- Updated on January 18, 2026
2026 Winter Festivals Guide for Toronto Families
Celebrate Winter in the GTA and Southern Ontario
It’s time for some ‘cool’ outdoor play! Get into the spirit at a winter festival. Winter carnivals are typically held in January, February & March and are a great way to beat those winter blues! Ontario winter festivals often include fun activities like ice carving, dog sled racing, traditional winter games, trail walks, winter lights, maple syrup, snow shoeing, sledding, skating and plenty of other creative winter activities.
We are still adding events to this guide – so check back often!
2026 Winter Festivals
Winterfest Toronto
Nov 28
to Jan 5, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
Back for its second year, Winterfest 2025 transforms Harbourfront Centre into a festive wonderland. Enjoy dazzling lights, delicious eats, magical train rides, holiday markets, a new Winter Maze and live performances. Step into a magical winter wonderland where the charm of the season comes alive! Winterfest Toronto is ...
Winterlit
Dec 31
to Feb 16, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Exceptions include December 31, 2025 and February 14, 2026 for Enchanted Evenings.Featuring: Two twinkling trails — the Illuminated Sugar Bush (~1 km) and the Winterlit Trail (~1 km) Sustainably sourced, illuminated art installations Cozy by Fireside Lounges Bring a book to swap for a “new to you” read ...
Ignite the Night
Jan 10
to Feb 28, 2026
Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Explore a brightly lit 2-kilometre winter trail at Ignite the Night. Visitors can experience the beauty of Terra Cotta CA’s forest after dark on Saturday nights from January 10 until February 28, 2026. This is a self-guided experience allowing visitors to connect wtih nature and learn about trees ...
Winter Wagon Rides
Jan 17
to Jan 18, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Experience the beauty of Mountsberg’s forest with a wagon ride through the woods! Rides are available daily during the holiday season from December 26 to January 4 and then on weekends until February 16. This year the rides will include complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over ...
Wye Marsh Winter Open House
Jan 18
to Jan 18, 2026
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Join us to welcome in the winter season at Wye Marsh! January 18, 2026 All activities included with ADMISSION BY DONATION! Join Friends of Wye Marsh as we launch our new year-round Family Passport Program! Pay-What-You-Can for admission. Learn how to snowshoe. Go on a hike. Take a ...
Winterista
Jan 23
to Feb 14, 2026
Motorista Studio
Winterista is Toronto’s newest winter destination, transforming Motorista Studio into a magical world of ice, light, and creativity from January 23 to February 14. By day, families step into a sparkling winter playground filled with interactive ice features, hands-on activities, and cozy spaces to explore together. Kids can ...
Huntsville SnowFest
Jan 24
to Mar 1, 2026
River Mill Park
This season-long celebration transforms the heart of Muskoka into a frosty playground for families seeking winter magic on ice. On select weekends, the River Mill Skating Rink comes alive with a unique blend of entertainment that’ll have you lacing up your skates faster than you can say “hot ...
Winter Wagon Rides
Jan 24
to Jan 25, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Experience the beauty of Mountsberg’s forest with a wagon ride through the woods! Rides are available daily during the holiday season from December 26 to January 4 and then on weekends until February 16. This year the rides will include complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over ...
Stratford WinterFest
Jan 24
to Jan 24, 2026
Stratford Upper Queens Park
Stratford’s Annual Winter Festival is packed with family fun activities and demonstrations. Breakfast with the Legion. Blacksmith Demonstrations Eyrie Birds of Prey Presentation Rice Krispie Square Roast Maple Taffy Ice Sculpting Face Painting Stratford Walking Tour Sibling Rivalry Comedy Show Hockey Shoot-out Little Tracks Small Animal Zoo Winterfest ...
Winterlude - Ottawa
Jan 30
to Feb 16, 2026
Various locations, Ottawa, Ontario
From January 30 to February 16, 2026, enjoy Canada’s Capital Region’s winter festival! let Winterlude inspire, entertain and warm you up across Ottawa and Gatineau! A highlight of the winter season, THIS is Winterlude! With its ice sculptures, snow slides, Ferris wheel, live music and many free outdoor ...
PolarFest
Jan 30
to Feb 1, 2026
Town of Selwyn
PolarFest is an exciting family festival, offering something for everyone to enjoy! A weekend full of laughter, friendly competition and the enjoyment of winter. Choose from activities for the young and the young at heart, including: Opening Ceremony with fireworks display Polar Paddle Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey ...
Hamilton WinterFest
Jan 31
to Feb 16, 2026
Multiple Venues in Hamilton, Ontario
From January 31 to February 16, 2026, the City of Hamilton comes alive with a dynamic celebration of our vibrant community. Join us as we showcase a variety of Signature and Community Events designed to engage, entertain, and inspire residents and visitors alike. Stay tuned for upcoming details ...
Fire & Ice Winter Festival
Jan 31
to Feb 1, 2026
Alton Mill Arts Centre
Ignite your winter weekend at the Alton Mill’s annual Fire & Ice Festival presented by TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley— a high-energy winter celebration packed with live outdoor fire performances, ice carving, skating on the millpond, cozy food + drink, family activities, and magical moments around every corner. ...
Winter Wagon Rides
Jan 31
to Feb 1, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Experience the beauty of Mountsberg’s forest with a wagon ride through the woods! Rides are available daily during the holiday season from December 26 to January 4 and then on weekends until February 16. This year the rides will include complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over ...
The Fire & Ice Festival
Jan 31
to Jan 31, 2026
Downtown Bracebridge
Join us on January 31st, 2026 in Downtown Bracebridge. The “FIRE” features include performances by talented fire artists and a spectacular fireworks display. Warm up around the many fire pits throughout the festival and enjoy a classic Muskoka treat, on a open fire. The “ICE” features include our, ...
Port Union Winterfest
Jan 31
to Jan 31, 2026
Port Union Community Centre
On Saturday January 31st Port Union Winterfest will be celebrating their 26th Festival, at Port Union Community Centre starting at 11:00 am until 3:00 PM. The festival features a market place, live entertainment, games and activities for kids, clothing swap, dog show and food.
Kuumba
Feb 1
to Feb 28, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
KUUMBA is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival. Presented by TD Bank Group through the Bank’s Corporate Citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, this year’s edition celebrates the rich histories, achievements and creative brilliance of Black communities across North America, framed within a dynamic global perspective. ...
Barrie WinterFest
Feb 7
to Feb 8, 2026
Centennial Park in Barrie
The City of Barrie proudly presents Barrie Winterfest, a community tradition and one of the top winter festivals in Ontario. Enjoy spectacular ice sculptures, lumberjack shows, polar bear dip, family entertainment, drop-in activities, skating & much more winter fun. Activites at Centennial Park & other locations in Barrie. ...
Richmond Hill Winter Carnival
Feb 7
to Feb 8, 2026
Mill Pond
The annual Richmond Hill Winter Carnival returns Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1 and 2, 2025 at Mill Pond! Enjoy traditional outdoor activities such as children’s games and crafts, the wood carver, Viking display, Lumberjack shows, children’s colouring contest, live entertainment, hot drinks, and, of course, the popular Sunday ...
Vaughan Winterfest
Feb 7
to Feb 8, 2026
Velore Village Community Centre
Join for exciting entertainment and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy as Vaughan celebrates its annual Winterfest. Enjoy FREE activities for the whole family indoors and outdoors at Vellore Village Community Centre! Meet & Greets FREE Stage Entertainment Midway Rides Horse-drawn wagon rides Snowshoeing and skating ...
Team Canada FanFest
Feb 7
to Feb 8, 2026
Nathan Phillips Square
We’re excited to share that Team Canada FanFest is coming to Toronto during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games — and you’re invited to join the celebration! Team Canada FanFest is a free, family-friendly event designed for fans of all ages to come together and cheer on ...
Winter Wagon Rides
Feb 7
to Feb 8, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Experience the beauty of Mountsberg’s forest with a wagon ride through the woods! Rides are available daily during the holiday season from December 26 to January 4 and then on weekends until February 16. This year the rides will include complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over ...
SnoFest
Feb 7
to Feb 7, 2026
The ROC
Join us for SnoFest, Georgina’s annual winter festival that promises a day packed with fun for the whole family. This FREE event has it all: Thrilling snow games An enchanting igloo dance party Live shows to keep you entertained Festive eats to fuel your fun …And a few ...
Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival
Feb 13
to Feb 14, 2026
Dorset Recreation Centre
The 2026 Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival takes place Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14! The Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival, known to most simply as Snowball, was created by the volunteer committee for the Dorset Recreation Centre in 1991 as a community event and fundraiser for the Centre. ...
Snowman Mania
Feb 13
to Feb 16, 2026
Wasaga Beach Rec Plex
This Family Day long weekend, discover new reasons to fall in love with Wasaga Beach. Join us for Wasaga Beach 21st Snowman Mania, our annual winter festival.. Celebrate the season with new outdoor adventures, live entertainment, kids’ activities, community traditions, and endless family-friendly fun. From skating and crafts ...
Maple Syrup Experience at Elliott Tree Farm
Feb 14
to Apr 5, 2026
Elliott Tree Farm
The Elliott Tree Farm 2026 Maple Syrup Experience kicks off on Saturday February 14 for Family Day Weekend! Join us within an hour of the GTA for our annual Canadian tradition with our famous pancake breakfast at the Horse Barn Canteen, followed by a 10 – 15-minute sugarbush ...
Mid-Winter Social: Experience Winter
Feb 14
to Feb 16, 2026
Discovery Harbour
Breathe in the crisp Georgian Bay air and step into a winter celebration like no other. The Mid‑Winter Social transforms the historic grounds of Discovery Harbour into a lively mix of glowing firepits, heritage experiences, delicious comfort food, and hands‑on adventures. It’s winter the way it should be ...
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival
Feb 14
to Feb 16, 2026
Various Venues, Gravenhurrst
The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival is a cherished annual tradition in the heart of Muskoka, celebrating the magic of winter with fun for all ages. This family-friendly event offers exciting activities like the demo derby, Skokie’s Birthday Party, cardboard box races, and snow sculptures. Guests can enjoy yummy food ...
Penetanguishene Winterama
Feb 14
to Feb 15, 2026
Town of Penetanguishine
Join the Town of Penetanguishene February 14 – 15th for the 78th Annual Winterama! Penetanguishene Winterama, the longest running winter carnival in Ontario. A celebration of Canadian seasonality, Winterama is an opportunity to renew an interest in outdoor activity; enhance community spirit and pride through people, partnership and ...
Winter Wagon Rides
Feb 14
to Feb 15, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Experience the beauty of Mountsberg’s forest with a wagon ride through the woods! Rides are available daily during the holiday season from December 26 to January 4 and then on weekends until February 16. This year the rides will include complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over ...
Enchanted Evenings at Winterlit
Feb 14
to Feb 14, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
To light up your New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, Winterlit will be hosting special Enchanted Evenings with a licensed bar, additional live music, entertainment, and activities like candle making on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 and Saturday, February 14, 2026. Add an Enchanted Evening to your reservation to celebrate these memorable ...
Ajax Winterfest
Feb 16
to Feb 16, 2026
Audley Recreation Center
It’s fun. It’s free. It’s on Family Day. It’s Winterfest! Celebrate your Family Day with us at Audley Recreation Centre! Families can participate in several winter-themed activities including inflatables, ice/snow painting, face painting, crafts, live entertainment, s’more making, ball hockey and local vendors. Don’t forget to grab a ...
Lumière: The Art of Light
Feb 16
to Mar 27, 2026
Trillium Park, Ontario Place
Experience the enchantment of Lumière: The Art of Light, a free outdoor light exhibition illuminating Trillium Park at Ontario Place from February 16 to March 27, 2026. Showcasing bold and imaginative works by talented Ontario-based artists across diverse disciplines, Lumière brings this year’s theme — “Rhythms of Light: ...
Port Carling Winterfest
Feb 21
to Feb 22, 2026
Port Carling Community Centre
Join us for the Port Carling Lions Club’s Annual Winterfest! On Saturday February 21st, the Muskoka Lakes Museum will be on-site with our classic snow snakes, a traditional Haudenosaunee winter game. Test your skill for a chance to win a free pass to the museum for the 2026 ...
Sugar Shack TO, presented by Redpath
Mar 14
to Mar 15, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
The Shack is back! Sugar Shack TO returns March 14-15 for more March Break Maple Madness. Toronto’s urban cabane à sucre experience is coming to Harbourfront Centre for the first time ever with a sweet weekend of winter fun and plenty of fresh maple syrup. Tap into your ...
Sweetwater Harvest Festival
Mar 22
to Mar 23, 2026
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Spring is in the air! Join the Friends of Wye Marsh and Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons for a celebration of the spring season and all things maple syrup! Wander through the sugar bush and visit the sugar shack to watch sap being turned into liquid gold. Taste delicious ...
