By Jenn Reid
Last Updated December 28, 2017
December is a spend-heavy month, thanks to the holiday gift-buying and expensive New Year’s Eve parties, but January is the time to slow down and give your wallet a break. Toronto has some free events to enjoy that are totally worth braving the cold for. Grab your ice skates and warm layers, and check out these free events happening this January in Toronto! [Photo courtesy of the Toronto Light Festival]
Evergreen Winter Village
Even though it’s December, you can still explore the outdoors! Evergreen Brick Works’ Winter Village is a chance to take part in winter activities like curling, take a bike ride through the snow, warm up with s’mores over the campfire, shop a farmers’ market and more.
Etsy Christmas Market
Shop for unique items off Etsy without having to worry about shipping! The Etsy Market returns to Evergreen Brick Works for December, with local Etsy artists on hand to sell their wares. Do some Christmas shopping, pick up some holiday decor or just treat yourself to some cool handmade goods.
New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square
Time to ring in 2018! Head down to Nathan Phillip’s Square for a massive New Year’s Eve celebration. There’s live music, on-site art installations, a chance to use the skating rink and, of course, a massive fireworks display at midnight.
Free skate at Mattamy Athletic Centre
Ring in the new year with a free skate! The Mattamy Athletic Centre (aka Maple Leaf Gardens) is open for a free community Skate on New Year’s Day. All ages are welcome, and no hockey gear is permitted.
DJ Skate Nights
The Harbourfront Centre’s popular skating event is back this winter, and January has four chances to check it out. Skate to the sounds of disco, hip-hop, soul, house and Afro-Carribbean beats.
Bentway Skate Trail Opening
Toronto is getting yet another skating rink! The Bentway Skate Trail opens up below the Gardiner this January with a free celebration. Check out live music, performances, family skates, free hot chocolate and more.
Ice Breakers
The Winter Stations art installation won’t arrive until February, but the waterfront is warming up with some Ice Breakers. Five art installations will appear in the Waterfront BIA between Lower Simcoe and Lower Spadina, bringing a little bit of light and art to our dreary winter.
Toronto Light Festival
Speaking of bringing some light! The second annual Toronto Light Festival transforms the dark winter nights at the Distillery District to bright, colourful fun. Installations are mostly outdoors, with a few inside where you can warm up and admire the lights at the same time.
Trinity Bellwoods Flea
It’s a new year at the Trinity Bellwoods Flea, and there’s new vendors to choose from! The market curates a unique lineup of vendors and artisans each month, with a chance to shop for clothes, jewellery, food, beauty products and more.
