Ring in 2026, Toronto, with these New Year’s Eve celebrations
CBC
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,” she 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.
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:
“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.
CBC will be broadcasting a live special showcasing New Year’s Eve celebrations across the country with surprise moments, special guests and messages from Canadian personalities.
CBC’s Live Cross-Canada Countdown will feature reporters in communities coast to coast to coast. It will be hosted by Adrienne Arsenault and award-winning recording artist Jann Arden from Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, while Ian Hanomansing and actor, writer and comedian Andrew Phung will host from ICE District in Edmonton.
The special will run from 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT until 3:30 a.m. ET/ 12:30 a.m. PT.
