As 2023 comes to an end, it’s time to sort out your New Year’s Eve plans to welcome 2024. While there’s no shortage of parties and events in the city to countdown to midnight at, there’s nothing quite like ringing in the new year with a mesmerizing fireworks show.
No matter where you’re at in the city or Greater Toronto Area, there’s sure to be a celebration. Here are 8 spots to see the most dazzling fireworks displays in and near Toronto.
1. Toronto Harbourfront
The City of Toronto and Waterfront BIA plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular 10-minute fireworks show accompanied with music, which can be viewed from both public and dedicated spaces along the city’s waterfront area. If you can’t attend in person, you can also watch a live-stream of the show for free.
Where: Downtown Toronto waterfront
2. Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines
Welcome 2024 in style via an epic boat party put on by Jubilee Queen Cruises. This five-hour long booze cruise runs from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. and features food, drinks, a DJ, dancing, and views of the fireworks show with the Toronto skyline as the picturesque backdrop. Tickets cost $50.
Where: 539 Queens Quay W, Toronto
3. Celebration Square, Mississauga
Mississauga’s annual free New Year’s Eve party at Celebration Square is back and bigger than ever to close out 2023. Catch live performances, a snowmobile stunt show, food trucks, ice skating, art installations, and spectacular fireworks at midnight. This year, Canadian music legend Shawn Desman will headline the show, joined by R&B artist Shay Lio and Afro-beats star Nonso Amadi.
Where: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
4. Garden Square, Brampton
With live music, food vendors, outdoor skating, the Night Lights Projection Exhibit, and a 10-minute long fireworks show at midnight, downtown Brampton’s Garden Square is the place to be. The celebration starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 12:10 a.m. post-fireworks.
Where: 12 Main St N, Brampton
5. Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is nothing short of magical for New Year’s Eve, with the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls as the backdrop for its annual fireworks show. The falls will be illuminated in colourful lights as the fireworks explode above, and you’ll be able to view the event anywhere from the top of Niagara Falls to Queen Victoria Park.
Where: Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls
6. Stouffville Memorial Park, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Just an hour from downtown Toronto, Stouffville Memorial Park will be hosting a New Year’s Eve event complete with free hot beverages, live entertainment, and a huge fireworks show. The event will be dependent on good weather conditions, so keep an eye on their website before making the trip. The party begins at 6 p.m.
Where: 2 Park Dr, Stouffville
7. Barrie City Hall
Since 1998, the City of Barrie has hosted its annual Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve event, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Celebrate with live music, ice skating, family activities, buskers, and not one but TWO fireworks shows, the first at 8 p.m. and the second at midnight.
Where: 70 Collier Street, Barrie
8. INVISTA Centre, Kingston
If you’re open to a bit of a drive or weekend getaway to welcome 2024, consider heading to the City of Kingston. Their K-Town Countdown will be taking over the INVISTA Centre on December 31 with a range of family-friendly activities, including ice skating, face painting, a reptile exhibit, and several adults-only events including their Champagne on Ice skate and 19+ comedy show. The festivities start early at 5 p.m.
Where: 1350 Gardiners Rd, Kingston