TORONTO SET TO RING IN 2026 WITH FIREWORKS, LIVE MUSIC AND CITYWIDE CELEBRATIONS ALONG THE WATERFRONT
Ten-minute synchronized fireworks display to illuminate the skyline as residents gather for free New Year’s Eve festivities
Toronto is preparing to welcome 2026 with a full-scale New Year’s Eve celebration along the central waterfront, featuring live music, dance programming, family-friendly activities and a fireworks show visible across the lakeshore. The City of Toronto confirmed the details on December 16, outlining one of the largest public countdown events in Canada.
At midnight on Wednesday, December 31, a 10-minute fireworks display will launch from the inner harbour, synchronized to music and designed to be viewed from multiple outdoor locations stretching from Queens Quay West to Dockside Drive.
Fireworks Viewing Areas Across the Waterfront
Residents and visitors can watch the show from designated public spaces, including:
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Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.
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Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
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Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
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HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W.
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HTO Park West, 375 Queens Quay W.
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Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W.
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Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
The City is encouraging attendees to arrive by public transit and use major north–south streets such as York, Jarvis, Spadina and Bay to access viewing locations.
City of Toronto rings in 2026 with music, dancing and fireworks along the waterfront
News release: https://t.co/32iuwMIHoc pic.twitter.com/4pWbVif2Y7
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) December 16, 2025
Music, Dance and Outdoor Celebrations Begin at 10 p.m.
The waterfront will transform into a multi-venue celebration beginning at 10 p.m., anchored by a main stage at Harbourfront Centre. This year’s entertainment lineup is hosted by Mayor Olivia Chow, Makayla Couture, and Jessica Smith, Weather Anchor and Reporter for CTV News Toronto and CP24.
The musical headliner, Lu Kala, will lead the night with her signature powerhouse vocals. Opening acts include cootie catcher, bringing indie-electronic energy, and Kalisway, known for upbeat tracks blending classic grooves with modern production. After the midnight fireworks, KIMIWVN will take over with a DJ set running until 1 a.m.
Across the waterfront, the Dance Together Festival will host interactive dance sessions at Sherbourne Common, while Toronto Music Garden will feature film projections onto the Canada Malting Silos. Harbourfront Centre’s Winterfest will add DJ Skate Night with DJ Smartiez, light installations, food vendors and a large Winter Maze.
The City will also broadcast performances and the countdown live on the CultureTO YouTube channel, with ASL interpretation and closed captioning provided.
Free TTC, GO Transit and UP Express Service
Public transit agencies across the region will offer free rides from 7 p.m. on December 31 to 8 a.m. on January 1, making transit the recommended option for attendees.
TTC service highlights:
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Subway service runs until 3 a.m.
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Final trains from Union Station depart at 2:31 a.m. (to Finch) and 2:27 a.m. (to Vaughan).
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Blue Night Network service begins at 3 a.m.
To manage post-fireworks congestion, all TTC riders entering Union Station after midnight will be directed to the east-side exterior entrance, with accessible entry maintained through Brookfield Place. Riders are encouraged to consider nearby stations such as King, Queen, St. Andrew and Osgoode to avoid delays.
GO Transit and UP Express trips will also be free during the same period, with full schedules available at gotransit.com.
Road Closures
To support pedestrian access and transit flow, several downtown road closures will be in place from 6 p.m. on December 31 to 1 a.m. on January 1, including:
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Queens Quay West (eastbound)
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Bay Street (Front St. to Queens Quay W.)
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York Street (Front St. to Queens Quay W.)
Additional closures may be implemented by Toronto Police Service if necessary.
City Leaders Encourage Residents to Celebrate Together
In the announcement, Mayor Olivia Chow invited residents to embrace the festivities, saying New Year’s Eve is “a joyful celebration of our city,” and emphasizing Toronto’s commitment to building “a caring, safe, and affordable city.”
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik highlighted the local talent and family-friendly programming, noting that the celebration “captures the spirit of our city.”
Fireworks Safety and Event Resources
The City reminds residents that fireworks on private property require a permit and are prohibited in public parks, beaches, parking lots and balconies. Full event details, transit updates and viewing area maps are available at toronto.ca/NYE.
Source: City of Toronto News Release, December 16, 2025
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