by Jenn Reid
Last Updated December 11, 2017
As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time to countdown to 2018 and ring in the new year! There are tons of ways to celebrate the passage of time this New Year’s Eve, from party nights to comedy shows, extravagant meals, fireworks, movie screenings and more. Check out the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Toronto this year. [Photo courtesy of iStock]
Comedy Extravaganza at Massey Hall
Wrap up 2017 with a good laugh. Massey Hall’s annual New Year’s Eve comedy night is hosted by Robert Klein, and features stand-up from comedians Pete Johansson, Rob Bebenek, Shannon Laverty, Tyler Morison, Alex Wood, Kyle Brownrigg, Maggie Cassella and Michael Moses.The show’s early enough in the evening, you can still party your way into the New Year after!
Bravissimo! at Roy Thomson Hall
Looking for a classy New Year’s celebration? Head over to Roy Thomson Hall for Bravissimo, a night showcasing some of the best opera stars. The performance includes sings from operas like Carmen, Madama Butterfly, Don Giovanni and more.
New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square
New Year’s at Nathan Phillips Square is one of the biggest events in the city! There will be live music performances, DJs, art installations and more, plus a giant fireworks display at midnight. It’s all outdoors, so dress warm!
Royal Thai Dinner at Kiin
New Year’s is usually focused on the drinks, but you can always eat all night long instead! Kiin will be serving a prix-fixe meal featuring unique Thai dishes. There are two seatings, one earlier in the evening and one later, which includes a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are required!
New Year’s Eve at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s is throwing a New Year’s party! The inaugural event features live music from DJ Shamz, passed hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and fully licensed bars. Tickets cover hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket, plus access to the whole aquarium.
Midnite Run & Party at Brazen Head
Start your New Year’s resolutions early with a 5km run in Liberty Village! The run begins right at the stroke of midnight, and has on course fireworks to set the party atmosphere. After the run, head over to Brazen Head pub for the official after party. All participants get a swag bag, one beer and a glass of champagne. There’s also post-race food to warm you up!
Rooftop Silent Disco at Hemingway’s
Yes, a silent disco. Hemingway’s will have live DJs spinning different genres, and you use your headphones to choose what you want to listen to! You can switch between 80s and 90s throwbacks, top 40 and hip-hop/R&B, and the headphones will light up with different colours based on what you’re listening to, so you can dance with like-minded friends. Keep the volume low if you want to socialize!
Gala New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Old Mill
The Old Mill’s event is a classic and elegant night of dinner and dancing. Guests will get a champagne toast and a gourmet six-course dinner. After the meal, Ascension Groove Band plays Motown, R&B, jazz and top 40 to keep the party going. There are multiple seatings available for dinner, and dress code is in effect.
Steam Whistle NYE House Party
Steam Whistle is transforming the Roundhouse into an actual house party. There’s a living room with DJs, video games and a TV playing the ball drop, a bedroom where you can play your own music (aux cord provided) and chill on the couch, a basement with karaoke, and a kitchen serving up pizza pockets and beef patties.
Black & White Ball at the Thompson
The Thompson Toronto, one of the city’s chicest event spaces, is hosting a black & white ball for New Year’s Eve. 500 guests will be dancing to the music of DJ’s Tom Wrecks, TechTwelve and Andy Warbuton, and enjoying the complimentary candy bar, snack bar and party favours. There’s also a champagne toast at midnight.
Brewmaster’s Dinner at Craft
Toronto’s newest craft brewery is hosting a dinner for New Year’s Eve. You’ll get a beer to start the night off, then a four course meal with beer pairings, party favours and a champagne toast at midnight. There are two sittings, with dancing and music after the late meal.
The Dude’s New Year’s at Hot Docs Cinema
Hot Docs Cinema’s annual New Year’s bash is a screening of The Big Lebowski. Go all out by dressing in a bathrobe and sunglasses, and help yourself to the White Russian bar! Tickets include popcorn, party favours and one drink.
New Year’s Eve at Rockpile
The Rockpile’s New Year’s Eve party is different from all others in one major way: it’s all ages! The bar is 19+, but underage friends can still join the fun. DJs will be spinning hip-hop, house, EDM and Top 40 all night.
Snowball 2018 at No One Writes to the Colonel
No One Writes to the Colonel will transform into a winter wonderland for its New Year’s party. The party has a ‘Stranger Things’ vibe, and music from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Dress code is in effect.
