There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the final day of 2014 in Waterloo Region.
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Waterloo Public Square will play host to a family celebration featuring free outdoor skating, free hot chocolate, music, science demonstrations, crafts and more.
At 9 p.m., an early New Year’s countdown will take place, followed by a ginger ale toast.
Free skating is also on offer from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and RIM Park.
In Cambridge, a family New Year’s Eve party will take place at the Hespeler Memorial Arena.
Live children’s entertainment, free skating and a family photo booth will be on offer between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The lone public celebration lasting until midnight is in downtown Kitchener, where festivities at Carl Zehr Square begin at 7 p.m.
In addition to free skating and a lounge featuring vintage arcade games, Kitchener’s 1980s-themed celebration includes a toy expo, a collection of 80s comedians and tribute bands, and a special appearance by a DeLorean vehicle.
Here’s a heads-up about some other modified hours of businesses and services over New Year’s:
- Grand River Transit provides free service after 6 p.m., on a modified schedule. On New Year’s Day, all buses run on a Sunday schedule. For more details, click here
- Most municipal buildings close early New Year’s Eve and remain closed New Year’s Day. An exception is in Cambridge, where municipal buildings have been closed all week, reopening Friday.
- Waste collection for Thursday and Friday in Waterloo Region is delayed one day
- Fairview Park Mall, Conestoga Mall and Cambridge Centre, as well as most grocery stores and pharmacies, close early New Year’s Eve and remain closed New Year’s Day
- LCBO and The Beer Store outlets close at 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve and do not open on New Year’s Day
