The last weekend of the year is upon us, Toronto! There are tons of events going on, including magic shows, New Year’s Eve parties, and fireworks displays. We’ve curated a list of some of the ways you can enjoy yourself and usher in the new year right here in the city.
Friday, Dec. 29:
Visit the Giving Machine
‘Tis the season to give back, and The Light The World Giving Machines are the perfect way to do so. The vending machines partner with local and international charities to offer items that can be donated to help those in need. This includes items like warm clothes, food, school supplies, toiletries and more. The machines are located at Fairview Mall until January 1, and all of the money donated goes to the charity of your choice.
‘Lots of Light’ at Toronto History Museums
Celebrate joy and light at Toronto History Museums with their “Lots of Light” programming. Attendees can expect to make memories and learn more about various topics like music, culture, food, and art. Running until Jan. 8, the series includes a mixture of free and ticketed events including candlelit yoga, card printing, craft workshops, youth exhibits and more.
Enjoy a cocktail like a princess (or a beast!)
Step into the fantasy world of Beauty and the Beast with this 90-minute cocktail and escape room experience. Attendees are encouraged to dress up for the Victorian-themed cocktail party where both snacks and alcoholic beverages will be served while guests solve riddles in order to escape the castle.
Saturday, Dec. 30
Have a drink at a holiday speakeasy
Grab your friends, family, or special someone and head to the Tinseltown Christmas Speakeasy. The space is decked out in festive decor, with themed drinks at the ready, making it the perfect place to catch up with loved ones or snap some festive pics for your socials. The event is 19+, and non-alcoholic drinks are available upon request.
Catch a late-night comedy show
If you’re in need of a night of laughter, look no further than Saturday Night Satire. Described as a later, raunchier, and funnier comedy show, the weekly series includes local comics seen on Just For Laughs, JFL Toronto, CBC Comedy, and Sirius XM, as well as drink specials, games, prizes and more. Located at The Comedy Lab, the show starts at 10 p.m.
Be wowed by magicians
Champions Of Magic are taking over Meridian Hall for a night that magic lovers won’t want to miss. Performers take on incredible interactive illusions, with escapes from Houdini’s water torture cell, mind-boggling predictions, levitation, and a jaw-dropping finale. The show returned to the Six on Dec. 26 for just five shows, so make sure to grab your tickets while they’re still here. The show begins at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 31
Go skating in your skivvies
The Bentway’s Polar Bear Skate returns the weekend, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Brave skaters are challenged to strip down to their underwear and skate the Bentway for charity. The annual event also serves as a clothing drive. The Polar Bear Skate is free to attend, and runs from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. with skates available to rent for a fee. Skaters will be gifted a Bentway toque and hot chocolate. Even if you’re not up for the skate, Torontonians are encouraged to drop off donations of winter clothing that will be collected by New Circles Community Services and distributed to local people in need.
Usher in 2024 at the Distillery District
If you haven’t had the chance to check out the Distillery District’s Winter Village this year, there is still time! Guests can enjoy fireworks and live entertainment to ring in the new year while enjoying all that the neighbourhood has to offer. Restaurants, cafes and shops in the area are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., while the Winter Village outdoor shopping cabins and food vendors are open from noon to midnight. Entry is free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and ticketed from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Enjoy fireworks at the waterfront
Would it be a celebration in Toronto without a wicked fireworks display? People in the city can join in the countdown to midnight and enjoy a free 10-minute, high-altitude fireworks show synchronized to music, visible from any of the following designated viewing locations:
- Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
- Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.
- Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W.
- Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
- Little Norway Park, 659 Queens Quay W.
- HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W.
- Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
The event will also be live-streamed on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel from 10 p.m. with DJ sets until 11:30 p.m. when the countdown to 2024 will begin. Find out more information, including road closures to watch out for on Toronto’s website.
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For a list of events, check out our events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto.
To list your event, click here.
