The best things to do on New Year’s Day in Toronto

Happy (almost) new year, Toronto! Yes, there are lots of businesses closed today, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in. There are still plenty of things that are open, so why not ring in 2026 with something fun?

Here are 10 things to do on New Year’s Day in Toronto.

Downtown Toronto’s outdoor skating rink is open on New Year’s Day.

Grab a buddy and some skates. Admission is free of charge.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 100 Queen St. W.
Cost: Free admission

The Distillery Winter Village is only open until Jan. 4, and from New Year’s Day until then, admission is free.

Score.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: Opens at 10 a.m.
Where: The Distillery District – 55 Mill St.
Cost: Free admission

The AGO is hosting an afternoon tea – New Year’s Day edition.

“Enjoy classic savouries, sweet treats, and kid-friendly bites as you gather around the table and ease into the year ahead. Continue the tradition with a family stroll through the galleries—sparking curiosity, sharing inspiration, and welcoming a fresh year surrounded by art,” shares the museum.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Where: The AGO – 317 Dundas St. W.
Cost: $40 per child and $85 per adult

If the Leafs game is out of the budget, the Marlies are also playing on New Year’s Day.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Coca-Cola Coliseum – 19 Nunavut Rd.
Cost: $44+ per ticket

Did you know the Toronto Zoo is open on New Year’s Day?

Get in those steps and visit some adorable furry friends.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Toronto Zoo – 2000 Meadowvale Rd.
Cost: $31 per ticket

Go Leafs, go!

The boys in blue are in a new year, all-Canadian meeting with the Jets to start off 2026 right.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Arena – 40 Bay St.
Cost: $172.85+ per ticket

Do some shopping

Toronto Eaton Centre, Pacific Mall, Toronto Premium Outlets, Square One Shopping Centre, and Vaughn Mills Shopping Centre are among the malls and shopping centres that are open on New Year’s Day.

Spend those gift cards or treat yourself to something for getting through 2025.

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies

Happy New Year, Toronto. 2026 is going to be a good one.

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