Best time to go to Toronto

New Year's Eve 2024-2025

Explore the key spots for the celebration in Toronto

Dates: December 31–January 1

New Year's Eve
NYE Gala Dinner Cruise
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New Year’s Eve is an excellent occasion to gather in the heart of the city and enjoy fireworks all over Toronto. The last day of the calendar year is the period when dozens of concerts, parties, gala dinners, and other festivities occur around the city. But the main event that you should not miss is held in Toronto's downtown waterfront.

NYE at Nathan Phillips Square

Normally, the main celebration takes place on Nathan Phillips Square, but every year's program is different, so you should always check with the city's official website to stay tuned about any updates. However, it makes sense to stop by the square earlier as the crowd sizes increase more and more during the day. The event is public and free to attend, hence, it attracts lots of people: entire families come to the square to immerse in the festive atmosphere.

Fireworks over Toronto's downtown waterfront

The program of the celebration is rather dense and is unlikely to leave you idle. Annually, it brings live music concerts, DJ shows, and skating on a large outdoor ice rink. At midnight, 15-minute firework volleys light up the sky over Toronto's downtown waterfront.

Greater Toronto area events

If you are interested in attending similar events in the Greater Toronto area, look out for the celebrations in Brampton’s Garden Square with lots of kid-friendly events such as marshmallow roasting followed by an early fireworks show at 9 pm. Another great festive spot is Celebration Square in Mississauga that offers a live music concert and the midnight countdown with spectacular fireworks.

Gala Dinner Cruises

Aside from the festivities on the city squares, there are other ways to celebrate the beginning of the year. For instance, you may attend a Gala Dinner Cruise that starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Toronto Harbor. For four hours, you’ll eat, drink sparkling wine, and dance on one of the two largest ships in the harbor. You’ll meet the New Year spectating at the illuminated Toronto's skyline with millions of Christmas lights!

NYE parties throughout Toronto

On New Year’s Eve, Toronto throws hundreds of bar crawls, parties, and balls around the city. Among the most well-known are the Black & White Ball at The Thompson Hotel and the Majestic New Years at Fairmont Royal York. However, you may check the endless list of parties that take place in Toronto on this day to find the one that suits your mood perfectly.

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin