Toronto's Vibrant Celebrations

Toronto will host its highly-anticipated annual New Year’s Eve celebration along the stunning waterfront, starting at 10 p.m. Prepare for an evening full of exuberant music, engaging performances, and a dazzling 10-minute fireworks extravaganza!

The night kicks off with lively dance sessions and performances by INCIRQUE artists at key venues such as Sherbourne Common (61 Dockside Dr.) and the Toronto Music Garden (476 Queens Quay W.). Party-goers will also groove to DJ sets from the Traxx & Feels Collective at Bathurst Quay Common, located on the historic Canada Malting Co. property at 3 Eireann Quay, where you can enjoy curated short films by the National Film Board of Canada.

The excitement peaks during the midnight countdown led by Mayor Olivia Chow alongside the flamboyant drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen. Don't worry if you can't make it there in person; the entire celebration will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel.

At 11:50 p.m., the breathtaking fireworks show will commence over the Inner Harbour, choreographed to music, and the best viewing spots include Sugar Beach Park, Harbour Square Park, Harbourfront Centre, HTO Park, and HTO Park West. Make sure to arrive early, particularly on foot via York, Jarvis, Bay streets, and Spadina Avenue, as pedestrian accessibility is key.

Attendees using public transit can conveniently disembark at St. Andrew, Osgoode, King, or Queen stations on Line 1. Be mindful of traffic; several road closures and restrictions at Union Station are anticipated due to large crowds.

If ice skating is on your agenda, rinks will be open at various locations including Harbourfront Centre, Nathan Phillips Square (home to the popular Cavalcade of Lights), The Well, The Bentway, and Evergreen Brick Works.

Special Events Not To Be Missed

For a thrilling experience, head to the Distillery Historic District for an energetic New Year’s Eve bash featuring live percussion and vocals by Mo Guzman, along with DJ Clymaxx, kicking off at 10 p.m. Don’t miss the midnight countdown with Devo Brown, with tickets available for just $15 before 9 p.m. and $30 thereafter; children aged nine and under can enter for free!

Families can also enjoy a unique "Discovery Zone" event at the Toronto Zoo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, featuring interactive games and entertainment included with regular admission.

GTA's Family-Friendly Festivities

In Mississauga, the celebrations begin at 8 p.m. at Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr.) with a special NYE Jr. party featuring Canadian hip-hop legend Maestro Fresh and more. Fireworks will light the sky at midnight after performances by DijahSB and Shad. The skating rink will remain open until 11 p.m. if the weather permits!

Brampton will also join in the fun with a free New Year’s celebration at Garden Square (12 Main St. N.), starting at 7 p.m. featuring music from the popular band Simple Plan, culminating in a grand fireworks display at midnight.

Markham invites everyone to its "Illuminate the Night" event at Origin Square (169 Enterprise Blvd.), starting at 9 p.m. Enjoy music, festivities, and a midnight countdown led by the town crier.

Free Transit for a Hassle-Free Night

For those traveling across the city and beyond, public transit will be free until 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The TTC will enhance services to accommodate increased ridership, with the last subway train departing Union Station at 2:30 a.m. on January 1, ensuring you can celebrate without worry.

Get ready to create unforgettable memories this New Year’s Eve in Toronto and the GTA! With so many options to choose from, it's sure to be a night you'll never forget. Don’t miss out on the fun—plan your evening now!