Toronto is throwing a huge free New Years Eve party on the waterfront

New Year's Eve fireworks in Toronto are a good option if you feel like braving the cold and ringing in the start of 2026 outdoors with friends.

On Dec. 31, the city's waterfront will host its massive annual New Year's Eve celebration, complete with live music, dancing, skating, pop-up performances and, of course, fireworks.

A 10-minute, music-synced fireworks show is scheduled for midnight and can be viewed from various spots along the waterfront: Toronto Music Garden, Sherbourne Common, Sugar Beach Park, HTO Park and HTO Park West, Harbour Square Park, and Harbourfront Centre.

The night officially kicks off at 10 p.m. with an outdoor celebration of Canadian music and a few festive "surprises," according to the City.

At the Harbourfront Centre, the main stage will include performances by indie-pop band cootie catcher, R&B artist Kalisway and headliner Lu Kala —  the Congolese-Canadian pop singer who recorded with Latto, opened up for Cyndie Lauper on tour, and wrote a song for Katy Perry. 

Harbourfront Centre's ongoing Winterfest promises to keep the energy pumping with skating, immersive light displays, curated foods and a giant winter maze. 

The party continues well after the fireworks are over. DJ sets will keep the party going until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Sure beats sitting at home and doing nothing, huh? 

Like every year, the City has announced free service on TTC, GO Transit and UP Express from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 8 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.