15 Free Things To Do In Toronto For January
After the holidays you might be feeling a bit broke, but finding something fun to do in Toronto doesn't need to be expensive. This month there are plenty of amazing things you can do that are free!
There is no need to stay home to save money. This month you can take part in free dance or meditation classes, see stunning art installations, listen to live music and escape the cold to a lush tropical oasis.
READ MORE: Toronto Is Getting Unique Art Installations Across The Waterfront This Winter
See The Illuminations At The Toronto Light Festival
Toronto light art festival is back! The massive Toronto Light Festival is one you won't want to miss. At the festival, you'll be able to see thousands of lights that make up the light art that decorate 13 acres and 44 buildings.
The Historic Distillery District will be illuminated from January 18 until March 3 with the hopes of drawing you to explore the stunning winter setting.
Discover Some Amazing Art At Design TO
DesignTO is a 10-day festival that celebrates art and design from January 18-27. Formerly called the Toronto Design Offsite Festival, DesignTO has 100 events, with plenty of free talks and tours.
Three events you'll want to add to your calendar are: a talk from HGTV host Tiffany Pratt, a walking tour exploring the art at Younge and St. Clair and a discussion on Canadian design moderated by EQ3 Creative Director Thom Fougere.
Explore The Magical Ice Breakers Exhibition
You have to check out the amazing temporary art exhibits that are part of Ice Breakers. Beginning on January 19, Ice Breakers will have outdoor public art along Queens Quay West for five weeks. The entire event is completely free.
READ MORE: Toronto Just Opened A Dog Cafe And It's So Adorable
Attend Toronto's Hottest Party On Ice - DJ Skate Nights
Put on your skates and head to Toronto's DJ Skate Nights, which is a dance party on ice! Every Saturday until February 16 you can enjoy non-stop beats at the Natrel Rink located at Harbourfront Centre from 8 pm until 11 pm.
See The Amazing Art Installations At The Waterfront
Cure your winter blues and visit Toronto's Winter Stations which is back! The international design competition will transform the Beaches waterfront with temporary public art installations including a magical butterfly forest! Winter Stations starts on January 19 and runs until February 24, 2019.
Skate Toronto's Largest Ice Trail
Skate downtown Toronto this winter for free at The Bentway. The 220m long trail in the shape of an eight is under Toronto's high traffic Gardiner Expressway! The skating trail is currently open and will remain open until February 18.
If you don't have a pair of skates, make sure to visit on Free Skate Thursdays. From 5 pm till 9 pm on Thursday nights you can enjoy free skate rentals courtesy of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport!
Take Part In The No Pants Subway Ride
The No Pants Subway Ride returns on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Hosted by Improv Everywhere, the event hopes to make commuters laugh, by encouraging to ride the subway without pants! The event will take place in over 50 cities around the world, and updates will be posted soon on their website how to join.
Take A Walking Tour Of Toronto Find Hidden Gems In The City
Discover new spots in your city by joining one of Toronto's free walking tours. Tour Guys offers five different tours throughout the year, including a daily graffiti tour, a spooky ghost tours, and fascinating old town history tour.
See The Winter Light Exhibition At Ontario Place
You need to see the Winter Light Exhibition At Ontario Place! The Winter Light Exhibition is on now and will run until March 17. From 4 pm until midnight daily you'll be able to explore the artistic light exhibits from various artists, and stroll through a fairy light forest illuminated with 180,000 lights!
Attend A Meditation Class
Help reduce anxiety and learn about mindfulness at The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts. On January 16 and 23 you can enjoy a free meditation class from Cassidy Thedorf from Just Be // Meditation. The classes are perfect for beginners and run from 6 to 7 pm.
Attend A Free Concert At The Canadian Opera Company
Did you know the Canadian Opera Company offers free concerts? The free concert series occur most Tuesday and Thursday at noon, but make sure to check their schedule as the sometimes the date and times of the show vary. As part of the concert series, you can enjoy jazz, piano, dance, vocal, and world music performances.
Explore The AGO
Invite your BFF to join you to see some stunning art at the AGO. Every Wednesday from 6 till 9 pm you can enjoy free admission to the collection galleries.
Stroll Through The Allan Gardens Conservatory
After a few months of winter, you might be longing to see plants and flowers again. To escape the snowy environment outdoors head to the Allan Gardens Conservatory which is a tropical oasis in downtown Toronto. Here you can walk through the various greenhouses and see the beautiful flowers and plants.
Take A Dance Class
Dance classes don't have to be expensive! At The Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, they are offering free Bollywood dance classes on January 8, 15 and 22 and free beginner Contemporary dance classes on January 10, 17 and 24.
Enjoy A Good Book At The Toronto Reference Library
Sometimes when it is super cold outside all you want to do is to stay cozy and enjoy a good book. The huge Toronto Reference Library is the perfect spot to escape the snow and spend a relaxing afternoon reading.