …

Cooksville’s Magical Holiday Season Celebration Read More »

Santa Claus Christmas Playland Party - Argentia Location
Dec 2, 2023 
to Dec 2, 2023
Amazing Adventures Playland (Argentia Location)
Welcome to our annual exciting Santa Claus Christmas Party!! at Amazing Adventures Playland Our event is designed for the entire family to enjoy. No need to worry about …

Santa Claus Christmas Playland Party – Argentia Location Read More »

Old Fashioned Christmas
Dec 3, 2023 
to Dec 3, 2023
Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum
Join us for our annual Old Fashioned Christmas event on Sunday, December 3rd! Enjoy an artisan vendors market, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot beverages, and don’t forget to take …

Old Fashioned Christmas Read More »

Mississauga Festival of Trees
Dec 8, 2023 
to Dec 17, 2023
Small Arms Inspection Building
The second-annual Mississauga Festival of Trees is back this December 8 to 17, 2023 to celebrate the winter season, art, food, and community! Showcasing twinkling displays of seasonal …

Mississauga Festival of Trees Read More »

Christkindl Market 2023
Dec 8, 2023 
to Dec 9, 2023
Glencolton Farm
Join us at our 7th annual (except for 2020) Christkindl Market for a Fabulous spread of traditional European sights, smells and fun There are activities for the children, …

Christkindl Market 2023 Read More »

GOC Markham Youth - Christmas Giving Fair Toy and Food Drive
Dec 9, 2023 
to Dec 9, 2023
Sts. Panteleimon, Anna & Paraskevi GOC Markham (York Region)
Presented by the Youth Programs of Saints Panteleimon, Anna & Paraskevi GOC Markham – Come one, come all! Open your hearts and give to our Youth’s Annual Toy, …

GOC Markham Youth – Christmas Giving Fair Toy and Food Drive Read More »

Winterlit
Dec 28, 2023 
to Jan 28, 2024
Mountsberg Conservation Area
The wooded trails at Mountsberg are always beautiful in the wintertime but now we have made them more magical than ever! The Winterlit Trail features a unique and …

Winterlit Read More »

Richmond Hill Winter Carnival
Feb 3, 2024 
to Feb 4, 2024
Mill Pond
The annual Richmond Hill Winter Carnival returns Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3 and 4, 2024 at Mill Pond! Enjoy traditional outdoor activities such as children’s games and crafts, …

Richmond Hill Winter Carnival Read More »

Find more events in our kids event calendars!

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Kids Events and Fun Things To Do in Toronto, York Region, Peel, Durham, Halton, Simcoe County and Southern Ontario for Families.

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