The countdown is on!
Here are five Ontario destinations that offer a myriad of ways to usher in 2020 – from family-friendly New Year’s Eve activities, dazzling fireworks, outdoor getaways and special events.
We wish you and yours a safe and Happy New Year.
Image credit: Toronto Tourism
GREATER TORONTO AREA
Canada’s downtown is the place to be for the ultimate New Year’s Eve bash at City Hall. Kickoff 2020 at Nathan Phillips Square with free live music, DJ skating party and insta-worthy fireworks at midnight.
Spend the most anticipated night of the year at the museum! The Royal Ontario Museum rolls out the red carpet with live bands, DJs, appetizers, drinks and special access to Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches.
Take in Toronto’s iconic skyline from the harbour. Mariposa Cruise’s four-hour New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Cruises includes a buffet meal, party favours, champagne, DJ dancing and a stellar view.
New Year’s Eve at Celebration Square in Mississauga is a not-to-miss annual event with skating, live performances and fireworks, or clock in the new year with family-friendly activities, food, entertainment and fireworks at Brampton’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration.
Image credit: Niagara Falls Tourism
NIAGARA FALLS
Revelers flock to Queen Victoria Park for the annual New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls with live music, entertainment, food and fireworks right next to the spectacular Horseshoe Falls. This year’s free outdoor extravaganza will headline Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams, as well as Juno winning Walk Off the Earth.
What better way to toast 2020 than with a glass of wine in one of Canada’s favourite wine-growing regions. Check out special drink and dine events at top wineries like Peller Estates, Trius or Wayne Gretzky Estates.
Image credit: Downtown Barrie
BARRIE
Downtown Barrie heats up at Old City Hall with one of Central Ontario’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations. Skate on the Circle at Centre rink, ride Snow Valley’s mini tube slide, warm up at the bonfire and enjoy live entertainment from roaming performers to splendid fireworks. Follow @creativebarrie for more details.
If you’re feeling lucky, play the slots at Casino Rama, just half an hour north of Barrie, or take in a show. Rock and blues icon, Colin James performs December 31.
Celebrate on the slopes at Horseshoe Resort with a torch light parade on the skill hill followed by a light-up-the-night fireworks show.
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MUSKOKA
Imagine a luxury resort, historic inn, or cozy, rustic-chic lodge nestled in a forest of proud pines, firs and spruce, overlooking a frozen fresh-water lake, blanketed in soft snow, sparkling and dazzling in the sun and under a starlit night sky. This is Muskoka.
Just a two and a half drive north of Toronto, this region is defined by its natural beauty, including the renowned Algonquin Provincial Park, which has captivated outdoor enthusiasts for centuries. Embrace the New Year Muskoka-style with luxurious accommodations, romantic dining, relaxing spa treatments, and winter adventures like skating, stargazing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at your fingertips.
Book your Muskoka New Year’s Eve package.
Image credit: Near North Mobile Media Lab
NORTH BAY
There’s something for everyone in the family during the 26th annual Families First New Year’s Eve Event at Thomson Park, Memorial Garden and YMCA including fun activities, treats and fireworks.
For all you dreamy romantics, downtown North Bay is the perfect place for a swoon-worthy New Year’s Eve smooch. The film industry has recently exploded in North Bay, taking full advantage of quaint downtown interlocking brick sidewalks, Victorian light posts and charming storefronts in heritage buildings. If you’re picturing a Hallmark romance, you’re not alone, this scenic northern Ontario city has set the scene for over 20 Hallmark movies.
Head to the Grande Event Centre for Stand By Your Colours, a New Year’s Eve bash with North Bay Pride celebrating 2020 with all 2SLGBTQ+ communities and friends. Tickets are available at the Capital Centre Redpath Box Office, and will get you a drink, plus access to the candy bar and taco bar.
Find a full list of New Year’s Eve events, fireworks and parties taking place near you at ontariotravel.net.
Main image credit: Tourism Toronto