Best places in Ontario to celebrate New Year's Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

The GTA offers excellent places to celebrate New Year’s Eve with family or friends with events happening across the region—from Mississauga and Brampton to downtown Toronto.

Lights, illumination and fireworks

The City of Toronto’s annual, full-scale New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations occur along the downtown waterfront. The celebrations will also feature pop-up performances from 10 p.m. onwards at various waterfront locations.

Great viewing locations include Harbour Square Park, Sugar Beach, HTO Park or Little Norway Park.

Go ice skating under the twinkling glow of the Cavalcade of Lights display at Nathan Phillips Square before heading to the waterfront to watch the fireworks.

Wander the Winter Village at the Distillery District and experience the immersive winterland and cinematic show of Illuminarium (tickets are required).

Downtown celebrations 

Count down the new year at Zero Bar, Canada’s first non-alcoholic cocktail bar and tasting room on Carlton Street. Get tickets for the New Year’s dinner party and celebration. For a luxurious setting, celebrate at JADE Yorkville’s New Year’s Eve party, featuring an open bar and complimentary champagne toast. 

Look for themed parties and events at some of Toronto’s hottest restaurants, nightclubs and lounges, such as Kissa on King Street, Soluna or The Drake Hotel on Queen Street and Rebel at Polson Pier. 

Reach for the stars at rooftop and sky-high restaurant celebrations like The Rooftop at The Broadview Hotel, the rooftop experience at Lavelle on King West, LOUIX LOUIS, on the 31st floor of the St. Regis or at Hotel X's Valerie rooftop restaurant. 

New Year’s Eve cruises

Take in Toronto’s iconic skyline from the harbour at night. 

Departing from Queens Quay, Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines hosts a 19+ New Year’s Eve boat cruise with snacks, DJ music and NYE party favours. Get tickets online. 

Toronto Boat Cruises also celebrates on the water with a licenced New Year’s Eve buffet dinner, followed by DJ music and dancing.

Celebration Square, Mississauga

The annual New Year’s Eve gathering at Celebration Square in Mississauga is a fun and free event for revellers of all ages. 

Celebrations include live performances by international recording artists, delicious food trucks, family-friendly activities and show-stopping fireworks at midnight. 

Garden Square, Brampton 

In Brampton’s Garden Square, the New Year’s Eve party starts at 7:00 p.m. 

The free evening features top musical talents, local food vendors and family-friendly activities, such as outdoor skating, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. 

Toast the New Year in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations year-round. However, New Year’s Eve in Queen Victoria Park is extra special, with entertainment, food and fireworks right next to the spectacular Horseshoe Falls. 

For a sit-down celebration, make New Year’s Eve dinner reservations at Table Rock House Restaurant and enjoy a front-row view of the Falls. 

There’s no better way to toast the arrival of 2025 than with a glass of wine in one of Canada’s favourite wine-growing regions. Check out special drink and dine events at top wineries like Riverbend Inn & Vineyard, Trius or Peller Estates.

Countdown in Barrie

For almost 30 years, Barrie has brought revellers together to ring in the New Year with fun family activities, an exceptional lineup of live entertainment and a fireworks display.

This free event takes place in front of Barrie’s City Hall.

Celebrate the New Year at Friday Harbour on the shores of Lake Simcoe, just a 25-minute drive from Barrie. This exclusive 19+ event at the Lake Club Restaurant includes a three-course dinner, fireworks, and a toast. A kids’ drop-off program is also available.

Celebrate New Year's in London

On December 31, enjoy fireworks, live music, ice skating, food trucks, and family-friendly fun at Victoria Park. Highlights include a 9 p.m. fireworks show, a midnight display, and a concert featuring local artists. Complimentary hot chocolate and free transit are also available.

Welcome the New Year in Ottawa

Discover fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital, from free, family-friendly events to evening gatherings and parties. 

Soak in the festive atmosphere and sample a seasonal cocktail at Starling Restaurant and Bar or ring in the New Year at Elf’s Pub Holiday Pop-up at Château Laurier. 

Ring in 2025 Muskoka-style

Plan to spend your New Year’s Eve in Muskoka.

Find family packages, couples retreats and getaways designed for groups of friends at one of the many resorts and lodges in and around Muskoka. Celebrate with luxurious accommodations, romantic dining, relaxing spa treatments, and winter adventures like skating, stargazing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

New Year’s Eve at Blue Mountain

Experience a fun night at Blue Mountain, with a packed schedule of family-friendly events and activities to ring in the new year. 

For 19+ New Year’s Eve festivities, head into Blue Mountain Village and toast 2025 at Rusty’s at Blue with DJ music, party At MJ Byrne's Irish Pub or make it a dinner and late-night party at Twist Kitchen + Cocktail.

New Year’s Eve traditions in North Bay

There’s something for everyone in the family during the annual Families First New Year’s Eve event at Memorial Gardens and Thomson Park. 

Celebrating its 30^th anniversary, expect skating, interactive and magic shows, a colouring contest, sweet treats and fireworks.