Winter in Ontario is the perfect time to experience the magic of seasonal celebrations. From ice sculptures and tubing to live music and unique cultural festivals, the province is bursting with festive events that bring warmth to the chilly months.
Whether you're venturing out for a winter carnival, enjoying outdoor fire pits, or sampling local treats, Ontario’s winter festivals offer something for everyone.
Bundle up and get ready to embrace the season with exciting activities and unforgettable experiences.
Greater Toronto Area
Winterlicious in Toronto
Discover Toronto's vibrant culinary scene this winter with over 200 restaurants offering exclusive three-course lunch and dinner menus, celebrating the city’s diverse and dynamic food culture.
Dates: January 31–February 13, 2025
Location: Restaurants across Toronto
Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Snake with a vibrant Lion Dance parade through Toronto’s Chinatown, and indulge in a diverse selection of East and Southeast Asian cuisines—from spicy pho and dim sum to sushi, hot pots, and soul-warming noodle soups
Dates: February 1–2, 2025
Location: Chinatown, Toronto
APIK Mississauga
Experience the excitement of Mississauga’s first-ever urban ski and snowboard competition at Celebration Square, where top athletes show off their skills for cash prizes, alongside food trucks, pop-up shops, snow skate demos, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free.
Date: February 7–9, 2025
Location: 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Winter Stations
Toronto’s beloved Winter Stations, now in its 11th year, is set to transform Woodbine Beach with a stunning array of art installations. Each year, artists from around the world submit designs for these temporary "stations," which are selected and displayed along the city's east-end beaches. This winter tradition is a must-see, turning Toronto’s cold February into a vibrant celebration along the waterfront.
Dates: February 17-March 17, 2025
Location: Woodbine Beach
Niagara Region
Niagara Icewine Festival
Savour the best of Ontario’s VQA wine culture and culinary delights during the final weekend of Niagara's Icewine Festival, where local wineries offer tastings of “liquid gold” paired with chef-made treats. Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake's historical district, transformed into Icewine Village, with enchanting outdoor spaces, bonfires, live music, and more.
Dates: January 24–26, 2025
Location: Downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake and across the Niagara Region
Hamilton, Halton, and Brant
Hamilton Winterfest
Hamilton’s annual winter celebration is back with over 70 events and activities citywide. Explore a mix of ticketed and free events, including large-scale art installations, interactive games, live music, drag shows, handicrafts, and special Valentine’s Day and Family Day events. Check the calendar for full details.
Dates: February 1–17, 2025
Location: Downtown Hamilton
WinterTide
WinterTide offers a magical series of musical evenings at the Royal Botanical Gardens for guests 19+. The historic Rock Garden is transformed into a charming indoor and outdoor jazz lounge, complete with cozy fire pits and sparkling lights. Enjoy live music, classic cocktails like the signature Rocktail, and seasonal fare. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Dates: February 13-22, 2025
Location: 1185 York Boulevard, Hamilton
Ottawa Region
Winterlude in Ottawa
One of Canada’s largest and most beloved winter events celebrates Ottawa’s rich cultural, artistic, and culinary diversity. From stunning ice sculptures to skating along the Rideau Canal, the world’s longest skate trail (weather permitting), enjoy endless winter fun in the heart of Canada’s capital. Warm up with delicious treats like hot chocolate, maple taffy, poutine, and BeaverTails. The ByWard Market, Ottawa’s renowned foodie destination, offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, and food stalls to explore.
Dates: January 31–February 17, 2025
Location: Downtown Ottawa
York, Durham, and Headwaters
Fire and Ice 2025
As the temperature drops, the historic Alton Mill in Caledon comes alive with a family-friendly winter celebration. Enjoy ice carving events, a lively vendor market, a special kids’ program, and delicious food and drinks. Both outdoor and indoor activities take place at the Alton Mill Arts Centre, including ticketed live performances in the Hot Stove Lounge.
Dates: January 25–26, 2025
Location: Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen Street West, Alton
Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe
Barrie Winterfest
Embrace the winter season with ice skating, lumberjack shows, ice carving demonstrations, and live entertainment. Most activities are hosted at Meridian Place and Heritage Park in downtown Barrie.
Dates: February 1–2, 2025
Location: 30 Simcoe Street, Barrie
Southeastern Ontario
Kingstonlicious
Celebrate Kingston’s vibrant culinary scene at Kingstonlicious, one of Ontario’s premier food festivals. Enjoy a variety of prix fixe options, from three-course dinners to casual takeout, offered by over 40 local restaurants. Make it a weekend getaway, whether it’s date night, a girls’ night, or dinner with friends.
Date: February 3-March 31, 2025
Location: Restaurants in Kingston
Haliburton Highland to the Ottawa Valley
Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival
What started as a small community gathering in 1991 has evolved into a popular winter carnival, drawing visitors from all over Ontario. Join in the fun with a pancake breakfast, toboggan races, ice skating, hockey games, and discover the unique snow snake games. Warm up with food, drinks, shopping, and entertainment at the Dorset Recreation Centre.
Dates: February 14-15, 2025
Location: Dorset
Algonquin Park, Muskoka, and Parry Sound
Fire and Ice Bracebridge
Enjoy a Muskoka-style winter carnival with exciting activities like ice skating, fat biking, and axe throwing. Watch ice sculpting demonstrations, lumberjack shows, snow tubing, and fireworks, adding to the festival's thrill. Savour sweet and savoury treats like roasted marshmallows, creative popcorn, and hot apple cider. Tickets are available online.
Date: January 25, 2025
Location: Downtown Bracebridge
Huntsville SnowFest
Downtown Huntsville and River Mill Park come alive with the magic of winter during the annual SnowFest. Enjoy a variety of seasonal fun, from on-ice performances and snow sculptures to live music and buskers. Warm up with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows while skating at the River Mill Park ice rink.
Dates: January 24-26, January 31-February 2, February 7-9, February 14-16, February 21-23, and February 28-March 2
Location: Downtown Huntsville
Huron, Perth, Waterloo, and Wellington
Stratford Winterfest
Since its humble beginnings in 1998, this beloved winter event has grown into a popular tradition, offering fun for all ages. Enjoy fan favorites like ice skating, ice sculptures, and the snow glide, along with hot drinks and snacks from food vendors. Most daytime activities are hosted at Upper Queens Park, with off-site events like a retro Hawaiian Luau dance party adding to the excitement.
Date: January 25, 2025
Location: Upper Queens Park, 55 Queen Street, Stratford
Winterloo
Waterloo’s annual winter festival offers free, family-friendly fun with exciting attractions for all ages. Highlights include ice carving competitions, ice skating, delicious food trucks, and more. Events take place across Uptown Waterloo, including Waterloo Park, Waterloo Public Square, and other local venues.
Dates: January 25, 2025
Location: Uptown Waterloo
Goderich Winterfest
This beloved Ontario beach town transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Winterfest. Shop for unique hand-crafted goods at the vendor market, enjoy kids’ games and activities, meet animals at the petting zoo, and warm up with a craft beer at the Winterfest bar.
Dates: February 2-4, 2025
Location: Downtown Goderich
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Bon Soo Ontario Winter Carnival
For over 60 years, Bon Soo has been a winter tradition in Sault Ste. Marie. Marvel at ice carvings and snow sculptures. Participate in unique activities such as the snow slides and polar bear dips and enjoy live music and family-friendly entertainment. Be sure to take a photo with Mr. Bon Soo, the festival’s beloved mascot—a six-foot-tall snowball with rosy-red cheeks.
Dates: February 7–15, 2025
Location: Sault Ste. Marie
Northwest Ontario
SnowDay on the Waterfront
Celebrate Family Day weekend at this award-winning event filled with fun for all ages. Enjoy activities and entertainment like snowshoeing, ice fishing, music, games, delicious food, and stunning ice and snow sculptures.
Date: February 17, 2025
Location: Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay
Voyageur Winter Carnival
Fort William Historical Park is home to one of Northern Ontario’s premier winter festivals. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like skating and snowshoeing, connect with local artisans such as toboggan makers and snowshoe weavers, and experience live music, voyageur songs, and traditional dances.
Dates: February 15–16, 2025
Location: Fort William Historical Park, 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay
Northeastern Ontario
Ice Follies
Ice Follies, the beloved biennial festival of contemporary and community art, is back at Shabogesic Beach along the scenic shores of Lake Nipissing. This free outdoor event invites visitors to explore captivating art installations, enjoy family-friendly performances, and participate in engaging activities for all ages.
Dates: February 7–21, 2025
Location: Memorial Drive, North Bay
