New Year’s Eve in Downtown Toronto
Fireworks, a cruise or family-friendly festivities? However you want to spend New Year’s Eve, Toronto has the event for you. Here are a few places you can ring in 2020 like a star.
A classic Toronto New Year’s Eve event, the annual celebration at Nathan Phillips Square features fireworks, a DJ skate party, and live musical performances. The all-ages celebration is the best in the city for the midnight countdown, with thousands of excited partygoers joining in. Located in the heart of downtown, Nathan Phillips Square is easily accessible by public transit and within walking distance of several hotels (including the Pantages!) — so you can leave your car keys at home and enjoy a stress-free evening. Best of all, it’s free!
NYE Harbour Cruises
A harbour cruise is an unforgettable way to ring in the new year, and Toronto’s major cruise lines are all on board. Mariposa Cruise Lines is offering a Dinner Gala Cruise with a delicious buffet, DJ and cash bar, or a shorter (3.5-hour) cocktail cruise. Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines is also throwing a special soirée with party favours upon boarding, dinner and cocktails, and a midnight champagne toast. Experience the iconic Toronto skyline from the water while you celebrate like the stars!
A New Year’s Eve party under the sea? Almost. Ripley’s Aquarium will be hosting its annual shell-ebration on December 31st from 9PM till 2AM. The 19+ event is a great way to experience the stunning galleries while sipping a cocktail from one of the cash bars. Watch colourful jellyfish, graceful sea dragons and electric eels swim by as you dance to the music of The Lonely Hearts and DJ Shamz. Catering by Daniel et Daniel will elevate the evening with passed hors d’oeuvres and themed food stations.
Three different celebrations at the CN Tower
This year, you can ring in the new year from high above the city skyline. The CN Tower, Toronto’s most famous landmark, will be hosting not one but three New Year’s Eve celebrations. Dance your way into 2020 on the famous glass floor at the main event — expect classic and Top-40 hits. If that isn’t enough, you can look forward to party favours and a poutine buffet at midnight.
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, the Tower’s 360 Restaurant will be preparing a special four-course Canadian-themed menu including a champagne toast at midnight. The iconic restaurant features locally sourced Canadian products and an award-winning wine and craft beer list for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Toronto dinner that’s sure to impress!
Finally, there’s an event just for kids — the afternoon party features live entertainment, a child-friendly buffet and a countdown at 5PM. Kids of all ages are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Guests are encouraged to bring a new pair of socks to donate to Socks 4 Souls Canada, which distributes them to the homeless.
Say goodbye to 2019 with the party you’ll talk about in 2020. Happy New Year!
