Winter in Toronto can seemingly last forever. But while we wait for warmer days and later sunsets, there is still plenty to look forward to in the first few months of 2025.
Some of the city’s most iconic festivals take place in wintertime. DesignTO is a huge, city-wide showcase of cutting-edge art and design. Toronto Comicon always delivers with an epic weekend of fun for your inner fan. And events like Rhubarb Festival and Wavelength Winter Festival platform experimental and underground artists creating bold new work.
Don’t let the winter blues get you down! Here are 15 must-see art, film, food, and stage events in Toronto in Winter 2025:
Courtesy of DesignTO
DesignTO
DesignTO is marking 15 years of creativity, innovation, and sustainability. Canada’s largest annual design festival brings more than 100 free exhibits and events to venues across Toronto, exploring bold and ambitious ideas. Check out craft and design exhibits, window installations, thought-provoking talks and more. More info.
When: January 24-February 2
Where: Various locations
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Art Week at Gladstone House
As part of DesignTO, be sure to check out Art Week at the Gladstone House for 5 days of unique art programming at Toronto’s oldest hotel. Learn to design and carve pattern blocks, attend a disco-inspired drawing workshop or get cozy for a fireside chat with Gladstone House’s new resident artists. More info.
When: January 27- 31
Where: Gladstone House
Photo by Jay Wennington
Winterlicious
Explore the best of Toronto’s rich culinary scene at affordable prices this winter. As part of Winterlicious, 230+ restaurants across the city will offer three-course prix fixe menus for two weeks. With both lunch and dinner offerings, there are so many delicious eats you can treat your taste buds to. More info.
When: January 31- February 13
Where: Restaurants across Toronto
Courtesy of KUUMBA Festival
KUUMBA Festival
This February, KUUMBA will mark 30 years of celebrating Black futures and uplifting Black artists. This month-long festival unites the community to recognize the outstanding contributions of Black creators across disciplines, including music, theatre, dance, spoken word and more. Check out a variety of workshops, live performances, panels, parties and film screenings. More info.
When: February 1-28
Where: Harbourfront Centre
Photo by 五玄土 ORIENTO
Toronto Tea Festival
Sip your heart out at the Toronto Tea Festival! Explore a wide selection of tea from around the world, with a rich tapestry of flavours and aromas. Enjoy tastings and tea ceremonies, connect with other tea enthusiasts and shop for your new favourite warm drink from the vendor marketplace. More info.
When: February 1-2
Where: Toronto Reference Library
Courtesy of TIFF
Canada’s Top Ten
Catch up on some of the best films to come out of Canada in 2024! This showcase honours the best in recent Canadian cinema, ranging from directorial debuts to films by established directors. You can catch features like Universal Language, 40 Acres, The Shrouds, Paying For It, Seeds, and more, plus a showcase of 10 short films. More info.
When: February 5-9
Where: TIFF Lightbox
Courtesy of Rhubarb Festival
The Rhubarb Festival
The Rhubarb Festival is known for showcasing raw, unhinged, eclectic, and adventurous performance art. With 13 shows across 5 days, Rhubarb returns with a lineup of artists ready to share their experimental new work. It’s been described as “intentional, well-crafted chaos” with “a hotbed of unruly creatives queering what it means to make and experience art.” More info.
When: February 12-16
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
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Toronto Black Film Festival
The Toronto Black Film Festival is one of Canada’s largest celebrations of Black excellence in film and storytelling. The festival screens outstanding, powerful films from Black filmmakers, with a focus on authentic stories about Black communities and experiences. The opening night film will be Fight Like A Girl by Matthew Leutwyler. More info.
When: February 12-17
Where: Isabel Bader Theatre
Photo by Michael Schnater
The Four Seasons/ Morpheus’ Dream/ The Leaves Are Fading
The National Ballet of Canada will present the North American premiere of The Four Seasons, a contemporary ballet from David Dawson. Audiences are taken on a journey through four distinct yet connected seasons of life, set to Max Richter’s reimagination of Vivaldi’s famous violin concertos. Accompanying this work are two other pieces with themes of change and reflection: Marco Goecke’s Morpheus’ Dream and Antony Tudor’s The Leaves Are Fading. More info.
When: February 26-March 2
Where: Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts
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Wavelength Winter Festival 2025
Wavelength is bringing together a variety of underground music genres for an incredible three-day festival in celebration of their 25th anniversary! With both returning staples and exciting emerging talent, check out the best of Canadian indie, punk, hip-hop, and experimental music. Performers include The OBGMs, Cadence Weapon, Ducks LTD, and pHoenix Pagliacci. More info.
When: February 27-March 1
Where: St. Anne’s Parish Hall
Photo by Phil Marion
Winter Stations
Every winter, the lifeguard stations at Toronto’s east end beaches receive an artful makeover! Artists from around the world enter the Winter Stations competition, submitting their best designs to add some life to the waterfront in its coldest season. This year’s theme is Dawn, symbolizing “the endless possibilities of change and transition”. The winning entries will be installed on the beaches and available to view in February. More info.
When: February 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Where: Kew & Woodbine Beaches
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Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Toronto’s longest-running comedy festival returns for its 20th year! Get ready for 10 days of live, scripted comedy, showcasing the best of Toronto and North American comedians. Don’t miss this epic showcase of sketch comedy, musical comedy, clown, drag, and more. More info.
When: March 5-16
Where: TBA
Photo by Karolina Kuras. Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake returns to the National Ballet of Canada this March. This beloved classical ballet is known for its timeless choreography and beautiful score composed by Tchaikovsky. Iconic dancer Karen Kain directs and choreographs this production of Swan Lake, which will celebrate her impressive 50-year career with the National Ballet of Canada. More info.
When: March 8-22
Where: Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts
Courtesy of Toronto Comicon
Toronto Comicon
Canada’s ultimate fandom convention returns this March for three days of fan-filled fun! If you’re into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, this is the place to be. Connect with fellow fans, shop from hundreds of exhibitors, and explore a range of unique events, attractions, workshops, and panels. Keep an eye out for celebrity guest and programming announcements coming soon! More info.
When: March 14-16
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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Lumière: The Art of Light
See Toronto’s waterfront illuminated with mesmerizing neon creations this March. Lumiere: The Art of Light, invites Ontario artists to work with light as an artistic medium, resulting in a series of stunning sculptures and interactive displays for visitors to explore. This year’s theme is Neon Dreams: Light and Colour. More info.
When: March 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Where: Trillium Park at Ontario Place
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