Festivities in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and Barrie Offer Something for Everyone
Toronto: Waterfront Fireworks and Pop-Up Performances
Toronto will light up the skies with a 10-minute fireworks display at midnight, synchronized to music. For the best views, head to designated spots along the waterfront, including:
- Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W.
- Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
- Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
Pop-up performances begin at 10 p.m. at Sherbourne Common and Toronto Music Garden, with DJ sets by Traxx & Feels and interactive dance sessions co-produced with The Dance Together Festival.
Mayor Olivia Chow and drag entertainer Sanjina DaBish Queen will lead the countdown at 11:45 p.m., accompanied by a live webcast featuring performances and discussions.
Transit: Free TTC, GO Transit, and UP Express rides from 7 p.m. Dec. 31 to 8 p.m. Jan. 1.
Brampton: Rock Out with Simple Plan and Fireworks
Brampton’s Garden Square (12 Main St. N.) hosts a free New Year’s Eve concert headlined by Canadian rockers Simple Plan.
Event Schedule:
- 8 p.m.: MusicBlender
- 9:20 p.m.: Spitty
- 10 p.m.: Cmagic5
- 10:50 p.m.: Simple Plan
- 11:55 p.m.: Countdown to fireworks
- Midnight: Fireworks
Food trucks and free downtown parking add to the festivities. Brampton Transit offers free rides after 7 p.m., with extended service.
Mississauga: Hip-Hop Vibes and Family Fun at Celebration Square
Celebrate at Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr.) with hip-hop performances, skating, and two fireworks displays.
Event Highlights:
- 8:15 p.m.: Maestro Fresh Wes (Young Maestro album)
- 9:20 p.m.: DijahSB
- 10:10 p.m.: Shad
- 11 p.m.: AR Paisley
- Midnight: Fireworks and confetti shower
Enjoy food trucks, giveaways, and activities. Skating is available until 11 p.m. (weather permitting).
Barrie: Country Tunes and Double Fireworks
Barrie’s City Hall (70 Collier St.) offers an early start with activities beginning at 6 p.m. The evening features country music stars Madeline Merlo and The Redhill Valleys, plus fireworks at 8 p.m. and midnight.
Event Schedule:
- 7 p.m.: Busker performances
- 7:10 p.m.: Sonshine and Broccoli
- 8 p.m.: Family countdown and fireworks
- 9:30 p.m.: The Redhill Valleys
- 10:40 p.m.: Madeline Merlo
Enjoy skating, inflatables, face painting, and food vendors like Smoke’s Poutinerie and Beavertails. Free Barrie Transit rides are available from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.