Family New Year’s Eve Fun + Things to Do Around Toronto in January
Good-bye 2025. Hello 2026! Toronto in January continues its tradition of being one of the quieter months events-wise (and let’s be honest, we could probably all do with a bit of at-home downtime), there are more than a couple fun, family-friendly things happening this month.
Below we round up a few ways to keep your kids entertained in January and a few spots where you can celebrate a family-friendly New Year’s Eve. And don’t forget that there are multiple events from our December round-up that are running into January, thanks to the kids not heading back to school until January 5th, like Winterfest at Canada’s Wonderland until Saturday January 3.
Or, if you’d prefer something outdoor and active, DJ Skate Nights at Harbourfront Centre are running until February.
We hope that you and your family have a great winter break that includes at least some time to relax and recharge.
Family Celebrations for New Year’s Eve in Toronto
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Toronto Public Library; Various Locations
Wednesday December 31st
Families across the GTA can ring in the New Year at the more kid-friendly time of 11:00am onwards at several locations of the Toronto Public Library. The TPL’s Noon Year’s Eve Parties feature books, songs, and rhymes that are perfect for children ages zero through five. The drop-in events are free to attend and by taking place during the day on the 31st allows you to celebrate New Year’s as a family later that evening.
Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Vaughan Mills, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan
Wednesday December 31
Celebrate the last day of the year at one of your kid’s favourite spots: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre! Just make sure that you’re there at noon when there will be “an epic balloon drop” that will be way more fun than staying up until midnight. Before (or after) the balloons, enjoy LEGOLAND’s many attractions, including the Kingdom Quest Ride, the 4D cinema, and the Ninjago City Adventure climbing gym.
City of Toronto Fireworks
Ring in the New Year with a free, festive countdown to 2026 along Toronto’s stunning waterfront. The celebration kicks off on December 31 at 10pm. Enjoy pop-up performances, lively entertainment, and a spectacular 10-minute midnight fireworks display lighting up the city skyline and visible from anywhere with a view of Toronto’s inner harbour or can be watched live on YouTube. There are no fireworks at City Hall or Nathan Phillips Square.
New Year’s Eve 2025
Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga
Wednesday December 31st
Hip-hop legends ring in 2026 at Celebration Square with the biggest NYE block party in town with fireworks presented by Tim Hortons. The night kicks off with an interactive K-Pop spotlight and culminates in a breathtaking fireworks finale presented by Tim Hortons. At 9pm, families and early-night revelers can join in the Junior Confetti Countdown, a fun and colourful moment to welcome the New year early without slowing down the party.
Then, enjoy back-to-back performances from some of the most exciting names in pop and electronic music like CMAGIC5, Alex Kade, and UK-based group, Say Now.
Family Fun Things to Do Around Toronto in January
Arcadia Earth
The Well, 486 Front St. E., Toronto
Until Sunday January 4
Immerse your family in a unique multimedia experience that will take you on a multi-sensory trip around the world while learning about different ecosystems and the impacts humans on having on them. Spread over 17,000 square-feet and 10 rooms, Arcadia features floor-to-ceiling projections, recycled and upcycled creations and even augmented reality to create something quite unlike any other experience in the city. The entire trip takes about an hour and is stroller friendly.
DJ Skate Nights
Saturday nights in January (ongoing until mid-Feb)
Harbourfront Centre
Enjoy free outdoor skating with music on Saturdays… such a fun, lively way to enjoy winter with kids! This year the rink has expanded, giving even more people the chance to enjoy skating this season. Glide across the newly improved, larger waterfront rink while top DJs spin beats that keep the energy high all night long. Check out the full lineup online.
Bentway Skate Trail
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
Trail Now Open
Grab your skates (or rent a pair) and check out one of the city’s coolest outdoor skating trails. Featuring 220 metres of ice shaped into a figure-eight, this trail takes things up a notch with free hot chocolate on Monday evenings, and free skate rentals on Thursdays. Access to the trail is free.
Power Kids: Soil Stories
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, 231 Queen Quay W., Toronto
Sunday January 11th
In this workshop, families begin with a short gallery tour, looking at Lucy Raven’s Murderers Bar and considering the natural origins of clay in riverbeds and its role in habitats. Afterwards, participants will use air-dry clay to create hand-built artworks, exploring connections with soil, earth, and water through a hands-on, creative activity.
Mrs. Doubtfire – Family Musical Comedy
Princess of Wales Theatre; 300 King Street West
Runs Tuesday January 6 – Sunday January 18
A heart-warming musical comedy based on the beloved movie. This show is great fun for older kids (recommended ages 8+).
Downsview Park Family Events
70 Canuck Ave., Toronto
Assorted Sundays and Mondays in January
At Downsview Park, their Nature Connection program offers nature-themed sessions every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 2:00 to 3:30 pm that explore the natural world that makes Downsview Park unique. The Jr. Forest Explorers run 90 minutes (twice per month in the winter) for children between 18 months and 3 1/2 (with caregivers) to connect with nature through hands-on outdoor activities.
