Build your Toronto adventure with these á la carte ideas for epic New Year’s Eve trips for every interest.
Usher in the New Year your way. Whether you want all the noisemakers, fireworks and dancing —or major introspective, quiet time—you can manifest the perfect start to the new year in Toronto. Whatever your jam is, we have what you’re looking for. Here are some ideas to build your New Year’s Eve trip around.
Unwind with a New Year’s Eve spa visit
Book a Hammam Turkish Bath treatment at Hammam Spa By Céla Bayview or a Golden Body Scrub at the Spa at the Four Seasons Toronto so you can ring in the new year glowing and relaxed.
Nosh on New Year’s Eve dim sum or noodles in Chinatown
Grab a bite in Chinatown. Local fave Rol San has all-day dim sum. Or try King’s Noodle if you’ve got a hankering for a big bowl of sui kow noodle soup and BBQ duck.
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve skate under festive lights
Nathan Phillips Square’s Cavalcade of Lights transforms one of the city’s most iconic spaces into a sparkling wonderland that people of all ages take delight in. Rent skates for a spin on the rink and snap photos by the TORONTO sign.
Catch a New Year’s Eve film screening
Prefer quiet time? Grab a bag of popcorn at the concession stand and catch an evening showing of Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut at the arthouse TIFF Bell Lightbox and escape into the storylines of these modern classics.
Enjoy New Year’s Eve with champagne and sushi
Book the second seating of the night at Hotel X’s Valerie rooftop restaurant, and you’ll count down the new year with DJ beats, bubbles and a five-course dinner menu. You’ll also get a stash of party favours, so you’ll be all set to ring in the New Year from the hotel rooftop, which offers one of the city’s best vantage points of the waterfront fireworks (with sushi and seafood stations, to boot!).
Indulge in an over-the-top New Year’s Eve menu
Splash out on NYE dinner at LOUIX LOUIS, located on the 31st floor of the St. Regis Hotel, where they’ll have live music as the soundtrack to a gourmet feast. Mains include lobster tail with seared gnocchi, beef Wellington, and roasted courgette (have everyone at your table choose a different one so that you can taste test each dish!).
Keep in mind you’ll want to save room for dessert; options include a chef’s sweet table and savoury cheese table.
Find clarity with a New Year’s Eve wilderness hike
If you’re more inclined to take this time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new year while enjoying Mother Nature, hit up Rouge National Urban Park.
At 79 square kilometres, it’s one of the largest urban parks in North America, and you’ll find more than 12 kilometres of trails to choose from. In winter, you may catch a glimpse of a snowy owl, hairy woodpecker, turkey or maybe even a coyote or deer.
Pro tip: make a post-hike reservation for a decadent meal of lobster and crab at the legendary Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant, within easy driving distance of the park.
Dine on an epic NYE menu
Head to Reign, located in the landmark Fairmont Royal York hotel, and feast on their NYE menu, which starts with caviar on pretzel with uni cream, continues with salmon and hamachi mosaic, venison carpaccio, and finishes a Valhrona tarte featuring Hukambi chocolate mousse and bourbon ice cream.
The only difficult decision you’ll need to make is between beef Wellington, roasted toothfish or squash risotto for your primo—either way, you’re all set for a delicious night.
Dig into a New Year’s Eve chef’s menu
Welcome the new year with a belly full of delicious food. Yorkville’s MIMI Chinese lets you choose from their regular service or indulge in their premium chef’s choice option, so you don’t have to make any decisions—just enjoy every bite!
Stroll a New Year’s Eve light festival
Work off that holiday feast while taking in the dazzling festive lights. Bundle up for a romantic stroll through Yorkville to experience the upscale neighbourhood’s Holiday Magic display, which features sparkling lights and interactive, illuminated benches that resemble campfires.
Join a funktastic NYE party
Get your groove on at Kensington Market’s Supermarket, where good vibes and bottle service are on the menu, along with endless R&B, hip-hop, Top 40 and funk.
Go on a New Year’s Eve trip to Morocco
Wanderlusting folks, escape to Morocco by partying at The Sultan’s Tent & Café Moroc this New Year’s Eve. This Old Town standby has been a must-visit for over 30 years, thanks to its French-Moroccan cuisine, romantic surroundings and interactive bellydancing performances.
Ring in the New Year at a downtown speakeasy
Dress to the 10s and head to Kissa for an elevated speakeasy experience. Sip featured cocktails, enjoy dinner in the vinyl-listening lounge and then dance the year away on both floors of this sexy King West venue.
Embrace the mystery at a New Year’s Eve masquerade
Party fans take note: you’ll want to celebrate the new year at W Toronto’s Masquerade Party. While the night’s events are still under wraps, guests can expect DJ sets, curated cocktails and yummy foods inspired by Toronto neighbourhoods, all in the hotel’s chic Living Room.
Get down at a New Year’s Eve outdoor party
Get your party on at the Distillery Winter Village for some festive outdoor revelry. Ring in the new year with live performances through the evening. And yes, when the clock strikes 12, there’ll be fireworks above Trinity Street.
Catch a New Year’s Eve DJ set
Other big bashes where you can ring in the new year with some great beats? Check out the Black & White Ball at Clio and the parties at Ultra Supper Club and Sofia Yorkville.
Catch New Year’s fireworks
Finally, say hello to the new year with an OTT fireworks display. Besides the Distillery Winter Village, you can take in NYE fireworks along the waterfront. Numerous vantage points provide prime viewing, including party boats offering cocktails and entertainment.
