Don’t let winter’s chill keep you cooped up this holiday season—embrace the season with family-friendly adventures that are easy to plan and unforgettable. From dazzling light displays to charming winter markets, Ontario is bursting with festive destinations perfect for making memories.
The best part? With GO Transit, you can enjoy convenient, car-free travel around the GTA and beyond—and with Kids GO Free, where children 12 and under ride for free, it’s even easier to plan your next adventure.
Whether it’s your family’s first GO adventure or a seasonal tradition, these 10 winter hotspots will brighten your holidays and make your travels stress-free.
1. Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto
Start your holiday adventures at Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of downtown Toronto, with the Cavalcade of Lights. Running from November 30 to January 7, this year’s event features thousands of twinkling lights, a giant tree, and three festive art installations that transform the square into a magical winter wonderland and make for some spectacular holiday photos with loved ones. Enjoy skating on the outdoor rink under the glow of the lights, with on-site skate rentals available. The event is free, making it an affordable and unforgettable outing for families, couples and friends.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Union Station, then transfer via TTC to Queen or Osgoode Station.
2. Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls
A trip to Niagara Falls is a must during the holidays, and the Winter Festival of Lights makes it even more alluring. As Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival with 21 nights of fireworks, it stretches along the Niagara Parkway from November 16 to January 5 with 3 million lights and jaw-dropping displays, transforming the natural beauty of the falls into a holiday scene that will take your breath away. The event is family-friendly, and walking through the displays while sipping a naughty or nice hot chocolate with 36 unique flavours to choose from 25 different purveyors is a memory everyone will cherish.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Niagara Falls GO station. Choose the GO/WEGO Combo Pass to enjoy round-trip service from Toronto to Niagara Falls paired with the convenience of a WEGO bus pass to take you to the area’s top attractions.
3. Burlington Festival of Lights
At Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, the Festival of Lights is the perfect family outing to get in the holiday spirit. Starting November 29 to January 8, the park along the lakefront is adorned with beautiful light displays, and you can wander through to enjoy the lights from the comfort of your car. This seasonal favourite celebrating 29 years offers a backdrop for family photos and winter strolls. The festival is also dog-friendly, just like GO Transit! Don’t forget to snag a selfie with Twinkle, the Burlington Festival of Lights mascot.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Burlington GO station, then connect via Burlington Transit
4. The Distillery Winter Village, Toronto
For a cozy, festive atmosphere, visit the Distillery Winter Village in the historic Distillery District, recently named one of the best Christmas markets in the world by CNN. Open every day until January 5 (except Christmas Day), this charming market is buzzing with local vendors, cozy cafes, and festive decorations. Stroll through the cobblestone streets beneath twinkling lights, find unique gifts, and snap a photo in front of the enormous 55-foot-tall and 25-foot-wide Dior Christmas tree. Kids under 9 get in free, making it an affordable and family-friendly holiday destination. They’ve introduced several new attractions this year, from an indoor Santa Village to Santa’s Sleigh and Ice Arches.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Union Station, then board a TTC bus to Front Street East at Cherry Street.
5. Winter Wonders, Burlington
Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington offers a stunning winter experience at Hendrie Park with Winter Wonders. Walking through the illuminated gardens, the twinkling lights and festive music create a magical atmosphere. Check out the indoor Botanical Train Display for a whimsical, miniature winter world, and enjoy a free shuttle on Saturdays to make the trip even easier. This is an excellent spot for nature-loving families looking for a quieter, more peaceful holiday outing.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Aldershot GO station for a free Saturday shuttle, or connect via Burlington Transit from Burlington GO on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from December 5 – January 5.
6. Toronto Marlies, Toronto
For sports-loving families, the Toronto Marlies offer a thrilling way to kick off the holidays. Catch a game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, where the Marlies play hockey, and look out for holiday-themed games like the Boxing Day Classic and New Year’s Day matchups. The crowd’s energy and top-tier hockey make this a great outing for families with kids of all ages. Plus, PRESTO users can save up to 30% on tickets with PRESTO Perks!
Get there: Take GO Transit to Exhibition GO station—it’s just steps away from the arena!
More info: Toronto Marlies Instagram: @torontomarlies
7. Winter Skating at The Bentway, Toronto
For a truly unique skating experience, glide along the Bentway's figure-eight skate trail beneath the Gardiner Expressway. The rink opens on December 21 and is a fun, accessible winter activity for all ages. It's free to skate, and skates can be rented on site. The space has a cool, urban vibe, and the cityscape backdrop makes for an unforgettable experience.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Exhibition GO station, then board the TTC bus to The Bentway.
8. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Toronto
Be inspired by art, culture, and nature For culture and inspiration this holiday season, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) offers a wide range of exhibits, from ancient artifacts to immersive earth displays, perfect for curious minds. The museum features seasonal programming, including hands-on activities for kids and interactive galleries, make ROM a great indoor option for cold and damp winter days, and PRESTO cardholders can save 15% on admission with PRESTO Perks in-person and online. Redeem online with promotional code PRESTO at rom.on.ca.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Union Station, then transfer via TTC to Museum Station.
9. Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto
Calling all hockey fans! The Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto is a must-visit for families with sports enthusiasts. Explore interactive exhibits, try your hand at virtual games, and snap a photo with the Stanley Cup. It’s an exciting and educational experience for kids and adults, and families can save 20% on admission with PRESTO Perks when you show your PRESTO card.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Union Station, then walk to Brookfield Place.
10. Illuminarium, Toronto
End your holiday journey with a visit to the Illuminarium, an immersive cinematic experience in the Distillery District. This indoor attraction features Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder, Space: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond and their newest addition, Journey to Oz. It’s a perfect spot for family memories, with plenty of opportunities for fun photos and holiday cheer. PRESTO card holders also get a 15% discount on tickets in-person and online with PRESTO Perks! Redeem online with promotional code PRESTO15.
Get there: Take GO Transit to Union Station, then transfer to a TTC bus heading to the Distillery District.
This holiday season, make memories, save money, and enjoy the festive magic at these destinations—all without the hassle of driving and parking.
While kids 12 and under ride GO Transit for free, adults can save too. Weekday Group Passes start at just $30 for two people and $10 One-Day Weekend Passes offer unlimited travel on any weekend day—including adjacent statutory holidays, available online only as e-tickets.
Start planning and discover all the ways to save! Happy travels with GO Transit!
