Toronto, 2025 is fast approaching! Sure, you can relax at home, but why not start the new year with a little adventure? There are many activities happening in the city, from ice skating to watching the Raptors. Here are 10 things to do in Toronto on New Year’s Day.
Ripley’s Aquarium in Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium is open on New Year’s Day and if you haven’t visited yet, now is the chance to do so. “Dive among thousands of awe-inspiring aquatic animals and get closer than ever to them through interactive, hands-on experiences and unique animal encounters,” says the aquarium.
Tickets are $30 for children ages 13-13 and $46 for adults.
When : Wednesday January 1st from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Or : 288 Bremner Boulevard
Prix: $30+ per ticket
Cavalcade of Lights
Kick off 2025 with a magical evening at the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square. Not only will there be stunning art installations and light shows, but there will also be free skating at the outdoor rink. The festivities will last until 10 a.m.
When : Wednesday January 1st from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Or : 100 Queen Street West
Prix: Free
ROM for the holidays
ROM for the Holidays is a special experience with enhanced programming, live performances and interactive activities. There will also be three additional exhibitions to discover. Tickets are $27.50 per person.
When : Wednesday January 1st from 10 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.
Or : 100 Queens Park
Prix: $27.50 per ticket
Spectacle : National Geographic
At Sherway Gardens, National Geographic presents photography in the form of an exhibition with photos of “the world’s most spectacular moments.”
Tickets for the Spectacle exhibition are $14 per child and $20 for people over 13.
When : Wednesday January 1 with time slots between 10 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Or : 25 Le West Mall
Prix: $14 to $20 per ticket
Toronto Polar Bear Bath
If you’re still sleepy after the New Year’s Eve festivities, this will definitely wake you up. The annual Toronto Polar Bear Plunge is once again taking place at Sunnyside Beach. If you would like to sign up to dive into the cold waters of Lake Ontario, you can do so now.
All donations and money raised go toward Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Center programs and services.
When : Wednesday January 1 at noon
Or : 1601, boulevard du Bord-du-Lac
Prix: Free (donations encouraged)
hangar skid
Free skating, anyone? The 4,500 square foot refrigerated ice rink at YZD Plaza will be surrounded by immersive art installations as you slide across it on the first day of the year!
When : Wednesday January 1st from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Or : 34 Hanover Road
Prix: Free
Distillery Winter Village
The Winter Village Distillery is still open! Yes, if you didn’t have the opportunity to visit it before Christmas, now is the time. Enjoy live entertainment, hot drinks, Christmas lights and local vendors, open from noon to 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
When : Wednesday January 1st from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Or : 51, flour mill alley
Prix: $15 per general admission ticket (free before 4 a.m.)
Toronto Marlies vs. Syracuse Crunch
The Toronto Marlies will take the ice at the Coca-Cola Coliseum to face the Syracuse Crunch. Tickets are available now and start at $38.50.
When : Wednesday January 2 at 3 p.m.
Or : 19 9, Nunavut Road
Prix: $38.50 + per ticket
Winter party at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland will open its doors for Winterfest on January 1st. The festival will feature ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, more than a dozen live shows and holiday entertainment, thrilling rides, millions of spectacular lights and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees.
When : Wednesday January 1st from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Or : 100 Queens Park
Prix: $19.99 to $39.99 per ticket
Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Raptors are at home to ring in the new year by taking on the Brooklyn Nets. Grab a friend and grab some tickets ASAP.
When : Wednesday January 1 at 7:30 a.m.
Or : 40 Bay Street
Prix: $73+ per ticket
Happy New Year, Toronto!
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