Image courtesy of the Stratford Winterfest
What started as a single-day event in 1998 has now grown to a multiday celebration of all things winter during Stratford’s Winterfest. This festival includes both indoor and outdoor events that will appeal to couples, groups of friends and whole families.
Beginning Friday evening going all the way through to Sunday, you and your loved ones can take part in sporting events, live entertainment, artistic adventures and exciting activities for the kids. Every year, the events evolve to reflect the interests of our visitors, but regardless of how the schedule changes, there’s always something for the foodie, artist, comedian and outdoorsy person in all of us.
Stratford Winterfest is only made possible through the generous support of the City of Stratford and our wonderful community. We’re so proud to be a part of a “village” that understands the importance of bringing family and friends together, and we welcome you to visit us within the heart of Southwestern Ontario to take part in all the cheer.
Dates: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Times: 10am to 5pm
Location: Upper Queen’s Park, Stratford, Ontario
Event Details: Stratford Winterfest Website
Image courtesy of the Stratford Winterfest
2025 Stratford Winterfest Events and Activities
So many great winter events are taking place at the Stratford Winterfest. Visit the Stratford Winterfest website for event times and details.
Winterfest Kickoff Events:
- Friday, January 24, 2025
- Chartwell Anne Hathaway Friday Kick-Off Afternoon of Pepperama
- Yuk Yuk’s Dinner and Show – At the Arden Park Hotel (19+ event)
Scheduled Events at Upper Queen’s Park:
- Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Events may vary due to weather)
- 10:00 AM: Blacksmith Demonstrations by John Walker from Fallen Willow Forge
- 11:00 AM: Zoltan the Adequate Show
- 11:00 AM: Ice Sculptor begins
- 11:00 AM: Maple Taffy begins
- 11:40 AM: Great Canadian Lumberjack Show
- 12:30 PM: Zoltan the Adequate Show
- 1:30 PM: Great Canadian Lumberjack Show
- 2:30 PM: Zoltan the Adequate Show
- 3:00 PM: Maple Taffy ends
- 3:30 PM: Great Canadian Lumberjack Show
Other Activities at Upper Queen’s Park:
- Alpacas
- Avon Co-op Play Area
- Big Trucks
- Children’s Area Games – Outdoor Bowling, Giant Soccer Ball, Ring Toss, Tic Tac Toe, and many new games this year!
- Elementary School Snowmen Stroll
- Face Painting – Provided by Avon Co-op Nursery School & Camp Out RV
- Fire Pits with CPR Chairs
- Food Vendors – Tim Hortons, Features’ Smoker, Beaver Tails, Crazee Kernels
- Hockey Shoot-Out – With The Fighting Irish
- Ice Sculptures
- Maple Taffy – From The Broken Ice Company
- Mini Putt
- Orr Insurance Fire Truck
- “Ski” Races
- Little Tracks Small Animal Zoo
- Snowshoes – From the Stratford Perth Museum
- Stratford Police Services
- Stratford Public Library Activities
- Tobogganing
- Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Activities
Extended Offsite Activities:
- Gallery Stratford Activity
- 7:00 PM: Stratford Fighting Irish vs. Alvinston Killer Bees Game – At the Allman Arena
Sunday, January 26, 2025:
- 2:30 – 4:00 PM: Free Skate at the Dufferin Arena (Sponsored by Winterfest; Maximum 170 participants)
How to Prepare for Stratford Winterfest
Remember to wear your winter gear, so you can take part in all the festivities.
While there are plenty of dining and entertainment events to attend indoors, if you want to play in the snow or skate under the stars, it’s best to dress for wintry success. Some of the gear that’s served our Winterfest guests in the past includes:
- Waterproof boots
- Toques and mittens
- Scarves or face protectors (“neck gaiters” may be even better so they don’t get caught on anything while you’re playing)
- Snow pants
- All the layers!
Plan Ahead for Next Year’s Winterfest
Can’t make this year’s Winterfest? Or, maybe you just want to relax at home this year? No worries—Stratford Winterfest will return in 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome you! Mark your calendars for January 2026 and stay tuned for information on early-bird ticket sales, accommodation deals, and exciting new activities. It’s never too early to start planning your perfect winter getaway to Stratford!
Plan a Stratford Winterfest Getaway
There’s so much to celebrate during a Canadian winter: from delicious hearty dishes through to the beautiful blanket of wintry snow over our picturesque town, we can all discover the finer side of winter in Stratford, Ontario.
If you want to be situated right in the centre of all the action, book your Stratford winter getaway at The Parlour Inn and unwind with a signature drink and an upscale gastropub meal.
We look forward to seeing you this winter!
Images courtesy of the Stratford Winterfest*