As the countdown to 2024 begins, Torontonians are gearing up for a spectacular New Year’s Eve filled with fireworks, festivities, and free public transit to ensure everyone gets home safely.

The City of Toronto is set to host an impressive fireworks display, lighting up the skies over the inner harbour, and it will be synchronized with an exhilarating musical score. This stunning 10-minute show will kick off at midnight and is being billed as one of the largest celebrations in the country. For those who can't make it in person, the event will be livestreamed on the CultureTO YouTube channel starting at 11:45 p.m., featuring live performances leading up to the midnight hour.

If you're looking for the best viewing spots, several designated locations along the waterfront offer prime vantage points, including: - Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W. - Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr. - Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr. - HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W. - HTO Park West, 375 Queens Quay W. - Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W. - Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

From 10 p.m. onward, attendees can enjoy a variety of pop-up events, including DJ sets and dance sessions at Sherbourne Common and Bathurst Quay Common. Performers will grace multiple spots along the waterfront, and films will be projected onto the Canada Malting Silos, creating an immersive celebratory atmosphere.

The highlight of the night will be the countdown to midnight led by Mayor Olivia Chow, followed by a vibrant performance by local drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen, adding a splash of glitter to the evening's festivities.

Given the heavy influx of party-goers expected to flock to downtown Toronto, city officials encourage using public transit for travel. Free rides will be available on the TTC’s buses, subways, and streetcars, starting at 7 p.m. and running until 8 a.m. the next day, allowing everyone to enjoy the night without the hassle of parking. The subway service will continue until 3 a.m., with the last train leaving Union Station at approximately 2:30 a.m. Metrolinx will also offer complimentary rides, including additional services on the UP Express for those heading to the airport and western Toronto.

If you're planning to drive, be aware of road closures in the downtown area, effective from 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. the following morning. The affected streets include: - Eastbound traffic on Queens Quay West - Bay Street from Front Street to Queens Quay West - York Street from Front Street to Queens Quay West

To manage potential congestion, additional road closures may be enacted throughout the evening and into the early hours of the New Year.

With a breathtaking fireworks display, lively performances, and the convenience of free transit, Toronto is primed for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. So gather your friends, bring your party spirit, and prepare for a night filled with excitement and joy as we welcome 2024!