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Last Minute New Year’s Eve Ideas

BY SHRUTI JAMADAGNI

December is one of the busiest times of the year socially— Christmas, Hanukkah, work parties, family parties; it all adds up to a whirlwind of activities. It’s not surprising that by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, many of us are caught unawares. If you’re one of the many who’re scrambling to find New Year’s Eve plans, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 4 New Year’s Eve celebration ideas that you can do without too much pre-planning:

  1. New Year’s Eve at Nathan Phillips Square (free) – An annual tradition, this year Nathan Phillips Square will again be hosting a variety of shows and exhibits starting at 8 pm. Including live musical performances, skating, photo booths, street curling, and a midnight firework display, this is the perfect way to ring in the New Year while enjoying the recent spate of mild weather. As Toronto’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration, this is also an experience not to be missed!
  2. Toronto Midnight New Year’s Eve Run ($95 run and party, $55 party only) – For those looking to get a head start on their New Year’s resolutions, ring in the New Year with a 5k run on the stroke of midnight, followed by an after-run party. There is also a less cardio-filled option, with party-only tickets available. In it’s fourth year, this King Liberty Village event provides great bonuses like a $30 swag bag, $10 gloves, post-race food, a finisher’s medal, and a free glass of bubbly! But perhaps the best reward is knowing you’re starting off your year right.
  3. New Year’s Eve at Niagara Falls (free) – This is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Canada— and it’s free! The highlight of this event is a free concert with guests including Keith Urban, Nick Jonas, Lights, and Shawn Mendes. While in Niagara, you can also enjoy the year-round attractions and experience two falls fireworks, one before the concert and one at the stroke of midnight. As a tourist destination, there are also plenty of accommodations available if you don’t want to make the drive back to Toronto after the bash.
  4. House Party (free) – The words “house party” likely brings to mind an image of a room full of inebriated college kids revelling in their new-found freedom. But it can be so much more! Bringing together a group of friends and family that you enjoy spending time with can be a great way to ring in the New Year. To get the evening rolling, have a few games handy such as Charades or Cards Against Humanity (which incidentally, originated as a New Year’s Eve party game). Don’t forget to pop the midnight champagne and start a round of increasingly outrageous toasts!

Whatever you decide to do this New Year’s Eve, be safe and considerate— Don’t drink and drive (the TTC is free after 7pm – a great option if you’re staying in the GTA). And remember, it’s more important who you’re with than what you’re doing.

Have a great evening, and Happy New Year’s everyone!


feature image source: Canada day at Centennial Park Uploaded by Skeezix1000

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