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January 2026

Did you ring in the New Year with the final chapter of Netflix’s famous series, Stranger Things? The Hawkins crew may have faced their last battle with Vecna, but the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. 

For all you storytellers, sorcerers, and even the mage, Durham Tourism has created a list of 11 Stranger Things to do in Durham Region. Keep the sorcery alive with game nights playing Dungeons and Dragons, eerie escape rooms, and waffles that would have Eleven coming back for more! Add in some retro arcade games, roller skating, music shops and pizza for the perfect way to step into your own Upside Down and relive the show’s 80’s vibe. 

Don’t let the cold slow you down. Durham Region is the ultimate spot for skiing and snowboarding! 

With three amazing ski resorts—Brimacombe, Dagmar and Lakeridge—and slopes and trails designed for every skill level, you’ll find adventure just minutes from home. 

Planning the perfect day on the slopes is easy with the help of our ultimate guide. We walk you through everything, from packing the essentials to finding information on lift tickets, rentals, lessons and finding the perfect run. Wind down the day at great local spots and extend the fun with an overnight stay.

If the snow-covered outdoors isn’t your thing, discover fun ways to play at some of Durham Region’s indoor attractions. 

Keep the energy up with racing thrills at Volt Raceway, bounce high at Flying Squirrel and climb to new heights at Aspire Climbing. Bring the kids to meet fascinating creatures at Reptilia Zoo and challenge friends at BATL axe throwing. NEB’s Fun World and Playdium add even more excitement with arcades, bowling and rides. But that’s not all, check out our list below for even more indoor adventures. 

Feast your eyes—and your feed—on restaurants that make every meal a moment worth sharing!

From beautifully plated entrées, vibrant cocktails, and picture-perfect décor, Durham Region is home to some of the most Instagrammable dining spots. 

Whether you’re planning drinks with friends, brunch with your significant other or wanting to try something new, our restaurant picks prove that Durham’s dining scene serves both great style and great flavour. 

If you’re looking for more fun things to do outdoors, winter is when the adventures really begin in Durham Region! 

Enjoy the rush of snow tubing, snowshoe along scenic trails, skate under the stars or drop a line for ice fishing. If you prefer a slower pace, go birdwatching at a conservation area or sip cider by a fire at a local cidery. 

We’ll let you discover the rest. The only limit to your winter fun is how you choose to spend it. 

Let Durham Region Transit (DRT) take the wheel and discover winter adventure without the drive. 

DRT goes beyond the everyday commute, connecting you to cozy coffee shops, buzzing downtowns filled with shopping and dining, and frosty fun like skating by the waterfront. With affordable fares, reliable routes and the comfort of leaving the parking worries behind, DRT makes it easy to explore. 

Come visit Biscuits to Baskets's new home in Ajax’s Pickering Village for their official grand opening on January 31. While their location is new, their freshly baked goods, coffee and other drink delights are still as irresistible as ever! Visit their website for hours and more details. 

Just a few weeks left to lace up and spin under the lights at SUSO Skate Co. at the Oshawa Centre. The pop-up roller rink is closing on January 25. While SUSO may be leaving the mall, it’s already searching for its next location. Book your skate. 

Make Petit Delights your new spot for brunch, desserts, and coffee in Ajax. The café offers a wide range of options, including all-day brunch plates. Petit Delights also offers custom cakes and catering services. Check out their menu. 

Get a taste of Thailand at Sunderland Thai Kitchen. Located on Sunderland’s main street, this new restaurant offers traditional Thai dishes made with original recipes and is dedicated to bringing the true flavours of Thai cuisine to the local community. Follow them on Facebook. 

Ajax has a new spot for Guyanese-Chinese dishes. Caribbean Breeze is now open at 619 Kingston Road. Come by for lunch or dinner every day of the week. Check out their Instagram profile for a look at some of the tasty dishes they’re serving up.

Let the kids burn off some energy at Kidz Fun Centre in Ajax. The family-friendly indoor playground features play zones for all ages, an arcade and a STEM zone to challenge their problem-solving skills. Kidz Fun Centre also offers party packages and private events. Visit their website for admission prices. 

Mark Your Calendars

Don’t miss out on the 2026 Winter-Spring Book Drunkard Festival. Alongside a great selection of new books, the festival features an impressive lineup of authors and interviewers, including January 18 when writer Kate Robson discusses her novel with filmmaker, actor and author, Sarah Polley. Purchase tickets for individual events or grab the Book Lover’s Bundle which includes four full brunches with 10 award-winning authors. Explore the lineup and buy tickets.

Be a part of history when the Harlem Globetrotters roll into Oshawa’s Tribute Communities Centre on January 31. The iconic basketball team is celebrating 100 years of game-changing tricks and gravity-defying dunks. Get tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour. 

North of Nowhere has a new home in 2026. The country music festival will be playing Windfield Farms in Oshawa from July 17 to 19. The new space for this all-ages event has more than 130 acres of festival grounds, more than 2,500 parking spots, and more than 2,500 combined camping sites for tents and RVs. Plus, there’s a DRT stop outside the venue! Tickets and the festival lineup will be available soon. Follow North of Nowhere on Instagram for updates. 

In Case You Missed It

The Oshawa Generals are one of the most iconic teams in the Ontario Hockey League, so why not start the New Year with the thrill of a Gens hockey game? To help you make the most of game night, we have everything you need to know about parking, transit, finding great eats and more. Check out our insider’s guide before you go, so you’re ready to cheer on the Gens like a pro!

There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of soup to chase away the chill of winter. Try Chef Alex Page’s comforting apple, squash and chipotle soup recipe using ingredients sourced from Durham Region. This recipe is a delicious mix of sweet and smoky flavours. Get the recipe.

Winter nights are better at one of Durham Region’s lively trivia nights. With themes ranging from pop culture to local history, there’s something for every kind of trivia fan almost every night of the week. Plan your night out and see if you have what it takes to win. Test your knowledge at these trivia nights.

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.