Yes, we’re still in January and did you know that next week at this time we will also still be in January.
It’s almost laughable if we weren’t practically crying at the month’s endurance.
But as the weather becomes a smidge milder (it’s practically balmy compared to earlier this week), you have no reason to stay home.
OK, you do, but why would you when there is so much going on in Toronto?
Here’s what you need to know to make the necessary plans.
Maple Leafs Outdoor Practice
Bundle up and head a little west of the city where you will find a ton of events, pop-up activations and complementary skate rentals and meet-and-greets with team alumni.
And leading up to the annual outdoor practice are viewing parties for the Leafs and Toronto Sceptres games, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Game.
Skate on over to Prince of Wales Park in Etobicoke on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (The hour-long outdoor practice is Monday at 11 a.m.)
For the schedule and more information, click here.
DesignTO
Canada’s largest celebration of design honours the multidisciplinary form of creative thinking and making with 100-plus exhibitions and events to check out over 10 days.
Expect fantastic projects, immersive installations, engaging talks and all of the art and design your creative little hearts can imagine.
The festival is at various venues in the city from Friday to Feb. 2.
For the schedule and more information, including what requires tickets or an RSVP, click here.
The Interior Design Show
Time to celebrate and promote the best in global and Canadian design, from emerging designers to legacy brands.
The fair is for all, from industry professionals who can take part in seminars and network at a huge party to the general design-loving public who can speak to and learn from the best in the biz.
The show is on at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre — for industry pros on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and open to all on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For tickets and more information, click here.
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Port Union Winterfest
Celebrate all things winter, take part in lots of fun activities and games and enjoy live entertainment, a clothing swap, dog show, mascot visit and so much more. Some of the fun is inside but most is outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Head to Port Union Community Recreation Centre in Scarborough on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, click here.
University of Toronto New Music Festival
Sit back and get educated during this international festival of contemporary music presented by the U of T faculty and featuring concerts, workshops and master classes.
The fest kicks off Friday at 8 p.m. at Trinity-St. Paul’s and runs until Feb. 4 at various venues across campus like Walter Hall and in the city including the Jane Mallett Theatre and the Metropolitan United Church.
For tickets, the schedule, venues and more information, click here.
Wintersong
Stouffville is set to be awoken from hibernation thanks to a diverse lineup of musical performances (including headliners Land of Talk and Bedouin Soundclash), installations and engaging interactive experiences.
Aside from two days of music, there will also be delicious dining and sumptuous shopping for attendees to enjoy.
Come celebrate across various venues in Stouffville from Thursday to Saturday.
For the schedule and more information, click here.
Fire and Ice 2025
Enjoy outdoor and indoor activities supporting local vendors, businesses and artists and celebrate the winter season with ice skating on the pond, a super snow slide, blacksmith demonstrations, ice carving, games, food trucks, an artisan vendor market, live musicians, dance performances and more.
Head to Alton Mill Arts Centre in Alton on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Toronto Spring Festival
For the first time in the city’s history, celebrate the Year of the Snake with everything from an ice-skating showcase including performances, food stalls with delectable culinary delights, dance shows, DJ performances and so much more, all culminating with a glorious fireworks show.
Join the fun at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.
Lunar New Year celebrations
You can also ring in the Year of the Snake at two GTA malls that are partnering with North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church for a transformative experience of celebration and gifting.
There are children’s shows, traditional Yangko and fan dances, a Qipao performance, balloon twisting, DIY lanterns and red pocket envelopes, face painting and so much more.
Guests can also take photos with Rebecca Chan’s 8 1/2-foot snake structure from Friday to Feb. 2 at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket and Saturday to Feb. 3 at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill.
For more information on events at Upper Canada mall, click here. For Hillcrest Mall, click here.
You can also celebrate the Year of the Snake with gorgeous performances including by Goh Ballet, a traditional Lion Dance, a visit from the God of Fortune, watch beautiful traditional calligraphy and more at Bayview Village on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
For the schedule and more information, click here.