I firmly believe that January is the longest month of the year. I am well aware that it only has 31 days…but they seem to stretch on f-o-r-e-v-e-r. It must be the combination of cold, snowy, dark and no holidays that make January my least favourite month of the year. So, it should be of no surprise that I search high and low for fun things to do during this dreaded month.
Winterlicious (Jan 27 – Feb 9)
Enjoy a delicious meal at a fine dining establishment during this prix fixe extravaganza that takes over the city of Toronto. Seriously amazing restaurants and incredible prices. HOT TIP book your reservations early – like now!
Celebrate Chinese New Year (Jan 23-29)
Beginning on January 23 Toronto’s ChinaTown will be lit up with lanterns and Chinese New Year festivities. Follow the link to find more information about the events taking place to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.
Harbourfront Centre’s DJ skate nights (ongoing)
Skating along the lakeshore with the DJ spinning the tunes sounds like a good time to me. Skate every Saturday night in January with a different DJ. HOT TIP January 21st Harbourfront will be celebrating the Lunar New Year with LunarFest…skating, lanterns, activities.
Family Literacy Day (Jan 27)
Print out a Journey to Learning Passport at the ABC Literacy website and find new and inventive ways to add reading to your children’s lives. Then on Jan 27 pick up a book and read with your family.
NFB Toronto Mediatheque How to Build an Igloo (ongoing)
The NFB is a little gem in our city, one that we don’t take advantage of enough. Drop by any day during the month of January and build an igloo…an animated igloo. A animated film of your construction will be made and you can take a copy home as a keepsake.
Interior Design Show (Jan 26-29 – open to the public Jan 28-29)
Don’t we all want to redecorate our homes like a pro? I know I do. See the latest trends be inspired at the Interior Design Show. HOT TIP order your tickets online and save $3.
Canadian Opera Company free sessions (various dates/times)
Enjoy dance, jazz, vocal, chamber music and piano virtuoso series at the Canadian Opera Company at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. HOT TIP arrive early as the seats are first come – first seated.
Rouge Park Guided Walks
Situated on the boundary between Toronto and the City of Pickering is the Rouge Park…soon to be designated a Canadian National Park. Take a guided tour on a weekend…dress appropriately. Follow the link to find out information on the difficulty level, kid friendliness and meeting location for the hikes.
Other things to do
If it ever snows…build a snowperson, snowfort, snowcity, snowsomething!
Stay warm. Pick up some warm socks, thermal underwear, winter boots, hat, scarf, mittens, etc, etc. You will be much happier standing outside watching the kids play is you are comfortable…I know this one from experience.
Take your Vitamin D. The number of hours we get in the sun every day is pretty meagre…grab a bottle of Vitamin D and stay healthy (provided it you get the go-ahead from your family doc)
Smile. I got this info from pickthebrain.com
smiles are contagious
smiles boost your immune system (good during flu season)
smiles relieve stress
smiles help you get promoted
babies are born with the ability to smile
I’m feeling better about January already!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Chris says
January 9, 2012 at 1:15 amHi Jen, I know what you mean about Jan. being the longest month. That’s how we feel also in Northern Ontario. At the moment it is snowing again. Smart that you plan activities for the children and yourself through the month, it will make it go by faster. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/