Photo: tolightfest on Instagram 

Although the holiday season is said and done, there’s no excuse for spending the upcoming winter months hiding indoors. If you’re lucky enough to reside in the 6ix, you already know that the city offers a plethora of festivals, regardless of whether the weather is warm or cold. The weeks ahead will see a number of Toronto festivals taking off, all with the intention of connecting us to our proudly Canadian roots. If you’re ready to embrace the beauty of the winter season, check out these outdoor festivals for the best in arts, ice sculptures and much more. 

Toronto Light Festival:

Celebrating its return, the Toronto Light Festival is back for the second time to light up the cold, dark days of winter through a visual journey designed to entertain. Showcasing distinctive works from local and international light artists, the festival is intended to illuminate the Distillery District by transforming the historic neighbourhood into one of the largest open-air art galleries in North America. The festival’s opening night is January 19, and it runs until March 4.

Fire & Ice Winter Festival:

The 8^th Annual Fire & Ice Winter Festival is Toronto’s way of rediscovering its winter traditions. Staged for both indoor and outdoor activities, the event features pond hockey, a skating rink, a super snow slide, ice carvings, fire sculptures, pottery and other hands on art demonstrations, along with an interactive, hand-painted photo booth. One of the festival’s most sought after attractions is its display of ice-themed food and drinks, including the maple syrup snow pops and fire and ice cocktails.  The two day festival kicks off at the Alton Mills Art Centre on January 21^st and ends January 22^nd. 

Toronto Tea Festival:

Founded in 2013, this annual festival of tea culture welcomes Torontonians to discover the world of tea from traditional tastes to trendy flavours. You will be able to sample hundreds of exotic teas while learning from experts in the industry about the difference in flavouring through complimentary seminars. Aside from tea tastings, there will be food offerings, tea ceremonies and tea tasting competitions.  The festival is scheduled to run from February 3^rd to February 4^th at the Toronto Reference Library, with a special VIP tea exploration night on February 2^nd.