Best places in Ontario to celebrate New Year's Eve 2025

Greater Toronto Area

From the heart of Mississauga and Brampton to downtown Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area offers a variety of ways to ring in 2026 with special events taking place across the region.

Lights, illumination and New Year’s Eve 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 and entertainment from 10:00 p.m. onwards at various waterfront locations. Viewing locations include Harbourfront Centre, Harbour Square Park, Sugar Beach Park and HTO 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

Look for themed parties and events at some of Toronto’s hottest restaurants, nightclubs and lounges.

Count down the new year in the beautiful candlelit atmosphere at Zero Bar Luminous New Year’s Eve Party, Canada’s first non-alcoholic cocktail bar and tasting room on Carlton Street. Tickets include two handcrafted zero-proof holiday cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

For a luxurious evening of decadent multi-course dining, live music and DJ sets, celebrate at JADE Yorkville. Soluna on Queen Street is hosting a Brazilian-themed evening, while Rebel at Polson Pier is throwing a huge New Year’s Eve party.

Dress up for the night and head to Hotel X for a Gatsby-themed celebration. Or, opt for the King Street West All-Access NYE Party—a pass that allows entry into a variety of participating nightclubs.

Reach for the stars at rooftop and sky-high restaurant celebrations such as “Broadview After Dark” at The Broadview Hotel, the rooftop “Denim and Disco” experience at Lavelle on King West or indulge in a glorious feast at LOUIX LOUIS, on the 31st floor of the St. Regis Hotel.

Exiting LGBTQI+ events in Toronto include Buddies NYE: Queen Eden, a night of drag, burlesque and DJ music at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and Hide and Seek, a queer WLW party for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and allies.

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.

Celebration Square in Mississauga

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

Highlights of the evening include live performances by emerging Canadian artists and global sounds, ice skating and show-stopping fireworks at midnight.

Garden Square in 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.

Niagara Region

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations year-round, including New Year’s Eve.

Epic falls fireworks

New Year’s Eve in Queen Victoria Park is extra special, with entertainment and showstopping fireworks right next to the spectacular Horseshoe Falls. 

New Year’s Eve dinners and drinks

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 2026 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 Megalomaniac Wines, Trius or Peller Estates.

Southwestern Ontario

New Year’s Eve in London

On December 31, London’s annual New Year’s Eve in the Park features fireworks, live music, ice skating and family-friendly fun at Victoria Park.

Highlights include a 9:00 p.m. and midnight fireworks display and festival holiday lights in the park.

Celebratory getaway in Grand Bend

Oakwood Resort and Dave’s Pub and Grill have teamed up for the Celebration Stay 2026 package featuring a three-course dinner, live entertainment and cozy accommodations.

Fireworks in Windsor

Just south of downtown Windsor, the community of LaSalle hosts an annual family-welcoming New Year’s Eve fireworks show at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex on Laurier Parkway.

Ottawa Region

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

Festive fare and comedy fun

For New Year’s dinner ideas, Zoe’s Restaurant at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier will serve a festive, seasonally inspired three-course dinner. Soak in the celebratory atmosphere and savour a five-course tasting menu with curated wine pairings at e18hteen.

Or ring in the New Year with a laugh at the Shenkman Arts Centre comedy show. 

Southeastern Ontario

New Year’s Eve dinner in Kingston

Kingston’s upscale AquaTerra Restaurant invites you to celebrate with a special dining menu during the NYE Bash 2025. A festive dinner event will also take place at the Italo-Canadian Club. Get your tickets well in advance.

Raise a toast in Prince Edward County

With country-chic accommodations, top-notch wineries and award-winning restaurants, Prince Edward County is a delightful place to spend New Year’s Eve.

Purchase tickets for The Royal Hotel’s reimagined Roman-inspired celebration in Picton or savour the legendary strolling dinner and late-night party at the Drake Devonshire in Wellington.

Slightly further afield in Corbyville, Signal Brewery hosts a New Year’s Eve Speak Easy. Be sure to dress the part for this prohibition-era party.

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Ring in 2026 in Hamilton

Celebrate in style at the 2026 NYE Experience at Carmens Event Centre with a gourmet dinner, live entertainment and DJ music.

Marquis Gardens will host a family-oriented New Year’s Eve event at its Hamilton and Ancaster banquet locations and an adult-focused party at the Burlington venue.

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

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 at Meridian Place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year on the shores of Lake Simcoe at Friday Harbour’s Lake Club, just a 25-minute drive from Barrie. Enjoy a three-course dinner and a Moulin Rouge-themed party. Embrace the Burlesque them at the Beach Club After Dark party. Check out the special Lake Club Kid’s New Year’s Eve Party with crafts, games and activities for kids aged 5 to 12.

Horseshoe Valley Resort will celebrate with live music, a fireworks display and a buffet dinner—book on-site accommodations for a memorable getaway.

New Year’s Eve at Blue Mountain

New Year’s Eve festivities abound at Blue Mountain Village, with live music, themed parties and fireworks.

Toast 2026 at Jozo’s Original Après with a disco dance party, celebrate with champagne at MJ Byrne's Irish Pub or enjoy Starry Nights, a family-friendly event at Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill.

Live music event in Innisfil

Celebrate with brass, harmonies and high-energy live music featuring The Price Brothers Band, a seven-piece band at Georgian Downs during New Year’s Eve LIVE 2026.

Muskoka, Algonquin Park and Parry Sound

Celebrate Muskoka-style

Discover the variety of ways Muskoka celebrates New Year's Eve this year.

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.

Deerhurst Resort, for example, has a lineup of kid-friendly events and evening fun for adults planned for the special night. Catch Canadian musical icon, Gowan, as he takes the stage at the JW Marriott Rosseau on New Year’s Eve.

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

New Year’s Eve in Kitchener

Dance the night away during Night of Legends, the free New Year’s Eve musical extravaganza at Kitchener’s City Hall. Add ice skating and hot chocolate to the night’s activities.

Themed events in Guelph

The Albion Hotel in downtown Guelph will transform into a world of pink and green fantasy and magic during A Very Wicked New Year’s Eve.

Families are invited to Sparkles in the Park 2025 for lights, rides and fireworks at Guelph’s Riverside Park.

Northeastern Ontario

North Bay year-end traditions

There’s something for everyone during the annual Families First New Year’s Eve event at Memorial Gardens and Thomson Park in North Bay. Enjoy ice skating, magic shows, face painting, sweet treats and fireworks.

Sudbury celebrations

In its 50th year, Sudbury’s Light up the Night is a community-focused event from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Coniston Industrial Park. The celebration features fireworks, savoury and sweet treats, live DJs, cozy bonfires and more.

Northwest Ontario

Family festivities in Thunder Bay

Head to Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay for the magical New Year's Eve Family Frolic. Celebrate with a wide variety of activities, winter games, live music and artisan demonstrations. Just before the fireworks display, enjoy a musket salute and a sing-along of Auld Lang Syne.

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Welcome 2026 in Sault Ste. Marie

Downtown Plaza in Sault Ste. Marie is the place to be for the annual NYE Puck Drop party. This family-friendly event includes live entertainment, food vendors, bar service and ice skating. Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win two Toronto Maple Leafs tickets.

From all-night dancing, themed parties and atmospheric dinners to family-friendly activities and inclusive celebrations, there are countless ways to celebrate the New Year in Ontario.