What to do in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve

The showers are expected to end by Tuesday and Ottawa could ring in the New Year with some flurries. Whether you want to take the opportunity to view the lights through the sparkle of the snow, or if you prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of events going on across the city to celebrate the year ahead.

Family-friendly events

• Walk through the halls of the historic and castle-like Fairmont Château Laurier to see the beautifully decorated Christmas trees of the Trees of Hope display. A fundraiser for CHEO, the display has raised over $1.4 million in its 26 years of operation. Voting on the trees takes place through until Jan. 6.
• The 2025 IIHF World Juniors Championship fanfest will be open on Dec. 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and admission is free. Fun for all ages, the fanfest, located at Aberdeen Pavilion, includes fames, merchandise, exhibits, an ice rink and ball hockey rink.
• The Ottawa Christmas Market is open from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 with various vendors including a craft stall for kids and Bingo. Marquez The DJ will help ring in the New Year. Queen Elizabeth Dr. will be closed from Fifth Ave. to Queen Elizabeth Pl. between 11:50 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. for fireworks.

Outdoor activities

• Winter Lights Across Canada features dazzling displays across the Ottawa-Gatineau Region. On display from Dec. 5 to Jan. 7, 2025, it is the perfect free activity to ring in the new year. A map of the lights can be found online.
• The Magic of Lights is a drive-through lights display at Wesley Clover Parks. it runs nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until Jan. 4, 2025. Tickets are available at the gate or can be purchased ahead of time online.
• The RiverOak Skating Trail is a three kilometre path located just 30 minutes from downtown. It opened on Dec. 22 for the 2024-25 season. Tickets can be purchased for $15 to $19. Located 45 minutes from the city, Countryside Adventures offers a three kilometre skating trail and a 30 foot high tubing hill. Tickets can be purchased online. These activities are weather dependent.

Adults only

• Rideau Carleton Casino is hosting Dancing Through the Decades featuring the dance band Groove Marmalade. Beginning at 8:00 p.m. attendees will get to experience music from the 50s to the present day. A $10 Free Play coupon is for all attendees and food and beverage is available for purchase. Tickets are available online.
• The Lookout Bar & Nightclub is hosting a glittering drag show with Ottawa Queen Saltina Shaker and featuring Karamilk and Sunshine Glitterchild. Tickets are sold by table at a rate of $15 per person.
• Overflow Brewing Co. is hosting musical guests Little Bones in a tribute to the Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and there will be lots of party favours and a champagne toast. Tickets can be purchased on the brewery’s website.

Where to eat

• Fairmont Château Laurier is offering a brunch, lunch and dinner buffet on Dec. 31. Executive Chef De Bernardi and his culinary team have curated special festive menus to keep the spirits bright. There is also a holiday tea hosted every day from Nov. 25 to Jan. 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reservations can be booked online.
• Cocotte Bistro is offering a four-course select New Year’s Eve menu inspired by French flavours. Charming and gourmet, the dinner is priced at $110 per person and includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. The full menu and reservations can be found online.
• The well known Glebe spot CRAFT Beer Market is hosting a three course price fixed dinner for $59.95 per person. For an additional $20 you can gain access to their countdown party for some late night dancing.

Free transit

OC Transpo is offering free transit and extended service to ensure everyone gets home safely on New Year’s Eve. O-Train Line 1 will operate until 2:00 a.m. After this time bus service will run until the Line reopens on a Sunday schedule on new Year’s Day. B2 bus service will run until 1:00 a.m. and Para Transpo is in operation until 3:00 a.m.

Transit users can ride for free on all OC Transpo services from 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 4:00 a.m. on Jan. 1.