TORONTO LIGHT FESTIVAL at Distillery District: (January 19 to March 4) This very popular attraction was created to get locals and tourists out during the colder months transforming the darkness into a more warm and inviting destination. Gorgeous light installations by local and international artists somehow makes winter much more palatable. We also love it because we know we can explore the historical cobblestone laneways with our favourite SOMA hot chocolate in hand. Lights go on from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily. This gives you an idea of what to expect…but not this exactly. Just the vibe!

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WINTER AT ONTARIO PLACE: (open now until March 18) Grab your snow bunny and experience this beautiful outdoor winterscape set on the West Island of Ontario Place at the lakefront. Here you’ll experience bonfires, fairy lights, and winter light installations. Bring (or rent) skates and enjoy the outdoor rink with the city skyline as your backdrop. Light food and beverages available onsite. General admission is free.

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ICE BREAKERS at the Waterfront: (January 19 to February 25) Get your smartphones ready for all the photo opportunities at this year’s Ice Breakers outdoor art exhibition. Go and check out the giant red bear in the snow, a cozy cabin, a jingling wind chime and more. There will be five installations located on Queens Quay West between York Street and Spadina Avenue.

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LISTENING TO ART, SEEING MUSIC at the AGA KHAN MUSEUM: (January 20 to April 22). Their multi-sensory experience transforms the world of music through immersive musical soundscapes and video installations. Visitors can wander through the spaces to experience cultures and traditions. In the Museum’s central courtyard, a Mongolian yurt invites visitors to enter the communal gathering space to experience live music and storytellers. Special events also planned. Admission prices apply.

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NIGHT OF IDEAS: TO SLEEP OR NOT TO SLEEP: January 25 from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. At the Art Museum at the University of Toronto. Night of Ideas is a French-initiated, global, all-night event that is taking place in various cities around the world. Over 20 performers and speakers will focus on the night’s biggest question — to sleep or not to sleep. Attendees are encouraged to go in their pyjamas. Numerous guest speakers include international artists, writers, philosophers, neuroscientists and others who will have conversations on the the cultural importance of dreaming, the meaning of downtime and other subjects related to sleep. The evening will also include an 8-hour lullaby on CIUT FM at 10:30 pm, a midnight swim in the the Hart House pool and an exhaustion dance performance.  Food donations accepted for Covenant House.

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COME FROM AWAY at The Royal Alex Theatre: (February 13 to September 2). If you’re looking for an inspiring and uplifting musical to check out, this is the one everyone should see. This feel-good story restores our faith in humanity and we really need this now. What happens when thousands of air travellers find themselves stranded in Gander, Newfoundland. This is truly a remarkable story filled with human kindness and generosity in the darkest of times based on real people and their stories.

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YOKO ONO: THE RIVERBED at The Gardiner Museum: (February 22 to June 3). This three-part contemporary art installation by Yoko Ono is not to be missed (we visited one of her exhibitions in Iceland and spent a lot of time exploring the themes). Her works often involve collaboration, audience participation, and social activism. Special events including an intimate concert presentation by three local artists will be a worthy date night.

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YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS at The Art Gallery Of Ontario: (March 3 to May 27). The most highly-anticipated contemporary art exhibition is known to have fans waiting in queue for hours will arrive here in the city soon. Torontonians are officially #InfiniteKusama spotting as red dots are appearing in all different public spaces. The popular Japanese artist’s exhibition will provide visitors with the opportunity to experience six of her most iconic kaleidoscopic environments alongside large scale installations, sculptures and more. The exhibition also debuts some of her new works. Public tickets go on sale online starting January 16. Don’t wait. It will sell out quickly.

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DJ SKATE PARTY at Harbourfront Centre (Natrel Rink): Lace up your skates and join this outdoor winter party. Live DJs turn up the heat every Saturday night until February, from 8 to 11 pm. Free admission. Skate Rentals also available for a fee.

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ROM FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE – ENCORE: The very popular party that blends culture, history and arts with DJs, live music, and hottest food offerings returns in January. For those who keep asking us where they could go to dance, that’s fun and unpretentious. This is great fun! Entry to the party includes access to some of the most popular galleries at the ROM including the latest exhibitions. Different theme each week. Food vendors and Cash bar available. Ticketed event – best to order early online.

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SKATING AT THE BENTWAY: Toronto’s most talked about skating rink recently opened in the most unexpected place. Located under the Gardiner Expressway stretching from Strachan Ave. to Bathurst St. this outdoor public trail spans 1.75 km. Skate rentals are available. Just look for the shipping containers.

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BONUS: LUMINA BOREALIS in Kingston, Ontario: (until February 19, 2018) Bundle up and bring your good walking winter boots and head to Fort Henry National Historical Site in Kingston to experience this enchanting outdoor trail. This 1 km long trail takes about 45 minutes (leisure walk) through a beautiful night time walk through a winter wonderland. General admission for adults $16 per person.

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COVER PHOTO: Lumina Borealis in Kingston, Ontario.

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One World Family Sunday Weekend at the Royal Ontario Museum: (February 18, 19 & 20)

Celebrating Canada’s rich multicultural landscape at the ROM. Enjoy traditional and contemporary arts and culture from various communities. Saturday enjoy Lunar New Year themed fun with Chinese arts & crafts, Lion Dances, Fortune Telling, Tea Tasting. Visit with Asafo Flag artists from Ghana and join in fun workshops on Saturday.  ‘Dance through Time’ with Opera Atelier on Monday as they perform historical dances.Share what Canada means to you in a multilingual video ‘Here’s My Canada’ contest for a chance to win prizes. ROM animal care keepers as they bring out some of nature’s friendliest creatures and learn more about biodiversity of our planet. (General Admission prices range from $14 to $20)

The Drake + Monkey Bunch: (February 19 & 20), Drake Hotel

This annual family friendly celebration of live music and loads of fun invites kids and their adults to go ape! Event happens in the hotel’s Underground venue. Cover $10 or $30 for family of 4. Reserve for lunch on the same day and get 15% off your meal.

TIFF Family Day: (February 20), 350 King Street West

The TIFF Bell Lightbox will host an exciting roster of family-focused programming. Enjoy some of the most celebrated films of the TIFF Kids International Film Festival as well as classics like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The innovative digiPlaySpace exhibition will unveil the latest in interactive digital, art and design activities from Canada and around the world. (See site for ticket prices)

Young People’s Theatre: (February 20), 165 Front Street East

On Family Day, YPT will present two special productions for kids plus free craft activities that are themed around the shows. Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach for ages 6 and up is a fun musical version of the beloved children’s story. Scenes From a Tree is an award-winning production designed for babies 18 months and tots. Tickets range from $10 to $41.

Kids take over the Art Gallery of Ontario: (February 20)

Once again, the AGO transforms into the Kids’ Gallery of Ontario (KGO) with an incredible line up of art activities inspired by the ongoing exhibition Francis Alys: A Story of Negotiation, tours, family yoga, short films and interactive performances. All activities are included in the price of admission. Special discounted family pass available for advance purchase for only $39 (2 adults and up to 5 kids ages 6 to 17).

Ontario Science Centre: 770 Don Mills Road

Family Day weekend is an ideal time to visit the Science Centre as they’ve just recently unveiled several new exhibitions including Canada150, BioMechanics: The Machine Inside that is both fascinating and a curiosity. Shrimp that can break through glass? Discover how living creatures are “built”. The newest IMAX film “Dream Big” also opens this weekend. (General admission for the Science Centre from $13 to $22. Additional charge for IMAX film)

Toronto Light Fest at the Distillery District: (ongoing until March 12)

This is the inaugural year of this beautiful nighttime display of  21 public art installations (free). Created by local and international artist, Toronto Light Fest is meant to draw us out of our cocoons to cozy up to the warmth of glowing lights. It’s reminds us to embrace our winter nights and then head into the many shops and cafes to warm up. Hot chocolate anyone? You can read more about it on our post here.

Ice Breakers: (ongoing until February 26)

Plan a visit along Toronto’s Harbourfront to check out the newest public art exhibition (free). There are five “Ice Breaker” interactive installations between Yonge Street and Bathurst Street. Download the app to enhance your exploration.

Winter Stations: Beaches (February 20 to March 27)

This is the third year for this very popular public art installation (free) along the waterfront of the Beaches. Selected winners of the international design competition bring temporary installations to the stunning landscape where land meets lake. This year’s theme is Catalyst: Converting one form or substance into another. Artists and designers were asked to “unearth and intervene in such a way as to open up the landscape, as well as the minds of those who come to view and interact with the installations.” Five installations are by artists and three are by students at University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and Humber College.

Beauty and the Beast Castle experience at Casa Loma: (February 17 to 20)

Fans of the Disney classic will want to visit Toronto’s own fairy tale castle for this special exhibition with a rare opportunity to see original props used on set of the film’s upcoming release, check out interactive exhibits and costumes. This is the only Canadian stop for this Disney experience. Advance tickets definitely recommended. Tickets range from $15 to $25.

Canadian International Auto Show: (February 17 to 26) Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Something for everyone is true when it comes to the annual CIAS. But Family Day (February 20) is a good day to visit as the show pulls out all the bells and whistles including entertainment, prize giveaways, kid friendly activities. In the past there have been special sport celebrity appearances. Celebrate 50 Years of Grand Prix in Canada at the special exhibit that showcases the history, cars and drivers. Aspiring car aficionados will want to visit Auto Exotica that showcases the ultimate luxury cars. If little kids get tired, drop them off at the Volkswagen PlayCare Centre.  Family pass $45 (2 adults and 2 children between ages 7-12)

The post What to see & do in Toronto during Family Day Weekend appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

In partnership with the Waterfront BIA, the event will run until February 26th with installations at Harbourfront Centre, HTO Park, Music Garden East, Rees Street Parkette and the Peter Street Basin.

The name “Ice Breakers” makes reference to the ships that used to break up the ice in the Toronto harbour. Ice boating was also a favourite winter pastime for adventurous nineteenth-century Torontonians. While you can no longer go ice boating in the Toronto harbour, ferries and other ships still traverse the harbour during the winter months. For the general population, new ways of enjoying the Toronto waterfront in the winter are always welcomed.

A series of walking tours exploring the Toronto Central Waterfront’s transition from a thriving port into a place for people to live, work and play will take place during the Ice Breakers show. Organizers will lead you through the development of the downtown waterfront and explore the challenges, the successes and the lessons that have been learned for the future of waterfront revitalization in Toronto.

Tour Date:

-Sunday February 5 at 11am

Location: Tour begins at 60 Harbour Street and will move west to Spadina and Queens Quay West. This is a 90-minute tour.

For more information, contact info@waterfrontoronto.ca.

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