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

Lumiere The Art of Light in Ontario Place Trillium Park. Through Feb and Mar from dusk to 11pm.
ILLUMINITE 2026: Making Connections continues from Feb to Mar TBD. Downtown Yonge area.
Winter Stations in the Beach continues from Feb 16 into March.

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. 

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.

The New Boat Show at the International Centre Thurs to Sun, Mar TBD.

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

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

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.

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

Battle of York Weekend TBD

Khalsa Day Sun, Apr TBD with a parade.

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.

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.

Toronto Cavalcade of Lights 2025

Holiday season is fast approaching and Toronto starts celebrating with the Cavalcade of Lights festival down in Nathan Phillips Square from November 29 to January 7. Opening night celebrations run from 6 to 11 pm Saturday the 29th and the Christmas tree will be lit up at 6:30pm.

The City of Toronto says it, "will kick off its annual Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Desjardins Group, with an opening night celebration of music, light and community. The festival runs until Wednesday, January 7, 2026, transforming the heart of Toronto into a dazzling winter wonderland throughout the holiday season."

Highlights include:

- A countdown to the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree
- A candlelight concert under the stars produced by Fever
- A spectacular skating show on the Nathan Phillips Square’s rink
- A special Indigenous performance by DJ Classic Roots
- Family-friendly activities including Diya decoration workshops
- A headline performance by acclaimed Canadian recording artist Tyler Shaw
- Interactive light and sound installations"

There will be four art installations in the square; We Change Each Other, Lux Array, ECHO and Luminescence.

See the City's opening night schedule and more photos after the jump.

Rodeos and the last day of the 2025 Toronto Royal Fair

Ten days of the 2025 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Royal Horse Show comes to an end on Sunday, November 16 in Exhibition Place. And it ends with a bang as two Rodeos take place beginning with the Royal Rodeo Qualifier at 11am followed by the Royal Rodeo Finals at 2:00 pm, both presented by the Ontario Ford Dealers. Celebrity Amber Marshall, star of the CBC show Heartland, will guest emcee the Rodeos. Tickets to the Royal Horse Show include entrance to the Winter Fair, or you can upgrade your Winter Fair tickets to attend the Royal Horse Show.

There is also plenty of events taking place throughout the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair taking place in the Animal Theatre, the Royal Paddock, the Semex Ring of Excellence, the Small Animal Pavilion, the Royal Petting Farm, the Ag-Tivity Stage and the Farm and Play Zone. Watch performances on the OLG Entertainment Stage, visit the paddocks, the Dairy Education Centre and take in talks on the Growth Hub Stage. Santa Claus will also be on site to meet the kids!

The Rodeo competitions will see cowpokes of both sexes taking part in exciting riding events such as Saddle & Bareback Bronc Riding, Pole Bending & Barrel Racing, Bull Riding with the Matinee Final Show also including The Canadian Cowgirls. The Bull Riding requires cowboys to stay mounted to the two thousand pound animal for eight seconds.

Ontario Agriculture is giving out free samples, previous samples included carrots

Fun things to do in #Toronto in Jan and Feb 2026

You don't want to stick to home through the grey doldrums of winter, especially after Christmas has come and gone, so Toronto is putting on a lot of events and invites everyone to take in some shows, exhibitions and maybe a few festivals.

Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Beach. Thursday, Jan 1. Noon at Sunnyside Beach. 'Do the Dip'. See photo at top.

Record Breaker World Record Cold Plunge at Woodbine Beach Thursday, Jan 1 at 1pm.

North American International Motorcycle Supershow Fri to Sun, Jan 9-11 at the International Centre.

Canada's Bridal Show Fri to Sun, Jan 16-18.

The Franchise Expo Sat to Sun, Jan 17-18. 
Toronto No Pants Subway Ride Sun, Jan ? UNCONFIRMED, probably a no go. Meet at 3pm at Eaton Centre Dundas Street entrance, 3:20pm head out on the rails. 

Toronto International Boat Show Sat to Sun, Jan 17-25.

Interior Design Show IDS2026 Thurs to Sun, Jan 22-25.

DesignTO Fri, Jan 23 - Sun, Feb 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs outdoor practice Mon, Jan TBD. At Mimico's Prince of Wales Rink. The skate festival will run Jan TBD with chances to meet the players.

Toronto Golf and Travel Show presented by Golf Town Fri to Sat, Jan 30-31.

Winterlicious Fri, Jan 30 to Thurs, Feb 12. "Savour every bite"

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

Harbourfront Centre Kuumba Feb 2026. A celebration of Black Culture.

Raptors Fan Day Sun, Feb 1 at Scotiabank Arena from noon till 2pm.

OCAD U Black History Month Digital Exhibition Thurs to Thurs, Feb TBD. On the screens of Yonge-Dundas Square.

Toronto NHL Fan Fair Thurs to Sun, Feb TBD at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, south building.
Hey, it's Groundhog Day on Mon, Feb 2. Groundhogs can't be stopped! Don't forget about Wiarton Willie!

Spring Fish and Boat Show Fri to Sun, Feb 6-8.

Sweet City Fest Fri to Sun, Feb TBD in the Stackt Market.

Black Film Festival Wed to Mon, Feb 11-16.

Winterfolk Festival Thurs to Sun, Feb 12-15.

Canadian International AutoShow Fri to Sun, Feb 13-22.

Happy Valentine's Day Sat, Feb 14. Hugs and kisses everyone.

Toronto Erotic Arts and Craft Fair Sat, Feb 14. Free admission at the Parkdale Hall.

Toronto Spring Fireworks Festival Celebration - Sat to Mon, Feb 14-16. Lunar New Year Celebrations including fireworks  at Nathan Phillips Square.

Motorcycle Show Toronto Fri to Sun, Feb 20-22. Down in Exhibition Place.

ILLUMINITE 2026: Making Connections Feb TBD. Downtown Yonge area.

Toronto Coldest Day of the Year Ride Sat, Feb TBD. Meet at 10:30am at Perth Avenue Parkette.

Beaches Winter Stations Design Competition Displays start Mon, Feb 16 till March 30.

Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebrations Sat to Sun, Feb 21-22. Lunar New Year is Saturday and it's the Year of the Horse. 2026
Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show Fri to Sun, Feb 20-22.

Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival Sat, Feb 21. Brought to you by Steam Whistle and the Toronto Railway Museum.

Toronto Spring Camping and RV Show Thurs to Sun, Feb 26 to March 1 at the International Centre.

Toronto Catstravaganza Sat, Feb 28. Exhibition Place.

Moved into March....

Toronto International Bicycle Show Fri to Sun, Mar TBD.
Toronto Sportsmen's Show Thurs to Sun, Mar 19-22.

The New Boat Show at the International Centre Thurs to Sun, Mar TBD.

Over a Century of Champions at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair

Every day over the ten days of the Toronto Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Royal Horse Show you can find an amazing amount of events and attractions to discover. The Royal takes place from November 7 to 16, 2025 at Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place and head over to their website to look at the extensive schedules and get a couple of tickets to the RAWF and the Royal Horse Show. Royal hours are Sun and Mon 9am to 6pm and Tues to Sat from 9am to 8pm with some performances running beyond these times. 

From the Royal, "This November discover, learn and celebrate over ‘A Century of Champions’! Today The Royal has grown to be the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event in the world. The Royal Horse Show is one of the world’s finest equestrian spectacles and attracts athletes from across the planet. A win at The Royal means something, regardless of whether you’re pickling, jamming, raising beef or driving six-horse hitches. Every year, 300,000 people come to The Fair to celebrate the very best food, livestock and horsemanship this country has to offer."

It was a busy weekday at the Royal as dozens of buses brought in about 4,000 students to explore animals and agricultural, many probably for the first time. The petting farm and the farm and play zone were very popular for the school children.

Mid-week has many activities ready to experience on Wednesday, November 12 with three horse shows including two free shows (8am morning and 1pm afternoon matinee) and a paid evening performance beginning at 7pm. Entertainment on the OLG Stage has Kristin Nicholls (11:00 AM, 12:30 PM), Craig McRae (2:00 PM, 3:30 PM) and Matthew Runaway Duo 5:00 PM. On Wednesday's schedule is also the following.

From the Fair, "It’s full throttle fun this Wednesday at The Royal! Santa has made his grand entrance, the barns are bustling with some of Canada’s finest livestock, and the show ring is heating up for a night of world-class horsepower. Whether you’re here for the SuperDogs, to cheer on the jumpers, or to shop your way through the Holiday Market with a butter tart in hand, there’s magic around every corner today. Let’s get into it."

Chef's Table Cooking Classes Presented by Milk with Rafael Covarrubias at 3pm.
SuperDogs Shows will be in the Ring of Excellence at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 5pm.
9am to 4pm watch the Royal Canadian Horseshoeing Classic.

Bee23 Natural Beauty

Ontario Ford Dealers have a large display of vehicles and a contest spin wheel

There were a couple of large LONGINES timepieces around the building, they are the official timekeeper of the Royal

You can also visit the Royal Petting Farm, see the Butter Sculptures and so much more. Also following is Wednesday's Royal Horse Show events.

Wednesday November 12 2025 Royal Horse Schedule
Morning - Free Performance
Roadster Pony, Junior Exhibitor 8:00 AM
Percheron Cart 8:10 9 Candian Owned Hackney Pony 8:20
Clydesdale Cart 8:30
Hackney or Harness Pony, Junior Exhibitor 8:40
Course Build 8:55
Combined Hunter 9:15
Combined Hunter Stake 10:15
Combined Hunter National Championship 11:10
Rainer Lange-Mechlen Trophy
Killer Tom Award Course Build & Walk 11:15
CET Medal National Finals - Flat & Gymnastic, Presented by Running Fox Equestrian 11:50
End of Performance 1:00 PM

Afternoon – Free Performance
Percheron Two Horse Team 1:30
Roadster Pony, Open 1:40
Clydesdale Unicorn 1:50
Pair or Tandem, Driving 2:00
Hackney Pony Open 2:10
Royal Classic Cart class 2:25
Course Build & Walk 2:40
FEI 5* International Welcome 3:15
Course Adjustment & Walk 4:15
Ride Every Stride Junior/Amateur 1.30m Final 4:35
Junior/Amateur 1.30m National Championship 5:30
End of Performance 5:35 PM

Daniel Bluman of Israel took third riding Rebelline de Kwakenbeek in the International Strength & Speed Welcome at Toronto’s CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show.

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Nov 12, 2025 from Jump Media, "Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, ON, opened international show jumping competition at the Royal Horse Show in winning fashion by riding Let’s Fly to victory in the $45,000 International Strength & Speed Welcome on Wednesday, November 12, at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

The first competition of the CSI5*-W division, which denotes the highest level of show jumping sport also offering a FEI World Cup™ qualifying grand prix, saw riders competing over a one-round “power and speed” track set by course designer Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany. Riders navigated eight fences and, if they left all of them in place, immediately advanced to the speed portion of the course."

Evening - Paid Performance
Belgian Six Horse Hitch 7:00 PM
Harness Pony, Open 7:20
Green Meadows 7:35
Freedman Award 7:50
Special Feature - The Parade of Hounds 7:55
Road Horse to Bike Canadian Championship 8:05
Featured Entertainment - Sylvia Zerbini Liberte 8:15
Intermission & Course Build 8:35
McKee Family International 5* Jumping Challenge 9:05
End of Performance 10:00 PM

See more photos after the jump.

Gay Lea Butter Sculpting Showdown area

Farm and Play Zone had a mechanical bull riding station

Some big pumpkins were on display