Warm up at a winter festival in Ontario
Winterlude, Ottawa
Embrace the winter season with snow-based activities like tubing, ice skating and a polar plunge, if you dare! Meet legendary mascots, admire ice sculptures, get cozy at outdoor fire pits and attend light festivals that brighten up long nights. Warm up with delicious food and hot drinks and toast the day with a glass of Icewine.
Many of Ontario’s winter carnivals take place outdoors, so dress warmly and in layers to stay comfortable.
Celebrate art, culture, food and the season’s unique recreational activities at these top winter festivals.
Greater Toronto Area
APIK Mississauga
For three days, Mississauga Celebration Square brings the mountain spirit to the city. This downtown venue transforms into a thrilling snowpark hosting the ultimate urban ski and snowboard competition.
Watch and cheer for skiers and snowboarders performing their best tricks for cash prizes, enjoy food trucks, pop-up shops, snow skate demonstrations, sports celebrity appearances, DJ music and more for all ages.
Admission is free.
When: January 30–February 1, 2026
Where: 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Winterlicious in Toronto
Toronto is one of Canada’s most exciting cities for food lovers.
During this winter food festival, over 200 participating restaurants offer special three-course lunch and dinner menus at various price points, showcasing the city’s diverse and distinct culinary culture.
When: January 30–February 12, 2026
Where: participating restaurants in Toronto
Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with a vibrant Lion Dance parade in Toronto’s Chinatown.
Bring your appetite for an array of East and Southeast Asian cuisine in the area. You’ll find everything from spicy pho to steaming hot pots, dim sum, bún, bánh mì, bibimbap, sushi, maki and soul-warming noodle soup.
When: February 21–22, 2026
Where: Chinatown, Toronto
KUUMBA
Held each February in Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, KUUMBA is the city’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival.
The 2026 theme is “Sounds of Blackness” and will include a rich mix of live music, comedy, dance, theatre and family-friendly events celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Canadian artists.
When: select dates throughout February 2026
Niagara Region
Niagara Icewine Festival
Indulge in Ontario’s VQA wine culture and thriving culinary scene from wineries and restaurants across the Niagara Region over three fun-filled weekends in January.
Get the Niagara Icewine Discovery Pass to sample the finest “liquid gold” at local wineries paired with sweet and savoury chef-made treats. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historical district is transformed into Icewine Village during this annual festival. Wander through enchanting outdoor spaces, savour Icewine by bonfires and enjoy live entertainment.
The glamorous Cool as Ice Gala is held at the Niagara Parks Power Station on January 31, 2026. Note: this event is restricted to guests 19+.
When: January 16–18, 23–25 and January 30–February 1, 2026
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake and across the Niagara Region
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Hamilton Winterfest
Hamilton’s annual winter celebration returns with over 70 events and activities across the city.
Check the calendar for ticketed and free events, including large-scale art installations, interactive games, live music, drag shows, handicrafts and special Valentine’s Day and Family Day activities.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: downtown Hamilton
Ottawa Region
Winterlude in Ottawa
One of the nation’s largest and most popular winter events celebrates Ottawa’s cultural, artistic and culinary diversity.
From intricate ice sculptures to ice skating along the Rideau Canal, the world’s longest skate trail (weather dependent), enjoy endless frosty fun in Canada’s capital.
Warm up with treats like hot chocolate, maple taffy, poutine and BeaverTails. Central to the event, the ByWard Market is Ottawa’s beloved hotspot with great shopping, restaurants, cafes, bars, stalls and food shops.
When: January 30–February 16, 2026
Where: downtown Ottawa
York, Durham and Headwaters
Fire and Ice Festival
When the temperatures dip, the historic Alton Mill Arts Centre near Caledon heats up with a festive winter celebration. Enjoy ice carving events, a bustling artisan market, family activities and delicious snacks and drinks, including s'mores and hot cocoa.
Additional activities include ticketed evening live performances in the Hot Stove Lounge.
When: January 31–February 1, 2026
Where: 1402 Queen Street West, Alton
Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest
Combine engaging live jazz performances with culinary excellence at some of the city’s finest restaurants during Markham’s Jazzlicious WinterFest.
This exciting event series will delight foodies and music lovers with a memorable night out.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: participating restaurants in Markham
Richmond Hill Winter Carnival
The Richmond Hill Winter Carnival transforms a cold February weekend into a warm celebration of community and family fun.
Enjoy kids’ carnival games, trackless train rides, a doodle booth, mascots, food and more at one of the region’s most fun winter festivals.
When: February 7–8, 2026
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Barrie Winterfest
Bundle up for winter fun, including ice skating, lumberjack shows, ice carving demonstrations and live entertainment.
Many activities during the Barrie winter festival take place at Centennial Park and Will Dwyer Park.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where:
- Centennial Park, 65 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie
- Will Dwyer Park, 81 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie
Wiarton Willie Festival
This popular, one-of-a-kind Ontario event marks the tradition of Groundhog Day in style with a host of family-friendly activities.
On the morning of February 2, the town of Wiarton lights up with a morning fireworks display at Bluewater Park. This is followed by the famous groundhog Wiarton Willie’s “official” prediction on an extended winter or an early spring, based on the shadow he casts.
When: February 2, 2026
Where: 402 William Street, Wiarton
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Kawartha Lakes Winter Festival
Participate in fitness, wellness and family fun in the heart of Kawartha Lakes.
This brand-new festival celebrates healthy outdoor exercise in a fun and supportive environment. Activities include endurance running on the Eganridge Golf Course’s snow-covered trails, non-competitive, family-friendly events and live music in the afternoon.
When: February 1, 2026
Where: 26 Country Club Drive, Fenelon Falls
Township of Selwyn PolarFest
PolarFest is a three-day event held in the Township of Selwyn, just north of Peterborough.
Festive opening ceremony fireworks kick off the signature event. Enjoy all-ages activities such as ice carvings, a charity hockey game, the “Polar Paddle” and, for the most daring attendees, the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge.
When: January 30–February 1, 2026
Where: Township of Selwyn
Southeastern Ontario
Kingstonlicious
Celebrate the best of Kingston’s culinary community at one of Ontario’s top food festivals.
The annual prix fixe event features everything from three-course dinners to casual takeout options from over 20 participating restaurants. In addition, check out the schedule of special events.
Turn date night, girls’ night or dinner with your best friend into a weekend getaway in Kingston.
When: starts February 2, 2026
Where: participating restaurants in Kingston
Haliburton Highland to the Ottawa Valley
Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival
What began as a community event in 1991 has become a popular winter carnival that attracts visitors from across Ontario.
Warm up with food, drinks, shopping and entertainment in the Dorset Recreation Centre. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, toboggan races, ice skating, hockey games, inflatable axe-throwing and face painting. And discover what “snow snake” games are.
When: February 13–14, 2026
Where: Dorset
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Fire and Ice Bracebridge
Experience a Muskoka twist on the traditional winter carnival with fun activities like ice skating, fat biking and axe throwing. Ice sculpting demonstrations, lumberjack shows and fireworks add to the excitement at this popular festival.
Choose from sweet and savoury snacks like roasted marshmallows, inventive popcorn creations and hot apple cider.
Get more information on ticket prices and how to pre-purchase your pass.
When: January 31, 2026
Where: downtown Bracebridge
Huntsville SnowFest
Downtown Huntsville and River Mill Park transform into a whimsical winter wonderland during the annual SnowFest.
This season-long event features fun events such as family-friendly dance nights on the River Mill Skating Rink, “Silver Screen Saturday” movie nights and “Caesar Sundaes” Sundays with crafted Caesars for adults and sundaes for the little ones.
When: January 30–March 8, 2026
Where: 37 Main Street, Huntsville
Seguin Sled Dog Mail Run
Paying tribute to the historic days when mail was delivered by sled dog teams, the Seguin Sled Dog Mail Run has been a winter tradition since 1985.
Mushers carry pre-stamped “sledvelopes” along a 17-kilometre trail from Humphrey in Seguin Township to Rosseau, passing over frozen lakes and forested terrain. After the run, the event continues in Rosseau with a communal lunch, bonfire and free sled-dog rides for kids.
When: February 21, 2026
Where: from Humphrey to Rosseau
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival
Celebrate the Family Day Weekend in Gravenhurst with fun activities, including a demo derby, snow sculpting, cardboard box races and more unique games. Enjoy food trucks and live entertainment.
The carnival’s official mascot is Skokie the Otter, who hosts a fun birthday party on the carnival’s Friday date every year.
When: February 13–15, 2026
Where: Gravenhurst
Winter in the Wild Festival
Situated along the Highway 60 corridor in one of Ontario’s most iconic parks, the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre is host to the annual Winter in the Wild Festival.
Celebrate the natural beauty, wildlife and winter appeal of Algonquin Provincial Park with guided hikes, wildlife presentations, camping demonstrations and snowshoeing activities throughout the day. Evening stargazing and outdoor campfires add a cozy touch to this nature-focused event.
When: February 14, 2026
Where: Highway 60 (at kilometre 43), Algonquin Provincial Park
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Lights On Stratford
Entering its sixth year with the theme “Radiance,” historic downtown Stratford streets and parks are transformed with a captivating series of interactive art and light installations.
The Light Trail begins in Market Square. Use the interactive map to plan your route to the installations. It also highlights a variety of local restaurants, shops and hotels offering festival-related promotions.
When: December 12, 2025–January 18, 2026
Where: downtown Stratford
Stratford Winterfest
What began as a small winter event in 1998 remains popular today, with fun activities and entertainment for all ages.
Fan favourites include ice skating, ice sculptures and the snow glide. Fuel up with hot drinks and snacks from food vendors.
Most of the daytime activities take place at Upper Queen’s Park.
When: January 24, 2026
Where: 55 Queen Street, Stratford
Winterloo
Waterloo’s annual free winter festival takes the stage with exciting winter-themed attractions for all ages.
Highlights include ice carving competitions, ice skating, food trucks and more. Events are held throughout uptown Waterloo at Waterloo Park, Waterloo Public Square and other venues.
When: January 24, 2026
Where: Waterloo
Goderich Winterfest
Ontario’s popular summer beach town also hosts a fun and festive annual winter festival.
Browse handcrafted items at the vendor market, enjoy kids’ games and activities, visit the petting zoo and pop into the Winterfest bar for craft beer.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: 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.
When: February 13–21, 2026
Where: Sault Ste. Marie
Northwest Ontario
SnowDay on the Waterfront
Bundle up for family fun over Family Day weekend at this award-winning event featuring activities and entertainment like ice fishing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn wagon rides, outdoor games and sugar shack treats.
When: February 16, 2026
Where: Marina Park Drive, Thunder Bay
Voyageur Winter Carnival
Fort William Historical Park hosts one of Northwest Ontario’s largest winter festivals.
Get active with outdoor activities like skating and snowshoeing. Meet toboggan makers, snowshoe weavers and other local artisans to learn about their traditional crafts. Take in live musical performances and join in on voyageur songs and dances.
When: February 14–15, 2026
Where: 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay
Winter Weekend of Wonder Festival
The city of Kenora celebrates winter with a weekend of festive outdoor activities and local entertainment.
Enjoy family-friendly programming as well as ice fishing, skating, curling and a specialty farmers’ market.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: Kenora
Terrace Bay Winterfest
Young and old gather to celebrate the joy of winter and the spirit of community. Head outdoors for recreation activities, including snow tubing, hockey and snow graffiti. Warm indoors with hot drinks, sweet treats and more festive fun.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: Terrace Bay
Northeastern Ontario
Le Carnaval des Compagnons
North Bay’s long-standing French-Canadian winter carnival, Le Carnaval des Compagnons, celebrates the region’s rich Francophone heritage.
Numerous winter activities are held at venues across the city, including outdoor skating, axe throwing, snow sculptures, signature treats like poutine and “taffy on snow,” ringette and pictures with Bonhomme, the carnival mascot.
When: check back for 2026 dates
Where: various locations in North Bay
Onaping Falls Winter Carnival
Explore a week of winter events during the ninth annual Onaping Falls Winter Carnival. Enjoy ice skating, face painting, inflatable jousting and carnival competitions. Warm up with hot chocolate and a community bonfire.
When: January 26–February 1, 2026
Where: Onaping Falls
Embrace the beauty and magic of the winter season as Ontario’s vibrant communities come alive with new and traditional celebrations.
Last updated: December 4, 2025