Believe it or not, you can still have a blast on a budget in Toronto. With the cost of rent and living prices continuing to rise, affordable activities are a MUST – so here are 10 activities that are FREE or under $10 to experience this winter in the city:
1.Holiday Fair in the Square
Enjoy an artisan marketplace, endless photo ops, rides, games, food trucks, a fireside lounge with hot chocolate & mulled wine, photos with santa + more. The best part? This event supports Epilepsy Toronto!
Location: Mel Lastman Square, North York (5100 Yonge St.)
Date: Dec 1-23, 2023 (excluding Mondays)
Price: FREE admission
2. Cavalcade of Lights
Nathan Phillips square is pure magic this time of the year! Experience the sparkling tree, join the community in ice skating, and admire numerous energy-efficient bulbs illuminating downtown Toronto. Bring your skates or easily rent a pair on-site.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W)
Date: Until January 7th, 2024
Price: FREE admission, free if you have your own skates or $15/adult for 2 hours
3. Holiday Street Market
The base of the CN Tower has completely transformed into a magical winter village! Experience an exciting line-up of rotating international street food vendors and artisan makers, fun activities, & snap selfie on Santa’s sleigh!
Location: CN tower
Date: Until January 7th, 2024. The market is currently open every Friday (5pm-9pm), Saturday (12pm-9pm) and Sunday (12pm-7pm). The market will extend its opening days over the next few weeks. Follow @streeteatsmarket and @holidaystreetmarket for the latest updates.
Price: FREE admission,
4. The AGO
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto is the perfect winter activity. Escape the cold and explore a wide range of captivating artworks from various times and cultures.
Location: 317 Dundas St W,, Toronto
Price: FREE admission every Wednesday 6-9pm
5. Happy hour at Chotto Matte
This stunning and unique restaurant is famous for its signature Nikkei cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails and electric atmosphere. From Monday to Friday from 3-5pm, enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails and delicious bar bites starting at $4.
Location: 161 Bay St. Toronto,
Date: Monday- Friday, 3-5pm
6. Bata Shoe Museum
Fashion enthusiasts rejoice! You can experience this shoe-lover’s dream come true for FREE on Sundays from 12-5pm. The Bata Shoe Museum is an educational and enjoyable way to spend a winter day indoors, offering a glimpse into the world of fashion, culture, and history through footwear.
Location: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto
Price: FREE admission every Sunday 12-5pm
7. ROM
If you’re looking to get those frozen lil toesies out of the cold and love learning, the ROM is the perfect winter activity for you! So many fun exhibits to explore, including giant dinosaur fossils and skeletons, and won’t cost you a penny if you visit on 3rd Tuesday of the month from 4:30-8:30pm
Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto
Price: FREE on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 4:30-8:30pm
8. Union Winter
This season, Toronto Union will once again be the go-to spot for your holiday and winter needs. For shopping, dinner, family outings or music, check out the return of Union Winter – presented by TD! This year they’re featuring a new and exciting concept – Roller Express, an indoor roller-skating experience.
Enjoy 5,500 square feet of skating surface, plus a skating trail that leads into the carriageway tunnel, animated with lights for a fun retro vibe. The rink is open daily to the public, offering free skate and safety gear rentals, DJ skate nights, skating lessons and more!
Location: Union Station (TD West Carriageway)
Price: FREE admission, FREE skate rentals
Date: Until February 4th, 2024
Overall, these are 8 fun activities to enjoy this winter in Toronto without going bankrupt. Have an amazing holiday season!
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