Wondering what to do on New Year’s Eve with kids & family in GTA? Where to see the fireworks and which family events to attend to ring in 2026. This article lists most New Year’s Eve family events happening across the GTA, including the Regions of Peel, Halton, Durham, & York.
2026 New Year’s Eve
Toronto – Durham – Halton – Peel – York
Contents:
- Family NYE Fireworks & Activities in Toronto
- Family NYE Activities in the Durham Region
- Family NYE Activities in the Halton Region
- Family NYE Fireworks & Activities in Peel Region
- Family NYE Fireworks & Activities in the York Region
1. Family NYE Fireworks & Activities in Toronto
2026 New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Ring in 2026 with fireworks, DJs, food trucks and live performances at locations along Toronto’s downtown waterfront. The celebration kicks off on December 31 at 10 p.m. with fireworks at midnight, visible from anywhere with a view of Toronto’s inner harbour.
December 31 | 10 p.m. to Midnight
Various Venues, Toronto
Free
The Distillery Winter Village New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year at one of Canada’s most iconic venues with live entertainment, dancing, shopping, dining, cocktails, and more.
- Fireworks show above Trinity Square at midnight.
December 31 | 4 PM – Midnight
The Distillery District, 55 Mill St, Toronto
Free to $35
2New Year’s Eve at Harbourfront Centre
Celebrate the New Year at Harbourfront Centre! Skate and groove at our free DJ Skate Night on the rink, grab some street eats at our food market and countdown to 2025 with the City of Toronto’s brilliant fireworks display. The 10-minute show will be synchronized to music for a high-altitude light fest on the waterfront.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 8 PM to Midnight
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Free
2Hangar Skate: A Very 80s New Year
Hangar Skate is ringing in 2026 a little early with an afternoon celebration that fuses art, rhythm, and play. Glide into our retro 80s skate party featuring the iconic DJ Me Time, rink-wide freeze-dance moments, and glowsticks that light up the ice—perfect for families and anyone who won’t make it to midnight.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 12 PM – 5 PM
YZD, 34 Hanover Road, Toronto
Free
See Christmas Lights and Decorations
Enjoy Christmas Light displays in Toronto.
- Casa Loma’s Holiday Light Tour: December 31 | 5 PM – 10 PM @ Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
- Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic @ Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland Street, Toronto
- Cavalcade of Lights: December 31 | 5 to 11 PM @ Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
Visit Toronto Attractions
Visit museums and art galleries in Toronto on New Year’s Eve. Most places are open on New Year’s Eve.
Live Theatre Events with Performances on NYE
- The Sound of Music: With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Wednesday, December 31: 1:30PM @ Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West, Toronto
- The Nutcracker – National Ballet of Canada: Experience the wonder of the holidays with James Kudelka’s The Nutcracker, a spectacular family production. The adventure begins at a Christmas Eve party in a 19th-century barn and introduces siblings Marie and Misha to delights beyond their wildest dreams, from magical creatures to savoury treats and the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 11:00 am & 3:30 pm @ Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
- Rizz The Season: Unwrap holiday hilarity with Rizz the Season! This slay-ride of unhinged comedy chaos is stuffed with songs, sketches, and improv that slaps harder than your grandma’s spiked eggnog. Featuring an all-star cast of Canada’s funniest performers, it’s a festively funny night out that sparkles brighter than tinsel, no cap. Wednesday | December 31 | 7pm and 10pm @ The Second City, 1 York Street, Toronto
- Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical: Holly reunites with Mark, an old flame (who is now the local Sheriff!) and discovers the town’s long-running cookie contest cheating conspiracy involves a moose on the loose. As Holly juggles romance, small-town drama, and a looming corporate merger, she learns that love and community might matter more than work. Wednesday, December 31 | 2:00 p.m. @ The Royal Theatre, 608 College Street, Toronto
- Robin Hood: A Very Merry Family Musical: Get ready to root for the underdog and boo the baddies! This year, the legendary outlaw tale takes on a bold twist—our Robin is a spirited, savvy heroine leading her merry band of misfits in a fight for justice and kindness. Wednesday, Dec 31 | 2:00 p.m. @ The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto
- Rudolph Runs Wild: Packed with fun and festive songs, sketches, and the ridiculous improv hijinks The Second City is world famous for, this one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical experience invites audience members, young and old, the chance to enjoy the comedy fun both from their seats and by joining The Second City performers onstage! Wednesday December 31, 2pm @ The Second City, 1 York Street, Toronto
2Famous People Players New Year’s Eve
Bring in the New Year with elegance and style – Dine & Dream at Toronto’s #1 rated dinner theatre! We have a breathtaking performance, music, party favours, delicious dinner with vegetarian options and yummy homemade nuggets for the children!
Wednesday, December 31 | 4:30 PM
Famous People Players, 343 Evans Avenue
Toronto
$56.95 to $85.00
Cheer Toronto’s Home Teams
- Toronto Raptors vs. Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 7:30 PM @ Scotiabank Arena, 50 Bay Street, Toronto
2Immersive Experinces on NYE
If you haven’t already, take in some immersive art displays that are projected onto the walls using the latest technology.
- Mythos at Illuminarium: Perfect for all ages and free for kids 9 and under, this one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrates global storytelling through breathtaking 360° visuals, atmospheric sound, and hands-on installations.
- Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience: Showcases a wondrous, whimsical bubble-themed world, featuring more than 10 interactive thematic environments that include the latest in virtual reality, stunning illusions, life-sized bubble ball pits, a hot air balloon flight simulator and much more – all designed to stimulate play in its purest form.
Magical ‘Window Wonderland’
December 31 | Anytime
The Junction Neighbourhood
Free
Outdoor Skating
Lace-up your skates and go for a twirl around the ice.
December 31 | Various
Various locations GTA
Free
Winter Activities
Wear sturdy winter boots and explore nature, or go tobogganing if there is snow on the ground.
- Best Hiking Trails in Toronto
- Nature Attractions & Hotspots in and around GTA
- Tobogganing in Toronto
Family Activities in the Durham Region
See Christmas Lights
Enjoy Christmas lights
- Whitby Lights’ the Night — Until January 5 experience over 100,000 magical lights and ground displays at Whitby Civic Park, Celebration Square and throughout Whitby and Brooklin’s Downtowns every night until 10 p.m. Details
- Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy of Lights — Elgin Park, Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge
- Journey into Enchantment Drive-thru — Ajax Downs Racetrack, 50 Alexander’s Crossing, Ajax
Ajax Family New Year’s Eve Party
The Ajax Family New Year’s Eve Party delivers a fantastic event for the whole family. This event features arts & crafts, interactive activities, public skating, and more. Party favours are included as participants gather on the ice rink for a special countdown and balloon drop at 9 p.m. It’s a great way to ring in the New Year! Details
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ajax Community Center, 75 Centennial Road, Ajax
Free
Pickering New Year’s Eve
Enjoy free swim and skate for all ages, along with family friendly activities in the Recreation Complex lobby. Join Mayor Ashe and Council for a memorable countdown, marking the beginning of the new year. Details
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering
Free
Whitby New Year’s Eve
TBA Details
TBA
TBA
Free
HOOK: A NEW FAMILY MUSICAL
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 2 PM
Town Hall 1873 Theatre, 302 Queen St, Port Perry
$26 to $40
Noon Year’s Eve Party!
Get ready to ring in the new year a little early with our Noon Year’s Eve Party! Bring the whole family from 11 am – 1pm for a fun-filled afternoon that includes gaming, a wishing tree, and a ball drop!
TBA
Playdium, 75 Consumers Drive, Whitby Entertainment Centrum, Whitby
TBA
Oshawa Celebrates 2026
Oshawa Celebrates 2026 includes free skating, free swimming, free ticketed magic shows in the Library, live entertainment, a zoo, dinosaurs and crafts! Details
Wednesday, December 31 | 6 PM to 9 PM
Delpark Homes Centre, 1661 Harmony Rd. N., Oshawa
Free
Outdoor Winter Activities
For NYE Dinners & parties, see
New Year’s Eve Family Activities in Halton Region
Holiday Light Displays
- Lakeside Festival of Lights @ Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
- Winter Wonders @ Royal Botanical Gardens – Hendrie Park, Plains Road West, Burlington
- Light up the Hills @ Various Venues, Halton Hills
Winterlit – Milton
Stroll the Illuminated Sugar Bush Trail and then make your way over to the Winter lit Trail for an experience with a little extra sparkle. Local Enjoy LIVE musical performers, Fire & Ice performers, Strolling entertainers, Food vendors on New Year’s Eve.
December 31 | 5:30 PM – 11 PM
Mountsberg Conservation Area,2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
$31/adult, $26/senior or child, child 4 and under free
Ride the RBG Express – Burlington
All aboard! Take a ride on the RBG Express through the winter beauty of Hendrie Park. The train is available for paid rides throughout the garden. Warm up with a hot chocolate and cookie from The Greenhouse Café before or after your train ride! (Food & Drink not included in cost of ride).
December 31 | First train is at 10:15 AM, the last train is at 2:45 PM
Royal Botanical Garden – Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
$10 per train car (for a maximum of 4 people per car). + General Admission
Tim Hortons Free Skating – Burlington
The City of Burlington offers free skating during the winter break, thanks to the sponsorship from Tim Hortons. Drop-in only, no online reservation is needed. Skate is first-come, first-served until capacity is reached.
December 31 | Noon- 2 PM
Appleby Ice Centre, Burlington
Free
Howl’n New Year’s – Oakville
Enjoy a night of family fun as we howl in the New Year at Bronte Creek!
Learn about Coyotes and their role in the urban landscape. We will start with a presentation followed by an opportunity to hear coyotes howl in nature. We will finish off the evening with a countdown for kids around 8:30 pm.
December 31 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
Park Admission
Outdoor Winter Activities
Family NYE Fireworks & Activities in Peel Region
Brampton New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Celebrations
The countdown is on to 2025 and there is no better place to celebrate than in Downtown Brampton! Ring in the New Year with skating in Gage Park, a live concerts and a dazzling ten-minute fireworks display at midnight.
Wednesday, December 31 | 9 PM to Midnight
Garden Square, 12 Main St N, Brampton
Free
New Year’s Eve Mississauga Fireworks & Celebrations
Mississauga’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration returns with a lineup featuring global sounds and emerging Canadian artists. The night kicks off with an interactive K-Pop spotlight and culminates in a breathtaking fireworks finale presented by Tim Hortons. At 9:00 p.m., families and early-night revelers can join in the Junior Confetti Countdown, a fun and colourful moment to welcome the New year early – without slowing down the party.
Wednesday, December 31 | 8 PM to Midnight
Mississauga Celebration Square – 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Free
Holiday Light Displays
- Lights @ Gage Park, Brampton
- Winter Magic at Celebration Square @ Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Winter Activities
- Outdoor Winter Activities in Mississauga
- Outdoor Winter Activities in Brampton
- Winter Activities in Peel Region
- Best Nature Parks and Hiking Spots in the Peel Region
Family NYE Fireworks & Activities in the York Region
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Aurora
Celebrate the New Year with family and friends. Enjoy swimming and skating.
TBA
Aurora Town Park, Aurora
Free
New Year’s Eve Celebrations East Gwillimbury
Countdown to 2026 and celebrate with your little ones. Enjoy a lively outdoor concert and dance party featuring world-class performers, comedy, stunts and a festive countdown. Indoors, take part in free skating, crafts, face painting, LEGO building and family activities. Outdoors, enjoy train rides, food trucks and engaging shows. Continue the fun at the after-party with swimming, sports, cookie decorating, yoga, playgroups and more for all ages.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 10 a.m. to noon
EG Sports Complex, 1914B Mount Albert Road, East Gwillimbury
Free
New Year’s Eve Celebrations Town of Georgina
Join us for an exciting evening filled with indoor and outdoor winter activities for all ages. Celebrate the New Year with a special kiddie countdown at 8 p.m., complete with a hot chocolate toast and a magical performance by Magic Mel to bring the festivities to life!
Wednesday, December 31 | 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
The ROC
26479 Civic Centre Rd, Georgina
Free
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Markham
Downtown Markham is inviting you to Party in the Square on New Year’s Eve with live music and fireworks as we ring in 2025! Our DJ kicks things off around 10 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31 | 10 PM to Midnight
Origin Square, 169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
Free
Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker – Markham
Created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays. Ballet Jörgen’s Nutcracker is destined to become a national treasure that will warm the hearts of young and old alike.
Wednesday, December 31 | 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd
$15.00 – $78.00
FAIRWAY OF LIGHTS (NYE Fireworks) – Markham
Experience the magic of Angus Glen’s Fairway of Lights, where our golf course transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll at your own pace through a captivating light display, with vibrant holiday hues illuminating the fairways.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8PM
North Fire Circus @ 6:15 PM & 7:15 PM
LED Robot @ 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:40 PM
Angus Glen Golf Club, 10080 Kennedy Rd, Gormley
$30 to $40
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Celebrations – Newmarket
Bring the whole family and celebrate the new year at this years Tim Hortons First Night. Guests will get to enjoy free public skating, swimming, a live outdoor concert, free coffee and live fireworks display.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 1 PM – 6:15 PM
Fireworks and Countdown at 6 PM
Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket
Free
New Year’s Eve Celebrations – Richmond Hill
Join us for First Night, a memorable evening for families, where joy and togetherness shine brightness! This year, we are showcasing the new outdoor amenities at Bayview Hill Park including the outdoor skate pad! There will be live entertainment, activities, tasty treats and an early countdown that will allow you to be back home in your pajamas by midnight.
Wednesday December 31, 2025 | 3 PM– 6 PM
Bayview Hill Community Centre and Park, 114 Spadina Rd, Richmond Hill
Free
New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Celebrations – Whitchurch–Stouffville
Ring in the New Year with Mayor and Council for an evening of celebration, skating, and fireworks!
Enjoy a family-friendly skate at the Multi-Purpose Trail from 4-6 PM followed by food trucks, fiery entertainment, and free hot beverages (while supplies last) in Memorial Park from 6-7 PM. Fireworks start at 7 PM.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4pm-6pm @ Skating Trail
6pm-7pm @ Memorial Park
Stouffville Memorial Park, 2 Park Dr, Stouffville
Free
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration – Vaughan
Join us December 31st for a Balloon Drop at Noon to ring in the New Year! Arrive before 12:00 PM to join the countdown and celebrate with LEGO giveaways, sparkling drinks, and an EPIC dance party!
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | Arrive before 12:00 PM to join the countdown.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto, 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan
$24.99
WinterFest – Vaughan
This event features ice-skating on Snowflake Lake, more than a dozen live shows and holiday entertainment, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Canada’s Wonderland, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
$32 & up
View Comments (1)
Wonderful! Look forward to that fireworks.