Things to Do in Toronto This Week: January 20-26, 2025
The holidays are over, the weather’s unpredictable, and it’s too easy to stay glued to your couch. But Toronto doesn’t stop buzzing, and neither should you. Instead of settling for the usual, why not visit an art show, try a new class, or enjoy the city’s lively outdoors? Our list of things to do this week in Toronto (January 20 to 26) will shake up your routine. So, swap your blanket for a scarf, grab some friends (or go solo), and make the most of the city.
Please note that event details and schedules may change. Before planning, check the official websites or contact event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
We’ve Got Games: A Merril Collection Exhibit (Ongoing, Until January 26)
First, how about starting your week with We’ve Got Games? This one’s a dream for gamers and collectors. You’ll find cool pieces like a Lord of the Rings board game and original Magic: The Gathering art.
- Location: Toronto Public Library – Lillian H. Smith Branch (239 College St., Toronto)
- Admission: Free. RSVP here.
- Website: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
- Best for: Families, gamers, and anyone who loves retro vibes.
Cross Cut (Ongoing, Until January 29)
This exhibit delivers a unique mix of music and art. It reimagines folk songs with linocuts and stories about love, migration, and everyday struggles. It feels timeless but also so connected to today.
- Location: Cedar Ridge Creative Centre (225 Confederation Dr, Scarborough)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.toronto.ca
- Best for: Art fans and anyone who likes meaningful, creative experiences.
Window Wonderland (Ongoing, Until January 31)
Love the outdoors? The Junction becomes an outdoor art gallery with these incredible AR window displays and murals. It’s free, creative, and perfect for a casual winter stroll. Moreover, it’s Instagram-worthy.
- Location: The Junction neighbourhood
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.torontojunction.ca
- Best for: Friends, couples, and anyone who loves a good neighbourhood wanders.
Union Winter 2024 Presented by TD (Ongoing, Until February 2
Who says winter fun can’t be on wheels? Union Station’s rink offers free skate rentals, lessons, and live DJs. Plus, it doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or just giving it a try.
- Location: Union Station (55 Front St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Register here.
- Website: www.torontounion.ca
- Best for: Families, beginner skaters, and fun date nights.
Winter Skating at The Bentway (Ongoing, Until February 17)
Skating under the Gardiner feels so Toronto. The figure-eight trail is suitable for all levels, with free rentals (select days) and fun events happening regularly.
- Location: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.thebentway.ca
- Best for: Families and anyone who loves outdoor winter vibes.
Hangar Skate at YZD (Ongoing, Until February 17)
Need another skating spot? Hangar Skate offers a massive rink, DJ nights, and incredible art installations. And with affordable rentals and free admission, you’ll get a fun and easy outing.
- Location: YZD (34 Hanover Road Toronto)
- Admission: Free. RSVP here.
- Website: www.yzd.ca
- Best for: Groups of friends, families, or anyone who loves skating.
Window Box Gallery at Gallery 1313 (Ongoing, Until February 26)
Sunshine Tormé Johnson’s art feels deeply personal yet so relevant. Her work highlights healing and thriving, blending personal stories with bigger social themes. You’ll find it a quiet but powerful experience.
- Location: Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen Street W, Toronto)
- Website: www.gallery1313.org
- Best for: Art lovers and anyone who enjoys intimate, thought-provoking exhibits.
Little Canada (Ongoing, Throughout the Year)
Ever seen Canada in miniature form? Then, make Little Canada part of your bucket list this week. This miniature world is full of big details. From a tiny CN Tower to a mini Bay of Fundy with working tides, every corner of this exhibit feels alive.
- Location: 10 Dundas Street East, Toronto
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.little-canada.ca
- Best for: Families, kids, and anyone curious about Canada in a new way.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at ROM (Ongoing, Until May 4)
Interested in wildlife photography? Every image captures a rare moment in nature, from stunning animal portraits to jaw-dropping landscapes. The backlit displays make it feel like the animals are right there with you.
- Location: Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park Ave, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.rom.on.ca
- Best for: Nature fans, photographers, and families.
Nature in Brilliant Colour at ROM (Ongoing, Until August 17)
This exhibit is like walking through nature’s palette. Each room is dedicated to a colour, with stunning specimens and interactive projections. It’s both calming and fascinating at the same time.
- Location: Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park Ave, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.rom.on.ca
- Best for: Families and anyone who loves the beauty of nature.
Winter Solstice (Ongoing, Until February 2)
This sharp comedy, set on Christmas Eve, tackles family drama, betrayal, and political tension. It has clever dialogue and a cast that makes every moment a hit. It’s entertaining but also gives you plenty to think about.
- Location: Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.canadianstage.com
- Best for: Theatre fans who enjoy smart, layered storytelling.
Dinner With the Duchess (Ongoing, Until February 2)
A violin virtuoso reflects on her career, fame, and the choices she’s made in this gripping psychological thriller. You’ll appreciate how emotional, intense, and beautifully acted it is.
- Location: Studio Theatre (345 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.crowstheatre.com
- Best for: Theatre lovers and anyone seeking a powerful performance.
Onyx Storm Midnight Release Party (January 20)
Can’t find a relaxed, fun way to celebrate a new book? Then, you should attend this release party. Grab your deluxe edition of Onyx Storm while enjoying trivia, snacks, and good vibes with fellow readers.
- Location: Pennies Bar (127 Strachan Avenue, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.hopelessromanticbooks.ca
- Best for: Bookworms and anyone who loves a good late-night hangout.
Fifth Element Jazz Quintet at Reid’s Distillery (January 22)
Would you agree that jazz and gin work together? This intimate night features live music, craft cocktails, and small bites in a laid-back setting. You shouldn’t skip this if you’re looking to unwind.
- Location: Reid’s Distillery (32 Logan Ave., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.fifthelementjazz.com
- Best for: Couples and jazz fans who enjoy intimate vibes.
Sons of Silver’s Art of Letting Go Tour with Myles Kennedy and Tim Montana (January 22)
High-energy rock with a touch of post-punk, this band’s sound is fresh and electric. Their live shows are electric and full of raw emotion. It’s the concert where you lose track of time and just enjoy the moment.
- Location: The Concert Hall (888 Yonge Street, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.sonsofsilver.com
- Best for: Rock fans and anyone craving live music that hits differently.
Annual Speaker Series: Historical Curiosities with Richard Fiennes-Clinton (January 23)
What did Toronto look like in the past? Richard Fiennes-Clinton brings the past to life with stories about William James, a photographer who captured thousands of images of the city. He even used a kerosene-powered “magic lantern” to project his hand-tinted slides.
- Location: Toronto’s First Post Office (260 Adelaide Street East Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.townofyork.com
- Best for: History buffs and anyone looking for a low-key night out.
Beer & Oyster Flight Night @ Left Field Leslieville (January 23)
Beer and oysters—can you resist them? Left Field Leslieville teams up with Sand & Pearl for a guided tasting featuring four shucked oysters paired with craft beer. And yes, it’s a casual and delicious midweek treat.
- Location: Left Field Brewery (36 Wagstaff Drive, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.fanshop.leftfieldbrewery.ca
- Best for: Foodies, friends, or anyone who loves great pairings.
L’Impératrice w/ Night Tapes (January 23)
This Paris-based band brings their dreamy French pop and nu-disco mix to Toronto. Their galactic beats and smooth vibes make for a laid-back but impressive night.
- Location: Rebel (11 Polson St., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.l-imperatrice.cool
- Best for: Music lovers and anyone who wants to dance the night away.
Kygo: World Tour Part Two (January 23)
Kygo lands in Toronto as part of his world tour, bringing his iconic tropical house beats. From his viral remix of I See Fire to hits like Firestone, his music guarantees an electric night full of energy.
- Location: Scotiabank Arena (40 Bay St., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.kygomusic.com
- Best for: EDM fans and anyone who wants to let loose at a live show.
Interior Design Show 2025 (January 23 – 26)
Heard that Toronto’s premier design show is back? If you’re into design or need some inspiration, this show is worth your time. It highlights creative ideas and cutting-edge trends that reflect the changing world of design.
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.interiordesignshow.com
- Best for: Design enthusiasts, DIYers, or anyone curious about the future of interiors.
It’s All Gonna Break (January 24 – 25)
This documentary gives you an inside look at the rise of Broken Social Scene. Filmmaker Stephen Chung takes you from basement jams to Lollapalooza while sharing his personal journey with the band.
- Location: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here (Jan 24) or here (Jan 25).
- Website: www.hotdocs.ca
- Best for: Indie rock fans and anyone who loves a behind-the-scenes story.
FILMharmonic Orchestra: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King In Concert (January 24 – 26)
Howard Shore’s iconic score comes to life as the FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir perform live to the final chapter of The Lord of the Rings. With 250 musicians on stage and the movie playing in HD, it’s an epic experience for fans of Middle-earth.
- Location: Meridian Hall (1 Front St E, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.tolive.com
- Best for: LOTR fans, music lovers, and anyone who enjoys a cinematic experience.
DesignTO 2025 (January 24 – February 2)
This city-wide design festival celebrates 15 years with over 100 events and exhibits. Most are free and viewable from the outside, making them super accessible.
- Location: Multiple venues
- Admission: Check ticket prices here.
- Website: www.designto.org
- Best for: Creatives, design lovers, and anyone up for an inspiring city adventure.
Dance with Jade’s Hip-Hop Academy (January 24)
It’s Friday. How about hitting the dance floor? This beginner-friendly class teaches hip-hop moves from the ’70s to today. With live DJs and great energy, it combines fun and fitness.
- Location: Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St W, Toronto)
- Admission: Free with General Admission
- Website: www.ago.ca
- Best for: Groups of friends, dance enthusiasts, or a fun, active date.
Chad and JT (January 24)
This week, Chad and JT will let you experience their signature mix of comedy and heart in Toronto. Known for their viral stunts and podcast Going Deep with Chad & JT, these guys know how to make you laugh and think.
- Location: Annabels (200 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.chadandjt.com
- Best for: Comedy fans and anyone who loves ridiculous fun.
Ben Barnes – Where the Light Gets In (January 24)
The Chronicles of Narnia star shows his musical side with an intimate performance of his debut album, Where the Light Gets In. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Ben Barnes brings a refreshing energy to the stage.
- Location: The Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Ave., Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.benbarnes.komi.io
- Best for: Fans of his acting or anyone who loves intimate performances.
Martin Amini (January 25)
Martin Amini’s comedy is personal, relatable, and laugh-out-loud funny. His comedy special I’m Transcending has already made waves and now’s your chance to see him live.
- Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.martinamini.com
- Best for: Comedy lovers and anyone who enjoys a fresh, cultural perspective.
La Cotorrisa (January 26)
Toronto’s getting a dose of Spanish-language comedy. Ricardo Pérez and José Luis Slobotzky’s podcast-inspired show offers sharp humour and relatable stories.
- Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre (190 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.queenelizabeththeatre.ca
- Best for: Spanish speakers and anyone looking for an authentic laugh.
The Wedding Show 2025 (January 26)
Planning a wedding? This is your go-to spot for ideas, vendors, and inspiration. They have everything from cake tastings to photo booths to help you plan your dream day.
- Location: Hyatt Regency Toronto (370 King St W Toronto)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.theweddingshow.ca
- Best for: Couples, wedding planners, and anyone looking for fresh ideas.
Tranquil Transformation – Restorative Yoga and Sound Bath (January 26)
Need a reset? This session combines yoga, sound healing, and guided meditation for a complete relaxation experience. And be sure to leave your phone at the door and just focus on you.
- Location: Sun Room, Downward Dog Yoga Centre, 30 Ossington Ave, Toronto
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.holisticyogatherapy.ca
- Best for: Anyone looking for some peace or a mindful afternoon.
More…
