A massive slate of free celebrations and dazzling fireworks displays are set to light up the night sky in Toronto and the GTA next week as we prepare to ring in 2026.
From a massive waterfront bash in the city to suburb soirées with top Canadian entertainers, the city and its neighbours are pulling out all the stops for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
We’ve rounded up some of this year’s best places to see New Year’s Eve fireworks across the GTA here:
Toronto
Harbourfront Centre:
Toronto’s official New Year’s celebration returns to the harbourfront this year, trading the traditional City Hall hubbub for a sprawling waterfront party. Starting at 10 p.m. on December 31, the inner harbour will transform into a bustling festival featuring live entertainment and pop-up programming, where a DJ skate party and a winter maze set the stage for a headline performance by pop singer-songwriter Lu Kala. As the clock strikes midnight, a brilliant 10-minute fireworks show will illuminate the skyline, which will be visible from anywhere with a view of the water, including Sugar Beach and HTO Park. If you prefer to stay cozy, you can even catch the magic via a livestream on CultureTO’s YouTube channel.
Distillery Winter Village:
The historic Distillery District will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration within their beloved Winter Village, featuring a live DJ, a glowing canopy of lights, and a fireworks display at midnight. The all-ages event takes place on December 31, 2025, with entry pricing based on arrival time; entry is free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $15 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and $35 for entry from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Markham
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in Downtown Markham with their free New Year’s Eve party running from 10:30 p.m. on December 31 to 1 a.m. on January 1 at 8080 Birchmount Road. The night kicks off with a live DJ set by Devodlive, spinning a mix of the year’s biggest hits and classic favourites, followed by a midnight countdown led by Town Crier John Webster and a fireworks display.
Brampton
In Brampton, the party will take over the city’s Garden Square with a free outdoor concert by Grammy Award-winner and hometown hero, Alessia Cara, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Beyond the music, visitors can wander through a delicious spread of food vendors along Main Street North before the night culminates in a midnight fireworks display. As a special bonus, the city will also be inducting Cara into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame during the festivities.
Mississauga
Over at Mississauga’s Celebration Square, the festivities will kick off at 8 p.m. This year’s lineup features K-pop with a performance by the renowned dance crew East2West. For those with little ones who can’t quite make it to midnight, Mississauga will also be hosting a special “Junior New Year’s Confetti Countdown” at 9 p.m. The night eventually wraps up with a midnight fireworks finale presented by Tim Hortons, with the on-site skating rink remaining open until 11 p.m. for those who want to glide into the new year.
Newmarket
Tim Hortons First Night returns to Newmarket on Wednesday, December 31, with a full day of free, family-friendly fun at the Magna Centre. Running from early afternoon into the evening, the celebration features free public skating and swimming, figure skating performances by the Newmarket Skating Club, train rides for kids, a live outdoor concert by the Bianca Rollo Band, and a fireworks show to cap off the night. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations in support of the Newmarket Food Pantry.
Whitchurch-Stouffville
Welcome the New Year in Whitchurch-Stouffville at the Mayor & Council’s New Year’s Eve Levee & Skate with an evening of free, family-friendly festivities on December 31. The celebration begins with public skating on the Multi-Purpose Trail from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by food trucks, fiery entertainment, and complimentary hot beverages in Memorial Park from 6 to 7 p.m. Fireworks will then light up the sky at 7 p.m.
Can’t wait to ring in the new year with you, Toronto!