WINTER FESTIVALS IN ONTARIO 2026

By Natalie Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Key Takeaways: Winter Festivals in Ontario 2026

• Ontario hosts dozens of winter festivals each year celebrating snow, ice, food, wine, and culture
• January and February are peak months for winter festivals across the province
• Family Day Weekend 2026 (Feb 14–16) features major events in Northern Ontario, Muskoka, Eastern Ontario, and Simcoe County
• Festivals range from large signature events to small-town winter carnivals
• Many festivals offer free family activities, outdoor adventures, food, and live entertainment

Dates, Locations & Family Day Weekend Events by Region 

Ontario’s winter festivals in 2026 celebrate everything Canadians love about the colder months — from snow-filled carnivals and glowing light festivals to icewine weekends, outdoor adventures, and Family Day celebrations. Highlights include the Niagara Icewine Festival, Winterlude in Ottawa, Bon Soo Winter Carnival in Sault Ste. Marie, Stratford Winterfest, Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival, Barrie Winterfest, Penetanguishene Winterama, and dozens of community-driven events across the province.

Most winter festivals take place between mid-January and late February, with Family Day Weekend (February 14–16, 2026) marking one of the busiest and best times to explore winter events in Ontario. Below, you’ll find a region-by-region guide to the best winter festivals in Ontario for 2026 — perfect for weekend getaways, family outings, and cozy winter road trips.

Niagara Region Winter Festivals

For three weekends in January, the Niagara region is transformed into a wintry wonderland celebrating one of Canada’s most iconic products — Ontario Icewine. The Niagara Icewine Festival offers glamour and indulgence at the Icewine Gala, unique wine and food pairings at more than 40 wineries, and lively outdoor street festivals.

Where: Various venues, Niagara Falls Region
When: January 16–18, 23–25 & January 30–February 1, 2026

Southwestern Ontario Winter Festivals

Stratford Winterfest

Stratford Winterfest brings seasonal magic to one of Ontario’s most charming towns with outdoor winter activities, live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and community celebrations. Expect downtown energy, local flavours, and cozy winter vibes that make Stratford a great cold-weather getaway.

Where: Downtown Stratford, Ontario
When: January 24, 2026

Winterloo

Winterloo is Waterloo’s signature winter festival, transforming Waterloo Park into a snowy celebration filled with outdoor fun, cultural programming, and family-friendly activities. Highlights often include skating, snow play zones, live entertainment, warming stations, and interactive experiences designed for all ages.

Where: Waterloo Park, Waterloo
When: January 24, 2026

Wiarton Willie Festival

The Wiarton Willie Festival is one of Ontario’s most famous winter traditions, celebrating Groundhog Day in true small-town style. Centered around Canada’s beloved albino groundhog, the festival features live entertainment, fireworks, family activities, outdoor fun, community events, and the highly anticipated weather prediction ceremony. It’s a uniquely Canadian winter experience that draws visitors from across the province.

Where: Various Venues, Wiarton – Town of South Bruce Peninsula
When: February 2, 2026

Goderich Winterfest

Set near the picturesque harbour and downtown square, the festival typically features candlelight walk, chili cook-off, snow-pitch tournament, children’s theatre, crafts, fireworks and seasonal experiences that make the most of Goderich’s lakeside.

Where: Goderich, Huron County
When: February 6-8, 2026

Sunnidale Winterama

Known as “the greatest little show on snow,” Sunnidale Winterama has been celebrating winter in New Lowell since 1975. This beloved carnival features a colourful parade, bed races, log sawing competitions, outdoor skating, snowmobile events, children’s activities, and the iconic Burning of the Green.

Where: New Lowell Recreation Park, County Road 9, New Lowell
When: February 6–8, 2026

Ottawa Region Winter Festivals

Winterlude

Canada’s capital comes alive every winter with Winterlude — a celebration of ice, snow, culture, and creativity. Highlights include ice sculptures, Snowflake Kingdom, a one-of-a-kind children’s snow playground, culinary events including wine and food pairings, interactive art, live performances, and skating on the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway.

Where: Downtown Ottawa
When: January 30 to February 16, 2026 (Family Day Weekend)

Shiverfest

Shiverfest brings winter cheer to Manotick with a lineup of classic community activities, including free public skating, sleigh rides, magic shows, pancake breakfasts, bingo, curling demonstrations, trivia nights, and more.

Where: Various venues, Manotick
When: February 6–7, 2026

Frost & Fire 

FROST & FIRE is a lively winter celebration held over the Family Day long weekend, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages including a vendor market, fireworks, horse and wagon rides, scavenger hunt, and more!

Where: Various venues, Perth, Ontario
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 (Family Day Weekend)

Central Ontario Winter Festivals

PolarFest Selwyn

With activities spread across local venues, PolarFest offers a classic small-town winter carnival vibe in the heart of the Kawarthas. Expect outdoor winter activities like fireworks, Snowman Building Challenge, candlelight skate, ice carvings, and Polar Bear Plunge.

Where: Selwyn Township
When: January 30 to February 1, 2026

 Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival

Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival puts a fresh spin on the classic winter carnival by blending high-energy spectacle with hands-on winter fun. The “Fire” side of the festival lights up downtown with mesmerizing fire artists and warming fire pits scattered throughout the streets. On the “Ice” side, visitors can explore interactive ice displays, race down a downtown tubing run, and glide along a newly added skating trail in Memorial Park. The festival also features winter “try-it” activities, road hockey tournaments, and traditional carnival fun, creating a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Where: Downtown Bracebridge, Muskoka
When: January 31, 2026

Barrie Winterfest

Barrie Winterfest is one of Simcoe County’s most popular winter celebrations, offering a full day of outdoor fun along the city’s scenic waterfront. Festival highlights include impressive ice sculptures, skating, snow play zones, winter games, live entertainment, and hands-on family activities. With Heritage Park as the main hub, Barrie Winterfest delivers a classic Canadian winter experience for all ages.

Where: Various Venues, Barrie
When: February 7 & 8, 2026

Hike Haliburton Festival

The Hike Haliburton Festival invites visitors to explore winter landscapes through guided and themed snowshoe hikes designed for all ages and abilities. Beyond hiking, the festival weaves together arts, culture, heritage, and local food experiences to showcase the region’s creative spirit.

Where: Various venues, Haliburton County
When: February 7–8, 2026

Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival

The Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival delivers a jam-packed weekend of classic winter fun, featuring pancake breakfasts, skating, chainsaw carving demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, wooden plank races, hockey shoot-outs, and spirited community hockey games. It’s a lively celebration that blends sport, tradition, and family-friendly entertainment.

Where: Dorset Recreation Centre, 1051 Main Street, Dorset
When: February 13–14, 2026 (Family Day Weekend)

Gravenhurst Winter Carnival

A beloved Muskoka tradition, this classic winter carnival features snowmobile races, skating, family games, fireworks, and community events — all set against a beautiful winter lakeside backdrop.

Where: Gravenhurst, Muskoka
When: February 13–15, 2026 (Family Day Weekend)

Penetanguishene Winterama

As the oldest winter carnival in Ontario, Penetanguishene Winterama celebrates Canadian seasonality with outdoor activities, cultural traditions, and family-friendly events. The festival highlights local heritage while encouraging winter recreation and community pride.

Where: Town Dock, 2 Main Street, Penetanguishene
When: February 14–15, 2026 (Family Day Weekend)

Port Carling Winterfest

Port Carling Winterfest is a classic Muskoka winter carnival designed for the whole family. The village comes alive with seasonal charm, offering skating along a scenic park trail, horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow, figure skating performances, children’s entertainment, and a variety of festive winter activities that celebrate small-town Muskoka at its best.

Where: Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes
When: February 20–22, 2026

Northern ON Winter Festivals

Onaping Falls Winter Carnival

The Onaping Falls Winter Carnival brings the community together for a full week of classic winter fun and family-friendly activities. Festival highlights include ice skating, face painting, inflatable jousting, and lively carnival-style competitions. Visitors can warm up with hot chocolate and gather around a cozy community bonfire, making this a welcoming winter celebration for all ages.

Where: Onaping Falls, Ontario
When: January 26 to February 1, 2026

Le Carnaval des Compagnons

Le Carnaval des Compagnons is North Bay’s vibrant celebration of French-Canadian culture and one of Ontario’s largest Franco-Ontarian winter festivals. The event features live music, theatre, comedy, fireworks, skating, snow sculptures, food, and beloved traditions like maple syrup taffy.

Where: Various locations, North Bay
When: February 1-7, 2026

Ontario Winter Carnival Bon Soo

One of Ontario’s largest and most energetic winter festivals, Bon Soo features bum slides, ice sculptures, live entertainment, themed activity zones, and the famous Polar Bear Plunge. It’s a true bucket-list winter carnival experience.

Where: Various venues, Sault Ste. Marie
When: February 13–21, 2026 (Includes Family Day Weekend)

Cochrane Winter Carnival

The Cochrane Winter Carnival is one of Ontario’s largest and oldest winter carnivals, offering over a week of festivities. Highlights include pond hockey tournaments, fishing derbies, outdoor dances, demolition derbies, and the iconic Polar Bear Dip on scenic Commando Lake.

Where: Commando Lake, Cochrane
When: February 6-15, 2026 (Includes Family Day Weekend)

Voyageur Winter Carnival

Held at Fort William Historical Park, the Voyageur Winter Carnival is a high-energy weekend of winter fun featuring giant snow mazes, tubing hills, skating, winter games, carnival contests, and live indoor and outdoor entertainment.

Where: Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay
When: February 14–15, 2026 (Family Day Weekend)

Winter in the Wild Festival

Winter in the Wild celebrates Algonquin Park’s snowy season with guided experiences and activities that highlight the park’s natural beauty and winter wildlife along the Highway 60 corridor.

Where: Various locations along Highway 60, Algonquin Park
When: February 14, 2026 (Family Day Weekend)

Winter Weekend of Wonder Festival

The Winter Weekend of Wonder Festival celebrates Kenora’s love of winter with a lively weekend of outdoor fun and local entertainment. Families can enjoy seasonal programming alongside classic cold-weather activities like ice fishing, skating, curling, and browsing a specialty winter farmers’ market. It’s a welcoming, community-driven festival that highlights the best of winter in Northwestern Ontario.

Where: Kenora, Ontario
When: February 27 to March 1, 2026

Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Winter Festivals

Winterlit at Mountsberg

An enchanting evening experience featuring illuminated trails, cozy fire pits, and seasonal displays — perfect for families looking for a relaxed winter outing close to the city.

Where: Mountsberg Conservation Area, Halton Region
When: January 10 and February 16, 2026 (Select dates, including Family Day weekend)

Fire and Ice Winter Festival

The Fire & Ice Winter Festival in Caledon is a lively seasonal celebration combining outdoor winter fun with cozy community vibes. Visitors can enjoy ice sculptures, fire pits, live entertainment, family activities, and interactive winter experiences throughout the village — making it a favourite cold-weather outing for locals and visitors alike.

Where: Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen St. Village of Alton, Caledon
When: January 31 & February 1, 2026

Hamilton Winterfest

Hamilton Winterfest is a multi-day winter celebration that blends arts, culture, and outdoor fun across the city. The festival features family-friendly programming, live performances, creative workshops, pop-up events, and special attractions at venues like the Art Gallery of Hamilton and outdoor public spaces. It’s a great option for those looking to mix indoor cultural experiences with winter activities.

Where: Various venues across Hamilton, Ontario
When: January 31 to February 16, 2026 (Includes Family Day Weekend)

Richmond Hill Winter Carnival

Organized by dedicated community volunteers, the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival offers an affordable weekend of family fun. Visitors can enjoy ice carving demonstrations, pony rides, children’s activities, and a popular pancake breakfast served in the main festival tent.

Where: Mill Pond Park, Mill Street, Richmond Hill
When: February 7–8, 2026

Vaughan WinterFest

Vaughan WinterFest is a free, family-friendly celebration featuring outdoor stage performances, an IceZone, midway attractions, horse-drawn wagon rides, and hands-on winter fun for all ages.

Where: Vellore Village Community Centre, Vaughan
When: February 7–8, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Festivals in Ontario (2026)

When do winter festivals take place in Ontario?

Most winter festivals in Ontario take place between mid-January and late February, with some extending into early March. Many of the province’s biggest events are scheduled around Family Day Weekend in mid-February.

What are the biggest winter festivals in Ontario?

Some of Ontario’s largest and most well-known winter festivals in 2026 include:

• Niagara Icewine Festival
• Winterlude (Ottawa & Gatineau)
• Ontario Winter Carnival Bon Soo (Sault Ste. Marie)
• Stratford Winterfest
• Bracebridge Fire & Ice Festival
• Gravenhurst Winter Carnival

Are there winter festivals during Family Day Weekend in Ontario?

Yes. Family Day Weekend (February 14–16, 2026) is one of the busiest times for winter festivals in Ontario. Notable events include:

• Bon Soo Winter Carnival (Sault Ste. Marie)
• Gravenhurst Winter Carnival
• Penetanguishene Winterama
• FROST & FIRE (Perth)
• Voyageur Winter Carnival (Thunder Bay)
• Hamilton Winterfest
• Winter in the Wild (Algonquin Park)
• Select Winterlit at Mountsberg dates

Are Ontario winter festivals family-friendly?

Yes. Most winter festivals in Ontario are designed for families and include:

• Outdoor winter games and snow activities
• Ice skating, sliding, and snow play
• Live music and entertainment
• Kids’ activities and community programming

Are winter festivals in Ontario free to attend?

Many winter festivals are free or low-cost, especially community carnivals and outdoor celebrations. Some ticketed experiences may apply for specialty events such as wine tastings, workshops, or evening light experiences.

What should I wear to a winter festival in Ontario?

Dress for cold conditions with warm layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves, and waterproof outerwear. Many events are outdoors and run rain, snow, or shine.