Toronto’s museums put on special family programming over the holidays, perfect for cold days and winter break. Here’s what to expect in 2026; most announce their schedules in November.
Royal Ontario Museum: ROM for the Holidays
Every winter break, the ROM runs ROM for the Holidays, with enhanced programming, live performances and hands-on activities in its public spaces, built around a different theme each year (past themes have included colour, light, dinosaurs and the wonders of our planet). Check the ROM’s website for 2026 dates and what’s included with admission. The museum is at Bloor Street and Queen’s Park, next to Museum Station. Christmas in Yorkville
Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO offers family-friendly drop-in art-making and activities during the holidays, plus a world-class collection to explore. It’s on Dundas Street West, a short walk from St. Patrick Station.
Toronto History Museums
The City’s historic sites, including Spadina Museum, Fort York, Montgomery’s Inn, Todmorden Mills and others, host festive events with historic decorations, music, baking and storytelling, many of them free or low-cost.
The Village at Black Creek
A 19th-century village with Santa in his cabin on December 12, 13 and 19 to 23. Black Creek at Christmas
Ontario Science Centre
Since its original building in Don Mills closed in 2024, the Science Centre has run pop-up experiences in other locations. Check its website for winter 2026 programming.
Other museums to visit over the holidays
- The Hockey Hall of Fame near Union Station, with interactive exhibits and the Stanley Cup.
- The Bata Shoe Museum on Bloor Street, a surprising hit with kids and adults.
- The Gardiner Museum of ceramic art, across from the ROM, with drop-in clay activities on some dates.
- Casa Loma, decorated for Christmas. Casa Loma at Christmas
- The Aga Khan Museum in North York, with art and culture from Muslim civilizations, and family programmes.
- The McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, with Group of Seven paintings in a wooded setting. Kleinburg at Christmas
- Fort York and other City of Toronto history museums, some of which have offered seasonal programmes.
Check each museum’s holiday hours before visiting.
Free and discounted museum visits
- Toronto Public Library’s Museum + Arts Pass (MAP) offers free admission to some museums and attractions with a library card, subject to availability.
- Free admission times: some museums offer free entry on certain evenings or for certain age groups.
- Kids’ discounts and family memberships can save money if you’ll visit more than once.
Making the most of a museum day with kids
- Pick two or three galleries rather than trying to see everything.
- Do the hands-on areas first, before kids get tired.
- Bring snacks for the breaks, and check where you can eat them.
- Use the lockers or coat check for winter coats.
- Let kids choose one thing to see or one souvenir.
Museum holiday programs: FAQ
Are Toronto museums open over the holidays? Most open over winter break with special hours, but many close on December 25 and some on January 1.
What’s the best museum in Toronto for kids? The Royal Ontario Museum, with its dinosaurs and hands-on galleries, is a family favourite.
Tips
- Visit in the morning for the quietest galleries.
- Look for family memberships; they pay off quickly over winter break and make a great gift.
- Check holiday closures on December 25 and January 1.
More: winter break activities · indoor Christmas activities for kids
