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For those hoping to ring in the new year in style, there are a variety of events across Toronto.
Torontonians are invited to celebrate responsibly, the city’s director of arts and culture services Aderonke Akande said.
“We encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the city’s fireworks display safely from the various designated viewing areas,” he said at a news conference Monday. “Just come dressed for it, come prepared.”
The New Year’s Eve main concert stage will be at the Harbourfront Centre, with performances from Lu Kala, Kalisway and cootie catcher. The evening will be hosted by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, drag performer Makayla Couture and CP24’s Jessica Smith.
The City of Toronto will once again host its countdown and 10-minute fireworks show at the waterfront on Dec. 31, though this year it can be watched from just about anywhere with a stream on Culture TO’s YouTube channel.
“Whether you want to join us in person at the waterfront or from the coziness of home, we have options for everyone,” the city’s programming supervisor for city cultural events Rachel Fender said.
A post-show dance party with DJ KIMWVN will be on until 1 a.m. and the Harbourfront Centre’s Winterfest will host a DJ skate party, light installations, food vendors and a winter maze into the early hours of 2026.
Other places to ring in 2026
Sherbourne Common, located near the Distillery District, will have dance lessons from the Dance Together Festival and pop-up circus performances from Incirque. The Toronto Music Garden, located at Bathurst Quay, will host short films from the National Film Board of Canada projected onto the Canada Malting Silos.
This year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks can also be enjoyed from other viewing locations with music, including:
- Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
- Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W.
- HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W.
- HTO Park West, 375 Queens Quay W.
“Regardless of your experience, you can move and groove into 2026,” Fender said.
The Distillery District will also host its very own New Year’s Eve bash and fireworks from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Performances from Devo Brown and DJ Clymaxxx will bring attendees a mix of current hits, throwbacks and a midnight countdown.
Extended public transit
The Toronto Transit Commission and GO Transit are bringing free rides and extended service to all on New Year’s Eve, beginning at 7 p.m.
The TTC’s final northbound train from Union Station will depart towards Finch Station at 2:31 a.m. on Jan. 1. The final northbound train towards Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station will depart from Union Station at 2:27 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
The TTC is also adding additional buses from the waterfront to Line 2 stations to ease congestion at Union Station. One bus will depart from Jarvis Street and Queens Quay E. up to Sherbourne Station. The second bus will depart from Spadina Avenue and Queens Quay W. to Bathurst Station.
“The city is prioritizing safety but also convenience to ensure that people have a number of options to smoothly and enjoyably get around,” Akande said.
The TTC and GO Transit are bringing free rides and extended service to all on New Year’s Eve, beginning at 7 p.m. (Arlyn McAdorey/The Canadian Press)
At Union Station, customers hoping to access TTC will only be able to use the Bay Street entrance, just south of Front Street, via Brookfield Place.
“That’s really to make sure that everything is comfortable for all of those using the station,” Akande said. “Staff will be on hand to help to support that, to manage the entry, to provide direction if anybody has any questions.”
He added everyone should pay attention to posted signage, listen to those providing instructions and allow extra time for travel. Akande also reminded Torontonians personal fireworks require a permit and fireworks are not permitted in public parks, beaches, streets or other public spaces.
Metrolinx is also adding extra late-night trains to its GO Transit:
- Lakeshore West: Last train departs Union Station at 7:47 a.m.
- Lakeshore East: Last train departs Union Station at 7:20 a.m.
- Kitchener: Last train departs Union Station at 6:34 a.m.
- Stouffville: Last train departs Union Station at 4 a.m.
- Barrie: Last train departs Union Station at 3:54 a.m.
- Richmond Hill: Last train departs Union Station at 1:15 a.m.
- Milton: Last train departs Union Station at 2:55 a.m.
The last UP Express train will leave Union Station at 3:45 a.m.
