Toronto Polar Bear Skate 2024

Skating under the Gardiner Expressway will come with a twist on Sunday, December 29, 2024 as the Bentway hosts the annual Polar Bear Skate where you can take to the rink in your underwear. The "cheeky" skate event happens at the Bentway Skate Trail at 250 Fort York Boulevard under the elevated highway. Skating registration starts at noon, the Polar Bear Skate starts at 1pm.

The photo above was taken around 10am today and the rink hasn't melted with the warmer temperatures. It's also supposed to rain all day, however it's not raining under the Gardiner Expressway! Remember the skate goes on rain, snow or sunshine - just not when it is super cold.

From their website, "The Bentway’s wildest winter tradition returns! Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and skate the trail as a bold way to close out the year. Bring your skates or get a complimentary rental pair courtesy of event sponsors Home Network and Flavour Network. They’ll also be providing free hot beverages and cookies (while supplies last). Donations of warm winter clothing will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services and distributed to local individuals and families who are living on a limited income. Help us help neighbours in need this holiday season."

See more photos after the jump.

Fun things to do in Toronto September & October 2025

Toronto is always at its best during summer and September can still be summery while ushering in the fall colours. Enjoy the patios and the CNE and look for buskers before they are gone with the cold weather.

Canadian National Exhibition CNE Fri, Aug 15 to Mon, Sept 1.
Buskerfest Fri to Mon, Aug 29 to Mon, Sept 1 at Woodbine Park in the Beaches
Toronto Dragon Festival Sat to Sun, Aug TBD to Sept TBD in Nathan Phillips Square.

Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) Sat, Aug 30 to Mon, Sept 1.
And the world famous Toronto International Film Festival or tiff Sept 4-14. TIFF Street Festival Sept TBD.
Taste of Kingsway Fri to Sun, Sept TBD.
Asianlicious Carnival Fri to Sun, Sept TBD.
Vegandale Sat, Sept 6.
Taste of the Junction Sat, Sept TBD.
Trinbago Festival Fri to Sun, Sept 5-7.
Cabbagetown Festival Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.
Toronto Ukrainian Festival Fri to Sun, Sept 12-14.
Windfest Sat, Sept TBD.
Pape Village Summerfest Sat, Sept TBD.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Nathan Phillips Square Sat to Sun, Sept 13-14.
Huron Square Variety Saturday Sat, Sept TBD.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.
Redpath Waterfront Festival Sat to Sun, Sept TBD. Moved to June in 2025.
Elevate and Just for Laughs Street Festival Fri to Sat, Sept TBD. Cancelled for 2024 - Bankrupt.
Just for Laughs Festival Toronto JFL42 Thurs to Sat, Sept TBD. Cancelled for 2024 - Bankrupt.
I Love Culture Fri to Sun, Sept 19 to Oct 12.
Red Bull Flugtag at Ontario Place, Free to Attend, Sat, Sept TBD. Will the fantastic creations fly again?
Geary Art Crawl Sat to Sun, Sept TBD.
VegTO Fest Sat to Sun, Sept 20-21.
Toronto Oktoberfest Fri to Sat, Sept TBD in the Downsview Airport Lands.

Your Yard Series: Community BBQ in Exhibition Place Sat, Sept TBD. Free music and food with the Deputy Mayor at Centennial Park Square (across from Medieval Times). RSVP required, use the link on the webpage.

Don't forget to check out nature for the beauty of fall colours and in October look in the creeks for Salmon spawning.

Nuit Blanche Sat, Oct 4 (7 pm to sunrise). The all night art thing with plenty of videos and light shows as well as Les Rues Des Refuses (hopefully).
Toronto Everything to do with Sex Show Fri to Sun, Oct TBD.
Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show Fri to Sun, Oct TBD.
Art Toronto Thurs to Sun, Oct 23-26.

Diwali – The Festival of Lights Sat to Sun, Oct 11-12 at Toronto City Hall.
Night of Dread The Big Final Festival Night in Dufferin Grove Park Sat, Oct TBD starting at 6pm. Month long festival from October TBD.
Halloween on Church Fri, Oct 31.

And just around the corner is opening night of The Royal Horse Show and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Fri to Sun, Nov 7-16.

2025 N.A. Motorcycle Supershow Toronto next weekend

It's big, it's bad and it's back for another show at the International Centre from January 3-5, 2025 - the 49th annual North American International Motorcycle Supershow, presented by NFP. Update: See my post of the Motorcycle Supershow here.

From the show "The Motorcycle SUPERSHOW encompasses all seven halls, over 500,000 square feet, featuring more than 500 exhibitors, 100 Clubs, Rides and Rallies on display, the new 2023 Motorcycles in massive Corporate Displays and huge dealer displays or the Used Bike Market within the show. Custom bike builders from across North America will compete for $50,000 in Cash and Prizes at The Canada Cup Championship Custom Show Bike competition in Hall 5."

In addition to all the bikes and free parking there will also be some amazing extreme freestyle performances by the Yamaha Street Stunt Team along with the amazing Wall of Death. Shows are on all weekend, check the website for details.

2024 and 2025 Toronto Polar events coming up soon

Cold weather, cold water - time to jump in, or skate around, and enjoy the health benefits and if nothing else, to wake you up from too much partying around the Christmas season in Toronto.

--------------------------Polar Bear Skate 2024----------------------------------------------------------------------

First up is the Polar Bear Skate at the Bentway Park outside Old Fort York, under the Gardiner Expressway - in your underwear, and the 2024 skate is already sold out. The event happens on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 12 noon and asks for donations of warm winter clothing. Home Network and Flavour Network are providing complimentary rental skates along with free beverages and cookies (while supplies last). See photos of the 2024 skate on my post here.

From their website, "The Bentway’s wildest winter tradition returns! Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and skate the trail as a bold way to close out the year. Gather your most courageous cold-weather friends and end 2024 with a cheeky spin around our figure-eight skate trail under the Gardiner! The event is free to attend, but please register in advance as space is limited. Not up for the chill? You can still come cheer on participants and contribute to the clothing drive. This is a unique experience not to miss!

Round two is the polar dips happening on New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2025). That is two of them - one at Sunnyside Beach and one at Woodbine Beach.

--------------------------Polar Bear Dip 2025----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes it will be cold as the Polar Bear Dip "Dare to Dip" takes place at the famous lake side building known as the Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion. Taking place on New Year's Day at 12 noon, come earlier to register (opens at 10am), find a waiting spot and help raise money for Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.

Their checklist is a great idea on the preparations you should make for running into the winter time Lake Ontario.

"Dip Day checklist:

To make your experience as enjoyable as possible, we recommend at least the following:
Proper Footwear – Stepping on something rocky or pointy isn’t fun in freezing cold water.
Wear full water sandles or water socks (best) or old running shoes (ok, just make sure they fit snugly).
DON’T WEAR FLIP FLOPS!
Lots of towels
A blanket to claim your patch of beach and to change on
Warm loose fitting clothes and footwear that are easy to put on in a hurry when you get out of the water (big loose fitting boots are amazing)
!!! Important !!! Bring a friend to mind your stuff and help you when you get out of the water.
If it’s a really cold day, your feet and fingers won’t work real well after the dip so you’ll probably need some help and since we don’t have change rooms,
someone to hold up a towel for you can be handy…"

--------------------------Record Breaker Cold Plunge 2025---------------------------------------------------------

Jack Org is back in Woodbine Beach for another polar event. It was previously known as Brainfreeze, now known as the Record Breaker World Record Cold Plunge. Also held on New Year's Day Wednesday, January 1, 2025 but further east at Woodbine Beach from 1-2pm.

From their website, "Join us for the Record Breaker Cold Plunge! 100% of all proceeds go towards youth mental health! Come join Jack.org, Unbounded, Othership, City Shred, Coldture, & Surf the Greats at Woodbine Beach to immerse yourself in the chilly waters with like-minded individuals and plunge into the New Year. Get ready to dive into an invigorating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on 2025.

Whether you're a seasoned cold plunging enthusiast or a first-timer, this event is open to all. Come join us in collaboration with Jack.org to raise funds towards youth mental health. Grab your swimsuit, towel, and a sense of adventure, and prepare to plunge into the cold waters together, as a community. Let's get uncomfortable for a cause."

We wish you a Merry Christmas

I hope your holiday season was filled with love, family and friends and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks for dropping by my blog.

NASCAR Canada Series 2025 Race Schedule

Canada's premier national stockcar series has released their 2025 schedule with five provinces taking part in the year's high octane excitement. NASCAR Canada will feature a number of road, ovals and street circuits with racing beginning May 18 (otherwise known as the May 24 weekend) in the beautiful Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Between the May start and the September finale there are 12 races on the card, sadly there will be no participation in the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto race weekend.

“The 2025 schedule showcases the diversity and quality of Canadian motorsports, said Alan Labrosse, General Manager of the NASCAR Canada Series.” “With a strong combination of classic venues and thrilling new tracks, this calendar represents the very best of what NASCAR Canada has to offer, all while ensuring our teams and competitors can thrive.”

“As we continue to elevate our sport worldwide, we’re looking for innovative ways to entertain our current fans and reach new ones,” said Chad Seigler, NASCAR’s Vice President, Chief International Officer. “We’re confident that next year’s schedule and the addition of new venues will help us achieve that goal.”

"The iconic Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R), a staple of the NASCAR Canada Series, is scheduled for August, while the scenic Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) will host both the season opener in May and the final road-course event of the season in August. NASCAR Canada is thrilled to return to Autodrome Chaudière in May, where last year’s event drew a record-breaking crowd. The series also raced in front of a sold-out audience at Edmonton International Raceway, showcasing incredible support from fans. Following their resounding success, the NASCAR Canada Championship will conclude at Autodrome Montmagny, in front of thousands of passionate viewers."

These are some photos by Fresh Joe from the time of CASCAR before it became the NASCAR Series

2025 SCHEDULE

1. Sunday, May 18

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Bowmanville, ON

2. Saturday, May 31
Autodrome Chaudière
Vallée-Jonction, QC

3. Saturday, Jun 21
Sunset Speedway
Innisfil, ON

4. Saturday, Jun 28
Riverside International Speedway
Antigonish, NS

5. Saturday, Jul 12
Edmonton International Raceway
Wetaskiwin, AB

6. Wednesday, Jul 16
Sutherland Automotive Speedway
Saskatoon, SK

7. Sunday, Jul 27
Calabogie Motorsports Park NEW ADDITION
Calabogie, ON

8. Sunday, Aug 10
Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières, QC

9. Saturday, Aug 23
Circuit ICAR
Mirabel, QC

10. Sunday, Aug 31
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Bowmanville, ON

11. Saturday, Sep 13
Delaware Speedway
Delaware, ON

12. Sunday, Sep 21
Autodrome Montmagny
Montmagny, QC

2025 IndyCar Series schedule released including Toronto in July

IndyCar has released their 2025 schedule and the 17-race season and Toronto is the only international race of the American based series. The Streets of Toronto is the 13th race, taking place during the July 20 weekend. Forbes reported that the IndyCar season had to end before Labour Day to avoid the start of the NFL season so the final race has moved from mid-September to the Aug 31 weekend.

Driver Alex Palou will be the defending champion (his third title win) when the series begins March 2nd in St Petersburg, Florida. Later in the season IndyCar will pull a double header in Iowa before heading into Canada for the Toronto race.

2025 IndyCar calendar

1. Mar 2: St. Petersburg
2. Mar 23: The Thermal Club
3. Apr 13: Long Beach
4. May 4: Barber Motorsports Park
5. May 10: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
6. May 25: Indianapolis 500
7. Jun 1: Detroit
8. Jun 15: World Wide Technology Raceway
9. Jun 22: Road America
10. Jul 6: Mid-Ohio
11. Jul 12: Iowa Speedway
12. Jul 13: Iowa Speedway
13. Jul 20: Toronto
14. Jul 27: Laguna Seca
15. Aug 10: Portland International Raceway
16. Aug 24: Milwaukee Mile
17. Aug 31: Nashville Superspeedway

The 2025 11-turn, temporary street circuit through Exhibition Place and out onto Lake Shore Boulevard will be the 37th year of the Toronto race which has already raised over $1 million dollars for charity during the Fan Friday support of Make-A-Wish Canada.

Kensington Market Solstice celebrations 2024

What better way to salute the longest night than to throw a celebration with parades, lanterns and fire breathing? Well humans have been celebrating the solstice for over 12,000 years and it involved a few monoliths and wild parties. Toronto brings that party into the Kensington Market during the December 21st Winter Solstice. Unfortunately it will be one of the coldest nights of the year so far with temps below -15 degrees Celsius and with significant wind gusts that are going to drive up the wind chill values - so dress very warmly people. A glorious sun person shines up the night during the 2023 Solstice celebrations in the photo at top, now here are some photos of the 2024 solstice.

Previous years events in the neighbourhood included lantern making and the burning of a large paper mache structures in Alexandra Park that were lit on fire by the fire breathers while giant puppets were marched through the streets and bands played tunes that filled the streets with melodies. In 2023 the construction work in the park precluded the terminal gathering of the crowds that marched from Kensington Market, down along Dundas Street and into the park - so no burning structure. Hopefully the parade and the burning structure/fire finale will return in 2024. UPDATE: a CBC story tells us that the parade and the fire finale in Alexandra Park will not happen in 2024 and they hope to return to the park in 2025.

Fire breathing during the opening ceremonies at Augusta and Oxford

Celebrating the return of light with a festival in the Kensington began in 1988 and continues in 2024, now the 35th annual festival, starting at the intersection of Augusta Avenue and Oxford Street at 6pm on the 21st. Enjoy the street performances and community involvement in the dark of night as the event continues until 10pm with road closures beginning at 5pm. The crowd was smaller this year as the parades and burning man fire finale in the park were cancelled for a second time. There was also no maps of the event so it was a little confusing and no one seemed to know what was actually planned for the evening.

There was another area near Bellevue Square Park on Augusta Avenue that contained a number of fire performers.

See previous Solstice Celebrations at the following links.

2009 Winter Solstice

2010 Winter Solstice

2012 Winter Solstice

more 2012 Winter Solstice

2015 Winter Solstice 

2016 Winter Solstice

2017 Winter Solstice

2018 Winter Solstice

2022 Winter Solstice

2023 Winter Solstice

Fun things to do in Toronto July & August 2025

Put your hands in the air like you just don't care because the peak of summer is coming, finally we can see what it is like to live in the caribbean as the hot sun warms all your cold bits. Some of the best festivals and events in Toronto can be enjoyed during the kids summer vacation. We got some world class auto racing with the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto 2025 and the latest edition of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

Canada Day 2024 Tue, Jul 1. Celebrations in Nathan Phillips Square.

Toronto Fringe Festival Wed to Sun, July 2-13.

Fun Philippines Festival Fri to Sun, July 4-6.

Taste of the Middle East  Fri to Sun, July 4-6.
Beaches Jazz Festival Fri to Sun, July 4-27.

Afrofest Fri to Sun, July TBD. Woodbine Park

Taste of Lawrence Fri to Sun, July TBD.
Salsa on St Clair in Toronto Sat to Sun, July TBD.

Salsa on the Beach Fri to Sun, July 11-13. Woodbine Park

Downtown Toronto Ribfest Fri to Sun, July TBD at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition Fri to Sun, July 11-13.

Importfest Saturday, July 12 - spectacular cars at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Festival of India (or Ratha-Yatra) Sat and Sun, July TBD. Starts with a parade down Yonge Street and then a two day festival on Centre Island.

York BIA - Little Jamaica Festival Sat to Sun, July TBD.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival launch Tue, July TBD. (Moved to June?)

Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto (formerly the Honda Indy Toronto) Fri to Sun, July 18-20. Exhibition Place will sound like a jacked up hornet's nest as the IndyCar series takes to the streets. Fan Friday is free with a voluntary donation.
Panamerican Food And Music Festival  Sat to Sun, July 19-20.

Festival of South Asia Sat to Sun, July TBD.

Small World Free Music Festival at Old Fort York Garrison Common Fri to Sun, Jul TBD. Festival cancelled and moved into a series of performances.
Big on Bloor Festival Sat to Sun, July TBD. Car free from Dufferin to Lansdowne.
Toronto International BrazilFest Sat to Sun, July 19-20. In Earlscourt Park.

Taste of Vietnam  Fri to Sun, July 25-27.

Queen Street East Streetfest Thurs to Sat, July 24-26.

Ossfest Sat, July TBD. Ossington Strip between Dundas St W and Queen St W.

Dream Wheels on Eglinton Car Show Sat, July TBD. Eglinton Avenue West

Toronto Festival of Beer Fri to Sun, July 25-27. Hmmm, beer.

Guild Park Arts Festival Sat to Sun, July TBD.

Canadian Multicultural Peruvian Fest Sat to Sun, July 26-27. Yonge-Dundas Square

Aloha Toronto Festival Sat, July TBD.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival parades Thurs, July 31-Mon, Aug 4.

Keep an eye out for Sunflowers in August

Island Soul festival Thurs to Mon, Aug TBD at Harbourfront Centre.

Toronto Food Truck Festival Fri to Mon, Aug 1-4 at Woodbine Park.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade Sat, Aug 2.

Taste of India Sat to Sun, Aug 2-3.

Simcoe Day events in Toronto Mon, Aug 4.
National Bank Open (fmr Rogers Cup Tennis) Sat, July 26 to Thurs, Aug 7.

Jerk Festival Toronto Fri to Sun, Aug TBD

The Feast of St Lawrence Fri to Sat, Aug 8-9.

Korea Town Street Festival Sat, Aug TBD. On Euclid Avenue

Himalayan Festival Sat, Aug 9.

Afraspektion Sun, August TBD. At Riverside Common Park. Free but need a ticket to attend

Salsa & Samba at Trillium Park Sun, August TBD. Ontario Place 4:30pm to 10:30pm

Taste of the Danforth Fri to Sun, Aug TBD. Cancelled in 2022, returned in 2023 but will it survive in 2024? Apparently no, it is cancelled for 2024 and perhaps permanently.

Wheels on the Danforth Sat, Aug TBD.

Canadian National Exhibition CNE Fri, Aug 15 - Mon, Sept 1. Do you want to go faster? And don't forget the fantastic Canadian International Airshow.
India Day Festival and Grand Parade  Sun, Aug 17.

Toronto Chinatown Festival Sat to Sun, Aug TBD.

Taste of Manila Sat to Sun, Aug TBD.

Fan Expo Canada Thurs to Sun, Aug 21-24. Some amazing cosplay on display.

Taiwan Fest Fri to Sun, Aug 22-24.

Toronto Korean Festival Fri to Sun, Aug TBD.

Leslieville Block Fest (formerly Leslieville Beerfest) Sat, Aug TBD.

2 Day Best of the Beach Coed Volleyball Sat to Sun, Aug TBD.

Afro-Caribe Fest Sat to Sun, Aug TBD.
Toronto Tamil Festival Sat to Sun, Aug TBD.

Yorkville Murals Sat to Sun, Aug 23-24. On Yorkville Avenue, Between Bellair St and Hazelton Ave. Includes the Lower Bay Subway Station.

Mabuhay Philippines Festival Sat to Sun, Aug 23-24.

Go Topless Day Protest Sat, Aug 23. The Sunday closest to Women's Equality Day which is August 26.

Ashkenaz Festival 2024 Aug TBD to Sept TBD. Jewish festival held at several locations including Harbourfront Centre.

Viva la Leaside Sat to Sun, Aug TBD to Sept TBD. On Commercial Road.
Buskerfest at the Beaches in Woodbine Park. Fri to Mon, Aug 29 to Sept 1.

Toronto Dragon Festival Sat to Sun, Aug 29 to Sept 31.

Events moved to September
And the world famous Toronto International Film Festival, or tiff Sept 4-14.

Toronto New Year’s Eve 2024/2025 celebrations at the waterfront

Happy New Year! The action will be along the waterfront for the December 31st, 2024 New Year's Eve celebrations - including live performances, activities and of course fireworks.

From the City, "On Tuesday, December 31, the City will host a 10-minute fireworks display synchronized to music, lighting up Toronto’s inner harbour at midnight. As one of the largest shows in Canada, it will offer stunning views for residents and visitors alike. The event will be livestreamed for those celebrating remotely, see above (Tune in at 11:45pm). Pedestrians are encouraged to use York Street, Jarvis Street, Spadina Avenue and Bay Street to access any of the seven waterfront viewing areas for spectacular views of the fireworks display."

Mayor Olivia Chow said, “New Year’s Eve is a time to come together as a community and celebrate the hope and possibilities of the year ahead. Whether you’re joining us in person at the waterfront or watching the spectacular fireworks from home, I invite everyone to experience the magic of this unforgettable night as we welcome 2025 together.”

There are a number of designated viewing areas; Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W., Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr., Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr., HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W., HTO Park West, 375 Queens Quay W., Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W. and Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

Info from the City of Toronto's media release: New Year’s Eve programming

The City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will also feature pop-up performances from 10 p.m. onwards at various locations across Toronto’s waterfront including:

- Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
- Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.

Performances include DJ sets by Traxx & Feels collective at Bathurst Quay Common and participatory dance sessions at Sherbourne Common, co-produced with The Dance Together Festival, where the public is invited to join in and dance. INCIRQUE Pop-Up circus performers will entertain audiences at various waterfront locations, while a curated selection of short films from the National Film Board of Canada will be projected on the east side of the Canada Malting Silos, visible from the Toronto Music Garden. The festivities will culminate in a countdown celebration at 11:45 p.m., led by Mayor Olivia Chow and renowned drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen.

Travel and road closures

Riding public transit is strongly recommended for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Free service is available on the TTC, GO Transit and UP Express from 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. All customers should tap at fare kiosks as usual but will not be charged during the free service period.

Learn more about what to expect when taking public transit:

- TTC: Subway services will run until 3 a.m., with the last trains leaving Union Station at approximately 2:30 a.m. Overnight buses and streetcar service continue until 8 a.m. For schedules and departures, visit the TTC webpage.

- GO Transit & UP Express: Free service is offered. Details and schedules are available on the GO Transit website.

To prevent overcrowding at Union Station following the fireworks, starting at midnight, all TTC customers will be redirected to the east side exterior entrance. Accessible entry will be maintained on Bay Street and through the Bay Promenade inside the station. TTC riders are encouraged to consider using alternate stations, such as King, Queen, St. Andrew and Osgoode, to avoid crowds at Union Station.

The following road closures are in effect on New Year’s Eve:

- Eastbound traffic on Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025

- Bay Street from Front Street to Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

- York Street from Front Street to Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Additional road closures may be added at any time if deemed necessary by Toronto Police Services. More information on road closures is available on the City’s website.

Kensington Market Solstice 2024 coming this weekend

This street festival is Toronto's welcome to winter and they invite you to "ignite the longest darkest night" on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Taking place from 6-10pm the 35th annual festival to honour the winter solstice includes lanterns, large puppets and a little bit of fire. The even5 starts at 6pm at the intersection of Augusta Ave and Oxford Street.

Last year's celebration did not have a parade or the fire finale in Alexandra Park due to construction work in the park, however that was completed in August of this year so hopefully the fire finale is back.

See my 2024 post with updated info.

Ho Ho Ho in Kringlewood

Walking in Toronto's Kringlewood brings the Christmas season to life and makes you want to watch a few Christmas classics after your visit. The tall, inflatable Santa Claus displays wave slightly in the breeze, like they are waving to you. It really is a great place to visit if you are feeling festive.

The neighbourhood is beautiful, a variety of lovely homes with Christmas lights, and in the front yard a giant Claus, and another next door and so on, really an army of Chris Kringles lining Inglewood Drive, just east of Mount Pleasant.

Anser Graffiti Neon Art in King Taps Toronto

We went out for a birthday dinner at King Taps in Toronto's First Canadian Place and on the second floor I found a neon art outline of a face, a familiar face for those that seek out graffiti in alleyways of the city. This white neon face was designed by, or based on, the work of Anser Mysterious Date. His work can be found in my post from 2013 here.

I found out that this was Anser's first neon piece.

Winter Glow in Toronto

A small winter carnival in downtown Toronto as Winter Glow takes place from Dec 5-22, 2024 in Sankofa Square (Yonge-Dundas Square) in the run up to Christmas. You can take a ride on a 45 foot Ferris Wheel or other amusement rides or see the tall Santa Claus made from Shein boxes (from Dec 5-8).

"Experience the magic of the holiday season at Sankofa Square with Winter Glow. This festive event brings dazzling lights, carnival rides, games, and entertainment to the heart of Toronto. Enjoy dazzling lights, carnival rides, midway games, and live entertainment. Free admission, with ride tickets available for purchase. Experience the holiday spirit with Winter Glow."

Hours
Monday to Friday: 4pm to 10pm
Saturday & Sunday: noon to 10pm
Ride Tickets (each ride is one ticket)
$6 for a single ticket
$20 for 4 tickets ($5 per ticket)
$37 for 8 tickets ($4.63 per ticket)

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2025

Winter is when you dream of getting out on the open road, thinking of the wind on the open road cooling down the heat of summer and also dreaming of getting your new ride. It is almost the time for the first motorcycle show of the year so get ready to check out Toronto's 2025 motorcycle shows.

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW will be at the Toronto International Centre Jan 3-5. "If you’re into motorcycles and the lifestyle, then this is the show for you! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show. Browse this enormous show and you’ll find new and used motorcycles, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Rider Apparel and Helmets, Performance Equipment, Trailers, Travel Destinations, Custom Bike Builders, and a full range of Fashions.. You can also enjoy live bands, special guests, custom bikes, and much more!"

For those that like their motorcycles on water - the Toronto International Boat Show comes early as well; January 18-26.

Dirt Bike Show 2025 Feb 8-9 at the International Centre from Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 February 2025

The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place this February 14-16. "Canada’s premier powersports events, The Motorcycle and Powersport Shows are back and set to deliver plenty of excitement, fun, information, and new discoveries for riders of all styles, ages, and experience levels. On road and off-road riders, future riders, and lovers of the motorcycle and quad lifestyle will be able to check out some of the most anticipated models for 2025 including the latest electric vehicles. There is no other show in the country with this level of brand representation."

And think of the four wheeling Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo coming March 7-9. "The promoters of the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo are pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of Canada’s biggest and best automotive and racing enthusiast show will take place March 7, 8 & 9, 2025 at The International Centre, across from Toronto’s Pearson Airport. The show will be special for several reasons, including the fact that is the 10th anniversary of the first Toronto Motorama show, which was held in March 2015. As well, the 2025 edition of Motorama will mark the 50th anniversary of ‘Dizzy’ Dean Murray’s first ‘Motion’ show, in 1975, on the same March Break weekend at The International Centre."

The Boat Show returns to the International Centre for the second annual show, March 27-30. "Set sail to The Boat Show at the International Centre! Dive into the latest boating innovations, marvel at live demos on our indoor lake, and dock effortlessly with free parking."

The Spring Toronto Motorcycle Supershow March 29-30. "The SPRING Toronto Motorcycle SUPERSHOW taking place at the International Centre has many ways to join in the experience. To Be a part of the show you can enter to take part in the International Spring Cup Bike Builders Competition, Join the SWAP in the SUPERSWAP in hall 2, Sell your motorcycle in the USED BIKE MARKET, or Park it on the Red Carpet in the Red Carpet Vintage Motorcycle Exhibit."

There is only one Port Dover motorcycle Friday the 13th rally in 2025 - You can hit the road and join thousands of bikers on June 13 in the Lake Erie shoreline municipality.

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show (Fri to Sun, October TBD) at the International Centre. "If you’re into snowmobiles, ATVS and an all around Powersports enthusiast, this is the show for you! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show. The enormous Outdoors Event Centre with Live test drives and Freestyle Shows featuring snowmobiles, ATVs, motocross and street bikes. You’ll find huge Manufacturer Displays showcasing all of the new snowmobile and ATV line-ups. This show has more corporate manufacturer displays than any other snowmobile and/or ATV show across North America. All of the new machines under one roof, over one weekend, you can’t miss it! We guarantee it will be worth the drive to get here."