Toronto Polar Bear Skate 2025

It's Polar Bear season in Toronto and the cold weather brings us first to the unusual Polar Bear Skate at Bentway Park skating trail. Taking place on Sunday, December 28, 2025 with registration at noon and skating beginning at 1pm this polar event has everyone wearing their underwear. Donations of new or gently used shoes will be collected onsite as part of the skate. Participants from the 2024 skate are shown in the photo at top.

From the event's website, "The Bentway’s boldest winter ritual returns on December 28 with the cheeky Polar Bear Skate! Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and take a fearless lap around trail to bid farewell to 2025.

12:00pm Registration Opens
All participants must sign a waiver before taking part in the Polar Bear Skate. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Waivers will be at the yellow check-in tent.

1:00pm Polar Bear Skate starts!
This event lasts 5-10 minutes, so make sure you arrive early to not miss the main event!

Additional Details:

This event will take place entirely outdoors at The Bentway Skate Trail.
The Polar Bear Skate is one of our most popular events. Please only participate if you feel comfortable skating with a large group of people.
Photography, video, and audio recording will occur. By participating in the Polar Bear Skate, you consent to such recording and to the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction of these recordings and photographs.
This event will go ahead rain/snow or shine, however for the safety of all participants it will not proceed if the temperature is -20°C or below.
Skate rentals are; first-come, first-served throughout opening hours."

Merry Christmas with the Kringlewood Santas

Holiday season 2025 is here and so I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We went out to see the now famous Toronto neighbourhood known as the Kringlewood - home of the large Santa Claus inflatables that line Inglewood Drive. The festive street welcomes visitors to enjoy the magic of Christmas.

See more of Kringlewood after the jump.

2025 and 2026 Toronto Polar events coming up soon

The Polar Bear Skate at the Bentway Park, just outside Old Fort York and under the Gardiner Expressway, is where you skate in your underwear, and the 2024 skate is already sold out. The event happens on Sunday, December 28, 2025 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 boldest winter ritual returns on December 28 with the cheeky Polar Bear Skate! Brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and take a fearless lap around trail to bid farewell to 2025."

Round two is the polar dips happening on New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026). There is two swims happening - one at Sunnyside Beach and one at Woodbine Beach.

--------------------------Polar Bear Dip 2026----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 2026---------------------------------------------------------

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 Thursday, January 1, 2026 but further east at Woodbine Beach from 1-2pm.

From their website, "Join us January 1st, 2026 at Woodbine Beach to plunge yourself into the chilly waters with like-minded individuals on the first day of the New Year. Get ready to dive into an invigorating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on 2026 feeling more capable than ever.

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."

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2026

When you are dreaming of hitting the highway and the snow if falling, keep the bike in storage and go to a motorcycle show - they start early and the first is the NA Motorcycle International SUPERSHOW in early January.

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary at the Toronto International Centre Jan 9-11. "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 17-25 in Exhibition Place. "Boating is a lifestyle – a way to connect with family, escape the stress on land and experience the unique freedom of being on the water."

The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place this February 20-22. "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 2026 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 13-15. "Motorama is a celebration of automotive and racing culture. It’s the largest show of its kind, in Canada, and continues a five-decade tradition of bringing car owners, car clubs, racing series, tracks, racing fans and auto enthusiasts together to kick-off Canada’s car show and racing seasons. The 2026 show will start the second half-century of car shows at the same venue, on the same weekend. ‘Dizzy’ Dean Murray’s inaugural Motion Custom Car Show took place in March 1975."

There is a multitude of dates in 2026 for the  Port Dover motorcycle Friday the 13th rally in 2025 - You can hit the road and join thousands of bikers on February 13, March 13 and November 13, in the Lake Erie shoreline municipality. All of them unfortunately outside of the hot summer months.

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show at the International Centre to be confirmed.  Updates to follow.

City of Toronto rings in 2026 with music and fireworks

First comes Christmas, then New Year's Eve rolls around and Toronto isn't letting this celebration go without a free festival with fireworks on December 31, 2025. The fun will be centered around the Waterfront where live music, pop-up performances along with dancing and a 10-minute fireworks finale set off in the inner harbour. You can see a copy of the City's photo from a previous event at the top of this post.

Mayor Olivia Chow says, “New Year’s Eve is a time for all of us to come together and enjoy the excitement of the season. Toronto’s waterfront will be full of music, movement, and community as we ring in 2026 together. Whether you're dancing outdoors, watching the fireworks with friends and family, or tuning in from home, I invite everyone to take part in this joyful celebration of our city. As we go into 2026, we continue to focus on building a caring, safe, and affordable city that delivers for you.”

Here is the City of Toronto's news release regarding the New Year's Eve celebration (remember there are no fireworks at City Hall).

"At midnight on Wednesday, December 31, the City of Toronto will present a 10-minute fireworks show launched from Toronto’s inner harbour. Synchronized to music and visible across the central waterfront, the display will light up the skyline as one of the most exciting countdown moments in Canada.

Residents and visitors can catch the show from 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.
- Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

Pedestrians are encouraged to arrive by public transit and use York Street, Jarvis Street, Spadina Avenue and Bay Street to access any of the waterfront viewing areas.

New Year’s Eve programming

Beginning at 10 p.m., the waterfront will transform into a lively outdoor celebration with Canadian music, participatory dance sessions, roaming performers, family-friendly activities and festive pop-up surprises.

Anchored at Harbourfront Centre, the main stage will feature an energetic musical lineup hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow, Makayla Couture and Jessica Smith, Weather Anchor and Reporter, CTV News Toronto and CP24.

This year’s headliner, Lu Kala, brings a fiery-voiced sound to the stage, with opening sets by cootie catcher, offering playful indie-electronic vibes, and Kalisway, known for electrifying, feel-good tracks that blend classic groove with modern edge. KIMIWVN’s DJ set will follow the midnight countdown and keep the celebration going until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with a dance party.

Across the waterfront, visitors can take in high-energy DJ sets, pop-up performances and moments of celebration. At Sherbourne Common, the Dance Together Festival will host participatory dance sessions, inviting audiences to join in and move into the new year together. Families can enjoy films projected onto the east side of the Canada Malting Silos viewable from Toronto Music Garden throughout the evening.

Harbourfront Centre’s Winterfest will further animate the festivities with DJ Skate Night featuring DJ Smartiez, immersive light displays, curated food offerings in Community Square, a giant Winter Maze and live performances presented throughout the campus

For those celebrating from home, the live broadcast will feature performances and a real-time countdown to midnight on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/Culture_TO. ASL interpretation and closed captioning will be available.

See more information for the night including road restrictions after the jump.

Kensington Market Winter Solstice 2025 celebration December 21

2025's Kensington Market Winter Solstice celebration brings back the parade and the Fire Finale in Alexandra Park on Sunday, December 21. The 36th annual solstice celebration in the famous Toronto neighbourhood is an epic event that you should see at least once, just dress warmly and take in all the excitement and sense of community that you find in the market area.

Part of the celebrations is carrying paper lanterns to light the way during the parade, you can purchase them ($30) on the Sunday night from 3 to 6pm at Oxford and Augusta (there was a lantern making workshop on December 13, or make them yourself). You can find them at the lantern sales tent at the previously mentioned intersection and the lanterns themselves are hand-made, illuminated by a candle and come with a carrying stick.

The celebrations start with Indigenous ceremonies and singing, followed by a breathtaking fire breathing exhibition, then the parade complete with giant paper Mache figures and bands heads down to the park.

2018's giant hand goes up in flames

Each year the Solstice organizers create a large, flammable item that the parade circles in the park before they set fire to it, much like a burning man type of spectacle while fire performers put on a continuous show as the fire grows and burns out.

36th Annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice schedule
Sunday Dec 21, 2025 from 6 to 930pm

3:30–6:30: Solstice Lanterns for Sale. Oxford St. & Augusta Ave
6:00 PM: Parade Assembly. Oxford St. & Augusta Ave
6:30 PM: First Light. Scenari. Same intersection.
7:00 PM: Parade Kickoff & go with the flow.
Fire Finale at Alexandra Park.

It's Christmas all over again in Toronto

As the holiday season comes into town the snowfall and cold temperatures are delightful and help to make for a festive atmosphere. After the holidays snow is just a way to make life a little more difficult in the city, so take in the snow while it is still charming and enjoy the Christmas displays.

The beautiful illuminated trees at Commerce Court

The beautiful deer and giant Christmas Tree in the Eaton Centre

Brookfield Place has their own tree and a bunch of snowflakes

The lights remain at City Hall as part of the Cavalcade Festival of Lights

with their tall tree in the square

A bonus will be the return of the Holiday Windows at the former Hudson's Bay flagship store as building owner Cadillac Fairview will unveil the windows on December 14, 2025. Here is a previous post about the decorative windows.

Subway platform art mural by Chairman Ting in Toronto Path

With the return to work (RTO) continuing to force workers back to the office, combined with the winter weather bringing cold and wet weather back to Toronto, more and more people are pouring through the underground PATH system. That includes the section through the corridors of what was once the Hudson Bay flagship building across from the Eaton Centre. The long mural shows figures walking along a subway platform and looking out from the train's windows, it looks a lot more fun than the regular TTC subway platform.

The owners of that space, Cadillac Fairview, has provided temporary space for art to enhance the space, and that space is a massive mural created by Chairman Ting, a Vancouver based, artist led studio which has a "unique and whimsical style". The temporary exhibition space is to feature young, emerging artists and is named ArtLaunch. That means that the art will change through 2026, so check it out before it is gone, then check out the new art.

Transforming Communities for A VIBRANT Tomorrow. Written by Cadillac Fairview, Illustrated by Chairman Ting

The following is from the Chairman Ting website where he also thanks his team and Cadillac Fairview and describes his love of Toronto.

"I am mega excited to finally share this as a post and not just a disappearing IG story. My biggest mural yet. Twenty seven thousand square feet in downtown Toronto at the Eaton Centre. The mural sprawls through the PATH, the concourse and levels 1 and 2, street level and more. It is by far the biggest canvas I have ever worked on.

Artist statement:

This mural is my love letter to Toronto. Spanning more than twenty seven thousand square feet, it brings together the world of Billion Buns with the city that shaped me. I filled the piece with the landmarks and icons that defined my upbringing: the CN Tower, the Skydome, TTC subway cars, the skyline, and the pulse of the Six. You will find the Canada goose, the Blue Jays, the Raptors, and a nod to Drake. Every element reflects the energy, humour and pride that make Toronto what it is.

At its core, the work celebrates the city’s diversity. Toronto’s strength has always come from its mix of cultures, languages and communities, and I wanted the mural to reflect that spirit of openness. The characters, colours and visual rhythm all speak to a city built by many voices coming together.

Although I live and work in Vancouver now, Toronto is still home in my bones. Creating this mural was a chance to reconnect with the city that raised me and honour the place where my creative journey began. It is a true labour of love and a celebration of the culture that continues to inspire me."

Winter Glow 2025 at Sankofa Square

Holiday fun can be found in Sankofa Square during the December 11 to 21, 2025 Winter Glow festival with free admission and all ages welcome with today being opening night. The kick off will feature a musical performance by My Pop Choir. Enjoy drinks in the square, take a ride on the carousel or Ferris wheel and shop in the Holiday Market. Also meet Santa Claus!

From the Square's website, "Winter magic is back in downtown Toronto! Sankofa Square transforms once again into a vibrant holiday destination filled with lights, music, festive flavours, classic rides, and community cheer. Now in its third year, Winter Glow continues to shine as one of Toronto’s most joyful urban holiday celebrations, bringing together families, friends, visitors, and neighbours in the heart of the city."

Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays | 12 pm to 10 pm on weekends

Fun things to do in Toronto March & April 2026

ILLUMINITE 2026: Making Connections continues from Feb 13 to Mar 8. Downtown Yonge area.
Winter Stations in the Beach continues from Feb 16 into March.

Lumiere The Art of Light in Ontario Place Trillium Park. Through Feb 16 to Mar 27, from dusk to 11pm.

Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show Thurs, Feb 26 to Sun Mar 1.

Toronto Bicycle Show and E-Bike Expo Fri to Sun, Mar 6-8.

Toronto Rock Lacrosse till April.

Green Living Show Fri to Sun, Mar TBD.

National Home Show  Fri to Sun, Mar 6-15.

Toronto Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Sat, Mar 7 to Mon, Apr 6.

Celebrate Toronto Sat, Mar 7 in Nathan Phillips Square - It's birthday number 192. 

Geary Art Crawl Sat to Sun, Mar 7-8.

Toronto’s 2026 International Women’s Day Rally and March Sun, Mar 8. Rally at 1pm.

Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo Fri to Sun, Mar 13-15. 

Toronto FC First home game Sat, Mar 14.

Sugar Shack Sat to Sun, Mar 14-15 down at the waterfront. Back and sweeter than ever.

St Patricks Day Parade Sun, Mar 15.

Toronto Sportsmen's Show Thurs to Sun, Mar 19-22.

Toronto ComicCON Fri to Sun, Mar 20-22. Come for the costumes, read a few comics and meet some stars.

Spring Cottage Life Show Thurs to Sun, Mar 26-29.

Earth Hour Sat, Mar 28 at 8:30 pm.

Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener Fri, Mar 27.

Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade Fri & Sun, Apr 3 & 5.

Toronto Pillow Fight Sat, Apr 4 or Sun, Apr 5 (to be confirmed) at 1:30pm meet, fight starts at 2pm at Nathan Phillips Square, to be confirmed. During International World Pillow Fight Day (April 5, 2026). 

Toronto Food and Drink Festival Fri to Sun, Apr 17-19.

Record Store Day in Toronto Sat, Apr 18. Twenty one (TBC) record stores in Toronto are participating.

Eat Well, Live Well Expo Sat to Sun, Apr 18-19 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Bldg.

Fashion Art Toronto Thurs to Sun, Apr TBD.
Future of Innovation, Technology and Creativity FITC Mon to Tue, Apr 27-28.

Battle of York Weekend TBD

Khalsa Day Sun, Apr 26 with a parade.

EcoFair Toronto at Evergreen Brick Works Sun, April 26.

Hopefully the fruit blossoms will come out to play, along with the warm weather. Check out the famous High Park Cherry Blossoms Festival.

Moved into June 2026

Toronto Comic Arts Festival TCAF Sat to Sun, June 6-7. The new location is in the TMU Athletic (Mattamy) Centre.

See all the events, festivals and special occasions happening in Toronto in 2026 in the following posts.

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto January and February 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto March and April 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto May and June 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto July and August 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto September and October 2026.

Fun things to do in Toronto November and December 2026.

And keep an eye out for next year's Fun things to do in Toronto in 2027.

Interior Design Show Toronto coming Jan 2026

This is where design meets and not just professional designers, artists, installers and material suppliers, you too can see and meet with specialists and improve your living spaces. The new edition of the Interior Design Show comes to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building) from January 22 to 25, 2026.

The overall schedule of IDS2026 is as follows.
Thursday, January 22: 9 AM – 4 PM (Trade Day & IDS Conference)
IDS Party: 7 PM – 11 PM
Friday, January 23: 9 AM – 6 PM (Trade Day & IDS Conference)
Saturday, January 24: 10 AM – 5 PM (Trade & General Admission)
Sunday, January 25: 10 AM – 5 PM (General Admission)

The Interior Design Show (IDS) provides a one stop shop to see amazing exhibitions, take in seminars and network with the best while seeing the latest industry solutions and materials. IDS begins on a Thursday with a Trade Day and later in the evening with a blast of a party.

From the industry design show, "Join us January 22, 7-11pm on the IDS show floor for an unforgettable evening celebrating design. Connect with industry leaders and creative minds in Toronto's premier design gathering. Experience live music, curated bar spaces, dynamic marquee performances, and surprise moments throughout the show floor. NEW This Year: Register for the party and receive complimentary access to the IDS show floor Friday through Sunday* – three full days to explore the latest in design."

Features of the show to explore include ILLUMINATE, Furniture Forcast, How We Work, The District at IDS Toronto, Prototype at IDS Toronto, Studio North at IDS Toronto and Select.