If your New Year’s resolution is to pick up a new hobby, hone an artistic skill, or to tap into your creativity, there are plenty of workshops and classes available across the city that will help you out! Try something new with a clay class or collage night, or step out of your comfort zone with an improv workshop. Here are some of our top picks for creative workshops and classes happening in Toronto in Winter 2024.

Vision Board Workshops

There’s no better time of year to make a vision board! Kick off 2024 with a creative manifestation of your goals and dreams at a vision board workshop. There are various offerings around the city right now, with many providing supplies and leading guided reflections to help nurture your creative vision. Bring some friends, get cozy, and set your intentions for the year ahead. More info.

Firefly Creative Writing Classes

Always wanted to try your hand at creative writing? Looking to refine a specific skill or try a new genre? The creative writing workshops at Firefly run the gamut from memoir writing to poetry to speculative fiction, with offerings for all experience levels. With intimate class sizes and positive community vibes, you’ll find plenty of encouragement and inspiration here as you stretch your writing muscles. Winter 2024 registration is now open. More info.

Clay Classes at Gardiner Museum 

Get your hands dirty with a clay class at the Gardiner Museum, Toronto’s hub for ceramic arts. Learn the basics of wheel throwing or hand building, and get familiar with clay as a means of creative expression. Offerings this winter also include a class guided by a registered psychotherapist, where participants will discover the connection between clay and breath. Many of the winter classes are already full, so move quickly. More info.

Film Workshops at LIFT

Eager to hone your skills in screenwriting, directing, sound, or post-production? The Liason of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) offers more than 180 professional courses on all things filmmaking and media arts. With small class sizes and experienced industry instructors, their workshops can provide key foundations to help you create. Registration for Winter 2024 opens on January 16. More info.

Unique Crafts at Harbourfront Centre 

Harbourfront Centre is bustling this season with hands-on arts classes. If you’re not looking for an ongoing commitment, many of their classes are one-off workshops, where you’ll walk away with a new creation and some basic skills in just a few hours. Courses include textile repair, hand embroidery, and sculptural pottery, as well as some unique offerings like cuttlefish bone casting, stitched shibori, and a class for creating your own set of stacking rings! More info.

Collage Nights

Enter the wonderful world of collage at one of these unique workshops offered by Issues Magazine Shop and led by local artists. Access a myriad of materials, from contemporary to vintage, and get ready to cut and paste your way to your very own beautifully layered creation. More info.

Contemporary Dance Classes

Dance is an excellent way to get moving in the winter months, and the Dance Arts Institute offers recreational classes for adults that meet you at your skill level. Embrace the joy of movement with these contemporary dance classes that teach you the fundamentals, incorporating various breath, weight, energy, and flexibility techniques. Live music and a supportive atmosphere can help exercise feel a bit more fun. More info.

Art Classes at Studio Mooi 

Studio Mooi has an excellent variety of artistic workshops happening this winter. Try out watercolour or acrylic painting, knitting or crochet, stained glass, ring-making, pottery, basket-weaving and much more. They promise a relaxed and supportive environment focused on enhancing your creativity at any skill level. More info.

Improv, Comedy, Writing & Acting at The Second City

The Second City is the largest school of improv and sketch comedy in the world! Whether you’re a total beginner or have plenty of experience under your belt, there’s likely a comedy or writing class perfect for you. Even if performing doesn’t interest you, improv can be great for meeting new people, to help with anxiety or improve public speaking skills. Many courses are beginning in January and February, so browse through their offerings and find something that intrigues you. More info.

Vinyl Painting & Artist Workshops at Stackt Market

Stackt Market’s The Gift Shop is running both informative workshops for artists and relaxing paint nights this January. Learn about practical tools for managing creative projects, the ins and outs of music rights and royalties, and the art of the pitch at this workshop series for emerging artists. Or, if you need to unwind, check out Vinyl Painting at Sunset on Sundays, and paint your own design on a vinyl record. More info.