Welcome to Winter
Torontonians have celebrated winter for centuries. Each year, we welcome winter by sparking a little warmth and magic around the city.
Choose to lace up a pair of skates, toboggan down one of 28 hills, hit the trails on cross-country skis after a big snowfall or spend time with family and friends by enjoying warm treats, hot drinks, live music and cozy warming stations at one of the King Street winter warm-ups. There is something for everyone!
Park People and the City of Toronto will enliven some of King Street’s public spaces with great musicians, art-making, hot drinks and fresh baking from our outdoor oven.
Cozy up by the wood-burning fire-place, roast a marshmallow or have a rollicking game of crokinole.
Our November 23 opening will feature street curling, collective art-making with Making Room, and a roster of joyous musicians including:
- The Wild Man Jazz Trio
- Nachidi Jawani South Asian Dance Studio
- KW Junk Music‘s interactive music-making
Find us from noon to 3 p.m. each Saturday along King Street for winter delight:
- November 23, 2019 (open until 6 p.m. for more fun on the first day) at David Pecaut Square
- November 30, 2019, near St. James Park
- December 7, 2019, at David Pecaut Square
- December 14, 2019, between Charlotte Street and Peter Street
- December 21, 2019, at David Pecaut Square
Find more information on King Street Events.
Skate the Square
From December 2 to March 22, Nathan Phillips Square will host free, drop-in programming.
| Date | Time | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 12: 30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Lunchtime Skate Take a skate break for lunch – set to music, of course! |
| Tuesday | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Guide your Glide Whatever your age, it’s never too late to learn this Canadian past-time. Join City of Toronto skate instructors for helpful tips and instructional guidance on the ice. |
| Friday and Saturday | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. | DJ Skate Night Music helps make the mood merrier. Hashtag your posts #welcomeTOwinter |
| Sunday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Sunday Fun Day Join in on family-friendly activities on the ice. |
Can’t make it? You can stop by for free leisure skating any time. Events are weather permitting.
Explore winter magic this season at museums across the city. Join outdoor guided walks or toboggan in some of the most beautiful outdoor settings before warming up by a crackling fire. Try unique foodie experiences with special mouth-watering treats. Discover the winter beauty of Fort York’s 1812-era buildings during its annual Frost Fair. Shop local food vendors and glide along The Bentway Skate Trail where you will be joined by a Redcoat or two!
Visit the Welcome to Winter category on the Festival and Events calendar for a complete listing of all museum events.
Free Outdoor Leisure Skate
Most of the City’s outdoor rinks open for the season on November 30, 2019. Outdoor rinks are generally open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Visit our listing of Outdoor Rinks for rink updates, links to schedules and season dates.
Hockey and Shinny
Drop-in hockey and shinny is available for all ages at both indoor and outdoor rinks. Find out what to bring and when to play!
Stop by a skate exchange event and pick up or drop off a pair of gently used skates. First come, first serve – skates are free. Sizes and quantities vary.
| Date | Time | Location | Map It |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 14 | Noon to 5 p.m. | Don Montgomery Community Centre | 2467 Eglinton Ave. E. |
| January 18 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Mel Lastman Square | 5100 Yonge St. |
| January 25 | 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Sunnydale Acres Rink | 50 Amoro Dr. |
| January 26 | 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Colonel Samuel Smith Park Skating Trail
This event was originally scheduled for January 11 and was postponed due to forecasted weather. |
65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr. |
| February 1 | Noon to 3 p.m. | Harry Gairey Rink at Alexandra Park | 275 Bathurst St. |
| February 8 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Regent Park South Ice Rink | 480 Shuter St. |
Earl Bales and Centennial Ski and Snowboard Centres offer lessons and drop-in rates, as well as equipment rentals. The season runs from January to March and is weather and snowfall dependent.
Toronto has 28 parks with tobogganing hills for you to enjoy. We offer great tips and tricks for staying safe while racing down the slopes.
After a big snowfall, hit the trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis. High Park is a great spot for beginners and families, or hop on a ferry and head to Toronto Island Park. Explore the hidden gems of the Don Valley ravine system, or take a 9 km adventure along the Beltline Trail.