10+ Winter Festivals in Ontario You Can’t Miss in 2025
Winter in Ontario transforms the province into a wonderland of lights, snowy landscapes, and celebrations. From light displays and outdoor skating to artisan markets and culinary events, these festivals offer a wide range of activities for everyone. Check out this list of must-see winter festivals in Ontario to make the most of your 2025 season.
Winter Festivals in Ontario You can’t Miss
1. DesignTO Festival
DesignTO, Canada’s largest annual design festival, features over 100 exhibitions and events. The festival offers a full schedule of exhibitions, presentations, and educational programming aimed at enhancing public understanding of design.
- Date: January 24 — February 2, 2025
- Time: TBA
- Venue: PO Box 31027 College Square, Toronto, ON M6G 4A7
- Website: https://designto.org
2. Downtown Chinatown Lunar New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Snake in Chinatown at Dragon City Mall and Chinatown Centre. The festivities begin with a lively opening ceremony and lion dance, followed by performances, family-friendly activities, and interactive games.
- Date: February 1 and 2, 2025
- Time: Events time vary
- Venue: 280 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 1H2
- Website: TBA
3. Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival
The Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival gathers Ontario’s top breweries in the outdoor space near Steam Whistle Brewing. This 19+ event combines live music, tasty food, and a wide variety of beers. With campfires and a complimentary toque, it’s an outdoor winter celebration you can enjoy in comfort.
- Date: February 22, 2025
- Time: 12pm – 6pm
- Venue: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9
- Website: https://craftbeerfest.ca/
4. APIK Mississauga
Mississauga Celebration Square becomes a snow-filled playground for the city’s first urban ski and snowboard competition. APIK will bring together professional and amateur skiers and snowboarders for an exciting urban competition. Over three days, watch athletes show off their skills for cash prizes while enjoying food trucks, snow skate demos, and appearances by sports celebrities. The event offers fun for all ages.
- Date: February 7 to 9, 2025
- Time: Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, Saturday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m
- Venue: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 0C3
- Website: https://www.visitmississauga.ca/experience-winter-action-sports-at-apik-mississauga/
5. Hamilton Winterfest
Hamilton Winterfest transforms the city into a vibrant hub of winter fun, with over 70 events stretching from the mountain to the waterfront. Experience everything from dazzling concerts and dynamic drag shows to theatre, fashion, and larger-than-life art installations. Explore Winterfest POP, a massive 10,000-square-foot celebration of pop culture, or visit the Winterfest HUB for live music and enchanting light displays. Families can enjoy a special extravaganza packed with music, activities, and interactive experiences, making this festival a must-see for everyone.
- Date: February 1 to 17, 2025
- Time: Event times vary
- Venue: Various locations in Hamilton
- Website: www.hamiltonwinterfest.ca
6. Toronto Black Film Fest
The Toronto Black Film Festival offers six days of dynamic film screenings, panel discussions, and cultural events. Known for its diverse programming, the festival highlights world and Canadian premieres. Free panels and workshops with industry experts offer insights and discussions on social issues.
- Date: February 12 to 17, 2025
- Time: Event times vary
- Venue: Online and in-person in venues across Toronto
- Website: https://www.destinationtoronto.com/events/annual-festivals-and-events/toronto-black-film-festival/
7. St.Patrick’s Day Parade
Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held every March, showcasing Irish culture through music, costumes, dancers, and themed floats. Crowds gather along the downtown streets to watch as performers and decorated floats make their way through the city.
- Date: March 16, 2025
- Time: TBA
- Venue: St. George, 139 St George St, Toronto, ON M5R 2L8
- Website: https://stpatrickstoronto.com/
8. Winterlicious Toronto
Toronto’s Winterlicious food event is back, offering three-course prix fixe menus at over 200 restaurants. With options ranging from family dinners to date nights, and six price points for lunch and dinner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Date: January 31 — February 13, 2025
- Time: Events time vary
- Venue: 200+ participating restaurants across Toronto
- Website: www.toronto.ca
9. The Taste of Burlington
The annual Taste of Burlington brings together great food, special promotions, and prizes. Perfect for seasoned foodies or newcomers, it’s a chance to enjoy delicious dishes without cooking while supporting local businesses.
- Date: January 27 — February 9, 2025
- Time: Events time vary
- Venue: Various restaurants in Burlington
- Website: www.tasteofburlington.ca
10. La Poutine Week
Once a Québec staple, poutine has become a nationwide obsession, and La Poutine Week takes it to the next level. Restaurants across Toronto and the GTA are crafting bold and inventive variations of this classic comfort food, giving fans a week-long reason to indulge.
- When: February 1 to 7, 2024
- Time: Events time vary
- Where: TBA
- Website:Â www.lapoutineweek.com
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