25 Things to Do in Windsor in Winter (That Aren't Complaining About the Weather)

Windsor winters have a reputation, mostly from people who've only seen us on the news when a storm hits the 401. The truth is that we're the southernmost city in Canada, we get less snow than most of Ontario, and we have plenty to do between November and March, even if you count "eating pizza" as a single activity (we don't, there are levels).

Here are 25 ways to enjoy a Windsor winter, sorted by mood.

If you want the festive stuff

1. Walk through Bright Lights Windsor. Jackson Park turns into a free light festival from late November to early January, with themed zones, a holiday market and a chalet bar. See our Bright Lights Windsor 2026 guide.
2. Drive out to River Lights in Amherstburg. Hundreds of light displays along the Detroit River, about 30 minutes south, and usually a bit less crowded.
3. Catch the Windsor Santa Claus Parade. Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 6 pm. Bring a lawn chair and a thermos.
4. Do the Walkerville Holiday Walk. Wyandotte Street East shops stay open late with treats and decorations in November.
5. Shop a Christmas market. From the big Windsor-Essex Christmas Market at the WFCU Centre to church bazaars with dangerously good butter tarts. See our Christmas in Windsor-Essex guide.

If you want to be on ice

1. Skate at City Hall Square. Windsor's newest outdoor rink, with fire tables and Muskoka chairs, right downtown. Borrow skates free next door at All Saints' Anglican Church.
2. Skate at Lanspeary Lions Rink. The classic neighbourhood outdoor rink on Langlois Avenue, with free public skates.
3. Watch the Windsor Spitfires. Windsor's OHL team plays at the WFCU Centre through the winter, with the home schedule running to March 21, 2027. It's the cheapest way to see future NHL players up close and yell at a referee.
4. Try an indoor public skate. The Capri Pizzeria Rec Complex, Forest Glade Arena, WFCU Centre and Adie Knox Herman Arena all run public skates. Check ActiveWindsor.ca.

If you want to stay warm

1. Pretend it's July at Adventure Bay. Windsor's indoor water park at 401 Pitt Street West has a wave pool, a lazy river and slides with names like Master Blaster. Windsor residents get a discount with photo ID. There is no better feeling than walking out in February with wet hair and regret.
2. Visit Art Windsor-Essex. The city's public gallery at 401 Riverside Drive West, with big windows facing the Detroit skyline. Admission is $10, and it's open late on Thursdays.
3. Pair it with the Chimczuk Museum in the same building, for Windsor history. Same-day receipts get you a discount at the gallery.
4. Take in a show downtown. The Chrysler Theatre and the Capitol Theatre host touring shows, local theatre and holiday concerts all season.
5. Book a night at Caesars Windsor. Dinner, a show, maybe a hand of blackjack you'll describe as "strategic".
6. Eat your way through Little Italy. Erie Street East in January is pure comfort food. Start with our Best Italian Restaurants in Windsor list.
7. Order Windsor-style pizza on a snow day. Shredded pepperoni, canned mushrooms, no apologies.
8. Learn about whisky in Walkerville. Hiram Walker founded Walkerville around his distillery, and the Canadian Club Brand Centre has offered tours of the area's whisky history. Check current tour times before you go.

If you want fresh air

1. Walk the trails at Ojibway. The Ojibway Nature Centre celebrated 50 years in 2026, and its trails through rare tallgrass prairie and woods are lovely and quiet in winter.
2. Go tobogganing at Malden Park. It has one of the best hills in the city and views over the area.
3. Walk or bike the Ganatchio Trail. A 6 km paved trail along the river in East Riverside. Flat, scenic and usually cleared.
4. Watch freighters on the Detroit River. Dieppe Gardens and Reaume Park have some of the best skyline and ship views in the city. Winter sunsets here are free and frankly underrated.
5. Tour the murals. Windsor's outdoor art, from downtown's Artist Alley to Walkerville and Ford City, is a great brisk-walk activity. The Windsor Sculpture Park along the riverfront adds 30-plus large sculptures.
6. Hike Point Pelee in the off-season. About an hour away, the southernmost tip of mainland Canada is peaceful in winter, with ice formations on the shore and almost no crowds.

If you want a change of scene

1. Cross to Detroit for the day. The new Gordie Howe International Bridge opened in July 2026, joining the Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel. Catch a Red Wings or Pistons game, or spend an afternoon at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Bring your passport.
2. Do a winter winery tour in Essex County. Tasting rooms along the County Wine Trail stay open year-round, and winter is when they're quietest and most welcoming. Book a driver.

Winter tips for Windsor

• Check rink and festival pages on the day. Windsor weather can close outdoor ice or light displays at short notice.
• Weeknights are quieter at almost everything on this list.
• Keep a blanket, scraper and phone charger in the car from December to March.