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The best New Years Eve 2017 parties and events in Toronto

With a little over two weeks left of 2016, its time to plan for New Years Eve. Many of us will be staying at home, making a date with Netflix, wearing flannel pajamas and demolishing a wheel of brie. But for Toronto residents with enough stamina left over from the holidays, theres plenty of options for going out, too.

We combed through tons of party and events listings to find you the very best of what the city has to offer this year. There are parties for people who like to get gussied up and there are more low-key options for people who prefer a more casual affair: from a night at the opera, to a Nashville-themed country-music bash, to an all-ages ice-skating party by the lake, theres something here for every NYE reveler on December 31.

Looking for restaurants? Go here.

Kiss goodbye to 2016 with a comedy show, symphonic concert or classic film.

The Dude’s New Year’s at Hot Docs

For the fifth year in a row, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor West) is showing the Coen brothers The Big Lebowski on the big screen. Hosted by local funnyman Thomas Rivas, the event includes a White Russian express bar and a live countdown at midnight. Tickets are $21 (or $17 for members) and that includes one drink, popcorn and party favours. Wearing sunglasses and bathrobes are encouraged! See listing for details.

New Years Eve Comedy Extravaganza at Massey Hall

Stand-up comic Caroline Rhea hosts the 16th annual New Years eve Comedy Extravaganza at Massey Hall (178 Victoria). This years lineup includes Aisha Brown, Mike MacDonald, Steve Dylan, Nigel Grinstead, Julia Hladkowicz, Marito Lopez, Ted Morris and Dom Pare. Tickets are $39.50 to $69.50. See listing for details.

Bravissimo! Operas Greatest Hits at Roy Thomson Hall

Enjoy classical music hits performed by the Opera Canada Symphony and Chorus at this lavish new years tradition at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe). This years vocal soloists include soprano Donata DAnnunzio Lombardi, mezzo Diletta Rizzo Marin, tenor Leonardo Caimi and baritone Lucio Gallo. Under conductor Marco Guidarini, theyll perform selections from Cosi fan tutte, Madama Butterfly, Rigoletto, Pagliacci and Tosca. Tickets are $55 to $145. See listing for details.

ROM New Years Eve

For the first time ever, the Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queens Park) is opening its doors for a NYE celebration. Enjoy music by live bands and DJs, appetizers, a cash bar and a sparkling toast at midnight. Plus, experience the Chihuly exhibit between 9 to 11 pm. The dress code is cocktail attire and tickets start at $65. See listing for details.

NYE comedy at local clubs

A number of comedy venues are presenting special shows ahead of the countdown. At Yuk Yuks (224 Richmond West), Scott Faulconbridge headlines a show that also features Jeff Paul, Matt OBrien and Michelle Shaughnessy. Over at Bad Dog Theatre (875 Bloor West), their 10 pm Theatresports improv show includes a midnight champagne toast. There are two chances to see Come What Mayhem! on the Second City (51 Mercer) mainstage on NYE, and at the Comedy Bar, watch over half a dozen comics take the stage at the Dirty North NYE.

Dance your way into the new year to the tunes of your favourite band.

Dwayne Gretzky New Years Eve at the Danforth Music Hall

Torontos favourite cover-band supergroup returns to the Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth), joined by DJ Lazy Ray. Sing along to your favourite pop, rock, Motown and funk hits until the early hours. Tickets start at $30. See listing for details.

Dakota Tavern NYE Party

Blues duo CATL headline the show at the Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington). Theyll be joined by folk-rocker Eamon McGrath and an all-vinyl set by DJ Swankenstein. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. See listing for details.

Fresh Start at the Rivoli

Indie 88 presents this NYE party at the Rivoli (334 Queen West) featuring Hannah Georgas as well as members of Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians, Yong Rival, The Elwins, Etiquette, Megan Bonelle, mesa Luna and more. Plus, dance along to a DJ set by Graham Walsh of Holy F**k. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. See listing for details.

Motown Party NYE at Studio Bar

Step back in time at the Studio Bar (824 Dundas West) for a Motown dance party. DJs Grouch and Markoshi will spin hits by the Supremes, Otis Redding, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and more. Tickets start at $10. See listing for details.

NY Eve at Silver Dollar

The Silver Dollar (486 Spadina) is throwing a new years bash featuring a handful of local musicians. Catch bands Phedre and Ice Cream as well as Scott Hardware, Prince Ness and DJ Doomsquad on stage for an eclectic night of live music. Tickets are $12. See listing for details.

Over the Moon: Super New Year Party

Dance the night away to Balkan-klezmer-gypsy-party-funk music provided by superband the Lemon Bucket Orkestra. Theyll be joined by funk band the Soul Motivators at the Opera House (735 Queen East). Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. See listing for details.

The Sadies at the Horseshoe

Toronto mainstays The Sadies are joined by Duende and Pow Wows for a night that spans alt-country to garage at the Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen West).Tickets are $30. See listing for details.

If costume parties are your thing, heres where to go.

Under the Big Top at the Drake

Run away with the circus at all three of the Drakes properties: the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen West), the Drake One Fifty (150 York) and the Drake Devonshire in Prince Edward County. At the Drake Hotel, enjoy Hendricks Gin cocktails and appetizers, tarot readings, a photobooth and a glass of bubbly at midnight. Kick the evening up a notch with prix fixe dinner or cocktail party options. At the Drake One Fifty, indulge in four- or five-course meals while taking in live entertainment. Tickets to the Drake Hotel party start at $45. See listing for details.

New Year’s Eve at Moulin Rouge at the Gladstone Hotel

For NYE, the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen West) becomes the Moulin Rouge, the infamous Paris cabaret. Enjoy dance, music and drag performances while working on your can-can and enjoy a free glass of champagne at midnight. The first 100 guests to arrive get free cocktails. Tickets start at $45. See listing for details.

Nashville NYE Party at Rock N Horse Saloon

Save a horse and ride a cowboy into 2017 at the Rock N Horse Saloons (250 Adelaide) Nashville-themed NYE bash. Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival, free appetizers and DJd country-rock music all night. Heels, hats and boots are encouraged. Tickets are $58.50. See listing for details.

Donnie Darko 80s Party at Velvet Underground

Travel back to the 1980s at this Donnie Darko-themed party at Velvet Underground (508 Queen West). Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $15. See listing for details.

Take your new years celebrations outside, where the parties go on, rain or shine.

City of Toronto NYE at Nathan Phillips Square

Ring in the new year with hundreds of other Toronto residents at the free, outdoor party at Nathan Phillips Square. Live entertainment will be capped off by fireworks at midnight. See listing for details.

NYE Ice Jam at Harbourfront Centre

Count down to midnight on ice at the free, outdoor ice-skating party at Harbourfront Centre. Enjoy music by DJ P-Plus, who will be spinning all the current hits at this family-friendly event. See listing for details.

Midnight Run and Party in Liberty Village

Put other NYE revelers to shame by kicking off your new year with a 5 km run. The race starts and ends at Liberty Market Galleria (171 East Liberty), and food, drinks, a swag bag and fireworks are all included. Tickets for the run and party are $85, or $45 for just the party. See listing for details.

Still cant decide on where to ring in the new year? Check out NOW’s comprehensive New Years Eve listings and our NYE restaurant guide.

michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas

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