New Year’s Eve fireworks in Ontario will soon leave you in awe as they light up the night sky, ushering in 2026. It’s been a year, and the best way to bid farewell to the last 12 months is with a little celebratory action. Cities and towns across the province are hosting New Year’s Eve festivities with food, free drinks and dazzling fireworks displays.
If you’re looking for places to celebrate the incoming new year, here’s where you can do that in Ontario.
Ring in the New Year in downtown Barrie. This annual event has been a hit every year since 1998, and you know they’re doing it big again. Take part in family activities, skating and fireworks to end the night.
It is one of Central Ontario’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations, and it’s free to enjoy. As for the new location, it provides an opportunity to showcase Barrie’s beautiful waterfront, the vibrant downtown core, and Meridian Place.
Expect busker performances, inflatables and games, and delicious eats from food trucks.
When: Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Meridian Place, 30 Simcoe St., Barrie
Cost: Free
The City of Brampton is throwing a huge New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks, food vendors and a free concert, headlined by none other than Grammy award-winning artist Alessia Cara.
If you’re still looking for NYE plans, maybe a trip to Brampton isn’t such a bad idea, especially if that means you’ll get to enjoy an outdoor party with delicious eats and the best music.
When: Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Starting at 7:30 p.m., (Alessia Cara at 10:50 p.m.)
Where: (Main Street North and Queen Street West) Garden Square, Brampton, Ont.
Cost: Free
London’s annual New Year’s Eve in the Park returns to Victoria Park on Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to midnight.
“Celebrate under the stars with live local entertainment, a variety of delicious food trucks, a 360° photo booth, and two dazzling fireworks shows, presented by Drewlo Holdings,” shares the city.
Enjoy performances by local artists For the Record, the Brad Gibb Allstar Band, Simple Reflections for Artists, and the Forest City London Music Awards Allstars. And of course, catch the dazzling fireworks displays to end the night.
When: Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Victoria Park, 580 Clarence St.
Cost: Free
Mississauga’s annual New Year’s Eve party at Celebration Square is back! According to the city, you can expect a lineup featuring global sounds and emerging Canadian artists. There will be an interactive K-pop spotlight and a breathtaking fireworks finale presented by Tim Hortons.
When: Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Starting at 8 p.m.
Where: Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Dr. – Mississauga
Cost: Free
Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival, Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights is still ongoing and will end Jan. 4, 2026. Though there isn’t a dedicated NYE celebration, you can still enjoy some stunning fireworks.
There will be two: one at 8 p.m., which will last about five minutes, and one at midnight, which will last about nine minutes.
When: Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Starting at 8 p.m.
Where: Queen Victoria Park, 6345 Niagara River Pkwy., Niagara Falls
Cost: Free
Harbourfront Centre is putting on a free celebration along Toronto’s waterfront, and there will be way more than just fireworks.
Street Eats Market will be in attendance, bringing guests local bites from around the city and warm drinks to sip on while you walk around.
The beloved Harbourfront Express will also be there for anyone who wants to take a final train ride of the year.
The 10-minute fireworks show will begin at midnight on the dot, with synchronized music playing as the harbourfront lights up in gorgeous colours.
When: Dec. 31, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. to midnight
Where: Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queens Quay West
Cost: Free admission
Recent Posts:
University of Toronto is ranked among the top 20 in the world
Ontario ice skating trails that shine bright when the sun goes down
