Where to ring in the new year in Waterloo Region, Guelph and Brantford
Still undecided about your party plans for New Year’s Eve?
We’ve rounded up some of the family-friendly events happening in Waterloo Region, Guelph and Brantford.
City of Kitchener’s Night of Legends Ball Drop
- Time: 7 p.m. to midnight
- Where: Carl Zehr Square, 200 King Street West
- Cost: Free
- Details: Celebrity tribute acts, an early family countdown, free hot chocolate and ice skating as the City of Kitchener counts down to 2025.
Celebration at Waterloo’s Public Square
- Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: Waterloo Public Square, 75 King St. S.
- Cost: Free
- Details: Skating, hot cider, music, crafts and more.
New Year’s Skate in Cambridge
- Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., doors open at 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Hespeler Arena, 640 Ellis Road
- Cost: Free
- Details: Families can sign up for an hour-long free ice skate. There will also be a Turbo Max inflatable obstacle course, live entertainment and games.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in the Gaslight District
- Time: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Where: The District Square, 64 Grand Ave. S. in Cambridge
- Cost: Free
- Details: Watch the ball drop live on the big screen. (Outdoor event)
NYE Balloon Drop for Kids in Cambridge
- Time: Ball drop happens at 5 p.m. so arrive early!
- Where: Four Fathers Brewing Co., 125 Guelph Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Details: Along with the balloon drop, there will be board games, ping pong, colouring contests and menu specials.
Ayr200’s New Year’s Eve celebration
- Time: 4 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Ayr Community Centre, 7 Church Street
- Cost: Free
- Details: Skating and fireworks to celebrate the arrival of 2025 and Ayr’s 200-year anniversary.
Guelph Rotary Club’s New Year’s Eve Party
- Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: Riverside Park, 709 Woolwich St
- Cost: Free
- Details: Festive light displays, carousel rides and fireworks.
Brantford’s Harmony Square celebration
- Time: 7 p.m. to after midnight
- Where: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street, and the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, 88 Dalhousie Street
- Cost: Free
- Details: A DJ skate party, live music, free samosas, spring rolls and tea leading up a ball drop in the square at midnight.
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