We’re now settling into the winter looking forward to just taking it a bit easier. Hygge? Sure, but there’s still lots happening in the city worth layering up for. Here are some of our favourite things to do this January with kids.
TO Light Fest at Distillery District: January 17 to March 1. The fourth annual winter tradition will light up the dark nights in the city once again. Art and light installations by local and international artists brighten up the cold nights giving us a worthy reason to bundle up. Free admission.
Lunar New Year Celebrations at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto: beginning January 20. An annual tradition for my family is this beautiful presentation at the luxury hotel. The popular Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea is an experience worth dressing up for (we recommend reserving asap). A special edition dim sum brunch is also offered at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Bosk. A traditional lion dance will take place on January 25. Not to be missed will be the 14-foot hand-crafted silk wishing tree.
Winter Fest with the Toronto Blue Jays: January 18 & 19 at Rogers Centre. Back for the third year, the family fun event includes activities and autograph sessions with current players as well as alumni. Tour the ballpark, check out baseball memorabilia, live entertainment, Jr. Jays activities for kids ages 14 and under, meet Sports Net personalities, and the first 12,000 fans each day will get a Blue Jays toque! Tickets and info here.
Terra Lumina at the Toronto Zoo: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until April 13. When the sunsets, take a walk on the 1.5 kilometre trail that takes you to the future and back. Take in the awe-inspiring illuminated trail complete with vibrant lights and special effects. Tickets and more info here.
9 & 99: The Howe- Gretzky Exhibition at the Hockey Hall of Fame: on until March 2020. This never seen before exhibition brings together memorabilia from two of Canada’s greatest hockey players of all time. The exhibit includes rare and personal items that fans won’t want to miss.
Lunar New Year Celebrations at Scarborough Town Centre: January 18 to 26. Usher in the Year of the Rat complete with a traditional Chinese lion dance and activities. Festivities kick off on Saturday, January 18 at noon with an official ceremony. Centre Court will be transformed for the celebration. Make a wish on the wishing wall for the coming year.
Goh Ballet Bayview Open House: Bayview Village Shopping Centre. January 19, 10 am to 3 pm. Does your child dream of ballet dancing? You’ll want to visit Goh Ballet Academy Bayview (under the direction of Chan Hon Goh, former Principal Dancer with the National Ballet of Canada) for this fun-filled open house. Try out different age-appropriate sessions in classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. They are also offering adult ballet sessions (ages 15+). Pre-register to try out the sessions.
