City of Toronto rings in 2026 with music and fireworks

First comes Christmas, then New Year's Eve rolls around and Toronto isn't letting this celebration go without a free festival with fireworks on December 31, 2025. The fun will be centered around the Waterfront where live music, pop-up performances along with dancing and a 10-minute fireworks finale set off in the inner harbour. You can see a copy of the City's photo from a previous event at the top of this post.

Mayor Olivia Chow says, “New Year’s Eve is a time for all of us to come together and enjoy the excitement of the season. Toronto’s waterfront will be full of music, movement, and community as we ring in 2026 together. Whether you're dancing outdoors, watching the fireworks with friends and family, or tuning in from home, I invite everyone to take part in this joyful celebration of our city. As we go into 2026, we continue to focus on building a caring, safe, and affordable city that delivers for you.”

Here is the City of Toronto's news release regarding the New Year's Eve celebration (remember there are no fireworks at City Hall).

"At midnight on Wednesday, December 31, the City of Toronto will present a 10-minute fireworks show launched from Toronto’s inner harbour. Synchronized to music and visible across the central waterfront, the display will light up the skyline as one of the most exciting countdown moments in Canada.

Residents and visitors can catch the show from designated viewing areas:
- 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.

Pedestrians are encouraged to arrive by public transit and use York Street, Jarvis Street, Spadina Avenue and Bay Street to access any of the waterfront viewing areas.

New Year’s Eve programming

Beginning at 10 p.m., the waterfront will transform into a lively outdoor celebration with Canadian music, participatory dance sessions, roaming performers, family-friendly activities and festive pop-up surprises.

Anchored at Harbourfront Centre, the main stage will feature an energetic musical lineup hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow, Makayla Couture and Jessica Smith, Weather Anchor and Reporter, CTV News Toronto and CP24.

This year’s headliner, Lu Kala, brings a fiery-voiced sound to the stage, with opening sets by cootie catcher, offering playful indie-electronic vibes, and Kalisway, known for electrifying, feel-good tracks that blend classic groove with modern edge. KIMIWVN’s DJ set will follow the midnight countdown and keep the celebration going until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with a dance party.

Across the waterfront, visitors can take in high-energy DJ sets, pop-up performances and moments of celebration. At Sherbourne Common, the Dance Together Festival will host participatory dance sessions, inviting audiences to join in and move into the new year together. Families can enjoy films projected onto the east side of the Canada Malting Silos viewable from Toronto Music Garden throughout the evening.

Harbourfront Centre’s Winterfest will further animate the festivities with DJ Skate Night featuring DJ Smartiez, immersive light displays, curated food offerings in Community Square, a giant Winter Maze and live performances presented throughout the campus

For those celebrating from home, the live broadcast will feature performances and a real-time countdown to midnight on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/Culture_TO. ASL interpretation and closed captioning will be available.

See more information for the night including road restrictions after the jump.

Toronto New Year’s Eve 2024/2025 celebrations at the waterfront

Happy New Year! The action will be along the waterfront for the December 31st, 2024 New Year's Eve celebrations - including live performances, activities and of course fireworks.

From the City, "On Tuesday, December 31, the City will host a 10-minute fireworks display synchronized to music, lighting up Toronto’s inner harbour at midnight. As one of the largest shows in Canada, it will offer stunning views for residents and visitors alike. The event will be livestreamed for those celebrating remotely, see above (Tune in at 11:45pm). Pedestrians are encouraged to use York Street, Jarvis Street, Spadina Avenue and Bay Street to access any of the seven waterfront viewing areas for spectacular views of the fireworks display."

Mayor Olivia Chow said, “New Year’s Eve is a time to come together as a community and celebrate the hope and possibilities of the year ahead. Whether you’re joining us in person at the waterfront or watching the spectacular fireworks from home, I invite everyone to experience the magic of this unforgettable night as we welcome 2025 together.”

There are a number of designated viewing areas; 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. and Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

Info from the City of Toronto's media release: New Year’s Eve programming

The City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will also feature pop-up performances from 10 p.m. onwards at various locations across Toronto’s waterfront including:

- Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
- Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.

Performances include DJ sets by Traxx & Feels collective at Bathurst Quay Common and participatory dance sessions at Sherbourne Common, co-produced with The Dance Together Festival, where the public is invited to join in and dance. INCIRQUE Pop-Up circus performers will entertain audiences at various waterfront locations, while a curated selection of short films from the National Film Board of Canada will be projected on the east side of the Canada Malting Silos, visible from the Toronto Music Garden. The festivities will culminate in a countdown celebration at 11:45 p.m., led by Mayor Olivia Chow and renowned drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen.

Travel and road closures

Riding public transit is strongly recommended for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Free service is available on the TTC, GO Transit and UP Express from 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. All customers should tap at fare kiosks as usual but will not be charged during the free service period.

Learn more about what to expect when taking public transit:

- TTC: Subway services will run until 3 a.m., with the last trains leaving Union Station at approximately 2:30 a.m. Overnight buses and streetcar service continue until 8 a.m. For schedules and departures, visit the TTC webpage.

- GO Transit & UP Express: Free service is offered. Details and schedules are available on the GO Transit website.

To prevent overcrowding at Union Station following the fireworks, starting at midnight, all TTC customers will be redirected to the east side exterior entrance. Accessible entry will be maintained on Bay Street and through the Bay Promenade inside the station. TTC riders are encouraged to consider using alternate stations, such as King, Queen, St. Andrew and Osgoode, to avoid crowds at Union Station.

The following road closures are in effect on New Year’s Eve:

- Eastbound traffic on Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025

- Bay Street from Front Street to Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

- York Street from Front Street to Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Additional road closures may be added at any time if deemed necessary by Toronto Police Services. More information on road closures is available on the City’s website.

Goodbye 2023 hello New Years Eve in Toronto

Toronto has quite the celebration planned for Dec 31, 2023 as we welcome baby 2024 to the family. The following information is from the City's website.

"Ring in 2024 with the largest fireworks display in Canada at midnight, visible from anywhere with a view of Toronto’s inner harbour. The celebration begins at 10 p.m. with DJs Sofia Fly (opens in new window) and Cozmic Cat (opens in new window), followed by the countdown co-hosted by world-renowned drag entertainer Tynomi Banks (opens in new window) and award winning performer and producer Sedina Fiati (opens in new window) at 11:30 p.m.

Pop-up participatory dance performances led by the Dance Together Festival (opens in new window) are available leading up to the fireworks at these locations along Toronto’s downtown waterfront:

Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr. (opens in new window)
Exhibition Common at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. (opens in new window)
Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W. (opens in new window)

Alternative viewing locations with audio broadcast along the waterfront include:

Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr. (opens in new window)
Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W. (opens in new window)
HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W. (opens in new window)
Little Norway Park, 659 Queens Quay W. (opens in new window)

Prefer to party at home? Tune in to a livestream of the event (opens in new window).

There are no fireworks at City Hall or Nathan Phillips Square, but the glittering lights and skating at Nathan Phillips Square can be enjoyed until 10 p.m. before heading down to the waterfront to watch the fireworks."

The Toronto Bentway Polar Bear Skate 2023

Christmas holiday season is coming fast and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations includes some cool activities such as the Toronto Bentway Polar Bear Skate on Sunday, December 31, 2023 and the Toronto Polar Bear Swim on January 1, 2024. The photo at top is from a previous skate at the park located beside Old Fort York.

The Bentway lies under the elevated Gardiner Expressway and in winter time they have a skating path that winds around the park in a figure eight. And on New Year's Eve day the rink is reserved for the Polar Bear Skate where participants come out on the ice in their underwear for a good cause - donations of clothing for people with limited income.

This is a free event and you can rent skates there is you don't have a pair. Those that join the event will get a free Bentway touque and there is hot chocolate available. Registration is from noon till 12:50pm, then the skate starts at 1pm.

From the Bentway's webpage, "Donations of warm winter clothing will be collected onsite by New Circles Community Services and distributed to local individuals and families who are living on a limited income. Named one of the top things to do in the GTA on New Years’ Eve, it’s a unique experience not to miss! Hop Valley Brewing Co. will be on-site with drink samples for folks 19+ too!
Polar Bear Skate Dec 31 at 12:00PM - 2:00PM"

Polar Bear Skate and Polar Bear Dip are coming

Update: Polar Bear Skate to start at 1pm.

See photos of the 2022 Polar Bear Skate here.

See photos of the 2023 Polar Bear Dip here.

Holiday season brings Christmas and then the run up to New Years and events in Toronto don't stop during this time, they just get colder. First up is the Polar Bear Skate on Saturday, December 31 from 12 noon till 2pm at Bentway Park where you can skate in your underwear and donate to a charity clothing drive. Yay for New Years Eve day! You can see my photos from a previous skate here.

From the skate's website, "The Bentway’s Polar Bear Skate returns! Both a clothing drive and a wild way to close out the year, brave Torontonians are invited to strip down to their skivvies and skate the trail for a good cause." The Bentway Skate Trail is located at 250 Fort York Boulevard under the Gardiner Expressway.

Some of the unofficial 2022 dip participants

Compared to the typical crowds of dippers at a previous polar bear event

The next day as the New Year rises bright and early you can continue your adventures in rigid temperatures, although the air temperature is expected to be above freezing (5 degrees Celsius with rain possible) the cold waters of Lake Ontario will surely be a tad uncomfortable. January 1st is the date for the annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Beach alongside Lake Shore Boulevard. The event opens at 10:30am and the dip starts at 12 noon. All monies raised go to Boost Child and Advocacy Centre.

From the dip's website, "The Toronto Polar Bear Club was started in 2005 by three guys who wanted to share our love of the Polar Bear Dip with Toronto and to raise funds for great charities that provide services to the people of Toronto. That first year we managed to convince 20 people to jump into Lake Ontario on January 1st. Now we get over 500."

The last few years the dip was cancelled due to Covid precautions but while the official event was cancelled you can't keep hardcore dippers down so groups of people showed up all morning and went running into the water to keep the tradition alive. Rocks in the water make it both difficult and painful to run so remember to bring some water shoes or sandals with straps, no flip flops as they just pop off the second you hit the H2O. You can see my photos of the unofficial 2022 dip here.

New Years Eve in Toronto Dec 31, 2021

We are on the cusp of a new year as old man 2021 is about to become baby 2022 and Toronto is ready to celebrate New Year's Eve pre-recorded performances and live fireworks along the Lakeshore. The show will be broadcast on the City's YouTube channel starting at 10:30pm on December 31, 2021. 

The evening will be in celebration of the fight against Covid-19 and honouring frontline workers. Lights will be dimmed at 10pm for the end of the Cavalcade of Lights at City Hall.

Mayor John Tory says; “We have worked with Toronto Public Health to plan a safe New Year's Eve celebration for our city. This year's livestream show and fireworks will celebrate the progress we have made as a city confronting the COVID-19 pandemic and honour our frontline workers, including those working non-stop to help residents get vaccinated. I encourage residents and visitors to log on and join us as we safely ring in the New Year, looking forward to a brighter 2022.”

Several iconic Toronto locations and music venues will be included in the entertainment lineup which can be watched safely at home. Music will be by Walk Off the Earth and Andy Kim (at El Mocambo), Dwayne Gretzky (from their studio), Tamar Ilana (at Aga Khan Museum), Young Creek Indigenous drum group (at Small World Music Centre), Soukustek (at Lula Lounge), Marczyk Family and Friends - from Lemon Bucket Orkestra and the Medusa Quartet (at Small World Music Centre).

From the City; "At midnight, high-altitude fireworks displays will launch simultaneously across Toronto’s waterfront as part of the livestream broadcast. Fireworks will be viewable from anywhere with views of Lake Ontario. Please note that there are no fireworks happening at Nathan Phillips Square or the CN Tower. To further make the livestream as safe a production as possible it will be emceed by television personality Devo Brown now from a closed studio set. The livestream will be offered on the City of Toronto's CultureTO YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZwUSt2WevE beginning at 10:30 p.m."

New Years Eve Toronto 2021

Happy New Year's Eve to Toronto as the city continues to be locked down to fight the spread of Covid-19! The days of going out to party or taking in a comedy show for the festive night ahead of the change in years is not going to happen in Ontario this year - here's to hopefully getting back to normal by mid 2021!

On New Year's Eve the CN Tower will put on a special light show with a countdown to the new year. And the tower has partnered with the City of Toronto and CHUM1045 for the countdown by taking the show online for a safe celebration. “We’re looking forward to lighting the way for 2021 with a special light show set to music. The CN Tower is proud to be part of Toronto’s and Canada’s New Year’s Eve celebration as we look forward to a brighter year ahead.” - Peter George, Chief Operating Officer of the CN Tower

New Year's Eve 2021 light show

The City says, "Based on the recommendations of Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the City, like other municipalities across Canada, is celebrating New Year’s Eve virtually. All in-person New Year’s Eve events, including celebrations in Nathan Phillips Square, have been cancelled. The CN Tower light show will be live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/thecityoftoronto and simulcast on Jamar's House Party live on CHUM1045 on December 31 starting at 11:58 p.m. Mayor John Tory will provide welcoming remarks as Toronto residents come together in collective celebration from the comfort of their homes, while doing their part to stay apart."

"The CN Tower is an awe-inspiring architectural and engineering wonder of the world that is a symbol of pride for Canadians. Microprocessor-controlled, each of the CN Tower’s more than 1,300 LED lights can produce 16.7 million colours and an infinite variety of lighting effects. Synched to music, the show will ring in a brighter year ahead."

At 10:30pm you can tune into TVO, or their YouTube Channel for a 90-minute broadcast of From Ontario with Love: A Celebration of Hope. The show will have performances and fireworks.

"We are all looking forward to bidding the year 2020 goodbye. Let's do so safely at home, with only members of our household, and enjoy these spectacular shows together while staying apart. I want to thank Toronto residents for their resilience, perseverance, creativity and acts of kindness toward each other during this difficult year and wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year."
- Mayor John Tory

You can stay up late and drink away the night when you stay at home, plus you won't have to worry about getting up early to take part in the annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip because it too has been cancelled for 2021. If you would still like to participate you could go still go to a beach, take a video and post it with the #Dip4Boost @torontopolarbear tags. Good luck with that. Here are some photos from the 2020 Dip.

Happy New Year's Eve to Toronto as the city continues to be locked down to fight the spread of Covid-19! The days of going out to party or taking in a comedy show for the festive night ahead of the change in years is not going to happen in Ontario this year - here's to hopefully getting back to normal by mid 2021!

2020 New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips Square

New year, new decade. Start it off with a bang down at Toronto City Hall during the late night celebration on December 31, 2019. Festivities start at 9pm in the great courtyard known as Nathan Phillips Square with a night that is alcohol free and free to attend for all-ages.

Musical performances, DJs and fireworks are on the city's entertainment list:
• a skating party, sponsored by Tim Hortons®, with DJ Nana Zen who brings alternative hip-hop and Caribbean culture to her unique live mixes.
• Juno nominated cellist and composer Cris Derksen, who intertwines the traditional and contemporary with new school electronics to create genre-defying music.
• globally distinguished, Juno nominated, vocalist and musical visionary Zaki Ibrahim, who blends retro R&B vibes with electronics to create and futuristic soul through her headline performance.
• a fireworks display from the towers of Toronto City Hall at midnight.

"There is no better place to ring in the New Year in Toronto than at Nathan Phillips Square. This annual, free and family-friendly celebration has become a staple in our city filled with live music, fireworks and a skating party. I encourage residents and visitors to head to Nathan Phillips Square on December 31st to ring in the New Year and the new decade!"
- Mayor John Tory

2018 New Years Eve - Here comes the sun

Old Man 2017 shuffles off to retirement and baby New Year 2018 is almost ready to poop in his diaper. This is the time to be thankful for all that has happened in the past year and for all that might brighten our new year. And even though we are early into winter this polar snap has frozen us to the bones, it is time to reflect on George Harrison's song Here Comes the Sun and dream of the fun things we can do in Toronto during these cold days and dream of the coming summer sun.

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter

Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun, and I say

It's all right

I had a great year, family is good, friends are good, kayaks are still buoyant, my camera still works and I continue to explore the city finding interesting things to document, experience and share. I love unusual and colourful events and it is fun to try something new - you don't know what to expect but sometimes you can be blown away by what you see and feel. Sometimes you can be disappointed by an annual event, but heck, there is always next year and if you are lucky you can see some old friends or meet some new ones. Thanks to all that invited me to their event or posed for my camera.

 If you have any ideas about fun things to do in Toronto please leave a comment so that myself and others can discover things that make you happy. You can also find fun things to do in Toronto listed along the right side of the full web page.

When Toronto embraces art it can be magical and like many observers, I don't know if it is art, but I know what I like and that is why events like Nuit Blanche, Les Rues Des Refuses and art installations in places like Brookfield Place really help to unite people in the Six - sometimes in confusion and sometimes in joy and fellowship.

I hope to see your around and please say hi if I cross your path. To many new adventures in the coming year.

2018 New Years Eve at Toronto City Hall

Crack out the noisemakers and sparkling fruit juice, it's almost time to celebrate the birth of the new year. Nathan Phillips Square is hosting probably Toronto's biggest party on Sunday, December 31, 2017 starting at 8pm shortly before midnight. The fun includes DJs and a DJ skating party, concerts, site animations and some spectacular fireworks at midnight. It will be busy and it will be cold so prepare for travel and the weather.

NOTE: Due to the extreme cold weather the City has greatly reduced the planned schedule. "The New Year’s Eve event will begin shortly before midnight with a live DJ set, followed by a countdown to the stunning fireworks display, which will be taking place at midnight as planned. We will continue to monitor weather conditions over the next 48 hours and make further adjustments if necessary. We advise those attending to dress appropriately for the weather, cover all extremities, monitor themselves and others for signs of cold stress, and keep active when outdoors, if possible. Our website includes more information on the health impacts of extreme cold weather."

Original Schedule and Artists

8 p.m. | OBUXUM
8:45 p.m. | Classic Roots & Nimkii Osawamick
9:40 p.m. | Nino Brown (Yes Yes Y'all)
10:30 p.m. | Jessy Lanza (DJ Set)
11:15 p.m. | Bonjay
Midnight | Fireworks by GFA Pyro
8 p.m. - Midnight | Visuals by Roxanne Luchak

The City of Toronto provides the following information for getting to the event:

We encourage you to take public transit to this event. There will be a number of road closures in effect around Nathan Phillips Square.

In addition to the regular all-night Blue Night Network service, the Toronto Transit Commission is extending its all-night subway service on all lines (Lines 1, 2, 3 and 4) to 4 a.m. on January 1. TTC service will be free from 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 to 7 a.m. on Monday, January 1. Arriving to and departing from the event via Osgoode Station is recommended. More information about the holiday schedule is available at ttc.ca.

GO Transit will provide extended late-night service and offer free rides after 7 p.m. GO schedules are available at http:www.gotransit.com. We are committed to presenting an accessible event. An accessible viewing area and a sign-language interpreter will be provided onsite.
Date & TimeStart Date:Sunday, 31 December 2017End Date:Sunday, 31 December 2017Time:8:00 PM - 11:59 PM

Lunarfest 2017 Rooster Games

Metro Hall hosted the Toronto Rooster Winter Games over the weekend and I quickly found out that the games were for children - so I crushed the competition. Chinese New Year happened January 28, 2017 and the bird is really a Fire Rooster (element and animal sign), part of the 12 year Chinese zodiac sandwiched between a Monkey and a Dog, and is the traditional start of Spring.

"Re-live the Olympic hype and help Canada bring home the gold at the LunarFest Rooster Winter Games! The Year of the Rooster in the lunar calendar is a year for courage, bravery, and hard work – with four challenges to take on, do you have what it takes to reach the podium?"

Year of the Rooster in Toronto

Chinese New Year began Saturday, January 28, 2017 and the Spring Lunar Fest brings a time of celebration and so I say to you, Happy New Year.

A New Year is coming

This weekend brings baby New Year to Toronto. On Saturday, December 31 you can go to a club, stay home or go to City Hall for the New Year's Eve celebration at Nathan Phillips Square as we count down to 2017. I will be at Yuk Yuk's in Mississauga for the comedy blowout of the year featuring MC Sam Easton, Sean Emeny and feature comedian Rob Pue.

Then you can head to Sunnyside Park for the annual Polar Bear Dip. Arrive by 11am and the dip begins at noon.

And during the first full weekend of 2017 visit the North American International Motorcycle Supershow January 6-7. You can meet Dog the Bounty Hunter on the Friday and Saturday of the show. See other things to do in January 2017 on my post here.

Then we wait for Spring.

New Year's Eve and Canada 150

2017 is our nation's 150th birthday and Toronto will celebrate all year long - starting with the send off of 2016 on NYE Saturday, December 31. Musical group 'Walk Off The Earth' will headline the New Year's Eve celebrations at Toronto City Hall and entertainment will start at 7pm in Nathan Phillips Square. You can enjoy the night which was made for counting down with a DJ skate party sponsored by Tim Horton's, site animations and a fireworks display at midnight all presented by the City along with the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, the next day you can sober up with a rousing dip in Lake Ontario with the Polar Bear Dip. Photo at top by Joe Hamilton.

"The evening of entertainment and fireworks will feature local and national talent while recognizing cultural and artistic diversity. Live musical performances include 2016 JUNO Awards Group of the Year, Walk Off The Earth; award-winning Mexican/Canadian artist, Boogat, Canadian/Jamaican reggae artists, Exco Levi and High Priest; and soul/pop singer and songwriter Nefe. Other site animations include a skating party sponsored by Tim Hortons with DJ Shub, formerly of A Tribe Called Red."

New Year's Eve Program from the City of Toronto:

7 pm – Skating Party with DJ Shub sponsored by Tim Hortons | Title earning DJ and award-winning producer, formally from A Tribe Called Red takes over the skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square.
8 pm – Nefe | A rising star, this Canadian talent has the soulful power of Tracey Chapman, the uniqueness of Bruno Mars and a voice that can silence a room.
8:45 pm – Exco Levi & High Priest | Jamaican/Canadian musician Exco Levi pays tribute to the founders of reggae music through a modern twist of poetry and sound.
9:30 pm – DJ Shub & performance by techno music producer, Classic Roots.
9:45 pm – Boogat | An MC with a unique artistic approach. His popularity has earned him an ADISQ Felix Award (Quebec) for Best World Music Album and led to songs featured in U.S. films and television shows, including "Homeland."
10:55 pm – Walk Off the Earth | A multi-talented five-piece musical phenomena who won Group of the Year at the 2016 JUNO Awards. WOTE have built a massive following of dedicated fans from around the world drawn to their honest songwriting, cover interpretations and beautifully filmed videos.
11:55 pm – Countdown to 2017 and Fireworks.

The last night of 2016 will also kick-off 'TO Canada with Love!' which will be our contribution to Canada's birthday. "Canada 150 is going to be an opportunity for all of us to share our pride for our city and our country. All year long we are going to celebrate with 'TO Canada with Love' events across the city beginning on New Year’s Eve," said Mayor John Tory. "The generous funding from the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada will help create free and accessible cultural events and will help us make our existing City-produced events even better for residents and visitors to enjoy."

“The year 2017 is a historic one in Canada: the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Toronto, along with 18 other urban centres across the country, will mark the countdown to the New Year with a bang. Projects like the New Year's Eve celebration will help showcase what it is that makes our communities so unique, diverse and dynamic,” said the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Member of Parliament (Etobicoke North). “I encourage Torontonians and all Canadians to participate in the exciting activities that will be taking place all across the country throughout this remarkable year.”

“As part of the province’s Ontario150 program, this $1.5 million investment in 'TO Canada with Love' will honour the past, present and future of our culturally diverse and exciting capital city,” said Eleanor McMahon, Ontario Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport. “From cultural festivals and fireworks to citizenship ceremonies and historical activations, everyone across the region will have a chance to create their own 150 experience, beginning with festive New Year’s Eve celebrations.” There will also be community celebrations in addition to some of the following events.

"Some of the upcoming TO Canada with Love events include:
• December 31, New Year's Eve at Nathan Phillips Square
• January to May (public participation) and September to October (exhibition), My City My Six
• January 27 to February 9, Winterlicious presented by YP Dine
• March 25 to July 15, Becoming Canadian in Toronto: Snapshots Through Time at the Market Gallery
• April 8 and 9, 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge at Fort York
• May to December 31, Momento
• May 15, Toronto Newcomer Day at City Hall
• May 27 and 28, Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf
• June 3 to August 27, The Road to Confederation at Gibson House
• June 21, National Aboriginal Day at Fort York
• June 24 to 25, Indigenous Arts Festival¬¬ at Fort York
• June 30 to July 3, Four-day Canada Day Celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square
• July 1, Canada Day Celebrations at Mel Lastman Square, Albert Campbell Square Park and Humber Bay Park West
• July 22 to November 18, Maple Leaf Forever: Toronto's Take on a National Symbol at the Market Gallery
• Canada 150 Citizenship and Reaffirmation Ceremony at Fort York (date to be confirmed)
• September 30, Nuit Blanche Toronto - The Canada 150 Edition"

So for now - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Toronto's Rocking New Years Eve 2015

Nathan Phillips Square will once again host the free night time celebration on Thursday, December 31, 2015. The party starts at 8pm as skaters take to the ice with musical DJ's MelBoogie, P-Plus and DJ Starting From Scratch as Toronto joins in on the city's largest dance and skating party. The festivities come to an end at midnight with fireworks!

Zero Gravity Circus will perform in the Square while food trucks will also be providing their truck foods for those that like lineups and not walking far to eat. Tim Hortons will also be on hand selling their stuff and donating all proceeds to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Deputy Mayor Minnan-Wong will be attending the event and says "I am looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to one of the city's most exciting events of the year," said Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong. "We are proud to host this annual event that showcases our great city."

Travel to and from City will be less expensive on the special night as the TTC has complimentary New Year's Eve extended service.

Happy New Years Eve and hello to 2015

Enjoy the night with champagne and fireworks because at midnight we welcome in the new year! You can check out the festivities with new Mayor John Tory at Toronto City Hall with food trucks, a local DJ Mel Boogie, skating and spectacular fireworks from Circus Orange at the stroke of 12.

Nathan Phillips Square located at 100 Queen Street West will be rocking starting at 8 pm on Wednesday, December 31. "I am excited to join Torontonians of all ages as we usher in the new year in Nathan Phillips Square," said Mayor John Tory. "This long-standing tradition has become customary, and the City of Toronto is thrilled to provide a memorable experience for citizens and visitors. I look forward to counting down the seconds with you as we welcome in 2015!"

In the Greater Toronto Area many municipalities will host New Years Eve events, including the City of Brampton, and next day meetings with the Mayors during annual Mayor Levees.

Brampton City Hall. The fireworks were shot off at the Rose Theatre

More of Toronto events and attractions over the holidays after the break.

Chinese New Year #Toronto 2014

Chinatown welcomed the Year of the Horse with celebrations of the Chinese Lunar New Year with traditional Lion Dances along Spadina and Dundas streets. Gung Hei Fat Choy!

The Lunar New Year began on Friday, January 31 and ends with a Lantern Festival on the 14th of February. In Toronto's Chinatown, the BIA launched activities with an opening ceremony on Saturday of the Feb 1-2 weekend as the annual festival continues with family entertainment such as Martial Arts Demonstrations, Chinese Dance and Opera.

Saturday's snow storm might have thrown a dragon wrench into the celebrations but Sunday was perfect for dancing lions. A lot of the activities happened indoors at the Chinatown Centre at 222 Spadina Avenue and the Dragon City Mall at 280 Spadina Avenue from noon until 5 pm. The Chinese Freemasons of Canada and the Chinatown BIA provided the Lion Dance.

Posted by James Hamilton and Joe Hamilton. See more of the Lion Dance after the jump.