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Looking to ring in the New Year without breaking the bank? Toronto has you covered with a range of free events that’ll help you celebrate in any style. Whether you’re into live music, dazzling fireworks, or cozying up inside with a festive crowd, there’s something happening in the city for everyone and we did the digging. Check out some of Toronto’s hidden gems here, with our 10 free ways to kick off 2025 in Toronto without spending a dime.
New Year’s Eve at the Harbourfront Centre
Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre offers a dazzling free waterfront celebration where the DJ keeps the party going all night long. Skate to the groove under the city lights at the picturesque rink or warm up with some winter bites from local food vendors. As midnight approaches, gather by the water to watch the countdown and start the new year with a breathtaking firework display over Lake Ontario.
No Hassle New Year at Pogue Mahone
Skip the hassle and dive into a stress-free celebration at Pogue Mahone’s No Hassle New Year’s Eve! With no cover, happy hour all night long and a bubbly toast at midnight, this is the spot to kick off 2025 with zero pressure.
Toronto Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve Bash
Skip the midnight madness and celebrate early at the Toronto Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve Bash! Perfect for families and early risers, this daytime extravaganza packs all the energy of New Year’s Eve into a midday celebration. Expect interactive games, thrilling entertainment and a DJ spinning up beat tracks to keep everyone moving. The highlight? A countdown to noon, because who says New Year’s is just for night owls?
TD Union Winter Roller Express
If skating outside just isn’t your jive, ditch the cold and roll into the new year with TD’s Union Winter Roller Express at Union Station. This free indoor roller rink is where the party’s at New Year’s Eve, with skating sessions from 1:30-8:30 p.m., the fun doesn’t stop there. Stick around for the Rink in the New Year Bash from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. complete with live tunes, tasty bites and good vibes. If you’re looking to roll into 2025 in style, pre-register online and get ready to groove.
New Year’s Eve Story Time
Say goodbye to 2024 with a dose of family-friendly fun at New Year’s Eve Storytime at Wychwood Library. This isn’t your average storytime — think tales, tunes and surprises all packed into one whimsical hour. Kids ages 0-7 and their favourite grown-up companion are invited to pull out their best party outfits and drop by for festivities. No need to RSVP, just show up, settle in and let the countdown begin early with a morning full of charm and cheer.
Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls
Take advantage of Toronto’s free transit fare on New Year’s Eve and hop on the GO Train to Niagara Falls for a stress-free scenic journey. Starting at 7 p.m., all GO Transit rides are free, making this the perfect night for a memorable adventure. Celebrate the arrival of 2025 at Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights. This annual festival transforms the city into a sparkling wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays and a breathtaking illuminating tunnel. Stroll along the 8 kmlight route, marvel at the stunning installations and take in the beauty of the world-famous falls under the glow of the moonlight.
City of Toronto’s fireworks display
The City of Toronto’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are set to return to the waterfront this year, so you can ring in 2025 with fireworks, live performances and activities across several downtown locations. A high-altitude fireworks display, synchronized to music, will blast a beautiful scene into Toronto’s inner harbour skies at midnight on Dec. 31. The 10-minute show, dubbed one of the largest in Canada, will be visible from multiple designated viewing areas, including Sugar Beach Park, Sherbourne Common and the Toronto Music Garden.
High Park winter walk
Skip the chaos of New Year’s Eve parties and step into the chill with a winter walk through High Park. While everyone else is braving crowded clubs and ringing in the new year with noise, you can be strolling through snow-covered paths, surrounded by Toronto’s serene nature. And if you want to add some festive cheer to your walk, take a detour through High Park Zoo — open every day, even New Year’s Eve, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., their holiday trees are decked out in seasonal decorations.
Swan Dive
Looking to toast the new year at your favourite local dive bar? No muss, no fuss Swan Dive is committed to brushing off the pretentious nonsense and serving up a night of pure, unfiltered fun. With no cover, Swan Dive has you covered with cheap drinks and beats spun by DJ DangerCat — this is the spot for those who want to party without the price tag.
Illuminate the Night in Markham
Hop on a free GO train from Toronto to Markham and step into the ultimate suburban bash at downtown Markham’s New Year’s Eve Celebration. Kick things off with DJ Oliver spinning tracks to get you moving at 9 p.m., dance to the music as the band Something Free keeps the party going until 11:30 p.m. and watch the sky light up with fireworks at midnight — with an official countdown performed by Markham’s Town Crier since 1987, John.
